Rhapsody In Blue: Saint-Säens, Ravel, Gershwin

Benjamin Grosvenor, the acclaimed young pianist, presents a captivating collection of romantic piano concertos and solo pieces in his second disc, "Rhapsody In Blue: Saint-Saëns, Ravel, Gershwin." Released on January 1, 2012, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album spans a diverse range of classical piano genres, showcasing Grosvenor's remarkable talent and versatility.

The album features a blend of well-loved classics and lesser-known gems, including Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, and Gershwin's iconic "Rhapsody in Blue." Grosvenor's nuanced interpretations and technical brilliance bring these pieces to life, accompanied by the rich, lush textures of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of James Judd.

The disc opens with Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2, a work that highlights Grosvenor's ability to convey both the dramatic and lyrical aspects of the music. The second half of the album showcases Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, a piece that demonstrates Grosvenor's remarkable control and precision. The album concludes with Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," a crowd-pleasing finale that showcases Grosvenor's ability to blend jazz and classical styles seamlessly.

In addition to these concertos, the album also includes solo piano pieces such as "The Swan" from Saint-Saëns' "The Carnival of the Animals," arranged for piano by Leopold Godowsky, and Gershwin's "Love Walked In." These pieces provide a welcome contrast to the concertos and showcase Grosvenor's ability to convey a wide range of moods and emotions.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, this album is a testament to Benjamin Grosvenor's extraordinary talent and his ability to breathe new life into well-loved classics. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and inspire.