Tchaikovsky / Schumann - Vladimir Ashkenazy, London Symphony Orchestra, Lorin Maazel, Uri Segal – Piano Concertos

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky / Robert Schumann – Piano Concertos
Vladimir Ashkenazy · London Symphony Orchestra · Lorin Maazel · Uri Segal

This recording brings together two cornerstone works of the Romantic piano repertoire, performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy with the London Symphony Orchestra under Lorin Maazel and Uri Segal. The result is a pairing of grandeur and lyricism, shaped with clarity, control, and expressive depth.

Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor opens the programme in bold, expansive fashion. One of the most recognisable concertos in the classical canon, it combines towering virtuosity with sweeping melodic invention. Ashkenazy’s performance emphasises both power and refinement, while Maazel draws a rich, symphonic sound from the orchestra, supporting the solo line with weight and drama.

Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor offers a more intimate counterpoint - lyrical, conversational, and structurally integrated. Rather than a display piece, it unfolds as a continuous dialogue between soloist and orchestra. Ashkenazy’s sensitivity to phrasing and colour highlights the work’s poetic character, while Uri Segal shapes the orchestral accompaniment with warmth and balance.

Together, these two concertos present contrasting visions of Romantic expression - one monumental and dramatic, the other introspective and poetic - unified here by Ashkenazy’s elegant musicianship.

Tracklist:

Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23
1 – I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso
2 – II. Andantino semplice
3 – III. Allegro con fuoco

Schumann – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54
4 – I. Allegro affettuoso
5 – II. Intermezzo: Andantino grazioso
6 – III. Allegro vivace