There is not a whole lot to say here. I noticed that this is the only recording of the Piano Concerto #22 in my collection. I have not heard these performances before but the sound, part of the ART process used in the GROC series from EMI, is excellent. The performance of #21 is the best I have heard. Fischer's touch is equisite with little filigrees here and there. Sawallisch provides excellent support and not just accompaniment.
For comparison I pulled out Stephen Kovacevich's recording on Philips, with Colin Davis leading the LSO. (Kovacevich, for what it is worth, wrote the cadenzas) It is not a bad performance, more 'classical' whilst Fischer's would be considered more 'romantic'. There is no comparison. Fischer has the 'magic' that Kovacacevich lacks. You know, if it ain't got that swing then it don't mean a thing. Colin Davis accompanies the pianist. I know which recording I will pull out when I want to hear a great performance of these pieces.
Copyright © 2004, Robert Stumpf II