Here’s a delightful release, including the best-ever recording of Poulenc’s Piano Concerto (not that there’s been all that much competition), a work that seems never to get played in public–it’s too easy and, well, just plain corny–and hasn’t faired that well on disc either. Gabriel Tacchino and Georges Prêtre do exactly as they should: they play the piece perfectly straight, letting the goofy stuff (like the use of “Way down upon the Swannee River” in the finale) take care of itself. The result sounds marvelous, as do both of the other works. I actually prefer this account of the Concerto for Two Pianos to the composer’s two recordings: Tacchino and Ringeissen simply play the solo parts better. The Aubade has had many fine outings over the years, but this is as good as any. This disc really does serve as the linchpin of any serious Poulenc collection. Don’t miss this chance to grab it, courtesy of the Musical Heritage Society.
