Among the pianists of the younger generation, Leif Ove Andsnes distinguishes himself by his original choices of repertoire and pungent pianism. His healthy musicianship shows no trace of affectation or mannerism, but rather displays a biting, devastating, cold-blooded energy that best suits neo-classical and rhythmically busy works. Britten’s Piano Concerto belongs to this category. Andsnes and conductor Paavo Järvi underline with audible pleasure the “Prokofievian” outbursts of the opening Toccata and the final March; the solo cadenza of the first movement functions as a climax of bouncing virtuosity, while the Waltz and Impromptu display plenty of color and melodic sensitivity. Except with Richter and the composer himself on the podium, rarely has the Britten Concerto shown such a memorable and sanguine figure.
A similar storm-like commitment grabs Shostakovich’s First Concerto, full of irony and savage humor. Trumpeter Hakan Hardenberger adds his own vibrant and powerful voice to the joyous ride, and Järvi manages the little miracle to make Birmingham strings sound with Russian fervor. Though not as flashy as Martha Argerich’s feverish performance, the newcomer goes right to the top of the best available recordings of this engaging piece. Georges Enesco’s somber Légende for trumpet and piano makes a nice filler. Partially recorded live (the concertos), the sound has a slight metallic resonance in the fortes, but keeps a clear and dynamic profile all along.
