Not only are recordings of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major infrequent, (especially when compared with the almost weekly releases of his famous blockbuster, the Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor), but recordings of the original version are quite scarce. On the rare occasions when it has received attention, this concerto usually has been performed in the pared-down edition by Alexander Siloti. However, this Chandos hybrid SACD by Xiayin Wang and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted ...
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Not only are recordings of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major infrequent, (especially when compared with the almost weekly releases of his famous blockbuster, the Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor), but recordings of the original version are quite scarce. On the rare occasions when it has received attention, this concerto usually has been performed in the pared-down edition by Alexander Siloti. However, this Chandos hybrid SACD by Xiayin Wang and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Peter Oundjian, features Tchaikovsky's original version, complete with the piano cadenzas and solo passages for violin and cello that Siloti cut. Because it is an underdog in the repertoire, Wang's brilliant performance gives it a much needed boost, and the Piano Concerto No. 2 comes across as an attractive work, overflowing with passionate melodies and dazzling solo passages, as well as a kind of cheerful lyricism that isn't often associated with Tchaikovsky. Aram Khachaturian's...
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