Grieg, Chopin & Saint Saens Piano Concertos / Previn, Rubinstein, London Symphony Orchestra (2006)

Other reviews have it right

There's not much to add to what others have said about this DVD -- it's superb. May 29, 2008

Seek Elsewhere for Rubinstein at His Exalted Best

I like Rubinstein as much as the next guy or gal - but let's get serious here. Sorry to throw cold water, but people buying this should be aware just what they're getting, and it certainly isn't all top drawer Rubinstein. Rubinstein made endless great recordings. His earlier recording of the Saint-Saens was never the last word in this concerto,Rubinstein Plays Saint-Saëns, Franck & Liszt [Hybrid SACD] and this DVD version - while quite literally Rubinstein's last word - is much less so. Rubinstein was a great pianist, but he also made some recordings that are less good, and even a few best left forgotten. If you've heard either the Saint Saens or the Grieg concertos performed live by a great pianist you'll wonder what's happening here. Rubinstein plays so slowly at times I was afraid his head was about ready to tumble forward into a nap. Previn rarely does much to bring any life to the somnambulistic proceedings.

If Rubinstein had adopted such tempos in his forties and fifties I would question why he made such choices, but it would never cross my mind that it was due to his difficulties in playing the music. That IS how I see and hear some of this playing: I fear Rubinstein just can't attack the music at the speeds he once did, when he nonchalantly fire up the afterburners with a kickstarting giddy-up.

I heard Rubinstein in concert - several times. His best playing had a snap crackle pop intensity and it's just not in much evidence here. At times it's just not there at all.

I've known these particular Rubinstein performances since they were first issued on Laser - like all the other reviewers I bought them on sight. Unfortunately they were less than overwhelming. Many years later they remain just as slow and underwhelming - nothing has changed.

You the buyer certainly are free to disregard my warnings - but caveat emptor. Sometimes strange things happen in Amazon reviews - and this DVD seems to me an example of a out of whack set of reviews.

Let's enjoy Rubinstein in his prime at the pinnacle of his powers, and not over praise his playing near the end when he's showing clear signs of the batteries running down. To hear Rubinstein at his towering best try instead his album of Spanish music, made many years before this. No, it's not TV. Are you interested in the music or the image? If the music then his Spanish CD showcases infinitely better more vital music-making.

And if your heart is set on hearing Rubinstein in a concerto this CD also includes a far better example of this great master in a concerto. Of course it's not even in stereo, let alone video, but it IS fabulous playing. Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 18 This Rubinstein performance I did give a full five stars review - if Amazon permitted more I would have given it a few more than five!

Listen with your ears and your heart, too, not just your eyes. May 12, 2008

Previn and Rubinstein

It's a delight to see Rubinstein at his 90ths playing three magistral piano concerts. The peaceful way that Rubinstein plays the Chopin's concert is a special moment in this DVD. Another important point is the youth Andre Previn conducting the London Symphony Orchestra masterfully.
April 12, 2008

Rubinstein and Previn shine

Rubinstein's technique and use of himself is simply astonishing, especially at the age he was at this performance! I think he continually improved throughout his life. The interview with him included on the disk was delightful and had interesting information about the pieces.

If you like the Grieg piano concerto, this is a very fine performance. I don't necessarily agree with all of the maestro's and conductor's choices of expressions, but these disagreements are few so the performance was still quite moving. The Saint Saens piano concerto is also quite moving. The difference of the sound-milieus of the metropolitan Parisian and the Bergen native can be distinctly heard.

The sound was excellent and the way the cameras were set, one feels as if in a small audience sitting right at the sweet spot. So good work on this. There are times that the cameramen missed opportunities to reveal the maestro's handiwork at challenging passages, but overall the choreography of the camera angles is satisfying.

Definitely worth the buy, especially if you are looking for a master technique to emulate. February 9, 2008

Great DVD

This is one, very special DVD on virtually every level. It should go without saying that the performance of Rubinstein is superb, and considering he was 89 when this film was made makes it even more extraordinary. His performance, however, is even further enhanced by the great camera and sound work. The camera does a fine job of giving the viewer a pleasing and interesting mix of views of the orchestra, Rubinstein's body movements and facial expressions, and most importantly, his hands. In short, this is a must DVD for anyone who is a fan of Artur Rubinstein.

In addition to the great performance, the interview with Rubinstein is very interesting and revealing. In spite of his great talent, artistry, celebrity and fame, yet he seemed a quite humble and unassuming person.

You can't go wrong with this DVD!!!
January 23, 2008

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