Album: Chopin: Piano Concerto no. 2 / Liszt: Piano Concerto no. 1

Overview
"Chopin: Piano Concerto no. 2/ Liszt: Piano Concerto no. 1" is an amazing album released in 1989 by popular American pianist Charles Rosen. The album includes two piano concertos made up by the 2 eminent authors of the Romantic period, Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt. Both piano concertos are carried out with skill by Rosen, accompanied by the Orchestra of St. Luke's under the instructions of Edo de Waart.

Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2
With its structure beginning in 1830, Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 by Frédéric Chopin represents a significant milestone in the profession of the Polish author. Rather than following the conventional structural path, this concerto exhibits Chopin's unique technique to linking the unison of the piano and the orchestra. Rosen's analysis of this well-known concerto is marked by a delicate and sleek execution, showcasing the sweet-sounding charm and fascinating dynamism of Chopin's structure.

The concerto includes three movements: Maestoso, Larghetto, and Allegro vivace. The Maestoso motion opens with a dramatic intro by the orchestra, quickly followed by a mild and expressive solo piano melody. Rosen masterfully brings out the gleaming tensions and tender minutes in this motion, maintaining a palpable sense of balance and poignancy throughout.

The heart of the concerto, the Larghetto motion, sticks out for its profound emotional depth and lyrical charm. Made up by Chopin as an intimate expression of love, this movement unfolds with a reflective and fragile character. Rosen catches the essence of this achingly beautiful movement with admirable delicacy and grace, each melodic line and harmonic shift remarkably rendered.

The last motion, Allegro vivace, displays Chopin's proficiency in producing an infectiously resilient and energetic ending. The spirited melodies, virtuosic passages, and happy dance-like rhythms etch a vivid sonic landscape, expertly rendered by Rosen's nimble fingers. The movement culminates in an enthusiastically fantastic coda, bringing the concerto to a triumphant close.

Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1
Made Up by Franz Liszt between 1830-1856, Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major showcases the imposing virtuosity and breadth of musical expression that have pertained to specify this Hungarian author. The concerto, known for its ingenious structure and fantastic writing for both the solo piano and the orchestra, is brought to life with conviction and verve by Charles Rosen.

The concerto is arranged in a single continuous structure divided into 4 areas-- Allegro maestoso, Quasi adagio, Allegretto vivace, and Allegro marziale animato. The opening Allegro maestoso area includes marvelous magnificence, dramatic contrasts, and cascading virtuosity that Rosen provides with both enthusiasm and control. The Quasi adagio area presents a tender and introspective side of Liszt's writing, where Rosen luxuriates in the lavish consistencies and gentle lyricism.

The lively and spirited 3rd section, Allegretto vivace, focuses on a sophisticated dialogue between the piano and the orchestra, and permits Rosen to show his technical prowess and impeccable articulation. The exhilarating ending, Allegro marziale animato, integrates virtuosic fireworks with heroic bravura, providing a thrilling end to this amazing concerto.

The album "Chopin: Piano Concerto no. 2/ Liszt: Piano Concerto no. 1" showcases Charles Rosen's tremendous skills as an interpreter of Romantic music and works as an impressive testament to the classic genius of Chopin and Liszt. As Rosen browses these masterpieces with sophistication, passion, and extraordinary skill, listeners are advised of the withstanding charm and power of these two monumental piano concertos.