Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 1

This disc is made up of much praised earlier issues from 1977 and 1979. The recordings were remastered effectively in 1985 and 1992 (Prokofiev pieces). The concertos and Islamey were particularly praised when first issued and that praise holds good today and this disc contains some of the most satisfying performances of this repertoire currently available.On the subject of the recorded sound I note that a previous reviewer has commented on its poor quality and bite thus giving a low rating. This is somewhat puzzling as I own this same disc and have had to reduce the volume setting by one decibel. At this level the disc has no difficulty in being heard all round the family sized house. For reference purposes only I would mention that I use top end Marantz monoblock amplification fed into reference PCM transmission line speakers. The key point here is that most discs play at a setting of -35 decibels but some need a bit more power at -34 and some need a bit less at -36 decibels. (Marantz use a negative numbering system and every whole number represents a decibel). This disc certainly delivers on this equipment and I would suggest that the disc is fully up to specification as regards playback setting.The Tchaikovsky is given a strong reading with plenty of forward momentum when required but also sufficient tempo latitude to allow for a full range of expression. The Prokofiev and Islamey pieces, both show-pieces designed to impress and astound are given performances of considerable exciotement and power and are arguably the most exciting yet recorded. The remaining two solo items are typical of the composers with the 'Suggestion diabolique' being humorously diabolical with a typical Prokofiev twist to the suggestion and the Theme and variations being an undemanding set of variations with Tchaikovsky in affable mood.I would suggest therefore that this very fine compilation is fully deserving of consideration as a purchase option and that it contains an interesting and thoughtful program played with skill and no small measure of bravura. The recording level issue seems to me to be a case of no issue.

Gavrilov is quite outstanding playing Tchaikovsky's piano concerto no. 1. However, be warned, this recording struggles to come out the speakers. I have a Harmon Kardon sound system and Kef speakers, and unless you really pump up the volume to high decibels you will find it difficult to pick up all the notes of what is arguably Tchaikovsky's finest piano concerto played by a good pianist. Rather opt for Lugansky's recording on the Pentatone classics label, which received a fine rating and editor's choice of the month award by Gramophone classical music magazine.