Tchaikovsky's SECOND piano concerto

[frederic]

I've noticed this concerto is rarely discussed in the forum.
Has anybody played this? or like this concerto?
I personally think its a much better composition overall than the first concerto. We all know tchaikovsky is poo at developing idea.
Difficulty wise i think it is much harder than the first

[jehangircama]

it might be more difficult, but i prefer the first. this one doesn't say enough for me. the first on the other hand is just grande and beautiful. just my opinion, though.

[thalbergmad]

I feel the 2nd Concerto is an acquired taste. I did not like it the first time i heard it, but it began to grow on me.

It will never have the popular appeal of the 1st, as it lacks the instant memorable melodies and is longer and more complex.

[apion]

I love Tchaikovsky overall, but I harbor grave doubts about his second PC.  I would never place it among the "great" piano concerti.

[frederic]

And your reason being?

[mikey6]

what about the concert fantasie? I heard Dmitri Sgouros play it - didn't leave that much of an impression.
 I prefer the second to the third concerto.  Pletnev's second is awesome - it's the only one i've heard though.

[frederic]

Yes I quite like it.
But I honestly think the second concerto is underrated. It's extremely good piece by itself, just too overshadowed by his other popular works. If it was written by a less known composer it would be a different story.
A stunning cadenza in the first movement. (The last one, since there are quite a few). Just listen to those fast repeated notes/chords. Islamey anyone?

[jehangircama]

It will never have the popular appeal of the 1st, as it lacks the instant memorable melodies and is longer and more complex.

agreed

[tolkien]

what about the concert fantasie? I heard Dmitri Sgouros play it - didn't leave that much of an impression.

I'm positive that Sgouros is partly to blame for this. He's shockingly inadequate as a musician these days, despite his technique and impressive credentials.

As for the second concerto, I believe that it is more easily affected by weak and indifferent performances (e.g. slow tempi in the first movement effectively ruin the music's momentum and sense of excitement). In melodic invention I find it equal to the first, with even greater surges of virtuosity. I liked it immediately upon first hearing, something quite rare for me. I find that Pletnev's performance is really convincing, buoyant and exciting.  Concerning this concerto, let's not confuse mediocre playing with mediocre music. It's not a towering masterpiece, for sure, but then again, neither is the first concerto!

[frederic]

Concerning this concerto, let's not confuse mediocre playing with mediocre music. It's not a towering masterpiece, for sure, but then again, neither is the first concerto!

Precisely!

[frederic]

Any additional thoughts on this particular concerto?

I recently heard Pletnev's recording of it. It's pretty amazing yeah, and stunning orchestra.

Any other recordings that are of interest to listen to? There must be a few more out there.

[superstition2]

Any other recordings that are of interest to listen to? There must be a few more out there.

Stay away from the Koch-Schwann set. It's horrible.

[rob47]

i really like the last movement of this concerto, the others are a bit weak in my opinion.

[jre58591]

i really like the last movement of this concerto, the others are a bit weak in my opinion.

i think the opposite. i think that the 2nd and 3rd movements are a bit weak. ive always loved the 1st movement more than the others, although i do like the 3rd a bit. i am a bit annoyed that people dont record the uncut version as much as they should: its better than the siloti version.

[rohansahai]

I love this piece, especially the 3rd movement. I won't say that it is better than the 1st concerto though ...but deserves much much more attention than what it is getting . Gilels and Cherkassky come to mind with the best recordings of this perhaps .... never heard Richter, but he did record it.

[frederic]

i think the opposite. i think that the 2nd and 3rd movements are a bit weak. ive always loved the 1st movement more than the others, although i do like the 3rd a bit. i am a bit annoyed that people dont record the uncut version as much as they should: its better than the siloti version.

Really? I've never heard the Siloti version before.

I think the 3rd mvt is the weakest of all and possibly on the verge of being annoying. It's overly repetitive and somewhat empty musically. The 2nd mvt is my favourite. It's so original (well the trio at least) and strikingly beautiful. It is written very well apart from the cheesy coda. And yes i agree with you that the 1st mvt is the best, composition-wise. Quite stunning thematic developement...wow i think Tchaikovsky outdone himself with developing material....

[arensky]

Any additional thoughts on this particular concerto?

I recently heard Pletnev's recording of it. It's pretty amazing yeah, and stunning orchestra.

Any other recordings that are of interest to listen to? There must be a few more out there.

Gary Graffman recorded all 3 Tchaikovsky Concerti and the Concert Fantasy in the 1960's Don't know if they are still in print, though...

[steinwaymodeld]

try to get the Pletnev DVD from the Tch festival, best Tch2/Concert Fantasie ever recorded.

Also check out the Gilels'

[brewtality]

I've only heard the Siloti edition. I haven't really listened to it enough to be familar with the piece, I don't really care for it.

[hodi]

there is a cd of pletnev playing all 3 tchai concertos and concert fantasy
highly recommended