Recorded within the first year of conductor
Michel Plasson's tenure as music director of the
Dresden Philharmonic, this recording of the two
Liszt piano concertos and Totentanz finds orchestra and conductor struggling a bit to achieve a homogenized musical vision. Pianist
Nelson Freire does not make things any easier for the orchestra. His tempos frequently vary and seemingly unpredictably;
Plasson is not always able to catch these changes and keep the orchestra in tow. The resulting sound is almost like a battle between piano and orchestra, something not exactly desirable in a concerto. The orchestra -- particularly the brass section -- also has occasional intonation issues, a surprising failing in an ensemble of its caliber. Aside from
Freire's volatile tempos, his playing is otherwise acceptable. He plays with more than ample power, but this sometimes leads to muddy passagework. Slow movements are more successful and listeners will find
Freire playing at his sentimental best with a warm tone and relaxed pulse. This recording is, however, as the label suggests, basic. While there's nothing egregiously wrong with it, there's also nothing profoundly satisfying. Listeners may do well to spend a little extra for a superior collaboration between soloist and orchestra.