- Symphony No. 5 and Piano Concerto No. 3
This recording on the Mariinsky label presents two of Prokofiev’s most popular works: The Piano Concerto No 3, and the Symphony No 5. Denis Matsuev is featured as soloist.
Prokofiev:
- Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 100
- Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26
Performed by the Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev conducting, with Denis Matsuev, piano.
Since winning the 11th International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1998, Denis Matsuev has established a reputation as one of Russia’s leading pianists and is renowned for his interpretations of Russian music. His recordings of Rachmaninov’s Concerto Number 3, Shostakovich’s Piano Concertos 1 & 2, and Tchaikovsky’s first two piano concertos, have all received considerable acclaim.
Written at the height of World War II in 1944, Prokofiev’s 5th Symphony was intended by the composer as “a hymn to a free and happy man … his pure and noble spirit.” “I thought of it as a work glorifying the human spirit”, wrote Prokofiev.
The Times wrote on the14th March 2014:
“[Gergiev] impresses most when propelling his Mariinsky Orchestra through the Piano Concerto No. 3…The result is a terrific performance crackling with electricity and the joy of flying fingers.”
Here is Denis Matsuev and the Mariinsky orchestra in a performance of the Prokofiev, Piano concerto #3:
And next, let’s listen to the Prokofiev symphony #5, 3rd movement:
Tags: Prokofiev, Piano Concerto No 3, Symphony No 5, Denis Matsuev, Valery Gergiev
