Poets Of The Piano

An edition combining the art of two pianistic giants of the modern era, the muchadmired, endlessly-versatile André Previn and the world-renowned Italian master Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. Across three marvellous solo piano albums and his first recording of George Gershwin's immortal ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, Previn displays a unique affinity with the Great American Songbook.

These recordings were originally made for Lester Koenig's Contemporary label more than six decades ago, when they were received with enthusiasm. The passage of time only serves to further illuminate Previn's remarkable insight and sensitivity. One cannot help but be moved by his interpretations of the work of the songwriters Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke and Jerome Kern; in whose output he finds lyricism, colour and swing. These recordings are a dream; up there with the best work of Previn's entire career.

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli is regarded one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. A musical aristocrat in a class of his own. A perfectionist. The pearl-like precision of his playing caught the ear of many in the jazz fraternity, including Bill Evans who was an ardent admirer.

Michelangeli's Debussy is incomparable. At Abbey Road he made Ravel's Piano Concerto his own and the live recordings made in London, Turin and Prague before spellbound audiences are the stuff of legend; extraordinary depth of feeling, a magical world of sensuality.

TRACK LISTING:

CD1
ANDRE PREVIN PLAYS SONGS BY HAROLD ARLEN
1 That Old Black Magic
2 Come Rain Or Come Shine 3 My Shining Hour
4 Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe
5 A Sleepin' Bee
6 Stormy Weather
7 Over The Rainbow
8 Let's Fall In Love
9 For Every Man There's A Woman
10 Cocoanut Sweet
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Concerto for Piano, String Orchestra and Trumpet No. 1: Andre Previn: piano, New York Philharmonic / Leonard Bernstein
11 Allegretto
12 Lento
13 Moderato
14 Allegro Con Brio
GEORGE GERSHWIN
15 Rhapsody In Blue
Andre Previn: piano, Andre Kostelanetz Orchestra

CD2
ANDRE PREVIN PLAYS SONGS BY VERNON DUKE
1 Cabin In The Sky
2 Autumn In New York
3 The Love I Long For
4 Ages Ago
5 Taking A Chance On Love
6 What Is There To Say?
7 I Can't Get Started
8 I Like The Likes Of You
9 Round About
10 April In Paris
ARTURO BENEDETTI MICHELANGELI
MAURICE RAVEL Piano Concerto in G major
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli: piano, Philharmonia Orchestra / Ettore Gracis
11 Allegramente
12 Adagio assai
13 Presto
CLAUDE DEBUSSY
14 Preludes, Book II - Canope Children's Corner
15 Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
16 Jimbo's Lullaby
17 Serenade For A Doll
18 The Snow Is Dancing
19 The Little Shepherd
20 Golliwog's Cakewalk

CD3
ANDRE PREVIN PLAYS SONGS BY JEROME KERN
1 Long Ago (And Far Away)
2 Sure Thing
3 A Fine Romance
4 They Didn't Believe Me
5 All The Things You Are
6 Whip-Poor-Will
7 Ol' Man River
8 Why Do I Love You?
9 Go Little Boat
10 Put Me To The Test ARTURO BENEDETTI MICHELANGELI
CLAUDE DEBUSSY - Images, Set II
11 Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut
12 Cloches a travers les feuilles
CLAUDE DEBUSSY - Images, Set I
13 Hommage a Rameau
14 Reflets dans l'eau MAURICE RAVEL - Gaspard De Nuit
15 Ondine
16 Le Gibet
17 Scarbo