Denis Matsuev, Mariinsky Orchestra & Valery Gergiev - Tchaikovsky: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2014)

Since winning the 11th International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1998, Denis Matsuev has established a reputation as one of Russia's leading pianists. His debut release on the Mariinsky label received widespread acclaim. For his third release, Matsuev turns to the music of Tchaikovsky, with the Piano Concertos Nos.1 & 2. Tchaikovsky's first Piano Concerto is one of his most popular works. Tchaikovsky balances core motivic elements with a sense of lyrical spontaneity to create a technically challenging but instantly appealing work. The Piano Concerto No.2 was dedicated to pianist Nikolai Rubinstein. After a tremendous piano cadenza in the first movement, Tchaikovsky allows other instruments to shine, with prominent solos for violin and cello in the second movement.