Katchen & 20th Century Concertos

Julius Katchen was considered one of the world's best pianists when he died tragically of cancer at the age of 42 in 1969. This 2-CD Double Decca Import title, Volume 6 of "The Art of Julius Katchen" series, easily shows why. This set focuses on Piano Concertos of the 20th Century, and CD 1 begins with Katchen performing Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F with Mantovani and his Orchestra, a mono recording produced in 1955. Next Katchen renews his magical partnership with conductor Istvan Kertesz and the London Symphony Orchestra on both of Ravel's Concertos, first the one for Left Hand, then the G major, originally produced in 1966 and '69 respectively. CD2 begins as number one did with Gershwin, this time Rhapsody in Blue again with Kertesz and LSO, and also from 1969. Next is a valuable 1954 mono recording of Katchen performing Britten's Diversions for Piano (Left Hand) and Orchestra with the composer conducting the LSO. Finally the set concludes with Bartok's 3rd Piano Concerto, once again led by Kertesz with the LSO from 1966. The pianist recorded a mono version of this Concerto with Ansermet (recently reissued on Testament -- see my review), but Katchen's stereo account is even better, despite the fact that there is a horrible tape splice in the Adagio at around the 6:45 mark. In all, many of Katchen's vintage performances have been available sporadically stateside, but these Australian imports are the best way to currently get all of his glorious Concerto recordings.