Kissin has long been a keen chamber musician but hasn’t often been recorded in the role, so this is a treat—particularly as we get multiple collaborations. Mozart’s enchanting Piano Quartet No. 1 opens the concert, played with a lovely poise and some charming interplay among the musicians. Fauré’s Piano Quartet No. 1, darker and richer, digs deeper and receives a powerful performance while the Dvořák quintet—which the Emerson has already recorded with Menahem Pressler—finds everyone relishing its gorgeous melodies and textures. The Shostakovich makes a thrilling encore.
- Mstislav Rostropovich & Sviatoslav Richter
- James Ehnes, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Cristian Măcelaru & Ludovic Morlot
- Sergiu Celibidache & Munich Philharmonic
- Lisa Batiashvili, Chamber Orchestra of Europe & Yannick Nézet-Séguin
- François-Xavier Roth & Gürzenich-Orchester Köln