Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s recent releases have taken a decidedly eclectic turn, marked by collaborations with Midori on Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas and a partnership on a Gershwin release with singer Michael Feinstein. This new project, which includes the rarely recorded Khachaturian Piano Concerto (along with other works), aligns with his exploratory trajectory.
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Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto is part of a “set” of concerti, which the composer wrote for members of a piano trio. This particular work (Op. 38) was dedicated to pianist Lev Oborin. Its popularity at the time led it into the hands of pianists like William Kapell and Oscar Levant, subsequently thrusting Khachaturian into the spotlight. The work then faded into obscurity, quite regrettably, because it has quite a lot to offer: the Allegro ma non troppo (track 3), proves a hefty presence not only for its virtuosic demands of the soloist, but also the composer’s creative use of dissonances, polytonality, and heavy orchestral textures.
Thibaudet and the LA Philharmonic players, lead by Gustavo Dudamel, are not shy in bringing these elements to light, and the reading gives off moments of primal fury. They are nicely balanced by quieter moments, which are characterized by folk-like elements. A prevalent suspense is maintained throughout the performance, and I often found myself waiting for the next moment the music would boil over. When finally reaching a breaking point, the music sounds truly maddening. The cadenza is where plenty of tumult is unleashed, and Thibaudet’s unabashed approach is fitting indeed.
The slow movement offers somewhat of a contrast to the chaotic frenzy of the previous movement; I say ‘somewhat’ as there is a lurking, sinister unease that erupts dramatically in the latter half of the movement. The musicians do a wonderful job of playing up the momentum and buildup. The quirky final movement wound’t feel out of place in a Prokofiev work: the helter-skelter and off-kilter rhythms, however humorous, are not to be taken lightly, requiring quite a bit of skillful communication between soloist and ensemble. There is not a beat missed between the players, but even more laudable is the matching energy: all forces give their all to the music, and while it can be cacophonous and a bit crazy, the performance is ultimately very convincing.
In contrast with the gargantuan concerto, Thibaudet offers some smaller works that are sure to evoke fond memories in those who may have studied them early in their own piano studies. One such collection is the Pictures of Childhood (ed. Ed Rowley); being relatively simple works, Thibaudet approaches them with an equal amount of sincerity as the concerto. A Little Song (track 7) has a beautiful singing line as well as some fabulous color changes, while A Birthday Party (track 8) is characterized by innocent anticipation and playfulness even in the more dissonant middle section.
No Khachaturian album would be complete without the famed Sabre Dance (track 2), here transcribed for solo piano by Oscar Levant. A matter of personal taste, but I still prefer the original orchestral version where the different instrumental timbres drive the work’s quintessential chaos; Thibaudet does do his utmost in conveying this electrifying energy, in a spirited performance: repeated chords jab insistently with great precision and clarity.
I found this to be a very nice curation of Khachatuian’s works, both big and small, with performances that match the thoughtfulness of the programming. A most enjoyable listen.
Top image ©️ Elisabeth Caren / Decca
Recommended Comparisons:
Kapell | Wang | Orbelian | Dora Serviarian-Kuhn (digital)
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Album Details |
|
|---|---|
| Album name | Khachaturian |
| Label | Decca Classics |
| Catalogue No. | 4870877 |
| Amazon Music link | Stream here |
| Apple Music link | Stream here |
| Artist | Jean-Yves Thibaudet |
| Artist | Los Angeles Philharmonic |
| Artist | Gustavo Dudamel |
