BEETHOVEN L.v., RAVEL M. PIANO CONCERTOS, FRANCK C. SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS / I.Moravec / PP

Ludwig van Beethoven - Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G major, Op.58 32:19

1. Allegro moderato 17:30

2. Andante con moto (attaca) 5:17

3. Rondo. Vivace 9:23

4. Cesar Franck - Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra 15:52

Maurice Ravel - Piano Concerto in G major 21:40

5. I. Allegramente 8:36

6. II. Adagio assai 9:02

7. III. Presto 3:52

Ivan Moravec piano

Prague Philharmonia

Jiří Bělohlávek conductor

Here is the latest creative project presenting to the public the art of the internationally best known present-time Czech pianist, Ivan Moravec. This generously conceived recording brings together on one CD three gems of piano literature, spanning the expanse of time from the late Classical era of Beethoven, through the sweet, refined harmonies characteristic for the neo-Romantic idiom of Franck, to the Impressionism of Ravel's last orchestral work, influenced by post-World War I aesthetics and jazz.

Moravec's performance weds technical refinement with undiluted wisdom of experience. These assets of the soloist, combined in the studio with the youthful zest and pure joy of music-making which inspires the work of the Prague Philharmonia under its principal conductor Jiří Bělohlávek, add up to nothing less than a tour de force, a value certain to rank among the mainstays of this label's catalogue for years to come.

(Supraphon 2004)