The Romantic Piano Concerto - 75

FERDINAND RIES (1792-1868): Piano Concertos No. 8 in A Flat “Gruss an den Rhein”, Op. 151 and No. 9 in G Minor, Op. 177, Introduction and Polonaise for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 174.

Description: Coming from 1826, the A flat concerto is a predominantly lyrical and serene piece in which the most striking aspect about it is the anticipation of the piano writing of Chopin. The op. 177 and Introduction and Polonaise (both from 1833) shows no loss of power or imagination even though Ries and the other lights of his generation, principally Hummel, were soon to be swept away by a younger Romantic generation. All three pieces have been recorded by Naxos but here we have one of Hyperion’s stable of master pianists and an orchestra “Made in U.S.A.” (the recording was made at Bard College). Piers Lane (piano), The Orchestra Now; Leon Botstein.