Eugene Istomin – Mozart Piano Concertos Nos. 21 and 24 (45rpm 180g 2LP)

Label: Reference Recordings RM-2506

2-LP set, 45 rpm, half-speed mastered by Paul Stubblebine, 180-gm vinyl from Quality Record Pressings in deluxe gatefold jacket!

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“RECORDING OF THE MONTH” —Stereophile, May 1996

“Istomin and Schwarz have performed these immortal concertos many times, and insisted on recording them in long, complete takes in order to capture the live experience. “Prof.” Johnson’s HDCD wizardry pays large dividends in natural, high-resolution string textures and huge, three-dimensional soundstage.” RECORDING OF THE MONTH —Stereophile, May 1996

Yes, a lovely recording, pervaded by a sense of relaxed intimacy. Moreover, Prof. Johnson has captured the power of the tuttis and crescendos with startling vividness. A hard balancing act to pull off, to be sure, but aided here by the personal nature of the dialog between Istomin and the Seattle. The piano sounds almost meltingly sweet; the rousing contrast provided by the orchestra saves it from being too much of a good thing. Without question, the most musical, and musically engaging, HDCD-encoded disc to date.”
— Wes Phillips, Stereophile

A legendary pianist! Inspired performances by one of America’s greatest musicians, with Gerard Schwarz conducting the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.
Eugene Istomin’s illustrious career spanned some fifty years with over 4,000 orchestral concerts and recitals around the world. His performances of Mozart have been called “vigorous and full-bodied” by The Washington Post. He has collaborated with Gerard Schwarz on these concertos many times in the past. The Seattle Symphony has won two Grammy® awards and is often called “the most recorded orchestra in America”.

Istomin and Schwarz have performed these immortal concertos many times, and insisted on recording them in long, complete takes in order to capture the live experience. “Prof.” Johnson’s HDCD wizardry pays large dividends in natural, high-resolution string textures and huge, three-dimensional soundstage.

“Prof.” Keith Johnson’s recording wizardry pays large dividends in natural, high-resolution string textures and huge, three-dimensional soundstage.