On this reissue, Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Piano Concerto No. 1 is coupled with a relative rarity – the Concert Fantasy. Peter Katin was not the first pianist to make a studio recording of Tchaikovksy’s Concert Fantasy – that honour went to Tatiana Nikolayeva in 1950 – but his 1958 recording with Sir Adrian Boult was the first in stereo. Katin, who was born in London in 1930 and died on 19 March 2015 at the age of 84 studied at the Royal Academy of Music and made his professional debut in Wigmore Hall when he was eighteen. He is associated with the Romantic repertoire, particularly with Chopin but also is admired for his performances of music by Mozart and Schubert. His extensive discography includes not only performances on modern pianos but also several recordings made on restored period instruments in which he developed a strong interest, later in his career. These Tchaikovsky recordings receive their first release on Decca CD.
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23
Peter Katin, piano
New Symphony Orchestra of London
Edric Cundell
Concert Fantasy in G major, Op. 56
Peter Katin, piano
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Adrian Boult
FIRST RELEASE ON DECCA CD
Recording Producers: Erik Smith (Piano Concerto No. 1); Ray Minshull (Concert Fantasy)
Balance Engineer: Alan Reeve
Recording Location: Kingsway Hall, London, UK, 17–19 February 1958 (Concert Fantasy), 11 May 1959 (Piano Concerto No. 1)
Remastering Engineer: Craig Thompson (Audio Archiving Company, London, UK)
‘the orchestra does well, and Katin gives us the fine clarity and control which always distinguish his playing’ (Concert Fantasy) Gramophone