Here's a very refreshing find: one of those MGM releases with no album cover but instead having a circle in the middle to allow you to see what the program is by reading the record label.
All of you know that most of what Menahem Pressler recorded was in his role as the "anchor" of the famed Beaux Arts Trio. Scores and scores of definitive performances. However, Pressler did record as a soloist, from time to time, and that's what we have here: the Sonata in b and the fabulous first piano concerto of Shostakovich.
These are strong recorded interpretations. The sonata is beautifully realized and based on this record, I cannot understand why it is not more of a repertoire work. The slow sections are ravishing and the only problem with the lp is some record noise toward the end of the last movement that I could not remove, about 15 seconds of some pop, not enough to spoil this 25 minute masterpiece of musicianship.
The piano concerto features the famed Harry Glantz on trumpet with Theodore Bloomfield conducting the the "MGM Orchestra." Presumably this orchestra is made up of members from the NYPO and NBCSO however, it IS a small ensemble..very SMALL indeed! However, the performance moves along well and Pressler shines throughout, especially in the slow sections. The man really is a poet at heart!
Recordings date, I believe, from the mid to late 50's.
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