Powerful Prokofiev from Kempf and Litton

Freddy Kempf and Andrew Litton team up in an excellent recording of Prokofiev works with strong support from the Bergen Phil

Composer: Prokofiev
Repertoire: Piano Concertos Nos 2 & 3; Sonata No.2
Artists: Freddy Kempf (piano), Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Andrew Litton
Rating:  5/5
Genre: Orchestral
Label: BIS BIS-SACD-1820

After a relatively low profile in recent years, it’s good to welcome a new concerto recording of real distinction from Freddy Kempf. To the cruelly demanding Second Concerto and its more popular successor, he brings a muscular vigour and exuberance helped not a little by the superb support of Litton (no mean pianist himself) and the Bergen players, with particularly fine contributions from the brass and percussion departments. He is no less successful in the unpredictable course and jagged rhythms of the Second Sonata. The last movement is, as ever, a thrilling tour de force. Highly recommended.