An unissued 1992 concert performance of Scriabin's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op.20 with Russian pianist Lazar Berman.
I. Allegro: 0:00
II. Theme (Andante) & Variations: 7:41
III. Allegro moderato: 16:12
My source did not have details as to the conductor and orchestra, but one Berman concert listing states that a February 7, 1992 Dusseldorf appearance with the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Fedoseyev was recorded, so this might be that performance.
This particular reading is one of tremendous fluidity and elegance. The timing of some of the figurations is less accomplished in the hands of other pianists (even legendary ones), their rubato and nuancing often lacking subtlety and their phrasing being less evocative than what we hear here. Berman navigates the challenges of this work with absolute effortlessness, playing with natural timing, his refined phrasing incorporating tonal and dynamic adjustments - his playing sounds improvisational in its rhythmic freedom and natural nuancing, the contours of his phrasing fitting the melodic shaping to perfection.
This is a remarkable performance of tremendous cohesiveness, warmth, strength, and subtlety.
If you wish to support The Piano Files, please consider membership at my Patreon page: / thepianofiles