Busoni: Piano Concerto in C major, Op. 39

Claimed to be the longest piano concerto ever written, this mammoth concerto lasts 70 minutes in this recording. With immense demands required of the soloist and the large forces needed, the Busoni Piano Concerto is surely the most grandiose ever written. Consisting of five dramatic movements, the final movement includes a male chorus. This fascinating piece is rarely recorded or performed, so this release is very much welcomed. Recorded in 1966, this is a classic live broadcast recording and a reputable one of the greatest performances of the work ever to be recorded. It is released on FHR with the blessing of the Kubelík estate. The Italian pianist Pietro Scarpini was that rare combination: a highly intellectual pianist with a virtuoso technique. He was a dignified and solitary person with a serious approach to music, single-mindedly following the course of his artistic convictions without compromise. Scarpini also had an incredible talent for memorising music – indeed, this concerto recording was performed entirely from memory. The formidable 20-year partnership of the Bavarian Radio SO and their chief conductor Rafael Kubelík, was one of the greatest musical relationships. This legendary performance by Scarpini, Kubelík and the Bavarian Radio SO is enchanting, beguiling and wonderful. At last, this live recording is available for the first time on modern means.