William Kapell, piano New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor Op.18 1 - Moderato -- 2. Adagio sostenuto -- 3 Allegro scherzando Rec.: 18 February 1951
I first heard this in 2000, and it shook me. I learned how magnificent classical piano can be from Kapell recordings way back in the 1950s, and he remains, for me, not just the greatest American pianist but the greatest pianist, period. He had a unique combination of fiery temperament, absolute dedication to his art, laser-like focus, the ability to adapt to any style from Bach to Schubert lieder accompanist to Chopin to this, and--of course--transcendent technique. I've also have the recording of this work under William Steinberg, available on RCA. That studio recording lacks the bursting energy of this performance under Bernstein. Kapell's performance of the Rach 3 in Australia, shortly before he died, is also beyond words. What we lost when Kapell was killed is incalculable. What we have from his short career is irreplaceable.
Fantastic. This is how to play Rachmaninoff. Kapell plays straight from his heart, with a natural flow and great energy, virtuosic but never showy. He plays with a feeling that never becomes too sentimental. Magnificent.
It is so great to find here this performance that I used to listen in my youth from a tape I had recorded from radio... William Kapell's beautiful & volatile performance coming through his rare intensity sensitivity and grandeur
From My Nine Lives, by Leon Fleisher and Anne Midgette: “We all looked up to Kapell. You couldn’t not look up to Kapell. He was a compact mass of raw, breathtaking talent. He was probably the greatest American pianist who ever lived. Listen to his recording of Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz to see what I mean .../... He was all of twenty-two when he recorded it."
As I exited the Chicago Public Main Library the newsboys were shouting repeatedly, "Pianist William Kapell has been killed in an airplane crash! I cried for days. (BWPW)
If Bernstein and I had gone to Boston Latin School at the same time, I would have known him simply as "Lenny" in the 7th grade, and I bet we would have been friends who defended each other from any bullies who wished to spoil our individual joys.
This is a wonderful recording. If you haven't already, check out Krystian Zimerman playing this concerto. I feel like his interpretation connects more with mine than Kapell's. But Kapell still did an amazing job. Can't wait for the concerto competition in a few weeks.
Forget about Zimmerman he hates The US Just stiff like wood statue!! He always thought and still is that he is superb above others. Let him stay in Switzerland he should go to Africa, Nigeria pathetic nobody!!!
so all the people that accused the unsentimental richter from poland will find a similar even if different in detail, concept of the work with the same utmost pianistic perfection...will they attack Kapell also?
He plays the opening chords simultaneously the way they are written.Too bad only he, Richter, and Lugansky are up to it.With dozens of second rate performances available, it is a miracle that this superb rendition has survived.I believe this performance with Bernstein is even more magnificent than the one with Steinberg.
