*** PROKOFIEV: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 and 2; Five Melodies. Anne Akiko Meyers, violin; Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Dmitri Kitaenko, conductor. (BMG Classical: RCA Victor Red Seal)
Meyers, today a post-prodigal 27, finds most of the deep aggressions and 20th-century lyricism in these concertos, once seen as contradictory now seen as complementary. Technically solid, she makes these pieces her own, although she sometimes pulls her punches. Still, the works hold up against competitive pieces written since 1917 and 1938, respectively. Kitaenko and the well-balanced orchestra make collegial, self-effacing partners. In the characteristically colorful Five Pieces of 1920, the able pianist is Li Jian.
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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).
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