Could you know or guess with your experience, who is that performer?

Question

This is an outstanding recording of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, with really a perfect performance and sound from the work beginning till the end, I couldn't find the performer details or a similar wonderful performance.
It is a tape I obtained about 15 years ago, manufactured by "Mirage Records", however the company was making same stupid thing in all its classical recordings, that is not mentioned any performers' details!
And I really want to obtain a good quality audio CD or MP3 recording of that performance, so could you know what is it ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDi_hN5qPGs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjQMnaCNrXk

I know this may be difficult but appreciating much your help!

Thanks a lot.

Doc Watson · Accepted Answer

Based on the recording contract he had back then with Universal (of which Mirage Records is a subsidiary), my guess is that this is the very prolific Alfred Brendel on piano. However, even my guess could be wrong because Brendel (semi-retired but still performing) specialized in performing and recording  Germanic composers.

Universal also owned (at least back then) a record label called VOX that offered classical music at budget prices. Many of my first cassette tapes were from the VOX label. Although I did have either a VOX or Mirage or other budget copy of the first piano concerto by Tchaikovsky I really don't remember who the pianist was. That was over 20 years ago.

Edit: So my question to you is this: It you don't know who the pianist is how would you know it isn't Alfred Brendel?

Alberich · Answer

Mine will be, only "guesses", FOR SURE!

     Of the more modern day recordings of it I've heard, Evgeny Kissin's is very individual, and unique - near perfect; were the tempo of this one say, cut in half, it might come close; or don't you think so?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd9JS07bq-s

     This one is a real, real oldie - 1943; but unfortunately((when I first accessed it)), it's on the same non-informative label as the one you posted. 

     I can remember listening to it at a friend's house when I was in high-school(graduated in 1953).  And I also heard the same artist with Dimitri Mitropoulos conducting the New York Philharmonic on an CBS Radio's, Sunday afternoon concerts series.

     If it's possible by remastering(or whatever the technology is called)to greatly improve the quality so as to equal that of your video, I would be willing to bet money on it being the same artists: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Zc8SonNBQ&feature=PlayList&p=6A7FE9A11C1BE294&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=37

                                                                                                         Alberich

Nemesis · Answer

Forgive me if this seems like stating the bleedin' obvious, but have you actually asked them?

http://www.mirage-records.com/contact.php

As you have the original tape format recording, you will have the Mirage Records reference number it was released under and they should definitely have access to the copyright records defining the performers for it, relevant to that release number.

Just a thought. Good luck!

All the best,

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Could you know or guess with your experience, who is that performer?

3 Answers