I have more than once referred in WBF that one recording I often use for system evaluation is DG Bartok Piano Concertos (Ferenck Fricsay conductor http://fricsay.net/inde.htm , Geza Anda piano). In the appropriate high-end system, I have found that this recording can create an unique experience, mainly due to the relationship between the piano and the orchestra in the low level parts, and the emotion this can transmit. Unfortunately, in most systems this recording only sounds average or even of poor quality. You can imagine my surprise when I read in this month Gramophone an article about Ferenc Fricsay - a great conductor who unfortunately died at 48 years old - stating what I have been feeling for years, but unable to transmit. Peter Poole, a violinist who played these concertos with Fricsay and Anza reports "I´ll never forget the hushed sound he obtained in the slow movement of Bartok Second Piano Concerto, which we were performing with Geza Anda. It was astonishing and terrifying to play. I don't recall anyone before or since who created such a spell-blindingly intense pianissimo from an orchestra."
The good news is that to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ferenc Fricsay DG is issuing his whole heritage - 45 CDs including some rarely available material.
The good news is that to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ferenc Fricsay DG is issuing his whole heritage - 45 CDs including some rarely available material.