It may surprise you to learn that there were three editions of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto: the first from 1875, the second a revision of 1879, and the third a posthumous version published in 1894. It is the latter that has been performed ever since, though it differs in many ways from the earlier versions. 

Gerstein gives us the premiere recording of the 1879 version. Differences are notable, beginning with the opening, where the piano chords are arpeggiated rather than played as blocks. With the piano a kind of uber-harp, it brings the music closer to the world of Tchaikovsky’s ballet scores. This edition is a prettier work, with fewer opportunities for barnstorming. Cuts in the third movement have been opened up. Gerstein’s performance is lighter in texture than most; he and Gaffigan made this deliberate choice. At times I miss the passion and momentum of the young John Ogdon, but on its own terms this performance has integrity. 

Prokofiev’s Second Concerto is similarly detailed and fluent, but occasionally cautious. The running scales of the scherzo could be more devil-may-care. In the first and third movements Gerstein’s humming proves a distraction, particularly on headphones. Why do some continue to indulge in this annoying habit? Recommended nevertheless. Phillip Scott