HANNA SHYBAYEVA & UTRECHT STRING QUARTET BEETHOVEN PIANO CONCERTOS 3 & 4……CD -DVD-BOOK OF THE WEEK

Hanna Shybayeva’s somewhat recent CD arrived this afternoon and I’ve been doing a repeated back and forth, between Beethoven’s 3rd and 4th concerti, well into this evening. What an absolute pleasure these performances are, transcribed for piano and string quartet with bass added. Both are dynamic and intriguing in the interaction of piano and strings, both display a seductively assured yet subtly mysterious presence throughout. I know these works from many live and recorded listens, but now I hear them anew – I mean that – in these two spirited performances. Shybayeva carries one along with pianism that projects poise and dignity, one that is exciting with musical purpose. Her tone is ripe and firm, deeply rich with the security and beauty of, say, a precious jewel. I hold my breath for new discoveries in what I am hearing from both piano and strings- and they certainly continue to appear.