Schumann Argerich

The brilliant pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev, winner of the 1978 Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, is not only one of the best representatives of the Russian piano tradition, but is also a stunning and idiosyncratic interpreter of the standard repertoire. He is considered one of the greatest pianists of our time.

Schumann knew his way around the cello almost as intimately as he did the piano. That said, it’s a mystery why he wrote so little for it, especially as the cello is often compared to the human voice, for which the composer wrote more than 400 songs. Still, what he left behind is wonderful, from the tempestuous Cello Concerto to the joyful Adagio and Allegro and thrilling, deeply felt Phantasiestücke, inspired by Mendelssohn. Performing them is a crack team: cellist Gautier Capuçon, pianist Martha Argerich and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, inspirational under Bernard Haitink, their playing full of élan and a profound passion for this incredible music.

"Kissin's U.S. debut recital confirmed his status as a major pianist. The Prokofiev Sonata No. 6, one of Kissin's specialties since he was in his early teens, is very fluent and impressive, but it doesn't have the power the music needs for maximum impact. In fact, a lack of really powerful bass from the pianist's left hand (not a fault of the recording) lightens the weight of his playing throughout. But both sets of Schumann Variations are convincingly played (and contrasted), and Kissin's Liszt playing is as dazzling as any you'll hear". – Leslie Gerber

Child prodigy, competition winner, major recording artist, and international star of the concert stage, Vadim Repin is clearly one of the leading violinists of his generation. He carries all the credentials of superstardom: he has played with world-class orchestras and major conductors like Levine, Rattle, Muti, Rostropovich, Chailly, and Dutoit and collaborated in recital with Kissin, Argerich, Pletnev, Berezovsky, Bashmet, and many others.

A limited-edition 55-CD set of legendary and critically acclaimed recordings celebrating the famous PHILIPS heritage. An alliance of great artistry and superb sound. Classic-status albums spanning over half a century of recording and showcasing a wealth of international talent.
An unrivaled collection that that embraces all musical genres - from solo piano and chamber music through to large scale choral works and opera.