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POETS OF THE PIANO | New 3CD compilation of Andre Previn & Arturo Bendetti Michelangeli coming soon on El!

An edition combining the art of two pianistic giants of the modern era, the much- admired, endlessly-versatile André Previn and the world-renowned Italian master Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli.
Across three marvellous solo piano albums and his first recording of George Gershwin's immortal ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, Previn displays a unique affinity with the Great American Songbook.
These recordings were originally made for Lester Koenig's Contemporary label more than six decades ago, when they were received with enthusiasm. The passage of time only serves to further illuminate Previn's remarkable insight and sensitivity. One cannot help but be moved by his interpretations of the work of the songwriters Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke and Jerome Kern; in whose output he finds lyricism, colour and swing. These recordings are a dream; up there with the best work of Previn's entire career.

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli is regarded one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. A musical aristocrat in a class of his own. A perfectionist. The pearl-like precision of his playing caught the ear of many in the jazz fraternity, including Bill Evans who was an ardent admirer.

Michelangeli's Debussy is incomparable. At Abbey Road he made Ravel's Piano Concerto his own and the live recordings made in London, Turin and Prague before spellbound audiences are the stuff of legend; extraordinary depth of feeling, a magical world of sensuality.

PRE-ORDER 3CD EDITION

DISC ONE

ANDRÉ PREVIN PLAYS SONGS BY HAROLD ARLEN
1 That Old Black Magic

2 Come Rain Or Come Shine 3 My Shining Hour

4 Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe

5 A Sleepin' Bee

6 Stormy Weather

7 Over The Rainbow

8 Let's Fall In Love

9 For Every Man There's A Woman

10 Cocoanut Sweet

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Concerto for Piano, String Orchestra and Trumpet No. 1: André Previn: piano, New York Philharmonic / Leonard Bernstein
11 Allegretto

12 Lento

13 Moderato

14 Allegro Con Brio

GEORGE GERSHWIN

15 Rhapsody In Blue
André Previn: piano, André Kostelanetz Orchestra

DISC TWO

ANDRÉ PREVIN PLAYS SONGS BY VERNON DUKE
1 Cabin In The Sky

2 Autumn In New York

3 The Love I Long For

4 Ages Ago

5 Taking A Chance On Love

6 What Is There To Say?