Pietro Massa - Busoni, F.: Piano Concerto (2008)

Pietro Massa’s second disc with Genuin exudes a glowing, sparkling and effervescent pianistic beauty. Every measure of Ferruccio Busoni’s monumental and rarely performed piano concerto is thrilling and a joy to listen to—from the Brahmsian, shining expansiveness of the opening movement all the way to the mystical transfiguration of the closing movement with male chorus. Massa, the Neubrandenburgische Philharmonie and conductor Stefan Malzew are deserving of the highest praise, not only for their electrifying and nuanced interpretation but also for the worthy deed of introducing a “forgotten” piano work to a wider audience. Turn the lights down in your living room, turn up the volume and relax—there is much to be relished here!