Byron Janis- Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3; Toccata, Opp. 11,26 / Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Schumann / Mendelssohn / Pinto

Prokofiev's Third was one of the concertos that appeared in the Richard Dreyfuss movie "The Competition," and Byron Janis's performance is generally considered to be more than competition-worthy. In fact, many consider it the best ever, also a function of Kirill Kondrashin's inspired accompaniments. Janis's performance is a bit slower than usual, not because he lacks energy or technique, but rather because he actually takes the time to play all of those notes and make something musically satisfying out of them. It's a very personal interpretation, carried through with blazing conviction; and the coupling, Rachmaninoff's early First Concerto, is equally stunning. --David Hurwitz