Chopin Piano Concerto No 1 1st mvt Friedrich Gulda

This is the Allegro maestoso from the Concerto in E minor Op.11 in the version orchestrated by Mily Balakirev. Chopins orchestral writing was not to the standard of his piano writing so its hardly surprising that a composer such as Balakirev re-scored the orchestral parts.

In this 1953 recording Gulda is supported by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Adrian Boult.

The review in Gampohone for July 1954 says:

It is a very sound performance, with a good deal of brilliance to it and some nicely sensitive singing tone too. I do not think that Guldas right hand shows much magic, that quality that only a very few pianists ever give us in this sort of music, something unbelievable in its delicacy, clarity and rhythm. Guldas playing is always believable. However, no murders have been committed this time: the soloist does nothing that is unwarranted and the performance is without cuts. The orchestra play their small part well and the recording is of good quality, though I would sometimes have liked more bass from the orchestra, notably in those two episodes in the Rondo with the pizzicato.
I think I can safely say, the best yetand, indeed, most commendable. T.H.