Vladimir Ashkenazy, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra - Rautavaara: Piano Concerto no 3, Autumn Gardens (SECOND-HAND CD)

This album,released by the Ondine label in 2000, is one of the most internationally successful and significant recordings of Finnish contemporary music. The album features two pivotal works by composer Einojuhani Rautavaara: Piano Concerto No. 3 ("Gift of Dreams") and the orchestral piece Autumn Gardens. The recording is uniquely distinguished by its origin and exceptional lineup, as the world-renowned Vladimir Ashkenazy performs dual roles as both the piano soloist and conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Ashkenazy personally commissioned the third piano concerto from Rautavaara on the condition that he could conduct the orchestra directly from the piano bench. The piece's deeply spiritual, post-romantic, and mystical atmosphere resonated widely with both critics and the general public, earning the release the prestigious Cannes Classical Award in 2001. This recording cemented Rautavaara's status as one of the most widely performed contemporary composers of his generation worldwide.