Bartók: Piano Concertos Nos 1 & 3; Rhapsodies Nos 1 & 2

Advantages: Good quality collection at reasonable price
Disadvantages: Lacks the sparkle and flair of the recordings by Kissen and Argerich

...This double CD set from Decca brings together recordings of all four Rachmaninov piano concertos played by Ashkenazy and the LSO. For those people looking for a good value collection, look no further. However, I found that No. 3 was too sluggish for my liking, taking a good ten minutes longer than the Rachmaninov recording. Ashkenazy has also chosen the bold cadenza, unlike Rachmaninov himself. The playing is technically excellent, but somehow lacks the sparkle of the Kissen or Argerich recordings. This is perhaps not one for the Rachmaninov enthusiast, but excellent for anyone looking to expand their collection.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: dynamic and gripping
Disadvantages: none

...Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth. The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be. Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Everything you could ever want from a classical CD
Disadvantages: none

...I have purchased and listened to many types of music and as a classical pianist always like to explore new CD's. This album has so many classics on it and is delightful to listen to. Did you know that opening music in 2001 - A Space Odyssey was from Also Sprach Zarathustra by Strauss or that the background music in the British Airways TV commercial was the Flower Duet from the opera Lakme? This compilation album is perfect whether you are a lover of classical music or just interested to find out what it is all about. The track listing shows what can be expected on this wonderful CD. 1. Canon and Gigue in D Composed by Johann Pachelbel 2. 12 Concertos for Violin and Strings Composed by Antonio Vivaldi 3. Adagio in G minor Composed by Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni 4. Symphony No. 6, 'Pastoral' in F Composed by Ludwig van... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful