Rachmaninov: Symphonies Nos. 1-3; Vocalise

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: Romantic, passionate and beautiful
Disadvantages: Unless you have a heart of stone absolutely none whatsoever

...- - GENERAL HISTORY - - Sergei Rachmaninov was at the height of his popularity in 1906, winged by the popularity of his Second Piano Concerto of 1901 and his early C sharp minor Prelude. During this time he composed such major works as the First Piano Sonata, the symphonic poem "The Isle of the Dead", Op.29, the 18 songs of Op.26, and most importantly, the Second Symphony in E minor, Op.27. This work was Rachmaninov's first attempt at a symphony in eleven years, after his First Symphony (a work that the composer really wanted to forget, going so far as to forbid its publication and performance) bombed at its premiere. He began the Second Symphony in October 1906, right after he and his family had settled in the peaceful surroundings of Dresden. It was finished in rough draft by early 1907, but work on it progressed slowly. Rachmaninov... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: The finest recording on two CDs
Disadvantages: You can only listen to one CD at a time!

...This double CD from a large collection brings together what are considered to be the finst recordings ever made by the artist. The version of Rachmaninov's Piano Cencerto No. 3 is perhaps the definitive recording: technically brilliant and a joy to listen to, and by far my favourite version. She has chosen the scherzo-like cadenza which Rachmaninov himself favoured. Also featured are Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit among other things. For piano music lovers, these are some of the best recordings I have heard. Highly recommended to all.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful