Rachmaninov: Symphonies Nos 1-3

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: 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

Advantages: A decent collection of varied music
Disadvantages: Several 'sections' of music

...at all...! A crucial note is that the Rachmaninov ambiguously named 'Piano Concerto No.3' is not the Concerto in its entireity, or even- as I was surprised to discover- the First Movement. It is a section of the First Movement which stops rather abruptly. This is a great shame as to that point this track was one of the best interpretations I had come across. A list of the tracks, by demand: Disc: 1 1. Sunrise (Sprach Zarathustra) (Opening) 2. Montagues and Capulets - Philadelphia Orchestra 3. Vision - Richard Souther 4. Toccata & Fugue in D Minor 5. Ode to Joy (Symphony, No. 9, Choral) - Philadelphia Orchestra, Westminster Choir 6. Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity (The Planets) - The Philharmonia Orchestra 7. Mission: The Mission - Ennio Morricone 8. Fond de Temple Saint (Temple Duet) (The Pearl Fishers) 9. Heart Asks... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful