Rachmaninov: Works for Piano and Orchestra

Advantages: One of the most Romantic concertos around, full of beautiful melodies and passion
Disadvantages: over-recorded

...on violins and flutes. After that the music moves in a very similar way as before with the piano taking the theme over, followed by the cymbal accompanied triplet bridge passage that leads to a momentary hint at the first movement's first theme along with references to the Finale's main theme. There is another brief cadenza that culminates with the broad theme in a triumphant C major (Maestoso) with the piano strumming at the top of the orchestral glamour. Now all that is left is to bring the work to a close. With several upward runs on the piano (Risoluto), the scintillating piano is joined by cymbal clashes that finally culminate with Rachmaninov's favourite YUM-pa-ta-TUM cadence in the orchestra. RECORDINGS The Second Concerto has been recorded many times, almost to the point of over-familiarity. But there are some standout performances... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: One of the most Romantic concertos around, full of beautiful melodies and passion
Disadvantages: over-recorded

...on violins and flutes. After that the music moves in a very similar way as before with the piano taking the theme over, followed by the cymbal accompanied triplet bridge passage that leads to a momentary hint at the first movement's first theme along with references to the Finale's main theme. There is another brief cadenza that culminates with the broad theme in a triumphant C major (Maestoso) with the piano strumming at the top of the orchestral glamour. Now all that is left is to bring the work to a close. With several upward runs on the piano (Risoluto), the scintillating piano is joined by cymbal clashes that finally culminate with Rachmaninov's favourite YUM-pa-ta-TUM cadence in the orchestra. RECORDINGS The Second Concerto has been recorded many times, almost to the point of over-familiarity. But there are some standout performances... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very 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: 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