Rachmaninoff: Preludes (complete) [Import]

Track Listings

1. Prelude, Op.3, No.2 In C-Sharp Minor

2. Preludes, Op.23, No.1

3. Preludes, Op.23, No.2

4. Preludes, Op.23, No.3

5. Preludes, Op.23, No.4

6. Preludes, Op.23, No.5

7. Preludes, Op.23, No.6

8. Preludes, Op.23, No.7

9. Preludes, Op.23, No.8

10. Preludes, Op.23, No.9

11. Preludes, Op.23, No.10

12. Preludes, Op.32, No.1

13. Preludes, Op.32, No.2

14. Preludes, Op.32, No.3

15. Preludes, Op.32, No.4

16. Preludes, Op.32, No.5

17. Preludes, Op.32, No.6

18. Preludes, Op.32, No.7

19. Preludes, Op.32, No.8

20. Preludes, Op.32, No.9

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Simply Put, If Not the Finest, this Certainly is One of the Finest Complete Recordings of Rachmaninoff's Preludes Available. Weissenberg's Musicianship, Intuitive Prowess, and Flawless Technical Command of These Remarkably Difficult Pieces Throughout is Astounding. In the Numerous Complex Passages Where Rachmaninoff Creates the Subtlest and Most Colorful Sonorities Especially, Weissenberg's Deft, Seemingly Effortless Articulation Rivals Rachmaninoff's Own Performances. And Don't Let the Late 1960's Recording Date Deter You- the Sound is Remarkably Good.

Tracks:

Prelude In C Sharp Minor , Op.3, No.2
Melodie, Op.3, No.3
Polichinelle In F Sharp Minor, Op.3, No.4
Polka De V.R.
Barcarolle In G Minor, Op.10, No.3
Prelude In G Minor, Op.23, No.5
Non Allegro
Andante Con Moto (Tempo Di Valse)
Lento Assai (Allegro Vivace)

Customer Reviews:

R plays R.......2006-02-25

ok for the money but didn't have his good stuff on it.

Ill informed much?.......2005-10-12

I wouldn't usually submit a review with the express purpose of criticising someone else's view, because quite frankly, we all are allowed to form our own views and opinions..

But I feel the need to defend this recording from the very merciless and insulting review submitted earlier regarding the 'amateur pianist' on this cd having just learnt the correct notes to press but unfortunately not in the correct time..

Anyone who knows anything about Rachmaninoff should already know this..Rachmaninoff was VERY well known for having a flaire for improvising in his own pieces, and being that he is the very own composer of these pieces he is very well justified in doing so.

Case in point..Melodie in E. Sure..the triplet rhythm seems to have been completely destroyed, by the standards set by the score anyway. But sit back and listen closely and you'll notice that while Rachmaninoff has transcended the score and is turning the piece into what it should be, a fantasie, a piece of impromptu nature that should be allowed to fly with one's fancy and one's imaginations. The Barcarolle and the Prelude? Same thing. This is no "amateur pianist" pounding away without rhythm. Or if indeed this is an amateur pianist than nobody on the face of earth with the exception of Liszt himself should be allowed to qualify themselves as a pianist.

If one would care, one can examine the Memorex recordings made by Rachmaninoff issued by Decca, where the sound quality is lovingly brought back to life. But one observes, that he plays the Fantasie pieces in the very same manner, in a totally care-free and improvisational nature.

Obviously these pieces meant a lot to Rachmaninoff himself as he took the effort to record them on memorex. And obviously this manner of interpreting them is something that flows within his very nature for him to have done this MORE than ONCE.

Do not buy this record if you're looking for a stoic reading of Rachmaninoff. IN fact, do not buy ANY record of rachmaninoff playing ANYTHING if you want a stoic reading of them. Buy this record for the very sole purpose that justifies such a purchase. Buy this to listen to Rachmaninoff, the master himself.

And I highly recommend the memorex record by Decca too, if these pieces (the fantasies) have grabbed your attention. They contain the same interpretation, but with the quality and dynamics lifted to, while not what rachmaninoff would have expected or wanted, certainly surpasses any insight we have to his playing.

Great playing - poor quality.......2003-10-14

When one becomes used to crystal clear recordings in which one can detect individual notes, this recording is something of a disappointment. True, it is (allegedly) the great one himself but the outside noises are a real distraction.

I would have loved to have heard the Rock in person (as my father did) and this is supposed to be the next best thing. The bravura, the awesome technique, the lush romanticism are all present or hinted at but sound transferrance techniques can go only so far.

Ripples of Greatness.......2001-09-25

Wouldn't you love to hear Bach play his Toccatta and Fugue in Dm? Well, we can't. But we can hear the late, great Sergey Rachmaninov struttin' his stuff, playing his famous Prelude in C#m, Op. 3 No. 2. Yeah, it's taken from an old tape, but it's clear enough to be amazing. I, for one, was a little suprised to hear dynamics in his interpretation that one doesn't often hear in the performance of that piece. An historic recording certainly worth having in your audio library.

Bad recording, but still a good buy.......2000-11-23

Some of us don't have money enough for the complete works of Rachmaninoff... Granted, if you've heard the other recordings of these songs, you'll be rather confused. But Rachmaninoff is Rachmaninoff. If you're a casual listener, buy this cd. If you've never heard Rachmaninoff before, buy this cd. It's hard to go wrong for 4 dollars. If you're broke, and need a Rach fix, this is the cd for you.

Rachmaninoff: The Complete Preludes for Piano

Average customer rating:

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE!!!
Phenomenal
This one's a gem!!!
Rach would've loved it.....

Rachmaninoff: The Complete Preludes for Piano

Manufacturer: TB Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Etudes Tableaux
Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3
Rachmaninoff Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3 / Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini / Muti, Gavrilov
Concertos italiens

ASIN: B000E1XP98
Release Date: 2005-12-28

Tracks:

Prelude in C# minor, op. 3 (No. 2)
Prelude in F# minor, op. 23 (No. 1)
Prelude in Bb major, op. 23 (No. 2)
Prelude in D minor, op. 23 (No. 3)
Prelude in D major, op. 23 (No. 4)
Prelude in G minor, op. 23 (No. 5)
Prelude in Eb major, op. 23 (No. 6)
Prelude in C minor, op. 23 (No. 7)
Prelude in Ab major, op. 23 (No. 8)
Prelude in Eb minor, op. 23 (No. 9)
Prelude in Gb major, op. 23 (No. 10)
Prelude in C major, op. 32 (No. 1)
Prelude in Bb minor, op. 32 (No. 2)
Prelude in E major, op. 32 (No. 3)
Prelude in E minor, op. 32 (No. 4)
Prelude in G major, op. 32 (No. 5)
Prelude in F minor, op. 32 (No. 6)
Prelude in F major, op. 32 (No. 7)
Prelude in A minor, op. 32 (No. 8)
Prelude in A major, op. 32 (No. 9)
Prelude in B minor, op. 32 (No. 10)
Prelude in B major, op. 32 (No. 11)
Prelude in G# minor, op. 32 (No. 12)
Prelude in Db major, op. 32 (No. 13)

Product Description

Rachmaninoff turned to the piano prelude as a genre early on in his life. In 1892, the 19-year-old musician penned Prelude in C♯ minor, op. 3 (N 2), which to this day remains one of his most recognizable compositions. The first cycle comprised of ten preludes (opus 23) came about gradually. A few initial outlines appeared as early as 1899. Around 1901, Rachmaninoff had completed Prelude in G minora grotesque, eerie, dreamlike march, with a lyrical theme of astonishing beauty. When and where the remaining pieces of the first cycle were exactly composed is unknown. What is certain, however, is that the entire cycle was completed by early 1903. The composer did not revisit the genre until seven years later, when he was residing at his country estate in central Russia. There, in an astonishingly brief period, he composed all of the 13 preludes comprising opus 32. The literal and figurative closure of the tonal circle now took place, and a new, monumental work of immense power and depth entered the piano repertoire of the 20th century. Rachmaninoff was always in awe of nature and of life around him. The plethora of sounds he found there fed his creative genius and, in turn, his art. Indeed, the initial theme introduced in his Prelude in G major, op. 32 (N 5), which is primarily conversational in nature, eventually escapes and soars upward, becoming a delicate, tremolo-rich interplay of sounds, among which one can hear a bird song, a water stream trickling, a sudden gust of the wind. The emotional world of Rachmaninoffs preludes is complexelegiac, tragic or idyllic can all appropriately describe itbut its inner harmony is invariably all-encompassing and complete, on par with the rest of the art of this great master. Viacheslav Kartsovnik, University of Hamburg

Customer Reviews:

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE!!!.......2007-04-29

THIS IS PROBABLY THE BEST SINGLE CD WITH ALL OF THE PRELUDES ON IT. LOVE IT!!! THE MUSIC IS SPECTACULAR, PERFORMANCE IS EXCITING AND TECHNICALLY BREATHTAKING AND EVEN FLAWLESS!!! REAL NICE, CLEAN, MODERN RECORDING, VERY NICE PACKAGING ON TOP OF ALL THAT. IF YOU LIKE RAKHMANINOV OR PIANO IN GENERAL, YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO THIS.......

Phenomenal.......2006-07-15

Alexander Budyonny is one of the best I've had the pleasure of listing to. I wholeheartedly recommend this CD.

This one's a gem!!!.......2006-03-10

I just bought this CD, listened to it about five times in the past two days, and it's just stunning. Of all the solo piano recordings I own (and I have about 280+ CDs), this one is definitely one of my favorites. First of all, it is difficult to find a recording that has all the 24 preludes. But it is even harder to find all preludes recorded with such breathtaking bravado. Every single prelude on this disc is played with a remarkable attention to detail, opulent tone, and when necessary, impressive tempo. To be honest, Budyonny's technique is beyond excellent. But what is truly fascinating about this recording is that somehow, Budyonny communicates the spirit of Rachmaninoff's dazzling, Russian character. Speaking as an amateur pianist, I know that that is the hardest thing to do. That is precisely where we draw a line between a really good performance and a great one.

Rach would've loved it............2006-01-05

Not too many Rachmaninov's preludes recorded from beginning to end out there, but this one is powerful.

As my point of departure, I have Weissenberg and Shelley. I like both, but all things being equal this one is my favorite because there is so much sheer force and excitement here, coupled wiht outstanding sound quality.

On my first listen, this album sounded like it was done by someone who speaks and breathes and feels the musical language of Rachmaninov. It almost has a live quality to it. This is hardly surprising as both Weissenberg and Shelley were not from Russia to begin with (Weissenberg was Bulgarian and Shelley came from UK), but that's exactly what makes the whole experience interesting. If you sit and listen and compare, a few preludes are played a bit faster by Weissenberg, and some are played faster by Budyonny, and that's fine depending on your preference of course, however there is a peculiar type of innate understanding and power that is felt in this recording. If you are a pianist, well, you have a great deal to absorb from this one. And if not, you will still have a great deal to absorb, and you might even enjoy it! The music here speaks wonders.

There are also a few preludes recorded separately that are pretty interesting renditions worth considering for the sake of comparison (by Vladimir Horowitz or even a few by Rachmaninov himself), but in terms of getting the whole thing on one disc, this cd is a pretty good if not definitive musical statement.

I wish more of budonny's stuff became more commercially available. Very, very enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Astonishing performance
Arriving at the Summit
Intellectual control and power
Superb performances, best available.
EXALTATION

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Preludes

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003F29
Release Date: 1990-12-10

Tracks:

Prld, Op.3, No.2 in c#
Prld, Op.23: No.1: f#
Prld, Op.23: No.2: B-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.3: d
Prld, Op.23: No.4: D
Prld, Op.23: No.5: g
Prld, Op.23: No.6: E-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.7: c
Prld, Op.23: No.8: A-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.9: e-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.10: G-Flat
Prld, Op.32: No.1: C
Prld, Op.32: No.2: b-Flat
Prld, Op.32: No.3: E
Prld, Op.32: No.4: e
Prld, Op.32: No.5: G
Prld, Op.32: No.6: f
Prld, Op.32: No.7: F
Prld, Op.32: No.8: a
Prld, Op.32: No.9: A
Prld, Op.32: No.10: b
Prld, Op.32: No.11: B
Prld, Op.32: No.12: g#
Prld, Op.32: No.13: D-Flat

Amazon.com

To put it plainly, this is the finest recording of Rachmaninoff's complete Preludes I have ever heard. Alexis Weissenberg has the amazing technique and the expansive temperament to make each of these pieces a memorable experience. In these very colorful performances, he gives us very authentic- sounding Rachmaninoff with all the qualities I want to hear in the music. I may prefer some individual performances by Rachmaninoff himself or by Sviatoslav Richter, but neither recorded anything like the complete series. With the former contents of two entire LPs on this mid-priced set, this is an outstanding bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Astonishing performance.......2004-10-28

There are a few recordings, rare gems, that stand head and shoulders above the rest and this is one of them. It deserves to be heard more widely.

Rachmaninoff wrote the preludes in three sets. The first (Op. 3, No. 2) when he was only 19 years old and the other two sets more than 10 years later. Each prelude is written in a different key, just as Chopin did with his preludes.

Weissenberg states in the liner notes that a great performance should sound spontaneous, as if the performer sat down and the music just poured out. In this recording, at least, he accomplishes that goal. His rendition of the famous Opus 3, No. 2 Prelude is astonishing and by far the best I've heard. It is rich, complex, fiery, and seems to leap from Weissenberg's hands as if he is channeling Rachmaninoff himself.

Several of the preludes, such as Opus 23, Nos. 1 and 2 sound very much like Chopin, whom Rachmaninoff admired. Overall, the Opus 23 preludes are more engaging while the Opus 32 preludes are darker and more complex. My favorites are Opus 3, No.2 and Opus 23 Nos. 3 and 5.

Arriving at the Summit.......2003-10-14

It is really difficult to begin praise for his exalted work of art. The clarity, tone, phrasing, interpretation...flawless. Technical problems seemed to have vanished in the hands of this genius. I listened to some selections several times WITH the musical score, not believeing that human hands had created such sonority.

While the Preludes are not as technically difficult or as artistically challenging as the Etude-Tableaux, they are still only for advanced students of the instrument. One problem faced by all interpreters of Rachmaninoff's piano music is that of technical prowess. What seemed easy or "doable" to him was absolutely impossible for others. For this reason he rewrote the second Sonata so as to make an "easier" version accessible to a wider audience.

These pieces cover a range of emotions but have several common characterists - an overall moodiness (Rachmaninoff excelled in the minor keys which he deemed richer), internal rhythms and melodies, an awesome technique and melodic poetry. Many could be cited as "great" but No. 8 (C Minor), No 10 (E Flat Minor), No. 21 (B Minor) and the last, 24. (D Flat Major) stand out, particularly the last which reminds one of a mighty hymn.

Intellectual control and power.......2003-01-22

This is an astounding set of preludes. Right from the start Weissenberg's intelligence in crafting the central climaxes of the preludes is clear, and his ability to shape each one so it seems like a lucid whole is marvelous and extremely satisfying. The other reviewers are spot-on: this is a concert-hall performance of electrifying pianism. Op 32/4, 10 and 13 are given overwhelming readings, as well as op23/2 which presents a good illustration of Weissenberg's superior pianism, whether it be in the stormy outer sections or the lyrical central one, all of it is played with consummate mastery of the piano.
The slower preludes may receive more expansive readings elsewhere, but as a whole this cycle is hors concours for its magnetism and tasteful speed.

Superb performances, best available........2002-07-22

Alexis Weissenberg is a superb pianist -- quite possibly the greatest pianist of the recorded era. It is difficult for me to understand why he has never received the accolades accorded to, say, Horowitz. Although Weissenberg's technique is astounding, it is always used not for show but in support of his incredible artistry. His performances of the Rachmaninov Preludes are quite simply awesome -- covering the full range from gently lyrical to stormingly exhuberent, depending upon what is appropriate for the music. You will probably never hear a finer performance of this music -- or finer piano playing in any reperoire.

EXALTATION.......2001-09-24

A magnificent experience. The controlled violence of these performances is viscerally - and spiritually - exultant. The music speaks directly, with harrowing emotional impact.

Tracks:

Bach: Three Movements from Violin Partita in E Major (transcribed by Rachmaninoff)
Ten Preludes, Op. 23
Three "Etudes-Tableaux"

Customer Reviews:

Rach and Bach, together at last, Moyer is exquisite.......2005-10-22

I am a fan of Rachmaninoff's compositions (after all, I've played piano for 44 years...long enough to learn what good is, I guess.) And I equally adore Bach. The superlative pianist that he was, Rachmaninoff transcribed Bach's violin partita in E major for the piano, his way. Meaning rich layers of sound, deep octave spans and glittering arrangements of this wonderful work. Naturally, such a work would require a pianist of equal skill to Rachmaninoff or close enough to do justice to this wonderful transcription. Frederick Moyer does more than justice here. The sound is crisp yet fluid, light, yet deep and sonorous--but just enough. None of that "I'm all about technique and not about the music" here.

Moyer has been rather breathlessly compared by one critic to (whisper it) Vladimir Horowitz. Is that hyperbole or out-and-out insolence? I am inclined to say this is close, very close, to the style of Horowitz, indeed. This CD shows a pianist with huge talent and feeling for this most romantic of piano composers. The 10 Preludes (which follow the partita of Bach) are played in a Chopin-like, meditative way, showing all the moods. The B-flat Major Prelude, in particular, is played with a moderate tempo rather than a hysterical speed as is sometimes heard. The oceanic quality of this work is evident; it's as if you could literally see rolling waves and moonlight glittering on the sea at night. I know this work well, yet it as if I were hearing--and seeing it for the first time.

I was interested to see how Moyer handled the G minor (a work I studied in college.) It's sometimes played like a military prelude, sometimes like a Spanish dance. Moyer takes the Spanish viewpoint. This is clear in the rhythm of the main theme (flamenco like) and even more so in the arpeggios of the mid section, a delicate and mysterious serenade. No heaviness or showiness here. This work has a clear "high point"; this is a feature Rachmaninoff claimed was to be found in any interpretation of any piece of music. Here, the high point is played almost softly--barely grazing the top. You have to listen for it. It's a bit daring but it works.

The CD ends with three of the Etudes-Tableaux (Op 39, 3,6 and 9) and I only wish a second CD were here to include the entire work.

Recommendation: ABSOLUTELY a must for any classical piano CD library.

Highly recommended!.......2004-10-08

I own several CDs of Rachmaninoff solo piano works recorded by various performers. This is one of the two that I listen to most often. I originally purchased it because it contains a fabulous performance of Rach's: Transcription for piano of Bach's "Prelude, gavotte & gigue", from Partita in E major, TN iii/1. This prelude one of my 5 favorite pieces of classical music and my collection contains recordings of few different arrangements of this piece, including an orchestral version by Ormandy that gives me the chills every time I hear it. I never thought that any single instrument version could compete, but this particular performance really has what it takes. Delightful!

As for these Preludes, it never ceases to amaze me how a familiar piece of music can sound so different in the hands of various artists. Moyer gives excellent performances of these and upon my first listen, I was surprised at the number of notes I've not heard in other artists' recordings of these Preludes due to overdramatic, sloppy playing on their part. Op 23 No. 2 and No. 5 sound so disciplined and clean and yet do not lose any of their emotional appeal. I also particularly like Moyer's performance of Etude No.9 for much the same reason. This CD is proof that clean and disciplined do not have to mean "sterile." What a refreshing performance!

A beautiful sampling of Rachmaninoff.......2001-08-27

Prior to obtaining this recording, I already had recordings of the Complete Preludes by Alexis Weissenberg and Constance Keene. Each of these recordings has individual pieces that are special for me, but Mr. Moyer's recording is the one I reach for most often. Mr. Moyer offers the Opus 23 preludes and a well-chosen set of other pieces. We are given Rachmaninoff's transcription of Bach's Violin Partita in E Major and some beautiful Etude-Tableaux. The preludes are played thoughtfully and lovingly, with plenty of power in reserve for when its needed (as in Opus 23 no. 2). His performance of Prelude Op. 23 No. 4 opened my ears to the beauty of that prelude -- I had never really heard it until I heard his recording. Since then, I've heard others that are also beautiful in the same way (Cliburn and Richter, most notably). There are huge differences between the way Moyer and Weissenberg play (compare Opus 23 no. 7, for example), but Moyer doesn't suffer from the comparison. He takes a different approach -- less muscular, a rounder and warmer tone, but he obviously loves this music and the listener comes away loving it with him. The only other recording I have of the Bach transcription is Jorge Bolet's from the Great Pianist Series (and that only has the preludio), and I prefer Moyer's recording. Rachmaninoff's transcription reflects his abiding respect for Bach. The temptation might be to play this piece as a virtuoso Rachmaninoff piece. Moyer lets it sound like Bach, complete with the beautiful counterpoint and exalted climaxes. The selection of Etudes-Tableaux are particularly attractive. My own favorite, Opus 39 No. 6, the "Little Red Riding Hood" one, is so evocative of the story, complete with the chase scenes. The stereo acoustic is warm and resonant, lacking some of the brilliance found on some of the premier labels, but the warmth of his acoustic seems to work toward his overall musical goal. This is an excellent single CD to introduce one to the beauty of Rachmaninoff's music. I urge you to get it.

Average customer rating:

24 Preludes / Piano Sonata
Rachmaninoff , and Ashkenazy
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00000E2YB
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Average customer rating:

Weissenberg as great as usual
An unfortunate recording
I'm no expert, but this works for me
A majestic performance
Sometimes good, but not definitive

Rachmaninoff: Preludes (complete)

Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B000026P09
Release Date: 1990-10-08

Tracks:

Prelude, Op.3, No.2 In C-Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op.23, No.1
Preludes, Op.23, No.2
Preludes, Op.23, No.3
Preludes, Op.23, No.4
Preludes, Op.23, No.5
Preludes, Op.23, No.6
Preludes, Op.23, No.7
Preludes, Op.23, No.8
Preludes, Op.23, No.9
Preludes, Op.23, No.10
Preludes, Op.32, No.1
Preludes, Op.32, No.2
Preludes, Op.32, No.3
Preludes, Op.32, No.4
Preludes, Op.32, No.5
Preludes, Op.32, No.6
Preludes, Op.32, No.7
Preludes, Op.32, No.8
Preludes, Op.32, No.9
Preludes, Op.32, No.10
Preludes, Op.32, No.11
Preludes, Op.32, No.12
Preludes, Op.32, No.13

Album Details

Simply Put, If Not the Finest, this Certainly is One of the Finest Complete Recordings of Rachmaninoff's Preludes Available. Weissenberg's Musicianship, Intuitive Prowess, and Flawless Technical Command of These Remarkably Difficult Pieces Throughout is Astounding. In the Numerous Complex Passages Where Rachmaninoff Creates the Subtlest and Most Colorful Sonorities Especially, Weissenberg's Deft, Seemingly Effortless Articulation Rivals Rachmaninoff's Own Performances. And Don't Let the Late 1960's Recording Date Deter You- the Sound is Remarkably Good.

Customer Reviews:

Weissenberg as great as usual.......2006-03-20

I always considered Weissenberg as not only a tremendous virtuoso but also as a very inspired musician. With this Rachmaninov recording, Weissenberg lives up to his reputation. He's as sensitive in Rachmaninov's dishevelling technique as in Bach's Partitas.

An unfortunate recording.......2006-01-11

Technically speaking, Weissenberg does a good job. But the way he plays Rachmaninoff's preludes is rather embarassing. Look at the music, for instance, and you'll see plenty of instances where Weissenberg ignores what Rachmaninoff wrote. This simply isn't fair.

I'm no expert, but this works for me.......2005-08-15

I don't know much about the technical quality of this performance or recording. I can say that I've been listing to the Preludes since I was a child in probably a half-dozen different recordings. This performance and recording evoke in me the best sensations I experienced listening to this music as a boy.

A majestic performance.......2005-07-11

What is really incredible in this CD is not only the great artistry and lyricism, of Weissenberg - from the hammer blows to the murmers - but the quality of sound which is superb enough to demonstrate the capabilities of one's wide-range audio systems. Although recorded in 1968-69, it is obvious that the recording engineers of that time had the technical capabilities to capture the sound of the piano in all its magnificience, seldom reached with all of the current technology. (My CD is a reissue on the BMG label and although not so marked on the jewel case, it is a - to repeat,a brilliantly - remastered disk). One hears the composer and the performer working together transparently. That is what CD-making should be all about!

Sometimes good, but not definitive.......2005-05-03

Alexis Weissenberg is a fairly one-dimensional pianist. In the liner notes, he says "I am basically an aggressive person, and I could not behave otherwise toward an instrument that I try to possess." In short, Weissenberg attempts to mercilessly pound the instrument into submission. His aggressive style makes the music sound hard, which it is, of course, but, as Liszt felt, virtuosity is not an end in itself but a means of getting at the soul of the music. The point of extreme virtuosity is actually NOT to call attention to itself but, rather, to make the difficult seem effortless. Weissenberg plays in a manner which seems intent on saying, "Look! I can play really hard music!" I also own and have studied the complete prelude recordings of Howard Shelley and Vladimir Ashkenazy, both of whom seem far less labored with the virtuosity and have more time for interpretation. Generally, they both even take faster tempos on the "hard" ones than Weissenberg and sound better doing it.

Having said that, is is interesting to me that Weissenberg is actually at his best when he is FORCED to interpret and emote. In preludes that are songful rather than overtly athletic (i.e. D Major, Gb Major, G Major, F Major), he strikes a wonderful balance between aggression and beauty. The D Major, in particular, is glorious, full of passion and eroticism rather than the staid, obligatory love song that is normally made of it.

I don't mean to suggest that the fast ones are bad and the slow ones are good. Many of the performances are at least tolerable. Along with the ones already mentioned, other effective performances include the preludes in C# Minor, Bb Major, E Minor, F Minor, and G# Minor. I consider this compilation an interesting disc for study and reflection on piano technique and interpretation, recommended for pianists studying the preludes. For those looking for their first, or a definitive, set of the preludes, I would recommend looking to Howard Shelley or Vladimir Ashkenazy.

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; Khachaturian: Piano Concerto; Chopin:

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; Khachaturian: Piano Concerto; Chopin:

Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005I9SQ
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2
Moment Musical
Waltzes
Landler
Impromptu
Children's Corner
Three Preludes
Sonata No. 2 'Funeral March'
Piano Concerto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2; Preludes [LP Sleeve] [Japan]

Average customer rating:

Terrific

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2; Preludes [LP Sleeve] [Japan]
Sviatoslav Richter
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0001FADI8
Release Date: 2006-12-18

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18
6 Preludes - No.12 In C Major, Op.32 No.1
6 Preludes - No.3 In B Major, Op.23 No.2
6 Preludes - No.6 In G Minor, Op.23 No.5
6 Preludes - No.13 In B Minor Op.32 No.2
6 Preludes - No.5 In D Major, Op.23 No.4
6 Preludes - No.8 In C Minor, Op.23 No.7

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Customer Reviews:

Terrific.......2007-06-21

Richter did a wonderful job on this recording. Truly one of the best recording of the Second Concerto I've ever heard. A marvelous performance, indeed.

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Rachmaninoff: Seven Preludes

Average customer rating:

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Rachmaninoff: Seven Preludes

Manufacturer: Northern Flowers
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000FO44EE
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Rachmaninoff: Études-tableaux; Preludes (Complete)

Average customer rating:

Lugansky and Petkova are both excellent pianists

Rachmaninoff: Études-tableaux; Preludes (Complete)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Customer Reviews:

Lugansky and Petkova are both excellent pianists.......2005-08-22

The reviewer who condemns Marietta Petkova's performance of the Preludes is far too harsh. I have listened to the CD of Lugansky's performance of the Etudes-Tableaux and to the 2 CD's of Petkova's performance of the Preludes and they are both excellent. In fact, I'm listening to Petkova's performance of the Prelude Opus 32, No. 2, Allegretto in B flat minor, as I write this review, and it's played beautifully, with passion, delicacy, warmth, grace, sensitivity, and all of the other usual positive adjectives one normally associates with excellent musical performances. As for her performance of Opus 32, No. 5, Moderato in G major, it is absolutely enchanting. In fact, as I listen to one beautifully played prelude after another by this Bulgarian pianist, I am at an absolute loss as to how the previous reviewer managed to be so harsh. I would add, in terms of my own background and qualifications to judge the quality of musical performances, that I own over 400 classical music CDs, including CDs with performances by many of the world's most well-known pianists, including Argerich, Ashkenazy, Brendel, Gavrilov, Horowitz, Perahia, Richter, Rubinstein, Serkin, Vasary, and Weissenberg. Based upon having heard recordings of all of these pianists, as well as others, under no circumstances would it ever occur to me to condemn Petkova's performance of these preludes. She plays wonderfully. There are 3 CDs in this box set, not 2, as the previous reviewer erroneously reports. CD #1 has Lugansky's performance of the etudes and CDs # 2 and #3 have the recording of Petkova's performance of the preludes. All 3 CDs have wonderful performances for an incredibly low price. The sound quality of both the Lugansky recording (1992) and the Petkova recording (2002) is crystal clear. Highly recommended.

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1. Prelude, Op.3, No.2 In C-Sharp Minor
2. Preludes, Op.23, No.1
3. Preludes, Op.23, No.2
4. Preludes, Op.23, No.3
5. Preludes, Op.23, No.4
6. Preludes, Op.23, No.5
7. Preludes, Op.23, No.6
8. Preludes, Op.23, No.7
9. Preludes, Op.23, No.8
10. Preludes, Op.23, No.9
11. Preludes, Op.23, No.10
12. Preludes, Op.32, No.1
13. Preludes, Op.32, No.2
14. Preludes, Op.32, No.3
15. Preludes, Op.32, No.4
16. Preludes, Op.32, No.5
17. Preludes, Op.32, No.6
18. Preludes, Op.32, No.7
19. Preludes, Op.32, No.8
20. Preludes, Op.32, No.9