Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 - 4 [Import]

Track Listings

1. Vivace

2. Andante

3. Allegro Vivace

4. Allegro Vivace. Alla Breve

5. Largo

6. Allegro Vivace

7. Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43

8. Moderato

9. Adagio Sostenuto

10. Allegro Vivace

11. Allegro Ma Non Tanto

12. Intermezzo

13. Finale

14. Vocalise; Op. 34 No.14

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op.1: I Vivace
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op.1: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op.1: III Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op.18: I Moderato
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op.18: II Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op.18: III Allegro scherzando

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: I Allegro ma non tanto
Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: II Intermezzo: Adagio
Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: III Finale (Alla breve)
Piano Concerto No.4 In D Minor, Op.40: I Allegro vivace (Alla breve)
Piano Concerto No.4 In D Minor, Op.40: II Largo
Piano Concerto No.4 In D Minor, Op.40: III Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews:

This is the one to buy!.......2007-06-13

A number of years ago, I went to the Classical Record Store in Toronto to acquire a copy of Rachmaninov's Piano Concertos. Like many others, I'd been introduced to Rachmaninov's 3rd Piano Concerto by the movie "Shine". When I asked the resident musicologist for Rach 3, she rolled her eyes. I explained that I wasn't remotely interested in the commercial David Helfgott version. I wanted the definitive version. She smiled knowingly and took me to a shelf. This is the version she handed me. Buy it. You won't be disappointed! Ashkenazy is at the peak of his powers and Previn does a phenomenal job with the London Symphony. It doesn't get any better than this.

An easy first choice.......2006-06-12

If you are looking for a standard stereo recording of the four concertoes, you don't have to look hard to realize that this set would be a nice and easy choice. Ashkenazy's performances of the Rachmaninov concertos are poetic, full of passions and yearnings, and technically excellent. This 2CD set is sold at the price of one full-priced CD, so it should be a good bargain. If you are a newcomer to Rachmaninov, this set is highly recommended. Later on when you have become familiar with these concertos you might also want to check out the renditions by Argerich and Horowitz, both of which contain some of the most spectacular displays of keyboard fireworks. These recordings by Ashkenazy have been reissued many times and the most recent one I believe is the 2 separate disks in the Eloquence series. Sonically the Eloquence reissues were artificially reprocessed in order to create wider dynamics and better sense of immediacy. Get either this one or the other, it doesn't matter which, what matters is that every Rachmaninov lover should have these recordings as basic items in his/her collection.

The champion of Rachmaninov's music........2005-12-25

This is a very good set of Rachmaninov's piano works for a very reasonable price indeed. For those who are unfamiliar with the great russian composer's piano works, from the blazing horns, swelling piano chords and seductive strings opening the first piano concerto you feel right away you're in for a very special musical experience.

Normally, when you know and appreciate what a musician has created throughout his career, there's almost always one piece of work that stands out or that you like more than the others. When it comes to Rachmaninov's piano works, mine would certainly be the Piano Concerto no 3, one of the most beautiful piano works that were ever written, and also the Concerto no 4. There's a certain nostalgia about this latter work, like feelings about a past gone forever, and you can feel this leitmotiv during the whole concerto. Maybe the fact that Rachmaninov wrote this wonderful concerto after having moved permanently to the US and therefore feeling homesick has something to do with it.

As for Mr Ashkenazy, he simply is the best interpreter when it comes to Rachmaninov's piano works. The great Vladimir is temperate rather than romantic, cool and constantly in control: sometimes he seems pouring out rivers of emotions and passion without getting carried away though. He has the musicality and intelligence to understand exactly how these concertos work. He has phenomenal technique, original approach, and his touch is quite fiery at times, gentle and tender at others. He can be poetic and passionate when he needs to.

In Rachmaninov's piano concertos the orchestra plays a vital role, often playing the main theme melodies while the piano accompanies, which is rather unusual. In this regard, the London Symphonic Orchestra and conductor A. Prévin are one of the best. Couple this with Rachmaninov's music and Ashkenazy's interpretation, and you're in for a very special musical treat indeed.

Thoughtful but passionate interpretations.......2005-07-09

After listening to a recording of Rachmaninoff's 2nd concerto and hearing a lot about the 3rd concerto, I jumped at buying this CD because of the low cost for two CDs - I was not disappointed.

For me the highlight by far is the third piano concerto, where Ashkenazy seems to pour out passion without getting carried away. This recording I much prefer to Argerich's recording (passionate, but little restraint and thought put into that performance) and even Horowitz's (although this may be because of it's worse sound quality). The first movement is played slower than most other performances, but is filled with passion and technical mastery. I am starting to learn this concerto and know how difficult it is! I was glad to see that Ashkenazy used the longer, chordal codenza rather than the shorter one used by Horowitz and Argerich (those are the only other recordings I've heard) with I much prefer.

The first and fourth concertos are also fabulously played but for me they don't compare to the third. The second concerto, however, was a little bit of a disappointment for me (not enough for me to give the discs 4 stars, however). Because I have already learned this concerto, I'm probably quicker to find faults with Ashkenazy's playing here. If I could put my finger on what I don't like about it it would be the balance between the piano and orchestra - you can hardly hear the piano at some of the most difficult sections. Still, the orchestra sounds beautiful and so does the piano when you can hear it.

Since listening to this disc Ashkenazy has quickly become one of my favorite pianists - as has Levine as a conductor. I would heartily recommend this CD for anyone, but especially for anyone who ever aspires to play any of these pieces - all four of the are beautiful and these performances are well thought-out and powerful.

Very good.......2005-03-18

These performances are wonderful, and to those who think otherwise, I do not really know another complete set that has performances as good as this. Ashkenazy is, as usual, amazing, and this particular set of the many Ashkenazy/Previn Rachmaninov Concertos sets is often called definitive. The sound quality is pretty good. Highly recommended.
By the way, Vladimir Ashkenazy holds the position of President of the Rachmaninov Society, which makes this set a no brainer.

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini
4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4
low-hanging fruit
Fantastic
A decent set

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Van Cliburn: My Favorite Rachmaninoff
Serge Rachmaninoff: 3 Symphonies/The Rock
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits
Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff

ASIN: B000004167
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 1. Moderato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 3. Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 2. Intermezzo (Adagio)
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 3. Finale (Alla breve)

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 1. Vivace
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 3. Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 1. Allegro vivace. (Alla breve)
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 3. Allegro vivace
Rhapsodie On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini.......2007-03-09

I am truly enjoying them. I play them almost daily.

4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4.......2007-02-21

I didn't care for the interpretation of the Third piano concerto, It was a bit rough around the edges and lacked lyricism. I bought the set because I heard the 4th on NPR and loved it.

low-hanging fruit.......2007-02-15

Sergei Rachmaninoff's music for piano and orchestra is easy to love. Its lyrical romanticism and connections with successors that lead even to jazz piano tend to be accessible to contemporary listeners. It is some of the most stirring music ever written, though it does not earn the respect of work written by canonical masters of the genre like Mozart and Beethoven.

When you pair this music with Edo de Waart's baton (now in Hong Kong), Rafael Orozco's keyboard, and the always dependable Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, you've got a situation where artistic ripe fruit is hanging low for the picking.

After you've loved this double CD recording to death, make it a project to introduce someone who needs orchestral music in her life but doesn't see it yet. Rachmaninoff might just be the doorway.

Lovely, lovely music, perhaps even for hearts worn flat by pop culture's single track.

Fantastic.......2006-11-29

As a reviewer said below (I 100% agree), technically, the pianist's technique is virtually godlike (Czifra-like technique). Maybe musically he provides a unique interperetation... but in a positive way! After listeting to about 10 versions of Rachman.concertos, I found the Orozco interpretation and understanding of the concertos to be far the superior!! Originally I had no idea about this recording and wanted to go with Kissin or Kondrashin etc. Also because the quality of this recording is not the top one (but it is not that bad - I just call it "philips sound"). To conclude, to me this is finally the kind of interpretation which makes me stand up from the chair and which makes me chill. Like Heifetz on violin. The performance has unbelievable emotional drive - Orozco is unbelievable. Kissin pales beside him, really.

A decent set.......2006-09-07

Perhaps the greatest virtue of this recording set is that it very nicely comes with the complete set of Rachmaninoff works for Piano and orchestra, but other than that, unfortunately, it counts for little else.

Technically, the playing is solid. However, the interpretation has less soul to it than I would really like in such deep music as this. Many beautiful sections of music are glossed over, such as the opening of the Fourth Concerto, the opening of the Rhapsody, and other parts.

As a complete set, this recording is at best a bargain set with bargain priced playing and sound... However, if you are looking for interpretations of the individual pieces included, each one has at least several more satisfying recordings available. Looking for a complete set is now much easier--check out Nikolai Lugansky's complete set for only about $2 more, last I checked.

Average customer rating:

Ashkenazy - one of the best musicians of our time
Illustrious Dark
Ashkenazy's fluidity: a very good fit with Rachmaninov
My Favorite Rachmaninov Interpreter
Superb set of Rachmaninov's complete Piano works

Rachmaninov: The Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rachmaninov: The Symphonies
Liszt: Piano Works
Chopin: The Piano Works
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Mozart: The Piano Concertos

ASIN: B0000041ML
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: I. Vivace - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: II. Andante - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: III. Allegro vivace - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: I. Moderato - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: II. Adagio sostenuto - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: III. Allegro scherzando - S. Rachmaninoff

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Allegro ma non tanto - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Intermezzo: Adagio - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Finale (Alla breve) - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: Allegro vivace (Alla breve) - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: Largo - S. Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: Allegro vivace - S. Rachmaninoff

Tracks:

Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini: Op. 43 - Rachmaninov
Piano Sonato No. 2 in B Flat Minor, Op. 36: I. Allegro agitato - Rachmaninov
Piano Sonato No. 2 in B Flat Minor, Op. 36: II. Non allegro - Rachmaninov
Piano Sonato No. 2 in B Flat Minor, Op. 36: III. Allegro molto - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 1 in F minor - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 2 in C major - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 3 in C minor - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 4 in D minor - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 5 in E flat minor - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 6 in E flat major - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 7 in G minor - Rachmaninov
8 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 8 in C sharp minor - Rachmaninov
Prelude in C sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2 - Rachmaninov

Tracks:

10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 1 In F Sharp Minor - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 2 In B Flat Major - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 3 in D minor - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 4 In D Major - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 5 In G Minor - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 6 In E Flat Major - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 7 In C Minor - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 8 In A Flat Major - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 9 In E Flat Minor - Rachmaninov
10 Preludes, Op. 23: No. 10 In G Flat Major - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 1 In C Major - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 2 In B Flat Minor - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 3 In E Major - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 4 In E Minor - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 5 In G Major - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 6 In F Minor - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 7 In F Major - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 8 In A Minor - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 9 In A Major - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 10 In B Minor - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 11 In B Major - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 12 In G Sharp Minor - Rachmaninov
13 Preludes, Op. 32: No. 13 In D Flat Major - Rachmaninov

Tracks:

Suite No. 1 for 2 pianos, Op. 5: I. Barcarolle: Allegretto - Rachmaninov
Suite No. 1 for 2 pianos, Op. 5: II. La Nuit, l'Amour: Adagio sostenuto - Rachmaninov
Suite No. 1 for 2 pianos, Op. 5: III. Les Larmes: Largo di molto - Rachmaninov
Suite No. 1 for 2 pianos, Op. 5: IV. Paques: Allegro maestoso - Rachmaninov
Suite No. 2, for 2 pianos, Op. 17: I. Introduction: Alla marcia - Rachmaninov
Suite No. 2, for 2 pianos, Op. 17: II. Valse: Presto - Rachmaninov
Suite No. 2, for 2 pianos, Op. 17: III. Romance: Andantino - Rachmaninov
Suite No. 2, for 2 pianos, Op. 17: IV. Tarantelle - Rachmaninov
Russian Rhapsody for 2 pianos in E minor: Moderato - Vivace - Andante - Rachmaninov
Variations on a theme by Corelli, Op. 42 - Rachmaninov

Tracks:

9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 1 In C minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 2 In A minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 3 In F Sharp Minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 4 In B Minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 5 In E Flat Minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 6 In A Minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 7 In C Minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 8 In D Minor - S. Rachmaninoff
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39: No 9 In D Major - S. Rachmaninoff
Symphonic Dances for 2 pianos, Op. 45: I. Non allegro - Lento - Tempo I - S. Rachmaninoff
Symphonic Dances for 2 pianos, Op. 45: II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse) - S. Rachmaninoff
Symphonic Dances for 2 pianos, Op. 45: III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace - S. Rachmaninoff

Customer Reviews:

Ashkenazy - one of the best musicians of our time.......2005-11-21

I consider Ashkenazy to be one of the most underrated pianists. Since he has this unmarketable father figure image in the piano world many people put him in the backburner of their recollections. First of all, anyone with such a prolific repertoire as Ashkenazy falls under the category of "genius" (Richter was also strong in this area). A pianist, in general, has much more credibility if he/she can tackle a variety of different pieces and styles. Many people assume by default that because he splits his time conducting and plays so much different music... that he is a jack of all trades but master of none.
One of the distinct attributes that Ashkenazy has is his amazing intelligence (this links him to Richter). Unlike Gould and Poglerelich who seem eccentric in a childish way at times, Ashkenazy has a very deep understanding of music and its foundations. He understand the composers styles and dynamics. This really sets him aside from many other pianists. I was pleasantly surprised by this Rachmaninoff. It is very flowing and the orchestra is great (better than in the Richter CD in my opinion). There is a feeling that this music is always going in the right direction. Ashkenazy also doesn't fall in the trap of playing Rach Chopin-style. I like the Richter CD better because I like Richter's temperament... but this is an excellent set for those that might find Richter overwhelming.

Illustrious Dark.......2005-03-19

The pianistic genius of Rachmaninov and his spirit incarnate: Vladimir Ashkenazy. If you have ever heard Rachmaninov play his own music, you probably pondered the impressive talent. But where his personal strengths lay in composition, his performances were a little too eccentric for me. For example, his renditions of militaristic Prelude No. 5 in G minor is a soft, cautious approach; his piano concerto no. 2 played so quickly, there is no time to enjoy each note.

Enter Ashkenazy. He plays that prelude with solid force and quick, snapping fingers, and thunderous chords, climaxing into those beautiful rolling hills...it is played beautifully. And of course, the piano concerto is slowed down to the proper tempo. (Incidentally, I find this concerto has some parts that are played too quickly, thereby losing a sense of largeness to some themes. In later recordings, Jean-Yves Thibaudet performed the concerto exactly to my tastes, and the orchestra was conducted, impressively, by Mr. Ashkenazy himself!)

For the piano enthusiast, this collection is nearly complete. The first three piano concertos are amazing. I grew up with Nos. 3 and then 2, and after a decade of waiting, finally listened to No. 1, which I hold in as high esteem as the later concertos. No. 4 is extremely modern, and I listen to it to let it grow on me, but I will always have a difficult time with this one. It's simply too influenced by his short Hollywood career, I feel. While it stands on its own, compared to the previous three, I tend to skip it.

I've heard Ashkenazy's recordings of the preludes before, but it was nice to finally own them. What can one say? Rachmaninov's forte was the prelude. Nowhere else can you hear chimes and bells with dark Russian themes underlying complex chord structures that scintillate or thunder.

New to me were the two Suites for 2 pianos. While much of it is a bit modern and avant-garde for my tastes, I enjoy them all the same.

For the price, you're getting quite a bargain, though. And if you don't care about the solo piano tracks, London has another release with only the four piano concertos.

Ashkenazy's fluidity: a very good fit with Rachmaninov.......2004-12-09

This boxed set contains the four piano concertos, along with the entire library of pieces for two pianos, and a good selection of Rachmaninov's major works for solo piano.

Packaged in an elegant Decca slimbox, the 6 CDs are simply a pure joy to listen to. Ashkenazy does not delivery the wildest version of the concertos, or the most passionate or energetic. What he delivers is an incredible legato and incomparable touch, with just the right amount of power when necessary. Previn's conducting is a very good fit with Ashkenazy's sobre and elegant interpretation.

Listen to "Les Larmes" - French for "The Tears" - and appreciate Ashkenazy and Previn's rendering of one of Rachmaninov's most emotional pieces.

This boxed set is, in my opinion, the best Rachmaninov package currently available. The sound quality is very good, and it contains a large selection of piano works by one of the world's finest interpreters.

My Favorite Rachmaninov Interpreter.......2003-04-06

while i dont have this particular set, i have most of ashkanazy's recordings via other the sets hes made, im assuming these are the same recordings. these are some of my favorite piano works ive ever heard in large part due to his interpretations of this music. i beleive there isnt an interpretation that i was unhappy with, so if you want all of ashkanasy's piano recordings and piano concertos in one set this is a great buy especially for the price and ammount of music.

Superb set of Rachmaninov's complete Piano works.......2001-02-04

Ashkenazy shows that he is as much at home here as he is playing Beethoven, Chopin, or Mozart. Although these performances may lack the drama of Argerich's tempestuous playing, they are very credible interpretations of the Russian composer's piano music. His performances of the concerti with Previn conducting the London Symphony Orchestra are regarded as among the finest of the entire Rachmaninov cycle. And his performances with Previn on the piano are fine, even if Previn's technique takes a back seat to Ashkenazy's. Aside from the concerti, the real gems have to be Ashkenazy's brilliant performances of the etudes. They are just as refined and as soulful as his excellent recordings of the entire Beethoven piano sonata cycle. This cheap set not only is a splendid introduction to Rachmaninov, but shows Ashkenazy at his finest, playing with technical elegance and lyricism.

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Average customer rating:

ALL IN ALL, UNBEATABLE!
Virtuoso playing in great classic performances ...
Don't let the age of these performances fool you!

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Earl Wild Plays Liszt (The 1985 Sessions)
The Virtuosity of Earl Wild
Earl Wild's Legendary Rachmaninoff Song Transcriptions
Earl Wild at 88
Earl Wild: Virtuoso Piano Transcriptions

ASIN: B00009AQMJ
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

I. Vivace
II. Andante
III. Allegro Vivace
I. Moderato
II. Adagio Sostenuto
III. Allegro Scherzando

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Intermezzo. Adagio -
III. Finale. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Largo -
III. Allegro Vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

ALL IN ALL, UNBEATABLE!.......2006-12-19

Let's face it. A case can be made for Janis/Reiner in the First Concerto. A case can be made for several in the Second Concerto, and if you can put up with the execrable sound, the Horowitz/Barbirolli remains at the summit of all the Third Concertos, and finally a case can be made for Michelangeli/Gracis for the Fourth Concerto, but NO ONE, absolutely NO ONE, has produced a complete set of such supreme pianistic splendor as Wild has here (despite a few cuts sanctioned by the composer).

If you love Rachmaninov, buy this now. CASE CLOSED.

Virtuoso playing in great classic performances ..........2006-03-12

I must warn the reader that I write this (and any other) review mainly for my own pleasure, and to (hopefully and to some reasonable extent clearly) convey to any other person my ideas about what I like or don't like about a recording (hoping to gain some sympathy, consequently ;-). I do not have any true musical knowledge whatsoever: I can't read music and I do not have any knowledge about any of the technical aspects of music as such. So necessarily, any and every review I lay down before you is simply the result of what I hear and feel are the characteristics and/or differences between certain recordings, and what I love about them ...
If I may be allowed to draw a comparison between different performances, I would like to compare these recordings with the ones by Howard Shelley (on Chandos). Elsewhere I have described those performances by Howard Shelley as finely crafted, whereby every note is - to my ear - given extra poignancy. The recordings of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto's by Earl Wild are different. They are more bold performances in the 'romantic' (?) manner maybe, whereby the melodies are played with beautiful legato and are given extra sweep and grandure (helped by the orchestra), with astounding technical bravoura (I can't read music, but this should be obvious even to me?!).
Anyhow, I love these performances, as they are bold, sweeping, full-blooded, with such beautiful (what I would, for lack of a better word, like to call 'singing' or 'soaring') legato. My favorite would be Piano Concerto No. 4. Also, the Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini here receives - to my ears - a wonderfully noble performance, full of technical bravoura (also by the orchestra). (It is certainly one of my favorite pieces for piano and orchestra!)
Nobility of playing is also a defining characteristic everywhere in these recordings, I think, but as a result of this nobility (and maybe exultancy), there may have been a slight loss of lyricism and intimacy in the Second Concerto ... Anyhow, the recorded sound is very full and wide, so that one is able to revel in all of the orchestral and pianistic colors. These are heart-warmingly virtuosic, classic performances that - to the ears of this particular amateur listener - lift this music to a higher plain of excellence, and I - for what it is worth - would like to recommend them to you without reserve.

Don't let the age of these performances fool you!.......2003-12-28

This is a reissue of a reissue...these performances having been recorded originally in the 1960's for Reader's Digest. The performances are simply fabulous! Both conductor and soloist are magnificent in these full-blooded, exciting virtuoso performances. Unfortunately, the 3rd concerto is played with the same cuts Horowitz and Rachmaninoff himself used in their recordings (the earlier Horowitz ones; the one with Ormandy is complete). But don't let that stop you. Wild plays the absolute hell out of the 3rd concerto! And the rest of the performances are just as good. You can't go wrong with this set of all the concertos and the Paganini Rhapsody. Easily one of the best complete sets out there and one of the best 3rds ever recorded!

Sergi Rachmaninoff: Concertos Nos. 1 & 4/Rhapsody, Op. 43

Average customer rating:

If not for William Kapell !
Great CD of classic performances.

Sergi Rachmaninoff: Concertos Nos. 1 & 4/Rhapsody, Op. 43

Manufacturer: Chesky Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto no.2, Isle, etc./Wild, Horenstein
Earl Wild - Rachmaninov: Concerto No. 3 in D Minor for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 30; MacDowell: Concerto No. 2 in D Minor for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 23
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Flute Concerto "Il Gardellino"; Harpsichord Concerto in A major
Beethoven: Symphonies 6 & 8
Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata

ASIN: B000003GD4
Release Date: 1993-01-05

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.4 G minor, Op. 40: Allegro vivace (Alla breve)
Piano Concerto No.4 G minor, Op. 40: Largo
Piano Concerto No.4 G minor, Op. 40: Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No.1 F# minor, Op. 1: Vivace
Piano Concerto No.1 F# minor, Op. 1: Andante
Piano Concerto No.1 F# minor, Op. 1: Allegro vivace
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

If not for William Kapell !.......2007-05-23

At the moment to comment any work for piano and Orchestra of this Russian composer, it' s unavoidable not to talk about William Kapell. He signed for the eternity the most praised reviews.

This album is excellent, in spite of the fact Wild is in another level respect to Kapell.

If I had not listened the monumental version of the First Concerto under Monteux's conduction with the San Francisco Symphony,I would surely have bet by this one.

Something similar happens with the Rhapsody Op.43 in both versions with Rodzinski and Reiner,Kapell makes an impressive tour de force, illuminating the score to unthinkable levels.

Rachmaninov's Fourth Piano Concerto is possibly the least known of the quartet. With this outstanding Op. Sergei surmounted the frontiers of the romantic mood to place himself in a personal atmosphere of cosmic refelxion and precognitive meditation. Profoundly expressive and fiercely played, this work is a true revelation for all those who still ignore or simply have decided include it among another additional piece of the romantic repertoire.

Hovered of a visible introspective feature, the composer seems to be immersed into an atmosphere of livings, without overindulgent inflections, where the changing tonality and rough modulations seduces even the most exigent listener.

This aerial lyricism, is perhaps the main strength and simultaneously, the major weakness, because of the fact it breaks with all the previous canons.

This is honorable and worthy to listen version. But unfortunately or fortunately, according the case, there's a historical performance, never equaled and obviously surmounted. I'm talking about a living register made by William Kapell under Thomas Schippers' s direction with the New York Philharmonic, from 1952. This is the most sublime interpretation never recorded of this work. Listening to Kapell, you will be conveyed from the first bars to another universe, loaded of plethoric emotion, flaming pianism and mercurial energy.

Thanks to the never ending generosity of an unforgettable friend I have a copy of this historical performance that I really hope someday be released commercially.

So, in absence of this last one, this is an honorable option.

Great CD of classic performances........2001-05-04

There are four piano concertos, and the Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, written in 1934 and the last of his works for piano and orchestra. The composer's own mono recordings are indispensable as a point of reference. The best transfers of all five works are on two Naxos CDs issued in 1999.

This is a very fine (and well filled) CD of concertos Nos 1 and 4 and the Paganini Rhapsody, by Earl Wild: this account of the Rhapsody can lay claim to be the most brilliant ever recorded.

If the two concertos are occasionally played a little too quickly for comfort, they can be regarded as a dazzling bonus for the Rhapsody. The recordings date from the mid-1960s but still sound marvellous.

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano & Orchestra No. 1 In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1: I Vivace
Concerto For Piano & Orchestra No. 1 In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1: II Andante
Concerto For Piano & Orchestra No. 1 In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1: III Allegro vivace
Concerto For Piano & Orchestra No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: I Allegro vivace
Concerto For Piano & Orchestra No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: II Largo - attacca subito
Concerto For Piano & Orchestra No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: III Allegro vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43

Amazon.com

These were the performances that generations of music lovers in this country grew up with, and they have survived the test of time remarkably well. The Philadelphia Orchestra plays Rachmaninoff with special authority (it was the composer's favorite orchestra), and Ormandy was one of the composer's best friends as a conductor. Philippe Entremont himself never enjoyed a reputation as one of the world's most exciting pianists, but then you put on the recording and it all sounds so good, so intelligently performed. The First and Fourth piano concertos enjoy nothing like the popularity of the Second and Third, but this inexpensive disc ought to win them many new friends. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Rachamaninov, Entremont y Ormandy - geniales.......2004-09-14

No hay mucho que decir de Rachmaninov que no se haya dicho, ahora bien en este caso, recordar que estos son dos de sus conciertos menos apreciados por el público, no por su calidad sino por la supremacia que tienen el Nº 2 y Nº 3.
Asi lo primero que se hay que hacer es tomar con calma la audición y entregarse a lo que seguramente sera una novedad.
Son dos conciertos plenos de Rachmaninov, uno que nos muestra los primeros pasos firmes en el mundo de los conciertos y el siguiente que esta despues de dos grandiosos, es una gran obra clásica de las que se escucha muy pocas veces.
Entremont se entrega en cuerpo y corazón para hacer de estos conciertos dos nuevas pequeñas obras de arte, Ormandy como lo he dicho antes, acompaña como sólo él lo sabe hacer, de la mejor forma con la mejor orquesta y los mejores interpretes.
Ahora si lo anterior lo dejo meditando o indeciso, escuche la Rapsodia sobre un tema de Paganini, para finalizar y no le cabra duda de que tiene un gran CD de Rachmaninov en las manos. Entremon sera añadido a su lista de solistas preferidos y sabra con certeza que como Eugene Ormandy, hubieron muy pocos.

To be brief..........2004-04-14

When it comes to Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, it will has to be either Ashkenazy with Previn leading the London Symphony Orchestra on Decc, or this recordings made decades ago with Entremont, Ormandy, and the legendary Philadelphia Orchestra. Just by knowing the orchestra (long considered the nation's finest at the time) and the conductor (a major virtuoso to many critics), as well as the splendid performance on the piano, explains a lot of it.

Go ahead and look for others, but I definitely recommend this and the other I've mentioned.

Oh yeah.... this CD, and the other CD with Lenny and Entremont doing the 2nd, and Watts and Ozawa on the 3rd, already completes a music appreciation student's guide to Rachmoninoff's music for piano and orchestra. For just $15!!!

Period.

Over 40 years old----and still the best!.......2002-02-26

44 years ago my English-born grandfather---a gifted, classically trained pianist and music critic in Ottawa Canada---introduced me to what he claimed was "the best recording of the best piano performance" he'd ever heard. I can still see that black vinyl record with its gray 'Columbia Masterworks' label turning on my grandfather's record player---as I, with goose bumps, listened for the first time to Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. A young French pianist, Philippe Entremont was performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy.

Today (February 25/02) I took delivery of the "Sony Essential Classics" CD remix of this, my all-time favorite classical music recording (dispatched in record time by Amazon.com). I was again transported by the same beauty that so overwhelmed me as a young boy, this time shaken with tears of joy, and saying aloud to myself: "What a composition! What a performance! What a recording!"

I was interested to learn that the re-mix for CD by engineer Chris Herles involved producer Howard H. Scott who was producer of the original recording February 1, 1958 at Philadelphia's Broadwood Hotel. Only the inadequate liner notes (so typical of today's "budget" recordings) reflect the amazingly low price of this CD which offers improved sound over the original, vinyl Columbia record. (Seems to me grandfather was always praising English and German classical recordings, and was underwhelmed by Columbia's "Masterworks.") But this CD version from Sony is a treat for the ears.

According to the original liner notes (not included with the CD) Rachmaninoff composed the "Rhapsody" during a 41-day period in 1934; it received its debut with the great pianist himself as soloist less than three months later (November 7) with the Philadelphia Orchestra, under the baton of Leopold Stokowski.

The meager liner notes for the CD have nothing to say about the featured pianist. The original album noted that Entremont was wildly acclaimed at London's Festival Hall (a month later March 9, 1958) with a reviewer for the London Daily Telegraph declaring "the young French pianist . . . is nothing less than a genius." The ever-conservative London Times summed up this performance succinctly: "In Rachmaninoff's Paganini Rhapsody his sparkling fingerwork and his wonderfully evocative tone coloring and phrasing completely transformed the work from the mere finger-exercise-ground we often hear into the subtle and seductive spell of the kind that Paganini himself would lay upon his listeners."

Coincidentally today, from another source listed at Amazon.com, I obtained another recording of the same work, featuring Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy. It is a wonderful recording, beautifully played. But the Entremont/Ormandy/Philadelphia is the definitive version for a couple of reasons: Entremont when he was young was not only the fleetest-fingered pianist imaginable, but his shading, his ability to modulate his volume with feeling at breathtaking speed, has never been equaled. Beyond that, there is what could only be described as an 'organic' integration of piano and orchestra into some great, supremely coordinated, unified 'creature'---which makes this the unsurpassed performance of a lifetime.

Grandpa, if you're looking down (and may we assume the music is even better up there?) your opinion of 44 years ago still holds true down here.

Mark Blackburn
Winnipeg Canada

A great recording of a great era.......2001-07-25

This recording on its own really affords the listener an opportunity to peer into the great era of Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra playing Rachmaninoff. The result is truly memorable.

This recording--very well done for the era--really allows the listener to hear how Ormandy brought out the intent and message of Rachmaninoff. This 1st Concerto is the version most remiscent of Grieg or Schumann that I have heard. A quite different recording.

It is the 4th Concerto that really left an impression on me. Phillipe Entremont brings an entirely different approach to this piece from other recordings. His tempos, at times faster, at times slower than in other recordings, magnificently explore the possibilities of this Concerto. Throughout there is a certain huskiness to the piano playing that comes across surprisingly well. Ormandy, meanwhile, magnificently responds with his Philadelphia Orchestra playing at its heights of musicianship.

One would have to listen to the original recordings with Rachmaninoff himself to get a more distinctive version of these concertos (or the Benedetti-Michelangeli recording of the 4th). And, despite all efforts, the original Rachmaninoff (with Ormandy or Stokowski) recordings are still very grainy and primitive. In this disc you will find the glorious Philadelphia sound captured in a truly well-balanced and generously spacious recording. At bargain price, any interested listener simply cannot go wrong purchasing this recording, even if one does not wish too much duplication in one's collection.

The Best Available.......2000-09-27

This is the best available recording of all the CDs coupling the First and Fourth Piano Concertos of Rachmaninov. I originally purchased the Historical Naxos disc that features Rachmaninov himself on piano, but I just couldn't get passed the mono recordings. The performances were excellent and I even wrote a four-star review of that title, but I just needed better sound for my definitive recording. So I bought this and my search was over! Entremont is a wonderfully expressive pianist, and you can't beat Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra (Ormandy was on the Naxos too by the way). Throw in "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" and the fact that this CD costs only $8, and you should have no doubts.

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Vivace
Andante
Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro Vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43

Tracks:

I. Moderato
II. Adagio Sostenuto
III. Allegro Scherzando
Allegro
Intermezzo. Adagio
Finale. Allegro

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 4; Paganini Rhapsody

Average customer rating:

A solid disc of Rachmaninoff lesser heard concertos
Rachmaninoff Masterpieces with nothing special

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 4; Paganini Rhapsody

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Rachmaninov: Concerto for piano in Cm; Concerto for piano in Dm

ASIN: B000009CJB
Release Date: 2000-08-23

Tracks:

Vivace
Andante
Allegro Vivace - Andante ma Non Troppo - Tempo Primo
Allegro Vivace
Largo
Allegro Vivace
Introduction
Variation 1
Theme
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11
Variation 12
Variation 13
Variation 14
Variation 15
Variation 16
Variation 17
Variation 18
Variation 19
Variation 20
Variation 21
Variation 22
Variation 23
Variation 24

Customer Reviews:

A solid disc of Rachmaninoff lesser heard concertos.......2000-05-01

While I would agree with the previous reviewer that there are perhaps better interpretations of each of these works (particularly Janis in the 1st and Rubinstein in the Rhapsody), I still feel this disc gives excellent value for the money. Certainly Rachmaninoff's 2nd and 3rd concertos are more widely heard, and people will probably want to get a higher profile pianist for each (I like Richter in the 2nd and either Horowitz or Argerich in the 3rd). However, this disc makes a good complement for someone who has such copies of 2 and 3 and wants to sample Rachmaninoff's lesser heard works for a reasonable price. I would characterize Glemser's playing more as impetuous rather than merely speedy or facile, and for $6, I am well satisfied with this disc.

Rachmaninoff Masterpieces with nothing special.......1999-04-30

Glesmer has been a good player in the Naxos game-witness his Scriabin Sonatas and the Tchaikovsky Concertos. However, in Rachmaninoff he plays all the notes, and the orchestra is with him all the time, but there is no profile, nothing special about these performances. They are like driving in a very fast car and you have a pleasant experience, but you come away feeling unfulfilled. Spend more money and hear Byron Janis in the First concerto, Tamas Vasary, Phillippe Entremont or Vladimir Ashkenazy in the Fourth, or William Kapell, Julius Katchen or Artur Rubinstein in the Rhapsody.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding in Concertos 1 and 4, but a bit tepid after that
Beauty and skill

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

I. Vivace
II. Andante
III. Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Largo
III. Allegro Vivace
Introduction (Allegro Vivace) & Variation I
Tema & Variation II
Variation III
Variation IV
Variation V
Variation VI
Variation VII (Meno Mosso, A Tempo Moderato)
Variation VIII (Tempo I)
Variation IX
Variation X
Variation XI
Variation XII (Tempo Di Minuetto)
Variation XIII (Allegro)
Variation XIV
Variation XV (Piu Vivo, Scherzando)
Variation XVI (Allegretto)
Variation XVII
Variation XVIII (Andante Cantabile, A Tempo Vivace)
Variation XIX
Variation XX (Un Poco Piu Vivo)
Variation XXI (Un Poco Piu Vivo)
Variation XXII (Un Poco Piu Vivo, Alla Breve)
Variation XXIII
Variation XXIV (A Tempo Un Poco Meno Mosso)

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Sostenuto
III. Allegro Scherzando
I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
II. Intermezzo (Adagio)
III. Finale (Alla Breve)

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding in Concertos 1 and 4, but a bit tepid after that.......2006-07-05

Most people will uby this bargain two-fer for the most popular works: Rachmaninov's Concertos #2 and #3, along with the Pagnini Rhapsody, far outstrip the other two concertos in public favor. But Anievas is too well-mannered in all three works, and his conductors, Alzman and Ceccato, are equally uninspired.

Where this set takes off is in the lesser known concertos, #1 and #4, where Anievas, an American who emerged in the pack of young pianists in the Sixties, becomes inspired by Fruhbeck de Burgos, who does wonders with the orchestral part. These are also the best-sounding recordings here. Between them, conductor and pianist find a gentler, more lyrical way to perform these hard-to-pull-off concertos, and they succeed by not trying to knock your socks off. Highly recommended, but you may want to skip the rest unless you like reticent Rachmaninov playing.

Beauty and skill.......2006-04-30

My first purchase for Concertos 1-4 was Ashkenazy with Previn conducting. I found it to be very accurate, but more analytical and lifeless. The recording quality was very clear, but thin. The players seemed far away.

This recording is perhaps not as detailed as the Askenazy, but it is very present and full of energy. The playing is so beautiful and filled with life that it is a joy to listen--I become involved in the music. Very glad I purchased--I sold Ashkenazy and kept this.

Average customer rating:

finally true positif music from Rach !

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 4

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Pno Con No.4 in g, Op.40: I. Allegro Vivace (Alla Breve)
Pno Con No.4 in g, Op.40: II. Largo
Pno Con No.4 in g, Op.40: III. Allegro Vivace (Revised Version)
Pno Con No.4 in g, Op.40: III. Allegro Vivace (Original Version)
Pno Con No.1 in f#, Op.1: I. Vivace - Moderato - Vivace
Pno Con No.1 in f#, Op.1: II. Andante
Pno Con No.1 in f#, Op.1: III. Allegro Vivace

Customer Reviews:

finally true positif music from Rach !.......2006-01-18

True positif music from this composer. Since I have heard pianoconcerto 2 and 3 this composer is my favourite and will long stay that way. This recording deserves only five stars.

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1. Vivace
2. Andante
3. Allegro Vivace
4. Allegro Vivace. Alla Breve
5. Largo
6. Allegro Vivace
7. Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43
8. Moderato
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