Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Works

Editorial Reviews
Indianapolis Star
". . . reminiscent of (dare we say it?) Horowitz."

About the Artist
During nearly twenty years as a full-time concert pianist, Frederick Moyer had established a vital musical career that has taken him to thirty-six countries and to such far-flung venues as Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Sydney Opera House, Windsor Castle, Carnegie Recital Hall, Tanglewood, and the Kennedy Center. He has appeared as piano soloist with world renowned orchestras including the Cleveland, Philadelphia and Minnesota Orchestras, the St. Louis, Dallas, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Baltimore,... read more

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Works

Tracks:

Prelude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 3, No. 2
Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5
The Flight Of The Bumblebee
Elegie, Op. 3, No. 1
Barcarolle, Op. 10, No. 3
Liebesfreud
Liebesleid
Melodie, Op. 3, No. 3
Etude-Tableau In B Minor, Op. 39, No. 4
Wohin?
Polichinelle, Op. 3, No. 4
Polka De V.R.
Prelude In G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5
Serenade, Op. 3, No. 5
Minuet
Hopak
Etude-Tableau In A Minor, Op. 39, No. 6
Humoresque Op. 10, No. 5
The Star-Spangled Banner

Amazon.com

This collection of Rachmaninoff's solo piano performances relies on a mix of old and new technologies. Between 1919 and 1929, Rachmaninoff cut these 19 performances to piano rolls, which would then be played back through reproducing pianos capable of accurately re-creating the original performances through pneumatic devices that animated the rolls with living nuances and shades--a facet that differentiated the classier reproduction keyboards from the more common "player pianos." This set updates the technology with electronic devices--transparently, though expertly, replacing the pneumatics. Played back on a Bösendorfer Reproducing Piano, this collection sounds astounding, full of Rachmaninoff's lickety-quick motion and his punching intensity when striking the keys. There are 18 Rachmaninoff selections--some of them collaborations--and one gem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," taken to new places in this 1919 reading. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff is in the house!.......2007-02-08

Superb sound quality! This is not a remastered recording made back in the '50's. This is actually Rachmaninoff performing via a special, pressure-sensitive type player piano. It truly sounds like he was recorded live with our current technology. The accompanying booklet explains everything very clearly.

Rachmaninoff was not only an exceptional composer, he was also an exceptional (if that is a strong enough term) performer. This CD allows you to experience his performing abilities as though you were sitting with him today. Great CD for every collection, even if you only casually listen to classical music on a rare occasion.

Rachmaninoff Rocks!

Wonderful!!!.......2006-07-15

No, I'm not a kid. But I am quite the Rachmaninoff ethusiast;I own all his recordings, both acoustic/electric and piano roll. Before buying these discs (i.e. the two volumes of A Window In Time), I read the reviews here, and was a bit reluctant in purchasing them after having read the negative ones. They claim that "there is no music" in these cds, that the "performances" are uncharacteristic of Mr. Rachmaninoff. But after comparing these performances with those recorded centuries ago, they do indeed seem to be accurate. Though they were digitally transferred, the authenticity is still there. I actually wonder if the naysayers only bash this collection because of the fact that these rolls were converted in such a way, and because of this formed a harsh bias. The alternative to these recordings on Decca are nice sounding though the tempi are a bit off, as proven by the recordings of the master himself playing. This is especially evident in the G minor Prelude; the Decca version is simply too slow and simply unlike Rachmaninoff. The version here, however, sounds very much like his playing. Despite my praises, there are two flaws I find in AWIT.The first is the use of a Boesendorfer that at times sounds awkward,like in the ending of Elegy; personally I would have loved for these to have been somehow transferred onto a Steinway, and Rachmaninoff would agree with me, as he performed exclusively on Steinways. The second flaw is that, yes, that little bit of sponteneity found in the acoustic/electric recordings is missing, but of course neither anyone nor anything can reproduce Rachmaninoff's pianism in a flawless but Rachmaninoff himself. I strongly reccommend both volumes of "A Window in Time". Try not to let the negative reviewers sway you, decide for yourself.

Where Does This Take us to?.......2005-10-13

Wonderful music most brilliantly played, with no coughings or whatever. Many of them are celebrated pieces too. But I won't for a moment suggest any serious piano music lover to really compare it with Rachmaninov's RCA recordings even if you have the heavy hissings of the latter on the other side of the balance. You will probaly more fun if you could just concentrate on what this technology could achieve.

The dead come alive.......2005-01-14

This is the best reconstruction of historic playing you'll ever hear, in part because while Rachmaninoff is playing it's as if he were installed on a big Boesendorfer in your living room. Finally we hear why in his time R. was if anything a bigger name as performer than as composer. Wonderful music, with rich recorded sound, and the always-exquisite sound of the Boesendorfer.

Truly Magnificent!.......2004-07-19

I just got this CD and with some trepidations sat back and listened intently from start to finish. WOW!! I was hoping that the negative reviews about mechanical and robotic playing would not be too accurate. Well those reviews were utterly absurd, these are MAGNIFICENT recordings! To paraphrase the liner notes, we can thank our lucky stars that we live in a time that technology can bring us this close to the great Rachmaninoff! From some of the reviews one could think this is some sort of computer generated music, robotic and lifeless. Nothing could be further from the truth. The humanity, soul and beauty of the playing leaps out at you. We owe Mr. Stahnke a debt of gratitude for this labor of love. This is art restoration of a high order, not technological interference. To fault this incredible "remastering" of the orginal rolls is like faulting the new digital transfers of old analog tape. It is not "interfering" with original recordings, it is restoration. Purist debates and Bose versus Stein arguments are meaningless when hearing Rachmaninoff play with this level of clarity and beauty of sound. Just like digital transfer of classic films or "cleaning" of masterpiece paintings, this is technology being used to increase our experience of the original intent, not to alter it. I have ordered the second one as well and will purchase every single issue of old piano roll masters that is restored like this. Don't hesitate, these are truly magnificent recordings that will not disappoint. Five stars without reservation!

Haydn, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Balakirev / Lang Lang

Average customer rating:

Is individualism in music really that bad?
Not sure what to think
I don't understand this obsession with Lang Lang. . .
personal preference
Great performance

Haydn, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Balakirev / Lang Lang
Joseph Haydn , Sergei Rachmaninoff , Johannes Brahms , Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky , and Mily Balakirev
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Lang Lang Live at Carnegie Hall
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Memory [Includes Bonus CD]
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Paganini Rhapsody
Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn: First Piano Concertos

ASIN: B000059SYO
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

I. Moderato
II. Allegretto
III. Finale: Presto
I. Allegro Agitato
II. Non Allegro/Lento
III. Allegro Molto
I. Intermezzo In A Minor
II. Intermezzo In A Minor
III. Ballade In G Minor
IV. Intermezzo In F Minor
V. Romanze In F Major
VI. Intermezzo In E Flat Minor
Dumka (Russian Rustic Scene)
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor
Islamey (Oriental Fantasy)

Amazon.com

This CD, apparently a recording debut, presents a Chinese pianist in his teens in live performance (at Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood). It has many successful elements. The first one is the pianist's selection of Haydn to begin his program, since few pianists these days bother to investigate the riches of Haydn's prodigious piano output. Lang proves thoroughly sympathetic to Haydn's idiom, in a delightful, witty performance. It's a huge distance from Haydn to Rachmaninoff, but Lang has complete command of Rachmaninoff's extravagant virtuosity, and he makes this bombastic piece--not one of the composer's best--sound like convincing music. The most impressive performance on the disc is the Brahms set, on which the playing is poised and mature. The way Lang builds the crescendo in the central section of the final Intermezzo is the work of a mature artist, whatever his age. The uncommon Tchaikovsky pieces are also excellent. Only in the final Balakirev, where Lang sounds just a trifle cautious, can one have even slight reservations about his abilities; perhaps he was just tiring at the end of the concert. Unlike many CDs issued today, this one makes a very satisfying listening program, just like the recital it reproduces (with excellent sound quality). --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Is individualism in music really that bad?.......2007-05-29

I bought this disc alongside Yundi Li's Chopin debut album recorded with DG.
Frankly, Yundi's debut album was much more easy to the ears than Lang Lang's Tanglewood recital, unless you happen (and rarely) to dislike Chopin. My listening rate of this album to Yundi Li's was around 1 to 4 initially, gradually to out numbering the other.
Why so? The opening Haydn may account for some thing. It isn't badly played, but it is not movingly played. Lang simply hadn't warmed up yet. Then the other pieces in the set are not really charmers like Yundi's Chopin album.
However, once you are able to move beyond Haydn, you get into the performance arena of young Lang, and inevitably his playing captures the listener like magnet, starting with the Rachmanioff sonata, and bringing you right through to the last 'showpiece'. There has to be that amount of performance concentration, the uptight emotional depth, and the musicality running through ALL those pieces, ALWAYS backed up by outstanding dexterity in playing.
Oh, yea, you may call Lang's style showy; but if a performer is souless and deathly boring, what would you call him/her then? And to be showy implies that there IS some thing to be shown.

Not sure what to think.......2007-03-01

I love Lang's interpretation of the Haydn because it is so immaculate. He listens carefully that every note is placed carefully.

I'm not sure what is going through Lang's head with the Rachmaninoff, or the Brahms or the Tchaikovsky because everyone seems to have something negative to say about his playing. But I reserve judgement of his playing of the heavyweight compositions here for a later time.

I don't understand this obsession with Lang Lang. . . .......2007-01-08

I remember seeing Lang Lang play the Balakirev Islamey as part of a special on him (not a recital) on television. It was probably the worst performance of the piece I've ever heard. With all due respect, the piece is physically very demanding. I think Lang Lang put this on his program to prove a point and fails to do so. Clearly, it is out of Lang Lang's range. It may not be later in his career, but at this point, it definitely is. If you look at Evgeny Kissin, he wasn't playing Islamey, Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 3 or Stravinsky's Three Movements from Petroushka as one of his first performances or recordings. Kissin's way has always been to take a piece, no matter what it is, and go about three extra miles.

If you want to hear this piece played as it is meant to be heard, Andrei Gavrilov's performance of Islamey is second to none. His electrifying performance has amazing technique and power.

There is something about everything Lang Lang plays that is unnatural, a bad kind of unnatural. Quirky mannerisms don't belong in every piece that a pianist plays. Horowitz had a certain kind of quirkiness, but it is called personality. Lang Lang is a quirky pianist just for the sake of being quirky, with no consistency at all - it is not his personality, but a distraction from the music.

If you ever see Lang Lang in live performance, why does he make so much superfluous movement? A Lang Lang performance is about Lang Lang, and not his music. If you want to hear a supervirtuoso who is dedicated to the music, I recommend Martha Argerich, Evgeny Kissin or the up-and-coming pianist Sergio Tiempo. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Tiempo.

I don't really care if you think this review is useful or not, I'm just a pianist who feels very strongly against Lang Lang, and believe that his following is a bunch of people that don't fully understand (or understand at all) the art of the piano.

personal preference.......2006-07-29

For some of these pieces, I prefer the recordings of artists such as Daniel Barenboim, Martha Argerich, Emanuel Ax, Byron Janis, or John Ogdon.

Great performance.......2006-07-18

Lang Lang has an electrifying technique and style. I'm a professional classical musician, and I've listened to some recordings of the pianists that were mentioned here by other reviewers. All I have to say is that good music and great musicians should move people's heart. And Lang Lang does just that. If you thought Brahms was dull and Balakirev was trashy, you should listen to this CD.

If he keeps up, I think Lang Lang is going to be a legend.

Average customer rating:

Rach and Bach, together at last, Moyer is exquisite
Highly recommended!
A beautiful sampling of Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Jri Recordings
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

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits
Rhapsody In Blue, etc.
Etudes Tableaux
Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff

ASIN: B00000IKTQ
Release Date: 1994-01-01

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.

Rachmaninoff: Complete Works For Piano And Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Underrated

Rachmaninoff: Complete Works For Piano And Orchestra
Kocsis , Waart , and San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Philips/Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005O83Z
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

Vivace
Andante
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Vivace. Alla Breve
Largo
Allegro Vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43
Moderato
Adagio Sostenuto
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Intermezzo
Finale
Vocalise; Op. 34 No.14

Customer Reviews:

Underrated .......2005-02-19

Zoltan Kocsis is one of the finest pianist of our time. His interpretations of Debussy, Liszt, Chopin, Grieg, BARTOK, and Rachmaninov are priceless. There is always a perfect balance between technique and musicality. This CD certainly is no exception. I am glad Philips reissue this collection. A must for Rachmaninov collectors. Only if they reissue his Rachmaninov Sonata/Etudes-Tableaux cd in the US. Be sure to get his orchestra conductings as well (for ex. Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra).

Average customer rating:

Words cannot explain how great his playing is!
Buy it if you like Rachmaninov (which you should)
A Mild Disagreement
An Essential Recording
Overall, a satisfying set!

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000DI3E
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

Theme & Variations 1-14, 19-28, 31 & 32: Variations In C Minor, WoO 80 (Excerpts)
Ballade No.3 In A Flat, Op.47
Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
Waltz No. 7 In C Sharp Minor, Op.64 No.2
Waltz No. 8 In A Flat, Op.64 No.3
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35 'Funeral March': 1 Grave. Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35 'Funeral March': 2 Scherzo - Piu lento - Tempo I
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35 'Funeral March': 3 March funebre. Lento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35 'Funeral March': 4 Finale. Presto
Carnaval, Op.9: 1 Preambule
Carnaval, Op.9: 2 Pierrot
Carnaval, Op.9: 3 Arlequin
Carnaval, Op.9: 4 Valse noble
Carnaval, Op.9: 5 Eusebius
Carnaval, Op.9: 6 Florestan
Carnaval, Op.9: 7 Coquette
Carnaval, Op.9: 8a Replique
Carnaval, Op.9: 8b Sphinxes
Carnaval, Op.9: 9 Papillons
Carnaval, Op.9: 10 A.S.C.H.-S.C.H.A. (Lettres dansantes)
Carnaval, Op.9: 11 Chiarina
Carnaval, Op.9: 12 Chopin
Carnaval, Op.9: 13 Estrella
Carnaval, Op.9: 14 Reconnaissance
Carnaval, Op.9: 15 Pantalon e Colombine
Carnaval, Op.9: 16a Valse Allamande
Carnaval, Op.9: 16b Intermezzo: Paganini - Valse allemande (reprise)
Carnaval, Op.9: 17 Aveu
Carnaval, Op.9: 18 Promenade
Carnaval, Op.9: 19 Pause
Carnaval, Op.9: 20 Marche des 'Davidsbundler' contre les Philistins
Chants polonais de Frederic Chopin, S.480: 1 The Maiden's Wish
Chants polonais de Frederic Chopin, S.480: 6 Return Home

Tracks:

Violin Partita No.3 In E, BWV 1006: Preludio
Violin Partita No.3 In E, BWV 1006: Gavotte
Violin Partita No.3 In E, BWV 1006: Gigue
Flight Of The Bumble-bee
Scherzo From 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Man lebt nur einmal (Valse caprice, Op.167 No.2)
Lullaby, Op.16 No.1
Novembre: Troika (From 'Les saisons,' Op.37b)
Rachmaninoff: Polka de V.R.
Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op. No.2
Melody In E, Op.3 No.3
Humoresque In G, Op.10 No.5
Moment Musical In E Flat Minor, Op.16 No.2
Prelude In G Flat, Op.23 No.10
Prelude In E, Op.32 No.3
Prelude In F Minor, Op.32 No.6
Prelude In F, Op.32 No.7
Etude -Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2
Etude - Tableau In E Flat, Op.33 No.7
Daisies, Op.38 No.3
Oriental Sketch
Liebesleid
Liebesfreud

Amazon.com

The commercial success of the Rachmaninoff disc A Window in Time defied the odds and became a chart topper: here were recordings not of the great pianist-composer but of his piano rolls. Only problem: they were just piano rolls. By contrast, these discs (part of Philips's comprehensive Great Pianists series) offer an affordable chance to hear the real Rach in action, and they're not to be missed. The composer's big hands tackle Chopin's Funeral March Sonata with a sobering grace and power that still sound timeless. Schumann's Carnival, despite low fidelity, is breathtaking in Rachmaninoff's colorful hands. Hearing the composer play his own works on disc 2 is a revelation: his style is neither flashy nor subdued. Oriental Sketch is expressive and rollicking but never overdone. The sound quality on these recordings ranges from fair to good (surface noise is always apparent), but to fans of Rachmaninoff (and great piano playing), a little hiss can be easily ignored. These recordings have a ton of character and life. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Words cannot explain how great his playing is!.......2004-01-01

It would be worth creating a time machine just to go see Rachmaninoff play! The playing on this set is truly spectacular. I had the same problem as the earlier reviewer, I regretted buying this CD because I could have bought his complete recording from RCA. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent sample of the playing of one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. It's a shame that Rachmaninoff didn't record any other large-scaled works other than the Chopin Funeral March Sonata and the Schumann Carnaval.

The recording of the Chopin Sonata is my favorite favorite recording along with the Horowitz recording on Sony. The Schumann Carnaval is my absolute favorite of this work, there is no comparison!
All the other smaller pieces on this set are played to perfection. The Chopin ballade and scherzo are beautifully played. It's a joy to hear some of these transcriptions played, some of them are neglected these days. Everyone interested in Rachmaninoff should own recordings of him playing his own music, the selections here are wonderful.
The sound quality is obviously nothing near todays standards, and understandably so considering the recording dates range from 1921-1942.

Overall this set his HIGHLY recommended, if you wouldn't be bothered by the poor sound quality. Rachmaninoff's playing has what many pianists today lack, which is individuality and imagination.

Buy it if you like Rachmaninov (which you should).......2001-07-07

Rachmaninov is one of the very greatest piano artists of the twentieth century. He was a complete piano artist, rather than a specialist, in the sense that he was both a piano composer and a piano virtuoso. Any serious piano collection is not complete without some Rachmaninov recordings. The only reason I regret buying the present disk is because now I prefer to buy the complete recordings of Rachmaninov, which subsumes this disk. The highlights of the present disk in my mind is (1) the Chopin funeral march sonata, (2) the Schumann "Carnaval", and (3) Rachmaninov's performances of his own compositions. The best recordings of the chopin sonata in my mind are the present recording, recordings by Cortot, and more recently, by Pollini and Ashkenazy. The best recordings in my mind of "Carnaval" are the present recording, and again Cortot's rendition. There aren't many comparable modern recordings of "Carnaval", which is disappointing since this is such an incredible piece. Of course there are many outstanding performances of Rachmaninov's compositions, my favorite being Richter; but of course anyone seriously interested in Rachmaninov's piano compositions will be very interested in hearing the composer perform his own works. An outstanding, albeit dated, set of recordings.

A Mild Disagreement.......2000-12-30

I just want to enter my mild disagreement with the "Music Fan from Pittsburgh", whose less than total endorsement of this recording might put off some folks, even though the reviewer did recommend it. These performances of Carnaval and the Chopin Sonata are two of the most astonishing piano performances I have ever heard, and I've been a student of the piano and pianists for well over 50 years now. Yes, Rubinstein's Scherzi are also essential; I'm not so sure about Pollini's Sonata (fabulous pianism that just leaves me cold). Rachmaninoff is in that rarified category of the 5 or 10 greatest pianists of the 20th century, and like each of them, he was absolutely unique. Anyone who wants to collect the work of the greatest pianists needs to have every note that Rachmaninoff recorded.

An Essential Recording.......2000-09-04

It depends on what you want. If I wasn't a collector of piano works in particular, I would look elsewhere for the particular pieces on this disk. In particular, I'd choose Rubinstein for Chopin's Scherzi and Ballade and Pollini for the Chopin Sonata. The main reason is the sound quality on this disk is inferior to other first rate recordings. On the other hand, if you are a collector to some degree, this disk really is essential. The choice of pieces is wonderful. The Chopin, Beethoven, Schumann, and Liszt and all very wonderful pieces, and indeed the playing is more than first rate. Not to mention the interest of hearing Rachmaninov playing his own works. I enjoy listening to this cd despite the sound quality, and as long as you aren't looking for exactly the best recordings of these particular pieces, I'd suggest you put it on your buying list.

Overall, a satisfying set!.......2000-07-28

I subtracted one star for sound quality. In spite of that, this is a wonderful set. No one will ever replace Rachmaninoff: his distinctive, top-notch pianism and his mostly-melancholy compostition genius.

Tracks:

Pastorale
Allegro moderato e cantabile
Op. 8, No.1
Op.14, No.2 Ritterzug
Novelle, Op.17, No.1
Op.20, No.1
Op.26, No.2
Op.26, No.3
Danza Festiva, Op.38
Op.51, No.3
Theme
Variations I-XVII
Intermezzo
Variations XVIII-XXII

Product Description

Medtner and Rachmaninov: Two Friends Two different in personalities and values, Medtner and Rachmaninov were close friends throughout their lives. Medtner was a true poet of the piano, writing exclusively for his favorite instrument. He composed fourteen Sonatas for piano and over thirty "Fairy Tales." Believing that he was inspired by God, he possessed an incredible creativity which allowed him to write a multitude of beautiful themes and melodies without ever repeating himself. The texture of his works is mostly polyphonic, with layers and melodies in rich profusion. Rachmaninov, however, was interested in conducting, performing and composing for different instruments and genres. After leaving Russia, Rachmaninov exhausted his sources of melodic imagination and frequently based his compositions on a tune by another composer or on folk music. For the piano, he wrote Preludes, Musical Moments, and two Sonatas. Rachmaninov uses a more homophonic approach, so his themes---beautiful, singing and expansive---are much easier to comprehend and memorize than those of Medtner. This album put the pieces by these two dear friends together, so the listeners could enjoy such similar yet different approach to the piano writing.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Now & Again [Import]

American Music for 2 Pianos

Ariettes Et Cavatines

Screw Tape In the Deck [Explicit Lyrics]

Alpine Otra Galaxia [Import]

Aromatherapy: Sensual [Import]

Bless the People

Amusement Parks on Fire

All Strings Considered