Rachmaninov's Piano Works

[orbital]

I guess it's just a matter of editing your OP title. We'll be sure to give your query the attention it deserves.   

I thought it was already done. I am seeing Rachmaninov Recordings as the title now.

[orbital]

well if you like that style you might love this film which uses a lot of music by Satie including in this masterpiece scene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwYNiRaeJEA

Yes, that's one film I have to see -as soon as I can locate a copy of course. Thanks tony

[George]

I thought it was already done. I am seeing Rachmaninov Recordings as the title now.

Yes, you were changing it as I was posting. Thanks!

[bhodges]

Would you like all post titles changed to match the first one?

--Bruce

[Drasko]

Yes, that's one film I have to see -as soon as I can locate a copy of course. Thanks tony

You make it sound like attempting a search for El Dorado.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Louis-Malle-Collection-Vol-DVD/dp/B000ENUWF6

[orbital]

Would you like all post titles changed to match the first one?

--Bruce

Thanks Bruce, but I don't think that is necessary. The talk so far has been about MM anyway.

You make it sound like attempting a search for El Dorado.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Louis-Malle-Collection-Vol-DVD/dp/B000ENUWF6

Yes, I was still under the influence of the wrist-slitter  had that tune as the background to that post so I couldn't help being a bit dramatic

[haydnguy]

I have a gaping hole in my collection with regards to Rachmaninov that needs filling. Would very much appreciate recommendations of his work. I think I only have the Ashkenazy PC's and the Argerich PC #3 with Chailly. Thanks...

[George]

I have a gaping hole in my collection with regards to Rachmaninov that needs filling. Would very much appreciate recommendations of his work. I think I only have the Ashkenazy PC's and the Argerich PC #3 with Chailly. Thanks...

I assume you like Ashy? If so, Ashkenazy's preludes are great (Decca Legends), I also like Anievas's complete Preludes on EMI. Odgon's Etudes Tableaux are also great (Testament), for the sonatas, I like Santiago Rodriguez in #1, Horowitz live Carnegie Hall 1981 in #2.

Richter's incomplete set of Etudes and Preludes on Regis is essential IMO.   

Fiorentino has his supporters, but I haven't heard it enough to recommend his Rachmaninoff, as of yet.

The first edition of Rachmaninoff's Complete Recordings on 10CDs was mastered by Ward Marston and is an important addition to any collection IMO. The one in this box has better mastering. 

If you want more PC recordings, I recommend Janis's recordings of 1-3 on Mercury without hesitation. 1 is with Kondrashin and 2-3 is with Dorati. Richter's 2 with Wislocki is incredible. For sets, I like Rudy/Jansons on EMI or Brilliant.

For the symphonies, I like Ormandy on Sony. I have the Askenazy and the Jansons, but haven't compared them yet. 

[haydnguy]

Thanks George, for those possibilities. I'll study it a bit and let you know what I decide. 

[bhodges]

Ashkenazy's recording (as conductor, with the Concertgebouw) of Isle of the Dead and Symphonic Dances is one of my alltime favorite recordings, period--of anything.  The slightly dark sound of the orchestra suits the music perfectly, and the sound quality is spectacular.  It's now on a very inexpensive reissue (shown after original cover, below).

--Bruce

[George]

Thanks George, for those possibilities. I'll study it a bit and let you know what I decide. 

I should add that the Complete Rachmaninoff Box is recordings of the composer himself.  

[George]

Ashkenazy's recording (as conductor, with the Concertgebouw) of Isle of the Dead and Symphonic Dances is one of my alltime favorite recordings, period--of anything.  The slightly dark sound of the orchestra suits the music perfectly, and the sound quality is spectacular.  It's now on a very inexpensive reissue (shown after original cover, below).

--Bruce

I have only a copy of that one Bruce. I should get me a new copy ASAP.

[haydnguy]

I have only a copy of that one Bruce. I should get me a new copy ASAP.

I tried to post back a few minutes ago and it wouldn't let me in. 

At any rate, George, the price looks right on the re-issue that Bruce suggested at Amazon. It's already in my shopping cart.

[SonicMan46]

Ashkenazy's recording (as conductor, with the Concertgebouw) of Isle of the Dead and Symphonic Dances is one of my alltime favorite recordings, period--of anything.  The slightly dark sound of the orchestra suits the music perfectly, and the sound quality is spectacular.  It's now on a very inexpensive reissue (shown after original cover, below).  --Bruce

Agree w/ Bruce on the Ashkenazy recommendation above; also, have him doing the Rach Symphonies on an older 2-CD 'Double Decker' from London - in checking Amazon, appears that these 3-CDs have been repackaged as shown below and @ a steal!  A 'no-brainer' bargain IMO - recordings from the early '80s but w/ great sound!   

As for the Piano Concertos, the two sets that I own are Rach himself from 1939-41 w/ Ormandy & the Philadelphians, and Victor Eresko w/ Provatorov & the USSR SO; this was an inexpensive BMG offering (originally on the Melodiya label) - latter includes the 4 concertos + the Paganini Rhapsody; this set might not get much attention but is quite excellent!   

   

[Rabbity Baxter]

Revised version here:



"I didn't look for any biographical note about Helene Grimaud before listening to the Sonata No. 2, but after only a few bars my curiosity was roused—even then I found it difficult to switch my attention from the music to reading something about her. This is playing with a masterly authority, an expansive technical command and a real feeling for Rachmaninov's dark harmonic world. Helene Grimaud has the keenest possible ear for finished phrasing, with none of that self-conscious lingering that one often associates with 'romantic' piano playing. She is 15 years old.

The finale of the sonata, which she plays in the revised version, does perhaprs slightly sacrifice overall effect in the interests of textural clarity, but her generous spirit, combined with spine-tingling virtuosity in the coda of the finale, contribute to giving the impression of a live performance."  Gramophone

This one is not very good. This reviewer seems actually surprised she is 15 years old. To me, the age sounds about right!

[Rabbity Baxter]

Richter is God in Rachmaninov but for a great set of the 'complete' preludes, try this. Much better than the Ashkenazy which isn't too bad considering

I like some of these, but others dissappoint. The recording was made in hurry much to Fiorentino's dislike, from what I hear.

[Rabbity Baxter]

True.. what a loss.

Anyway, no one should miss Kapell's second (and his third has its hair-raising moments too .. but the sound is awful - *terribly* awful)

I'll take Richter's etudes and preludes anytime .. and his Prague efforts in these too.

Weissenberg just distorts the hell out of them, I won't recommend him at all.. but it is just another different POV.

Weissenberg's Rachmaninoff is extremely strange. He sounds very angry indeed! And the piano is often recorded a bit too closely for my liking.

[Rabbity Baxter]

Agree w/ Bruce on the Ashkenazy recommendation above; also, have him doing the Rach Symphonies on an older 2-CD 'Double Decker' from London - in checking Amazon, appears that these 3-CDs have been repackaged as shown below and @ a steal!  A 'no-brainer' bargain IMO - recordings from the early '80s but w/ great sound!   

As for the Piano Concertos, the two sets that I own are Rach himself from 1939-41 w/ Ormandy & the Philadelphians, and Victor Eresko w/ Provatorov & the USSR SO; this was an inexpensive BMG offering (originally on the Melodiya label) - latter includes the 4 concertos + the Paganini Rhapsody; this set might not get much attention but is quite excellent!   

   

Viktor Eresko is indeed good! Many years ago I bought his Chopin Variations on a Melodiya LP. It really attracted me to this underplayed piece.

[George]

I've taken a deep liking to these pieces [Moments Musicaux] (particularly the devastating third one). I have Sofronitsky playing that on Brilliant Set (also in the Sofronitsky Plays Rachmaninov CD with better sound quality) and a Pogorelich recital (where he takes it in 11 minutes )

I know they are not very popular pieces, but is there any recommendations out there for the whole set (or a great third one that will make the rest of the CD worth pursuing)?

FWIW, David Dubal recommends Berman (DG), Jones (Nimbus) and Ponti (Vox) - it appears that none of these are in print.

I am now listening to Alexeev and can say that his playing is impressive. However, No. 3 was not as good as the rest. He seems more adept with the faster, more technically challenging aspects of this music. At any rate, a fine set, one that would make a strong 2nd choice, especially in this uncrowded field.

[orbital]

FWIW, David Dubal recommends Berman (DG), Jones (Nimbus) and Ponti (Vox) - it appears that none of these are in print.

I am now listening to Alexeev and can say that his playing is impressive. However, No. 3 was not as good as the rest. He seems more adept with the faster, more technically challenging aspects of this music. At any rate, a fine set, one that would make a strong 2nd choice, especially in this uncrowded field.

Thanks George. I'll give it a shot. And looks like a Berman version must be on the horizon as well.