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Music : Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4
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Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4 by: Vladimir Ashkenazy London Symphony Orchestra André Previn List Price: £10.99 CD-Charts Price: £9.99 You Save: £1.00 ( 9%)Prices subject to change. |
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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0028944483925 Format: Box set Label: Universal Classics Manufacturer: Universal Classics Number Of Discs: 2 Publisher: Universal Classics Release Date: September 18, 1995 Running Time: 135 minutes Studio: Universal Classics Sales Rank: 3153 MPN: 444839 Disc 1: Disc 2:
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Editorial Review: Amazon.co.uk Review: If you don't already have the complete Rachmaninov concertos, you can buy this version with total confidence. There may be better recordings of the individual works (such as the legendary Michelangeli in No. 4 or Argerich in No. 3) but this remains the finest complete recording, unrivalled since it was made in the early 1970s. Only the boxy sound (in itself not bad enough to lessen the recommendation) and the tuning of the piano in the first movement of the First Concerto counts against it. Vladimir Ashkenazy is one of Rachmaninov's most sympathetic interpreters, both as pianist and latterly as conductor. He never ladles on the sugar in the way some interpreters do and the music sounds all the greater for it. Previn is a superb ally, and his relationship with the LSO was one of the most distinguished in the orchestra's history. The highlights are too numerous to number: by far the best thing is to buy it and hear it for yourself. --Harriet Smith Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Reality checkNo question that Ashkenazy, Argerich, & Michelangeli are geat pianists and that their Rach recordings are among the best. But two interpreters are so outstanding that their recordings are...what can one say...transcendent ? The recordings by Rachmaninov himself are benchmarks and beyond reproach. Unfortunately he lived at a time when recording technology was primitive, although modern restoration specialists have made a wonderful job of bringing his recordings to life on the Naxos Historical label. If one cannot put up with the shortcomings of restored mechanical/electric recording technology, then the next best option is Horowitz, on whom Rachmaninov himself had conferred his blessing. But the technical quality of the Horowitz ... Read More: Rating: - The best collection of the 4concertosAlthough it is possible that some prefer the playing of Michelangi for these recordings, i believe they are being short-sighted. On this record Ashkenazy demonstrates his Russian training and interpretation, thus getting much closer to the style that befits Rachmaninov! I recommend this album strongly if you strive to hear these well known concertos in the Russian style they were composed! But if you strive for a western style of interpretation then don't buy this! Ashkenazy performs all of the four concertos with his typicall musicalaty that never fails to provoke thought, but his performane of the 2nd deserves special mention! And not forgetting the fine LSO playing throughout, admirally conducted By Andre Previn! Rating:  - FantasticThe title says it all, this CD is absolutely fantastic! Ashkenazy is a great pianist and Rachmaninov a wonderful composter. These 2 people combined into 1 CD is a must-have CD! Although I can also recommend Horowitz for this CD. Just buy it and you'll see this is a great CD. Rating: - Drama within melodramaYet again I see that some of the reviewers on this page are lamenting the lack of 'drama' or 'passion' which comes with players who push their performance to the upper limits at the expense of technical clarity. One has cited Martha Argerich's superlative recording of the 3rd concerto and Michaelangeli's 4th: both brilliant pianists, both excellent interpretations, both legendary intellects. Yet, not Russian. Argerich was trained in South America, and Michaelangeli claims to be self-taught (although most probably Italian-based). However Ashkenazy hails from the Russian school where an emphasis upon technical precision is paramount, emotional interpretation all-pervading. Just listen to Richter's similarly note-perfect interpretation ... Read More: Rating: - Excellent selection!I find that these recordings are very deeply felt by both the soloist and conductor. I always like the way Vladimir Ashkenazy interprets these concertos. It is all the more enjoyable that he plays in such an unselfish manner and allows the music to properly flow. There is a tune near the beginning of the third concerto which I can show as an example. There are plenty of brilliant pianists, but so many of them overcook the romanticism and show off too much. It takes a musical giant like Ashkenazy to be able to hold himself back for the sake of the music. Being a professional orchestra player, I have played with quantities of great pianists. When I heard Ashkenazy he was incredibly brilliant and had wonderful musical flair. |
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