Product DescriptionFrench star pianist Alexandre Tharaud takes on the blockbuster ?Rach 2? concerto in a thrilling performance with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Russian maestro Alexander Vedernikov. It is coupled with more intimate Rachmaninov for piano six-hands (for which Alexandre is flanked by Alexander Melnikov and Aleksandar Mad?ar) and the icing on the cake: a sublime Vocalise in the original version for voice and piano, with pure-voiced French soprano Sabine Devieilhe. Alexandre Tharaud?s recorded catalogue is large and eclectic, but this is the first time he has devoted an entire album to Russian repertoire ? specifically to the music of Sergei Rachmaninov. ?I was still quite young when I first played this concerto,? explains Tharaud. ?I adored it ? Rachmaninov?s virtuosity really appeals to young pianists. Today, of course I?m still enthralled by the concerto?s virtuosity, but now I?m more interested in its dark shadows: the sense of despair, of staring into the abyss. My interpretation of Rachmaninov has changed a lot over the years.?