Wild about Sergei
Brian H. Williams | Manteca, CA United States | 07/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The four concerti of Rachmaninov are all warhorses. There are many fine versions, but this one by Wild and Horenstein rank among the best. Horenstein's conducting is as sensitive as ever. The string sound is luxuriously smooth with an alarming presence, no doubt, due to the superb remastering by Chesky records. Wild's touch, insight and phrasing combine for some of the most satifsying performances of these works. An excellent performance of all 4 concertos. The Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini is also an exemplary recording. The popular 18th variation is taken at a slightly faster tempo than more recent recordings, i.e. Ashkenazy & Previn, but is filled with deep emotion and lush string sound. Great recording!"