Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman :: Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances & Suites for 2 Pianos

More Technical Clarity Than Unabashed Romance but....

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman are major players in the contemporary Piano arena and both are highly respected for their musicality and exacting precision of execution. Hearing these three Rachmaninoff works written for two pianos played with such virtuosity is thrilling, yet for this listener the pulsating lyricism of Rachmaninoff's musical lines eludes this technically brilliant recording. The Suites 1 and 2 fair better under these four hands and it is a joy to hear these rarely heard works performed with such respect.
The SYMPHONIC DANCES, which is the last work Rachmaninoff wrote, is a dazzling orchestral work that can tug at the heart and send whirling dervishes into final ecstasy. Here Ax and Bronfman address the inner voices of the work and find the driving rhythms that propel this exciting work along, but the Romance is left wanting. For sheer luxury of exploring the work this recording belongs in your library. Just concentrate on prowess and you'll be satisfied."

Two virtuosos playing like a committee

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/09/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The duo of Andre Previn and Vladimir Ashkenazy made recordings of these pieces in 1974 and 1978 for Decca, and those lasted a long time despite being too cautious, lacking in the fire that Rachmaninov must have. Jump to 1999 and the exciting possibility that Emmanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman will outdo them with unleashed virtuosity. Instead, we get a carbon copy of the Previn/Ashkenazy readings. Essentially the same tempos, the same nice unanimity, the same cool interpretations--why? I can't explain the lack of excitement here except that perhaps remaining in sync was so critical that neither pianist dared to break loose.



Whatever the reason, only a few lyrical parts are inspiring, while the Symphonic Dances are a pale reflection of the thrilling orchestral version. To boot, Sony's sound, though richer in bass than the old Decca set, is nothing special: the explosiveness and power one expects is not present. All in all, a nicely played duplicaiton rather than a leap forward."

Perfect balance

Trevor Gillespie | 12/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard many pieces by Bronfman and I have to say that he is one of my favorite pianists: he knows how to express and convey emotions incredibly well. Ax is, of course, a wonderful pianist as well - these two playing together are probably one of the best balanced duos of all the ones that have been listed in other reviews - certainly for a piece like this one. They work very well together, and know how to express most everything that this piece has to offer, without any extras - just Rachmaninov. Listening to this CD, I did not feel like there was anything missing when I did the inevitable comparison with orchestral version. I absolutely recommend it."