Search - Sergei Rachmaninov, Andre Previn, Vladimir Ashkenazy :: Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto 2 in C Minor, Op. 18; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43

A performance that is unmatched

Geoffrey Chin | Atlanta, Georgia United States | 09/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, I must agree with gfh@attglobal.net's comments of the concerto (about the solid vs. rolled chords opening). This CD is by far the greatest. The first movement is performed with such passion and intensity that is reminiscent of Rachmaninoff's crippling depression before he composed this work. On a side note, the first couple minutes are extremely gratifying especially when you turn up the bass to maximum and listen to the thunderous string bass/celli/piano on each half-note. Movement 2 is the perfect escape from the intense and rich melodies of Movement 1. The first part is almost timid and withdrawn, but excellently performed by Ashkenazy. The second part requires great technical skill, which Ashkenazy brilliantly displays. Finally, the last movement is one of the greatest. Most of the other recordings of this concerto are very slow compared to Ashkenazy's. It should be a rule that all third-movements of concertos be virtuosic and incredible! Ashkenazy is the one performer to bring the technical marvel and the musical beauty together in this recording. Some of the phrases are reminiscent of those moments of catharsis one gets when watching certain films (Rachmaninoff also wrote music for films, I believe). Before I stop rambling, I must say that the orchestra led by Previn is also one of the best I have heard. Unless you have this CD, you probably do not have a definitive recording of the concerto (exception: Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff)."

Definitive Performances!

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though this recording was initially made in 1970 and 1971 it remains one of the most thrilling and exuberant and passionately sensitive performances of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 and the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. And that is saying a lot when the numerous recordings listed in the currently available catalogue are considered. Yes, there are some new, better sonically captured recordings, but few manage to find the soul of these two magnificently beautiful works for piano and orchestra the way that Vladimir Ashkenazy collaborating with Andre Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra achieve.



There was a period of time when both these works were slightly dismissed by music critics due to the popularity of the inner melodies embraced by film and studio. But as with all of Rachmaninov's work these two major compositions now have regained their initial respect. Ashkenazy delivers playing that is deeply romantic but never indulgent to the point of saccharine. His technique is flawless (these recordings were made in the years when Ashkenazy concentrated on the piano rather than on conducting) and his conversational demeanor with the orchestra is as sensitive as we have heard.



The other reminder here is how well Previn conducted when in his prime. This is a bargain recording made available by the Penquin Classics series and one not to be passed by. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, March 06"

Hard to beat

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 01/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a classic. Two of the most consummate musicians of our time in a great romantic concerto. This performance almost literally drips with passion, substance, and great poetic insight. I have tried other versions (Kissin on RCA is quite good) but this is really the best one out there. Ashkenazy and Previn take broader speeds than those recommended by the composer himself, but I personally think it makes for greater dramatic effect and emotion. Now when I listen to faster versions it is not the same. In summary, a great disc."