Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23: Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso - Allegro con spirito
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23: Andantino simplice - Prestissimo
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23: Allegro con fuoco
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30: No. 1, Allegro ma non tanto
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30: No. 2, Intermezzo: Adagio - attaca subito
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30: No. 3, Finale: Alla breve
The concerto recordings that Horowitz made with his tyrannical father-in-law, Arturo Toscanini, are depressingly rigid, and others are disappointing in their currently available versions. APR's well-transferred pairing of ... more »these two concertos closely associated with Horowitz is, however, highly desirable. They're live recordings from 1940 and 1941, capturing him in full flight, playing with spontaneity, feverish energy, and stunning brio. --Dan Davis« less
The concerto recordings that Horowitz made with his tyrannical father-in-law, Arturo Toscanini, are depressingly rigid, and others are disappointing in their currently available versions. APR's well-transferred pairing of these two concertos closely associated with Horowitz is, however, highly desirable. They're live recordings from 1940 and 1941, capturing him in full flight, playing with spontaneity, feverish energy, and stunning brio. --Dan Davis
CD Reviews
Staggering performances!
09/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These are staggering performances! There are many different versions of Horowitz playing these concertos, but the ones in this CD are his best performances. Tchaikovsky begins somewhat slower than the Toscanini versions, but the intensity of the playing is very high, and Horowitz sounds less pushed by the conductor. This performance is only matched by Horowitz's own 1952 version with George Szell and New York Philharmonic (an amazing performance, and recording quality is very good for its age), and Argerich/Kondrashin version. Rachmaninoff is truly unbeatable. This is beyond comparison (except the recording quality). It is also the fastest recording I ever heard of this work. A big shout of "bravo" is heard at the end of the concerto, and I would like to second it. A most remarkable release."
Yes, the sound quality isn't great, but ...
C Drummond | England | 04/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"frankly, the rachmaninoff recording that is on this disc, is, in my opinion, the most impressive musical performance I have ever been privileged to hear. In contrast with his other recordings of the work, which are all very special, horowitz plays with with true fire, not holding himself back like he did in the celebrated '51 recording. The coda of the finale is absolutely breathtaking. Not without reason did Gramophone describe this as the Rachmaninoff's third to end all Rachmaninoff's thirds. The intensity is simply astonishing. The Tchaikovsky is another fine performance, but personally I prefer his 1943 recording with Toscaninni. Now, about the sound quality, it is slightly off-putting in the coda of the Tchaikovsky finale, and for a moment in the Rachmaninoff intermezzo. But, for goodness sake, to quibble about this when presented with such brilliance is petulence itself."
A fantastic CD!
D. Parrett | 03/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, this is quite simply my favourite version of the third Rachmaninoff concerto, and I can say I have heard many. Horowitz's playing is fast, furious and passionate... It obliterates all other versions, including that of Martha Argerich, that many people seem to like. ALL other versions? actually, I still really like Rachmaninoff' s one! The sound quality is fantastic, and I guess we all have to thank the people at APR for having done a great job there, and making available to us all what was once one of the most treasured classical bootlegs of all time... Barbirolli is great too. The only "bad" thing I have to say is that the first movement of the Tchaikovsky comes off better in other Horowitz versions but the second and third are arguably his best!"
Best ever Rach 3 cadenza
D. Parrett | 01/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Concerning the Rachmaninoff 3rd Concerto with Horowitz and Barbirolli...
The reviewer who said this is a recording for Horowitz fanatics who want to punish themselves is clearly not a pianist. They also never made it to the cadenza (wow!).
However, because of the aged audio quality, I do not recommend this CD for someone who does not appreciate music for its own sake. If your recordings have to be perfectly clear, then you might try the very good recordings by Byron Janis or Martha Argerich. There are also some minor cuts made here which are somewhat irksome when you know and enjoy the entire piece.
It is the difference between fast piano playing without a strong sense of purpose (e.g. Argerich) and fast piano playing with great power that makes this recording worth listening to. Horowitz does not give us a senseless reading of virtuosity here. He pours out his heart in much the same way Rachmaninoff did in his own recording of his first concerto (which I also highly recommend, noise and all). It is almost like the soloist and the music became one, a rare occurrance in a multitude of recordings."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1