Rachmaninov: The Four Piano Concertos

Read About This Recording

Why would a pianist record the same concertos twice? When we were selecting a new recording of the Complete Piano Concertos of Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) to offer to Society Members, we found ourselves confronted by exactly that question.

Vladimir Ashkenazy, one of the greatest interpreters of Rachmaninov's music, has recorded these extraordinary concertos twice. Before we made our final choice, we auditioned both sets. In the end, we selected his set from the late 1980s over his earlier-1972-foray because of two main factors: the sound of the recording and the maturity of the performance.

To give each of Rachmaninov's Four Piano Concertos an inidividual identity requires an incredible technique and musicianship. Ashkenazy has technique to spare. There isn't a passage his fleet fingers can't handle with ease, but what raises this two-CD set to another level, is the way Ashkenazy brings sensuality, fire, passion and compassion to his readings.

In these concertos the orchestra plays a significant role and the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam plays with feeling and sonic splendor; a superb match with the piano. Bernard Haitink, the orchestra's long-time Music Director has a steady hand and guides these performances, allowing Ashkenazy the freedom and support necessary in a collaboration of this nature.

—Jacob Anthony

Quotes

I believe that interpretation should be like a transparent glass, a window for the composer's music. —Vladimir Ashkenazy

Contents

Piano Concertos: No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1; No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18; No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30; No. 4 in G Minor, Op. 40.

Vladimir Ashkenazy, Piano; Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam; Bernard Haitink, Conductor.

CD Special Features

• The complete concertos of legendary pianist/composer Rachmaninov

• Definitive performance by the virtuoso combination of Ashkenazy and Haitink

• Two discs of flawless digital recordings