Amazon.co.uk allows you to pay for your items in your local currency. Restrictions apply. Learn More. |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Disc 1:
Disc 2:
|
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
If you don't already have the complete Rachmaninov concertos, you can buy this version with total confidence. There may be better recordings of the individual works (such as the legendary Michelangeli in No. 4 or Argerich in No. 3) but this remains the finest complete recording, unrivalled since it was made in the early 1970s. Only the boxy sound (in itself not bad enough to lessen the recommendation) and the tuning of the piano in the first movement of the First Concerto counts against it. Vladimir Ashkenazy is one of Rachmaninov's most sympathetic interpreters, both as pianist and latterly as conductor. He never ladles on the sugar in the way some interpreters do and the music sounds all the greater for it. Previn is a superb ally, and his relationship with the LSO was one of the most distinguished in the orchestra's history. The highlights are too numerous to number: by far the best thing is to buy it and hear it for yourself. --Harriet Smith
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I find that these recordings are very deeply felt by both the soloist and conductor.
I always like the way Vladimir Ashkenazy interprets these concertos. It is all the more enjoyable that he plays in such an unselfish manner and allows the music to properly flow. There is a tune near the beginning of the third concerto which I can show as an example. There are plenty of brilliant pianists, but so many of them overcook the romanticism and show off too much. It takes a musical giant like Ashkenazy to be able to hold himself back for the sake of the music. Being a professional orchestra player, I have played with quantities of great pianists. When I heard Ashkenazy he was incredibly brilliant and had wonderful musical flair.
I always like the way Vladimir Ashkenazy interprets these concertos. It is all the more enjoyable that he plays in such an unselfish manner and allows the music to properly flow. There is a tune near the beginning of the third concerto which I can show as an example. There are plenty of brilliant pianists, but so many of them overcook the romanticism and show off too much. It takes a musical giant like Ashkenazy to be able to hold himself back for the sake of the music. Being a professional orchestra player, I have played with quantities of great pianists. When I heard Ashkenazy he was incredibly brilliant and had wonderful musical flair.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Although it is possible that some prefer the playing of Michelangi for these recordings, i believe they are being short-sighted. On this record Ashkenazy demonstrates his Russian training and interpretation, thus getting much closer to the style that befits Rachmaninov! I recommend this album strongly if you strive to hear these well known concertos in the Russian style they were composed! But if you strive for a western style of interpretation then don't buy this! Ashkenazy performs all of the four concertos with his typicall musicalaty that never fails to provoke thought, but his performane of the 2nd deserves special mention! And not forgetting the fine LSO playing throughout, admirally conducted By Andre Previn!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Amazing how a 40+ year old recording can sound so good. This is a great pair of CDs and will sit well in anybody's collection. Ashkenazy's performances are always second to none and with these Rachmaninoff pieces he does not disappoint, simply stunning material which I have listened to again and again and again without ever becoming bored, there are so many wonderful themes woven through each concerto and they are not spoiled by remastering or digital noise, this is a really sharp and crisp recording which sounds fantastic at high volumes through a decent set of speakers.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Piano Concerti
Ashkenazy's superb rendition of, in my humble opinion, the finest composer of piano music in the world. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Mr. G. Johns
The best of the best.
This was a gift for my husband, who was delighted to receive a DVD of his favourite composer by his favourite pianist. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. Alyson Farr
Rachmaninov enjoyed
The Rachmaninov recording was purchased as a gift and was received in timely order and to full specification and in good state. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. Keith J. Bouracier
Vintage Ashkenazy
From the moment the first notes emerged through my loudspeakers, I was aware that I was listening to one of the masterpieces of performance. Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2009 by Mr. M. J. Bernstein
An excellent recording from the best composer of piano music ever.
When it comes to the award for the best piano composer of all time, Sergei Rachmaninov takes the prize every time, and this CD tells you why. Read more
Published on 29 Jun 2009 by S. Langworthy
Sparkling playing & vivid recording - a must have
The first sentence of The Gramophone Classical Music Guide 2008 review of this set states "Despite the recording dates, the sound and balance are superb, and there's nothing to... Read more
Published on 10 May 2009 by Ben Hall
Reality check
No question that Ashkenazy, Argerich, & Michelangeli are geat pianists and that their Rach recordings are among the best. Read more
Published on 14 April 2007 by pfvll
Dull & Drab
For many this 'safe' purchase of all Rachmaninov's fine concertos will seem a convienient buy. But Ashkenazy's playing is virtually lifeless. Read more
Published on 15 Jan 2003 by "dominichayden"
Bravo!!!
This is Ashkenazy at his very finest! Rachmaninov himself would have been proud to own a copy of this recording which illustrates the finest aspects of his piano concertos. Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2001 by trickysax@hotmail.com
Best intertpretation I've ever heard
I am a great fan of Rachmaninov and his piano works are some of the greatest ever written for the instrument. Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2001
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
