- Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov
- Audio CD (16 Oct 2000)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Original recording remastered
- Label: Decca Eloquence
- ASIN: B00004Z327
- Other Editions: MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 377,002 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
Jubilee Offer: Patriotic Classics for £2.50 |
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.
|
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organise and find favourite items. |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This was the very first recording I ever bought of the Rach 3. And up until I discovered such legends as Horowitz and Argerich this Ashkenazy recording was the best. The polished technique of course never ceases to amaze yet it lacks the ferocity of Argerich, which never ceases to impress.
One of the things I do rate however is the perfect balance between orchestra and piano which very seldom appears in the "great" recordings listed beforehand, which more often than not tend to be live recordings which I suppose then is forgivable. However some will dislike such recordings as Argerich's because of that very reason I admire her for, (the missed notes et cetera, but at such a pace who can blame her!)
This recording being a recorded recording has no mistakes whatsoever and thus I suppose makes it easier on the listener, and for a first recording I agree it is a great introduction to the mighty concerto, but for the connoisseur it lacks interest, no surprises here or breathtaking pace, it is a perfect recording which sometimes is a bad thing.
But great value for money, and to have one of the greats such as Ashkenazy for ...[the price].... it rules out all criticism I made earlier, go for it.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
These are quite simply the best
15 Jan 2009
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
As with a lot of major companies, Polygram has apparently decided - thoroughly unwisely so - that they ought to be able to compete with Naxos in the budget range. And indeed they should be, for in most of the Eloquence repertoire, they are virtually unbeatable. I am, however, pretty sure that in virtue of the lousy presentation that loudly flaunts talentlessness, lack of taste, unprofessionality and consistent underestimation of their customers, they are bound to lose, even if they have everything on their side at the outset. That said, you cannot really overrate the performances here - these are quite simply stunning versions, and I cannot imagine how even a newcomer to the music could fail to be blown away and develop a lasting taste for this music.
Ashkenazy's playing is simply outstanding, and for the most part even darker than most of the competitors. In his hands (and the hands of Previn and the LSO) every reminiscence of Hollywood is swept away and both works come across as utterly fresh and unhackneyed. But even though the performance of the first concerto is magisterial, it doesn't quite reach the height of the third; from utmost darkness to almost dizzying grandeur, these readings have it all; epic sweep and detailed attention to color and lyricism, both playfulness and dark fervor. Both concertos receive rather expansive and unhurried readings and are none the worse for that. The sound quality is outstanding as well, despite the fact that the recordings are 35 years old. All in all, these are unmissable accounts. But if you want even minimal documentation and a more professional presentation, which you should, I would go for one of the other reissues of these performances
Ashkenazy's playing is simply outstanding, and for the most part even darker than most of the competitors. In his hands (and the hands of Previn and the LSO) every reminiscence of Hollywood is swept away and both works come across as utterly fresh and unhackneyed. But even though the performance of the first concerto is magisterial, it doesn't quite reach the height of the third; from utmost darkness to almost dizzying grandeur, these readings have it all; epic sweep and detailed attention to color and lyricism, both playfulness and dark fervor. Both concertos receive rather expansive and unhurried readings and are none the worse for that. The sound quality is outstanding as well, despite the fact that the recordings are 35 years old. All in all, these are unmissable accounts. But if you want even minimal documentation and a more professional presentation, which you should, I would go for one of the other reissues of these performances
Was this review helpful?
Let us know
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!
|
|
![ELOQUENCE series [4]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GCKKQF69L._AA60_.jpg)
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
