Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Bryden Thomson, Scottish National Orchestra :: Rachmaninov: The Four Piano Concertos / Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Howard Shelley / Scottish National Orchestra / Bryden Thomson

Masterly performances of the four piano concertos

John R. Blackburn Jr. | Santa Clara, CA USA | 02/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is commonly acknowledged that Shelley's Hyperion recordings of Rachmaninov's complete solo piano music from the mid-1980s represent the finest available, that he performs Rachmaninov with a confidence and skill that recalls the composer's very own recorded versions. It should come as no surprise, then, that Shelley's recordings of the four piano concertos are beautifully and skillfully performed with the able assistance of the Scottish National Orchestra. Thanks to the excellent Chandos sound quality from these 1989 and 1990 performances, with fine mixing of the piano and orchestral parts, one is able to distinguish and hear all the instruments more clearly than is possible on most other recordings of these concertos. Like his solo piano works, Shelley's versions of these piano concertos have now become my favorites."

Finely intimate

Pater Ecstaticus | Norway | 10/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These recordings of the four Rachmaninov Piano Concertos must long have been one of the few favorites, alongside the so called all-time classics like the Ashkenazy-Previn 1972 set and the great Earl Wild's 1960's recordings with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Jascha Horenstein. But there is stiff competition going on, say for example in Nicolai Lugansky or Leif Ove Andsnes.

Howard Shelley brings to my ears an intimate but at the same time insistent kind of playing, where every note is given extra poignancy. Mr. Shelley injects these performances with a finely astute lyricism (as compared with Earl Wild's broad and bold romantic gestures, for example), but at the same time the structures are being held together quite nicely and intelligently, with a naturally flowing legato.

All of the same holds true for the orchestra, I believe, perfectly matching the soloist here, both playing with as much heart-felt involvement as one might wish. These are finely crafted, intellligent, lyrical interpretations of these concertos which can surely hold their ground alongside the better known ones. The sound-picture is quite 'neutral', I believe, which is fine, the orchestra and piano fairly directly recorded, but with enough acoustic space around the instruments providing the necessary amount of warmth and ambiance. All in all very satisfying, highly artistic performances. Highly recommended."

Thrilling Performances

R.S. | 12/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is of the highest calibre in all respects: Shelley's performances are technically dazzling and musically inspired, the orchestra is first-rate, and the sound quality is superb. I have owned and enjoyed this CD set for many years. I recommend it highly."