Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Andre Previn, Vladimir Ashkenazy :: Rachmaninov: Music for 2 Pianos

Lush

Jane Fleming | Shell Beach, CA USA | 03/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first owned these recordings on LPs back in the late 70s or early 80s. I was so happy when I saw them released on CD, and at an attractive price. Rachmaninoff was a fabulous pianist, but in his works one can usually disregard the virtuosity due to the emotional content. He was very fond of the musical sound of bells; there are certainly echoes of that in some of these pieces. While Symphonic Dances deserves to be heard also in its orchestral incarnation, the two piano version is truly a delight. Ashkenazy and Previn seem really in tune with one another and with the music - as if they're having FUN with it. I much prefer this version to Martha Argerich's. Unlike a previous reviewer, I have no complaints with the sound."

Still worth having after all these years!

J Scott Morrison | Middlebury VT, USA | 01/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with much of what Daniel Rose says in his review, particularly in his remarks comparing this issue with the Argerich/Rabinovitch. Where Ar/R are possibly more virtuosic, I think they miss something structural in the music. With Ashkenazy/Previn you can hear the composer's thought processes, so to speak, and I think that's because they take care to bring out the complexities (and delights) of the really quite amazing contrapuntal writing. Most people don't think of Rachmaninoff as a contrapuntist, but he is one in this music, possibly because he's writing for two equally strong voices - the two pianos. At any rate, when I first heard this recording, already knowing the music from having played it with a partner, I kept saying to myself WOW! WOW! And that reaction doesn't get any weaker as time goes on. An amazing recording.Yes, the sound shows its age somewhat, but then so do the recordings of Rachmaninoff himself (although it's nowhere near as ancient as that) and people keep listening and buying. Plus it's a twofer! Go for it!"

Definitely, a keeper

Doc Holliday | Great Northwest | 09/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Previously, I have enjoyed Ashkenazy's skillful rendering of Rachmaninov's 24 Preludes, so I was willing to take a risk on this double cd. Admittedly, I do have a fancy for music for two pianos or four hands, nevertheless, this is an excellent performance. Yes, Ashkenazy is not a Richter, Janis or Giles, but in my experience, he always delivers a reliable and beautiful performance. And, once again, to my great delight, neither he nor Previn disappoint with Rachmaninov's Music for Two Pianos. My favorites were the Suites 1 & 2, but the Variations on a theme by Corelli, op. 42 were lovely. Lastly, I found the sound engineering to be clear, balanced and free of any piano distortion."