Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, György Lehel, Gyula Nemeth :: Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Stellar Performance

trich1512 | Salem, OR USA | 08/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeno Jando's interpretation of these Rachmaninov classics is something not to be missed by anyone who loves "the Rock". If it is possible for someone to out-perform the composer, then Jando has done so here. This is a clearly brilliant production by a world-class talent, supported with breath-taking depth by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gyorgy Lehel. This is a truly timeless recording, a gem in my collection."

MAGNIFICENT

Juan Sullivan | Virginia | 02/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Surely one of the great interpretations of these classical works.

For the first time I hear an orchestra that does not overwhelm the pianist, who, in turn, does not dominate the orchestra. A perfect blend of both, in an acoustically pure recording. Both conductor and soloist really understand these compositions by the brilliant Rachmaninov!"

Excellent performance on par with the finest recordings

moviemusicbuff | Walnut, CA United States | 12/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Rachmaninov Piano Concerto #2 is one of my favorite concertos and I have many different versions (e.g. V. Ashkenazy, Van Cliburn, Byron Janis). This performance by Jeno Jando, one of the best pianists on the Naxos label, is just as good as the others. He brings out the rich dynamics of this piece and plays with great virtuosity and grace. He and Gyorgy Lehel work very well together. The Piano Concerto begins powerfully with the famous introduction and later on, it builds to an exciting climax. The Adagio is played with a lot of feeling and grace. The tempo is just right. The Allegro scherzando is dynamic and exciting.



I prefer Jando's performance over Bernd Glemser's performance of the Rach Piano Concerto 2 under the same Naxos label. (I didn't see why Naxos needed another pianist to perform this same concerto, when Jando's performance was so outstanding) Jando's performance is much more dramatic, powerful, and moving than Glemser's. Glemser holds back on the dynamism while Jando pulls out all the stops.



Jando does an outstanding job of playing the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini as well. The famous "Somewhere in Time" theme in the Rhapsody is played very beautifully, and with great passion.



I agree with the other reviewers; I also enthusiastically give this CD a 5 star rating. The performance and sound quality are excellent. The Penguin Guide of Classical Music also rates this CD as "outstanding" (4 stars). Highly recommended!"