Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra :: Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 - 4

Wonderful playing from all concerned

C Drummond | England | 08/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The true joy of this package comes in the way that Ashkenazy's beautiful and steady playing combines seamlessly with Previn's inspired conducting. It is almost as if the piano and the orchestra are playing as one instrument. Of course in a set of Rachmaninoff concertos, the most important are the 2nd and 3rd, and so I shall concentrate my remarks on these. Quite simple Ashkenazy's second is the finest I (or gramophone magazine) have ever heard. The tempos are perfect, the sound rich and the playing luxurious. Ashkenazy plays without a sense of his virtuosity which greatly adds to the artistic integrity of the performance. Indeed it is this which raises the level of the performance above that of flashier versions by Van Cliburn and Sviatoslav Richter. It is, however, the recording of the third that is most intriguing. I am used to pyrotechnical performances of this concerto (I have two by Horowitz and one by Argerich - the Horowtiz/Reiner is unquestionably the greatest recording of all), however, this reading of the work is notable for its lack of showmanship. Ashkenazy takes the work slowly, playing the long chordal cadenza, but he plays it so darkly, so powerfully. The work appears very different to the more "virtuosic" recordings, and is simply fascinating. The conducting of Previn is simply breath-taking as well. Never has the orchestral part had so much power. I have seen this work live twice, but somehow this recording manages to supercede the orchestral excitement of seeing a live performance. The crescendos at the end of the two final movements are stunning, and one simply has to take one's hat off to Andre Previn. In general, therefore, this collection would be very difficult to beat, as is well worth the asking price."

A clear favorite

grok_ | San Diego, CA United States | 04/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Rachmaninoff, especially these piano concertos, and Ashkenazy and Previn provide us with masterful performances. You really need to compare other performances of these concertos to know just how good these are. The beauty of these performances is that everything comes together with such refinement. Previn exhibits a great understanding of these pieces and the LSO responds well (as usual). Ashkenazy is precise and yet expressive at the same time. He articulates each note so clearly. But more than this, Previn and Ashkenazy are magically attuned to each other. The music flows with a perfect balance between piano and orchestra.These analog recordings from Decca are excellently engineered. The dynamic range is exceptional with a wide soundstage. As with other London/Decca and DG recordings, the midrange brass has a slight edge to it. Also, Ashkenazy is close miked, so his piano extends across 60% of the soundstage, which is not exactly realistic. However, these are minor quibbles that do not detract from a masterful performance and an otherwise expansive, crisp recording.There is no reason to restrict oneself to a single performance of these marvelous concertos. But, if ever I had to restore my collection, I would purchase this set first."

Warmly expressive Rachmaninov concertos ? brilliant!

Mike Powers | Woolwich, ME USA | 07/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are brilliant performances of Sergei Rachmaninov's four piano concertos! Pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy originally recorded them with the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andre Previn at Kingsway Hall in London in 1972. Ashkenazy demonstrates superb artistry and musicianship on this "Decca Double Decker" CD set, playing each concerto with extraordinary warmth and expressiveness. The LSO's accompaniment is outstanding in both its poetry and precision. I found the slow movement of Concerto No. 3 to be particularly enjoyable for its depth of feeling. The digitally remastered sound is absolutely outstanding, aided by the warm ambience of Kingsway Hall. Awarded a three-star rating (signifying "an outstanding performance and recording in every way,") by the "Penguin Guide to Compact Discs," this two-CD set should not be missed my any fan of Rachmaninov's music."