Rachmaninov for beginners

As an addendum to what Uru975 contributes above, along with the few mono
recordings of Rachmaninoff performing, there is a stereo recording of a very
sophisticated transcription of some of the piano rolls that he produced titled,
"A Window in Time". These rolls recorded not only the music, but
the timing and even the impact on the keys, as I understand it. The recording
was transcribed through some sophisticated computer and output as a
'performance' on an actual Bosendorfer piano. I've heard the CD and it is
actually a very engaging performance. I don't think it is up to an actual
performance by the maestro himself, but the whole process by which they
produced the recording, as well as the recording itself is worth a listen. It is
an excellent recording as far as reproduction goes, having used very modern
recording equipment and techniques. Here's a description of the CD/process
from the Amazon website:

This collection of Rachmaninoff's solo piano
performances relies on a mix of old and new technologies. Between 1919 and
1929, Rachmaninoff cut these 19 performances to piano rolls, which would
then be played back through reproducing pianos capable of accurately re-
creating the original performances through pneumatic devices that animated
the rolls with living nuances and shades--a facet that differentiated the
classier reproduction keyboards from the more common "player
pianos." This set updates the technology with electronic devices--
transparently, though expertly, replacing the pneumatics. Played back on a
Bösendorfer Reproducing Piano, this collection sounds astounding, full of
Rachmaninoff's lickety-quick motion and his punching intensity when striking
the keys. There are 18 Rachmaninoff selections--some of them
collaborations--and one gem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," taken
to new places in this 1919 reading.

Also, one of the recent "Living Stereo" reissues contains a Fritz Reiner
performance of the Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no. 2. It is an SACD hybrid
and is also an accurately reproduced 3-channel recording if you have that
technology. The performance is excellent, and also has a wonderful
performance of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1.

Marco

Marco, There are actually 2 CD's, the first you described is Rachmaninoff playing Rachmaninoff. The second CD is Rachmaninoff performing others works. The playing may not be as good as the original (in other recordings I have by Rachmaninoff) but the sonics are better. Interesting tradeoff, and for a casual listener I would recommend the Telarcs.

Uru975: As I mentioned to Sean in a private e-mail, my father, then a young pianist and music major considering whether he should become a performing concert pianist for a career, heard Rachmaninoff play in concert and subsequently decided to become a lawyer (no jokes, please!) and play piano for his own enjoyment. His recollection to me was that he could never envision himself, let alone any other pianist, being that good. Wish I could have heard him in concert. The performances on record of Rachmaninoff in concert are interesting in that he seemed to rush tempos a bit, but his virtuosity was unquestionable.

I find it interesting to note that little mention is ever made of the 1st and 4th piano concertos. Having heard the first in concert a year or two ago, I was surprised at how comparatively "modern" it sounded--that's why I didn't mention it as Sean was asking for romantic pieces. As I recall reading, the criticism Rachmaninoff received early in his composing career, which led to his seeking professional counseling, resulted a marked change in his composing style. So I guess we can thank psychiatry for the later works.

I would also second the Cello Sonata recommended by Uru975. It is a beautiful, highly romantic, piece of music. Moving away from piano concertos and in addition to the other fine recommendations above, listen to the Vocalise, either in orchestral/vocal setting (you usually find it coupled with the 2nd Symphony) or with a violin/cello playing the singer's part with piano accompaniment. And if you ultimately want to venture more into the solo piano works, his preludes and Correlli Variations are terrific.

Thanks for a great thread everyone.
I will also look for the Cello sonata as piano and cello are my two favorite solo intruments for concertos.

Marco, I have a very old LP of saint Saens Piano concerto no 2. I really like the opening movement, but for me it falls apart after that. It's one thing to change the mood of a piece, but this particular change leaves me rather cold.

Rob Mozart PC no 20 is really great, but if I had only one movement of one concerto to take to my desert island it would have to be the slow movement (second) of Beethoven's piano conc. no 5 (Emperor). The 1st and 3rd movements are pleasant and have nice moments, but the adagio is just sublime. Whenever I've had a bad day I can count on that piece to transport me far away.

thanks again everyone

Yep, the Saint Saens is a real roller coaster ride from dramatic to whimsical. I can understand that you don't like the drastic changes. Never bothered me (obviously).

Thanks Newbee; I'll look for that other piano roll CD. Yes, it was the 'sonics' of that CD that I was awkwardly trying to complement and not the performance (though you would never think it was a machine performing).

Marco