Rachmaninov for beginners

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.

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

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Sean,
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Find a copy of Earl Wild playing Rachmaninov Piano CTO # 2. and then settle down for some true joy.
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Rgds,
Larry
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