Best CD of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano C

Ashkenazy is a good all around choice no one will argue with. As Kitch29 says get the Previn/Decca series from the 1970s, you can get budget double disc with all four concertos. Ashkenazy also has 1980s set with Haitink/Decca,
and although performances are good the early digital sound quality is inferior to Previn set. Also pass on the Ashkenazy "decca legends" 2/3 cocerto disc from the 1960s, I was dissapointed with sound here.

I think the Wild/Horenstein complete set on Chandos budget line is also right near the top, very good sound and Earl Wild has much panache, will not dissappoint.

My top choice for Rach 3rd piano concerto is Agerich/Chailly
on Phillips label (sorry full price CD) a live recording that is spectacular combined with an equally great performance of Tchaikovsky piano concerto 1 with Kondrashin. This is a disc that every classical musical lover must own!

Sugerbrie,
I guess I mean your favorite recording. I listened to two Cliburn semi-finalists last night perform this piece with the Fort Worth Symphony. I would like to own a good recording of this beautiful but difficult piece.
Joel

I am listening Arcadi Volodos on live recording with Levine/ Berlin Phil.O. Best so far!

OK, I am back. I dad a date in Baltimore with three other Russians. Yuri Temirkanov conducting Shostakovich #7 and Sergei Babayan playing Bach Piano Concerto #1 (also Yuri conducting).

I was not kidding about the old Rachmaninov recording. It is sonically only fair (recorded 12/4/39), but the performance is by the Rach himself, so it is worth having as a reference. With Ormandy / Philadelphia RCA 5997-2-RC (also available on the Musical Heritage Society label). Also includes Rach playing #2 with Philadelphia / Stokowski (recorded 4/10/29).

My modern pick of Rach #3 is Santiago Rodriguez playing with the Sofia Philharmonic, conducted by Emil Tabakov on Elan label CD2220. Be careful, there is another Rach #3 Rodriguez on Elan with Lake Forest Symphony.

I am very interested in hearing the Volodos recording. I heard him play the Prokofiev #2 live in person a couple months ago. Best I have ever heard of that work.

Not familiar with the Ashkenazy/Previn Rach #3, but their recording of the Rach #2 in 1972 is the best Rach #2 IMHO (London Jubilee 417-702-2 and a newer pressing).

I guess while you're at the store, pick up the original Rach recording of Rach playing numbers 1 and 4, also Ormandy / Philadelphia. RCA 6659-2-RC. (Or through Musical Heritage Society.) http://www.musicalheritage.com/