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).
