Rachmaninov - 24 Preludes

[Tony Halstead]

In today's 'Sunday Times' there is an altogether ecstatic review by 'PD' ( Paul Driver) of the new 'Somm' CD of Peter Katin's 1972 traversal of the Rachmaninov 24 Preludes.
Many congratulations to Peter!

[visualnickmos]

Surely it has "great" written all over it.... I shall investigate.

[Ferretfancy]

I think this must be the 2CD Olympia set that I have had for a long time. It's magnificent. My only quibble is that the piano is very closely recorded, but the impact is tremendous.

[BBMmk2]

Havnt seen Peter on these mb's lately?

[Roslynmuse]

I think this must be the 2CD Olympia set that I have had for a long time. It's magnificent. My only quibble is that the piano is very closely recorded, but the impact is tremendous.

I think it was originally released on Unicorn LPs - as was a lovely set of Chopin Nocturnes.

[salymap]

I still treasure PK's CD, including a beautiful Chopin 4th Ballade, which I first heard on Breakfast.

I think he was 'looking round' the MBs recently,if not actually posting.

[Barbirollians]

He posted on the Kurt Sanderling thread the other day .

[Peter Katin]

In today's 'Sunday Times' there is an altogether ecstatic review by 'PD' ( Paul Driver) of the new 'Somm' CD of Peter Katin's 1972 traversal of the Rachmaninov 24 Preludes.
Many congratulations to Peter!

Thank you! They were originally LP Unicorn (the original one), then Olympia acquired the tapes. Then they were transferred to a single CD by Pickwick and they apparently sunk into the earth until I managed to get them myself. This issue is the best one as the sound has been considerably enhanced. It's good to see them around again!

[Thropplenoggin]

I'm thinking of buying a disc of Rachmaninov preludes for Mrs. Thropplenoggin for Christmas.

I'm torn between the Howard Shelley discs on Hyperion (op.23 and op.32 issued on 2 separate discs) or Steven Osborne, also on Hyperion, all on one disc. From what I've heard, Shelley sounds slightly more easy o'the ear, and seems to be the BaL choice for both sets of preludes. I don't own any Rachmaninov and wouldn't consider myself a fan (though have enjoyed the odd prelude I've heard).

Does anyone have a preference for either of these two pianists in Rachmaninov?

[Nick Armstrong]

I'm thinking of buying a disc of Rachmaninov preludes for Mrs. Thropplenoggin for Christmas.

I'm torn between ...Howard Shelley and Steven Osborne.

Doesn't waldo's post #1 above resolve your dilemma? What could be better than: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Complete...4474070&sr=8-1 ?

In any event, I wouldn't be inclined to buy either Messrs Shelley or Osborne.

[Nick Armstrong]

Thank you! They were originally LP Unicorn (the original one), then Olympia acquired the tapes. Then they were transferred to a single CD by Pickwick and they apparently sunk into the earth until I managed to get them myself. This issue is the best one as the sound has been considerably enhanced. It's good to see them around again!

Ordered!

Many thanks and congrats on this reissue

Waldo, are you able to post the review? I haven't got the ladder to get over Mr Murdoch's paywall...

[Thropplenoggin]

Doesn't waldo's post #1 above resolve your dilemma? What could be better than: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Complete...4474070&sr=8-1 ?

In any event, I wouldn't be inclined to buy either Messrs Shelley or Osborne.

A rather brusk dismissal. Why ever not?

[Nick Armstrong]

A rather brusk dismissal. Why ever not?

Because I didn't feel either of them got anywhere near the heart of this music like the Ashkenazy and Richter performances I have. My hopes are high for Peter Katin's set.

[Pianorak]

I haven't got the ladder to get over Mr Murdoch's paywall...

You called, Sir? http://www.classicalsource.com/db_co...ew.php?id=9619

http://www.allmusic.com/album/rachmaninov-the-complete-preludes-mw0002213358

[Nick Armstrong]

You called, Sir? http://www.classicalsource.com/db_co...ew.php?id=9619
http://www.allmusic.com/album/rachma...s-mw0002213358

Thanks