Rachmaninov - 24 Preludes

[Pianorak]

Agreed. But you wouldn't by an incomplete set for someone discovering them for the first time, as the 'BaL recommendation', as it were. Richter would be an ideal complement (historical recording?)

Just to be contrary: Yes, I would, having just been listening (again) to several complete recordings of both sets. I now suspect Richter and Gilels had good reasons to record just a handful. I was also somewhat underwhelmed by Santiago Rodrigues in both the Preludes and the Corelli Variations, but have no regrets having bought the (Brilliant) Rachmaninoff Edition.

[Thropplenoggin]

Just to be contrary: Yes, I would, having just been listening (again) to several complete recordings of both sets. I now suspect Richter and Gilels had good reasons to record just a handful. I was also somewhat underwhelmed by Santiago Rodrigues in both the Preludes and the Corelli Variations, but have no regrets having bought the (Brilliant) Rachmaninoff Edition.

Your argument is illogical. Not all complete sets are going to be bad, and who are you to say whether the preludes you don't care for my appeal to someone else. Next!

[Pianorak]

. . . who are you to say whether the preludes you don't care for my appeal to someone else. Next!

Fair enough! Just to keep digging, all the Preludes (& Etudes-tableaux) I care for can be found on this S. Richter disc: RRC1022.

[Thropplenoggin]

Fair enough! Just to keep digging, all the Preludes (& Etudes-tableaux) I care for can be found on this S. Richter disc: RRC1022.

A last word freak, eh? Fair enough.

[Sir Velo]

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.

I have Shelley's recording of the Morceaux de Salon and Moments Musicaux which are fine and idiomatic performances, albeit a trifle closely recorded. Anyone with a penchant for Rachmaninov should investigate these pieces which are the equal of many of the Preludes and Etudes-tableaux for fantasy and that ineffable quality of Russian melancholy.

As to the Preludes, I would cast my vote for Ashkenazy's 1970s/80s set on Decca; with Richter as a supplement for those pieces which the great man deigned to record.

[Keraulophone]

Couldn't resist ordering Boris Berezovsky's traversal on Mirare, so will report back in a few days time.

[amateur51]

Couldn't resist ordering Boris Berezovsky's traversal on Mirare, so will report back in a few days time.

Oh yes please Keraulophone - he can be variable (can't we all) but on-song he's a wonderful pianist

[Sir Velo]

Couldn't resist ordering Boris Berezovsky's traversal on Mirare, so will report back in a few days time.

Ok, you've had a few days, months even, so what's the verdict?

Seriously, just listening to Ashkenazy in this repertoire prompts the thought that it must be, literally, a bit of a stretch for him playing Rachmaninov. I remember him once saying that he had to work on the fingering in some of the passages and chordal writing. Thankfully, the strain never shows.

[Ferretfancy]

I have the Olympia CDs and they are thrilling, very close as has been said, but never mind. I found Peter Katin's performance of the Grieg concerto with the LPO and John Pritchard on LP last week, a mint condition disc from Oxfam for 50p -- sorry Peter I would willingly have paid much more!

This is a beautiful performance of a too well known work which comes up as if new. Could I also recommend other Olympia discs, a terrific Grieg recital of Lyric pieces and other items, and a Brahms recital including the Fantasias Op. 116 and Intermezzi Op. 117. I hope all these performances are still in circulation.

[johnb]

Moura Lympany on Testament.

Great to hear that PK's recording has been reissued. (Another disc for the wishlist.)

Incidentally the Moura Lympany is also available on Naxos Classical Archives, downloadable (as Flac 16/44.1) from Qobus for 2.99 Euros.