Jim Alfredson Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Every now and then we used to sing some Rachmaninoff in high school / college. I always loved his very bottom heavy arrangements for voice. And obviously his abilities as a pianist as well. Where to start as far as CDs are concerned? I have nothing, but I think I would lean more towards choral and solo piano. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander Hawkins Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Neither choral nor piano - although there is a fine piano reduction - but I've always loved the 'Symphonic Dances'. I'd have to think about choral music (not familiar enough with the Vespers to suggest a particular recording) and the piano music... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claude Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 (edited) Rachmaninov is most famous for his 4 piano concertos, of which 2 and 3 are by far the most popular. His Paganini Variations for piano and orchestra are also a good place to start. Symphonic Dances is also my favourite orchestral work. Another work I love is The bells, for orchestra, choir ans solo singers. Other important orchestral works are his 2nd symphony and Isle of the dead As far as solo piano works go, I like his Preludes op.23 and 32, as well as the two suites for two pianos. Some CDs in the midprice and budget price range I have and can recommend (excellent interpretation and sound): - Symphonic dances + Isle of the dead (Naxos) http://www.cduniverse.com/music/pid/1042369/ - Piano concertos 2 + 3 (Janis) http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1191881 (also available on SACD) - Preludes op. 23 + 32 + Sonata 2 (Ashkenazy): http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1170222 Edited May 30, 2006 by Claude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Alfredson Posted May 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Thank you, I'll give those a shot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John L Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 I am also a fan of Rachmaninoff. Rachmaninoff is proof that you don't have to make music "of your time" to make great music for all time. Although I am not a huge fan of Horowitz in general, this recording of the third piano concerto has a special place in my heart. In fact, Rachmaninoff apparently composed it with Horowitz in mind. Really moving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Nessa Posted May 31, 2006 Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 i'm on vacation, on a park bench, in the dark,. stealing someone's wireless connection. when i'm back i'll have some recommendstions if the thread's still active. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blake Posted May 31, 2006 Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 For the Piano Concertos I recommend this one: Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos 1-4 / Ashkenazy, Previn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epithet Posted May 31, 2006 Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 (edited) I am also a fan of Rachmaninoff. Rachmaninoff is proof that you don't have to make music "of your time" to make great music for all time. Although I am not a huge fan of Horowitz in general, this recording of the third piano concerto has a special place in my heart. In fact, Rachmaninoff apparently composed it with Horowitz in mind. Really moving. No offense to your heart, but you gotta get the Reiner version over this one. Every now and then we used to sing some Rachmaninoff in high school / college. I always loved his very bottom heavy arrangements for voice. And obviously his abilities as a pianist as well. Where to start as far as CDs are concerned? I have nothing, but I think I would lean more towards choral and solo piano. Thanks! For solo piano, try the Etudes-tableaux; probably can't go wrong with Ashkenazy here. Edited May 31, 2006 by Epithet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez Posted May 31, 2006 Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 you can find mint copies of all his stuff on in columbia masterworks 78 box sets- for a buck a piece. and when mint i mean sparkly nice unscratched mint and Isle of the Dead has some much warmth it sounds like you are down there with em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Alfredson Posted May 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 UP for Chuck. Still waiting for your recs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Nessa Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 (edited) Some favorites: Preludes Sonata 2, etc Isle of the Dead / PC 2 Cello/Piano Convenient Choral Collection Richter Not up to speed on current recordings of Vespers. Check sound samples on Amazon for the songs. Find a voice you can live with - not always easy. If you want to hear the man himself: http://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninov-Recordin...760&sr=8-12 Edited May 29, 2008 by Chuck Nessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 My favorite is Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini...can't say I'm familiar with much else but that piece has always struck me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Kart Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 Etudes Tableux, Ovchinikov: http://www.amazon.com/Etudes-Tableaux-Rach...6769&sr=1-3 There also this one from him on Olympia, but I suspect they're different performances (the first is from EMI): http://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninov-Etudes-t...6949&sr=1-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Alfredson Posted May 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 Thank you Chuck and Larry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Nessa Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 I should point out the links I posted were via the Organissimo site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Nessa Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 Clem would find it "soggy" (61 minutes) but the recording of the 2nd symphony by Edward Downes/BBC Philharmonic is a desert island disc for me. It was a "bonus disc" with the BBC Music mag, but I have seen it in used bins. No edits, all notes played and recorded and wonderful for me. Recorded by the Chandos team in 1994, so it might eventually see commercial release. If you stumble upon it, spend a couple of bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomsMobley Posted December 2, 2015 Report Share Posted December 2, 2015 Vladimir Jurowski cond Miserly Knight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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