Wislocki, Karajan, Richter: Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto no.2, Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto no.1 (APE)

Performer: Sviatoslav Richter
Orchestra: Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert von Karajan, Stanislaw Wislocki
Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov, Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Audio CD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: APE (image+cue)
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Size: 265 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: no

01. Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18 – 1. Moderato
02. Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18 – 2. Adagio sostenuto
03. Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18 – 3. Allegro scherzando
04. Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23 – 1. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso – Allegro con spirito
05. Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23 – 2. Andantino semplice – Prestissimo – Tempo I
06. Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23 – 3. Allegro con fuoco

Simply the best

Ok these are rather old recordings but whilst they may not have the richness of modern productions they are perfectly acceptable. What you want is the pianism and in the Rachmaninov he is simply sublime. If you’ve heard other versions, and surely you will have, then this will open your eyes to a much deeper understanding of the music. It is a very moving performance.

I know others don’t like the Tchaikovsky as much but I think it is a very interesting interpretation and well worth listening to.