Product description

Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

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Average customer rating: 4.0

Binding : Audio CD
EAN : 0028947754992
Label : Universal Classics
Manufacturer : Universal Classics
Publisher : Universal Classics
Release date : 2005-03-07
Title : Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Format : SACD
Original release date : 2005-03-07
Running time : 181
Studio : Universal Classics
MPN : 000427836
Number of discs : 1

Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-12-28 rating:

Lang Lang is a fantastic modern artist
The first time I saw Lang Lang perform was in London about five years ago. He played the Tchaikowsky Piano Concerto No 1 with such passion and power that the entire audience jumped to their feet when he finished. Since then I have followed Lang Lang's recordings and performances and find that he is one of the best young artists of the current decade. Despite his relative youth, he has demonstrated a mature style and the Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2 is no exception. This piece, combined with the popular Rachmaninov interpretation of the Paganini Theme, makes this CD one that will rapidly become part of your permanent listening repertoire. Enjoy this recording.

review by: date: 2008-06-30 rating:

Wonderful
I'm not an expert on classical music and could not offer an opinion on whether this is Lang Lang at his best, but I can say that to me this recording is simply wonderful and at times, breathtaking.

review by: date: 2008-02-16 rating:

Some obvious production blunders
I just can't believe DG has released this record with such obvious problems.
First, the piano is overstated - mics are probably way too close and as a result the piano sound is poor in terms of clarity throughtout the recording (except perhaps in the pp and ppp passages); in fact, it just doesn't sound like a concert Steinway, rather like a prep school babygrand.
Second, the orchestra sounds distant; it doesn't blend well with the piano.
Last but not least, Lang Lang's interpretation, whilst technically correct, is just disappointing: phrasing and articulation is not in the great masters style that we all know - it almost seems he lacks inspiration - it is rather a show off of his dexterity. This is unfortunate because I have seen Lang Lang live at the RAH, and he did a superb interpretation that day (plus his favorit Liszt encores !)
Any positives? ... let me just say that the orchestra sounds very fine (although distant) and is brilliantly conducted.
All in all, I just can't believe DG has released such a crippled record - Lang Lang should record it again it (with a decent producer), and this one should be recalled away from the market (and buyers like myself refunded). All these problems are exacerbated if you listen in two channels - multichannel helps by providing greater clarity to the piano - all in all 1 star in stereo; 2 in multichanel.
I guess I will keep this record as a case study of what can go wrong in top budget classical music recording.

review by: date: 2005-03-13 rating:

Beautiful in every way
The dream team of Valery Gergiev, Lang Lang and the orchestra of the Mariinsky theatre is pure enchantment and the sound quality is astounding.

I have never heard these pieces performed so beautifully before. They touch every nerve with their intoxicating mix of emotions - so brutally honest in the delivery - forcing you to feel the fear, doubt, grief, sadness and joy that Rachmaninov himself must have felt in order to write them. I don't know anything about classical music technically - but I know it should move you - and this does... It moves you to the very core!

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