Question by mitch: What is the best recording of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto?
Sorry to be so general in my question.
I was trying to imply your opinion.
I like the Kissin recording a lot, and I would love Rach’s on recording if only the recording back then was as sophisticated as it is now.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Kmpiano1
Well, I don’t believe there’s a “best” recording of Rach 2, but there are obviously some great ones.
a) Listen to Rachmaninoff playing the same concerto is a revelation. You will notice he doesn’t take the beginning like a funeral march and things move pretty smooth.
b) I’m sure Richter’s recording is always dependable.
c) I think Zimmermann just recorded the concerto (?)
d) Ashkenazy’s Rachmaninoff always makes me feel he has a good affinity to Russian music. And he aprpeggiated the opening chords! Thank God! I always feel like how can my hands stretch that wide.
e) Of course there’s Van Cilburn’s as well.
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Dave U says
A personal favourite is Ilana Vered's recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra, but I don't believe it is available on CD unfortunately.
mephistopheles says
Some of my favourite Rach II readings (these come from the late 50's early 60's) :
Sviatoslav Richter's two recordings paired with Kurt Sanderling and later Stanislaw Wislocki,
Byron Janis with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antal Dorati and
Julius Katchen, London Symphony Orchestra, George Solti.
del_icious_manager says
Firstly, Zimerman has one 'm' and one 'n' (he's Polish, not German!).
The two versions I would recommend (although the first responder is correct that there can be no 'best' version, only versions you LIKE the best).:
Vladimir Ashkenazy/Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra/Kyrill Kondrashin (Decca/London)
Stephen Hough/Dallas Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Littton (Hyperion)