The Best Of Rachmaninoff

Sergey Rachmaninov (Composer), Edo de Waart (Conductor), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Rafael Orozco (Performer), Zoltán Kocsis (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Rafael Orozco, Zoltán Kocsis
• Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Edo de Waart
• Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov
• Audio CD (October 12, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00000416Q
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,163 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of The Best - Orozco and de Waart, April 19, 2001

By 

Frank Beilfuss (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best Of Rachmaninoff (Audio CD)

Since I first heard Orozco play the Rhapsody on tape in '92, I have been trying to find a CD recording of it. It is by far the best recording of the Rhapsody, surpassing Entremont, Cliburn et al with Orozco's brilliant and powerful technique and astonishing clarity of interpretation.

The Second Concerto has always been my favorite, and Orozco and de Waart do not disappoint. Except for one point in the coda, where de Waart misses the tympani to cement the climax, the performance is flawless.

I was impressed with the Rotterdam Philharmonic/de Waart performance of the Second Symphony also. Elegant and beautiful, this piece deserves a velvety touch and de Waart delivers.

The Isle of The Dead is also handled exceptionally by de Waart/RPO and it is as mysteriously beautiful as ever.

The Kriesler/Rachmaninoff transcription is a bonus.

This is a tremendous addition to any collection, and a joy to hear. Truly a 5 star CD.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quantity AND Quality, February 23, 2002

By 

A. C. Johnson (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best Of Rachmaninoff (Audio CD)

Music is so subjective, I'm not going to try and convince you of the merits of this music. This is my first Rachmaninoff CD and from this one alone, I am blown away by the composer. It is very inspiring music to listen to while working.
Most importantly, both CDs in the set are extremely good making this an incredible deal. There is no fluff in this set...it is two full CDs of high quality Rachmaninoff for $15.00.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Piano Fireworks, February 5, 2004

By 

dolcissima2780 "dolcissima" (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best Of Rachmaninoff (Audio CD)

This is my favorite recording of Rachmaninov's 2nd! Orozco and de Waart are thrilling right from the very first note. I keep flipping back to Track 1 just to hear the passionate opening movement! I have Ashkenzy, Vasary, and Entremont's recordings of this piece. The spacious engineering and Orozco's riveting performance keep me coming back to this one! The reading of the Rhapsody is also one of my favorites. I have a special attachment to this work, and these performances do not disappoint my picky taste. I hate to say it, but Orozco's technique and interpretation of the Rhapsody rival the performance with Rachmaninov as soloist with the Phila. Orch.
The other pieces in this "two-fer" are exceptional performances as well. I especially love Orozco's brilliance and technique in the G minor prelude--why couldn't I play it like that in piano lessons??? The Vocalise and Liebeslied are lovely arrangments.
For this price, this set is absolutely essential to anyone interested in Classical music! This is THE recording to have!