Customer Reviews

Great Pianists 19

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This collection contains two of the greatest Rachmaninov recordings ever made: Cliburn's versions of the Third Concerto and the Second Sonata. Both readings have similar qualities. Cliburn takes a broader, deeper, more Russian view than virtually any other pianist. In doing so he makes musical sense where so many other virtuosos merely make a lot of noise. I would go so far as to say that only Rachmaninov himself comes close to Cliburn in the Concerto, while he is on his own in the (almost) original version of the Sonata.

This is possibly the most valuable single purchase of Rachmaninov any music lover could make. It is also a touching reminder of the greatness Cliburn had at the beginning of his career.

The Rachmaninoff Third Concerto performance is one of the most musically satisfying recordings of anything! It is the most moving and the most beautiful Rachmaninoff 3rd I've ever heard.

There was William Kapell and there is Van Cliburn.Both American legends that will be remembered hundreds of years from now by anyone who loves great piano playing.Van Cliburn, that tall handsome good natured Texan who knows not the meaning of the word hate, has a special affinity for Russian music.In fact, his understanding of the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff almost borders on the supernatural.Cliburns recordings of the 3rd Concerto and original 1913 version of the 2nd piano Sonata will never be surpassed and set the standard by which all other performances must be compared, as does Schnabels Beethoven.Even today his recording of the popular 2nd Piano Concerto in C minor is still hailed by critics as being unsurpassed.(the sound is excellent and is one of RCAs best)One to watch however is young Freddy Kempff whos stunning all Rachmaninoff CD includes the original 1913 2nd Sonata, and is only a hairs breadth away from equaling Cliburns definitive performance.So there is still hope for the future, but it was Van who really started it all.