Customer Reviews

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the most underrated recording of the Rach 3 ever put to disc, tape, record, or any other recording device. Along w/ his incomparable recording of Prokofiev's Piano Cto No 2, Guttierez shows himself one of today's supreme virtuosos. I own 16 other recordings of the Rach 3, including the famous Horowitz/Reiner 1951 and Argerich/Chailly 1982, both of which get more acclaim, and Gutierrez is superior on almost every level.

When a record outfit with the resources of Telarc takes on a mainstay such as the "Rach Three," we practically expect the outcome to be the new digital reference for that work. Their track record, as far as sound quality, is that good. They don't skimp on artistic talent either: Horacio Gutiérrez has been recording at a rapid pace of late, commensurate with his talent I think. As technique and elegance go, he's the Itzhak Perlman of the piano, working miracles with a minimum of apparent effort. Maazel was the conducting prodigy, who at fifteen led teenager Byron Janis on a romp through the Rachmaninoff Second. Today he's considered "temperamental."

In music that is all about temperament, Maazel and Gutiérrez choose to play it safe. Granted, some of the tempos they take would have lesser pianists bleeding over the keys, but Gutiérrez always has it well in hand - whether it's the power chords of the Alla breve are hammered out with ease. The cadenza (he plays the abridged version) thunders politely. There was a potential in this recording for complete mayhem, the kind of emotional volatility that makes Sviatoslav Richter's Second and Earl Wild's Third spine-tingling. Not that I believe that a great performance must strike fear in the listener, but there should be a moment when the audience is transported unexpectedly, a Busonian moment when the music "dematerializes" and is all around us.

I have some minor quibbles. In the Third Concerto, the developmental material of the first movement, when it does not concern the piano, is pushed along at a faster tempo. Does Maazel find these transitions academic? Immediately preceding the cadenza, he gives the eerie falling motif in the strings short shrift by waving the players on through. Gutiérrez doesn't get the critical silence he needs before the cadenza erupts.

Though it fell short of conjuring ecstatic moments for me, this record sustains a high level of involvement. I don't doubt many pundits would prefer it over the versions I've mentioned, because it doesn't take those risks: no jabbing accents, no bass notes pounded like depth charges, but plenty of exquisite virtuosity.

The pairing of Rachmaninov's 2nd and 3rd Piano concertos is quite excellent. Although, the 3rd is not quite as fiery as Argerich's performance, it is still done exceptionally well. Maazel leads the Pittsburgh Orchestra beautifully. They compliment the pianist in a lush and never overbearing way. Listening to the opening notes of the Second Piano Concerto, the listener hears the beautiful recording capturing the piano in its full glory but not miked to closely. As the orchestra comes in, you still hear fully what the piano is doing, something often covered up by the orchestra in many other recordings. Gutierrez is in full control of these pieces. He adds wonderful color, phrasing, and rubato that make both concertos stand apart from a throng of recordings. Although this CD is often overlooked in guides to classical music, such as Penguin, please know that this CD is one to own, especially if you're a fan of the 2nd and 3rd piano concertos. As with all Telarc recordings, something must be said of the actual sound. Spectacular! I am a firm fan of the Telarc sound. It captures the full orchestra and has a more true sound in my opinion than many of the other recording labels, and this recording is great evidence of what the Telarc engineers aim to achieve with their work.

When I bought this copy of the rach 2 and 3 I expected to be impressed but I was simply amazed at the brilliance of the performances! Firstly, I believe that Gutierrez is an outstanding player, and his passion especially shows during the more demanding sections of the rach 3! Another person who reviwed this cd stated that it was all rushed!Balderdash!If anything the rach3 especially is ofton taken at such a slow tempo that the russian passion and agression that is the rach3 is lost!The performances on the cd a show the way that both pieces shoud be played! The first movment cadenzas of the rach 3 are simply stunning!Gutierrez really is amazing! Mazzals orchestra sound superb, and also display the passion that these pieces deserve! The sound quality is perfect, and the balance of the instuments is perfect. If you love rachmaninoff you must buy this cd! I actually own two copies in case something happens to one!!

Gutierrez' playing is brilliant throughout. Here's one artist who can pour on the octaves without ever compromising musicality. Last I looked, there were umpteen zillion Rach 2 recordings out there. This, without a doubt, is the definitive one.

Fantastic, the best recording I have ever heard of Rachmaninoff Concerto no 2 and 3.

This recording will be one of the legendary recordings to own. A must have for any Rachmaninoff connoisseur and lover of great recordings and performances! It is phenomenal! It is emotionally stirring and soulful. The sound quality is amazing. I heard Gutierrez play a few months ago with the Cleveland Orchestra and had to buy his recording. This is an absolute gem. Where is the magnificent button? Please click for me!

I gained an appreciation for classical music somewhat late in life after years of rock and roll, now in my fifties, if I was forced to choose I would give up all my rolling stones before I gave up a single Gutierrez recording. His passion, virtuosity and mastery of his instrument are unparalleled. If you own only one recording it should be his.

I am somewhat dismayed at the reviews of this disc. I found both perf's hurried and therefore lacking any insight. Why? I watched Gutierrez perform the 3rd on the PBS series Previn and the Pittsburgh and that was by all accounts for me, the best "Rach3" I've heard. I had also heard that Maazel and Gutierrez weren't exactly hitting it off too well when they were preparing this piece for the Pittsburgh public. This Rach 3 just wasn't what I expected.

As far as the 2nd goes, Gutierrez and the Pgh orchestra do fine, but this too is a rushed and hasty affair, no matter how few to no mistakes there are. One would do better with Jeno Jando's 2nd on NAXOS.

This is the best CD in the world. It contains perfect performances of the best musical compositions ever! Buy it now, then you can finish reading this.

My interest in classical music began years ago with this very CD, when I checked it out from the library for no reason. I never experienced such intense musical pleasure in my life. I am the kind of person that appreciates music much more for composition than performance. In a classical recording, I look for a spotless, untainted production of the composer's intent. I don't want it to be altered by an artist's individual interpretations. So, in light of this musical philosophy, I confidently declare that this album is absolutely perfect. The recording is balanced. The temperament is neutral. Is that bad? No. It allows the emotion of Rachmaninoff's composition to come through at 100%.