Rachmaninov: Concerto Nos. 2 & 3

Sergey Rachmaninov (Artist), Charles Munch (Artist), Byron Janis (Artist), Enrique Jorda (Artist), Alexander Brailowsky (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 5, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000003F1X
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,767 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Brailowsky-Janis/SF Symphony Orchestra-Jorda Boston Symphony Orchestra-Munch

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Rach 3 recording, December 29, 2000

By 

Rick Lindsay "rlindsa" (Dallas, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Concerto Nos. 2 & 3 (Audio CD)

I own 6 different recordings of Rachmaninoff's 3rd piano concerto (Ashkenazy, Horowitz, Van Cliburn, Kissin on CD and this same Janis recording on vinyl) and this is my favorite. From the haunting theme of the first movement to the pyrotechnics of the finale, nothing beats this piece for sheer emotional intensity. Despite perhaps 50 listenings, I never fail to get goosebumps in the transition from the 2nd to the 3rd movement.

Janis' technique and expression are impressive, but the raw power he brings to this demanding composition is unbelievable - especially as he powers his way down to the lower registers. Even during the fortissimo portions he can be heard above the orchestra. I also find Janis' tempo choices more to my liking than the renditions by other artists (some slower, some faster).

The recording is mostly quite good, although there are a few times when the orchestra is a little "mushy". But none of this detracts from the beauty, power and emotion of Janis' interpretation of this masterpiece.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Magical", September 23, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Concerto Nos. 2 & 3 (Audio CD)

Over the years, I have listened to numerous renditions of the Rachmininoff 3rd Piano Concerto, Op. 30, such as, Horowitz, Van Cliburn, Ashkenazy, Kapell (my favorite) and Rachmaninoff, himself. And despite the changes in fashion and recognition of artists who performed this concerto, I sincerely find the 1957 performance with Byron Janis and Charles Munch conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra to be one of the most beautiful and compellingly passionate of them all. Sadly, there are no liner notes with this cd, nor is it even mentioned in current Penguin and Gramophone Guide books. Neverthless, I would buy this cd, even if it were in plain, brown paper. In addition, the 1958 performance of the Rachmaninoff, 2nd Piano Concerto, Op. 18 with Enrique Jorda conducting the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra is also superb.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a deal!, July 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Concerto Nos. 2 & 3 (Audio CD)

Not only is this the best overall recording i have heard so far, it is also extremely inexpensive. What a bargain. I currently own about 18 recordings of this concerto and this one is in a tie for first place with the Recording by Rafael Orozco on the philips label(which is also a bargain priced set).
You really can't go wrong with this recording. The second concerto which is included on this cd is also very well played. Although it is played by a pianist I have never heard of. I find the tempos a bit distracting but after a while they grow on you and you learn to enjoy it. My recommended recording of the second concerto would have to be the one with Wild/Horenstein or Gutierrez/Maazel.

All in all this is one of the most satisfying purchases i have made in a while. 5 Stars for sure