Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of of Paganini / Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Theme

Sergey Rachmaninov (Composer), Ernst von Dohnanyi (Composer), Georg Solti (Conductor), Adrian Boult (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Julius Katchen (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Julius Katchen
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Georg Solti, Adrian Boult
• Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov, Ernst von Dohnanyi
• Audio CD (July 15, 1997)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000042E4
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #210,795 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Piano Concerto No. 2: I. Moderato

2. Piano Concerto No. 2: II. Adagio sostenuto

3. Piano Concerto No. 2: III. Allegro scherzando

4. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini

5. Variations On A Nursery Theme

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The entire concerto is heavenly!, August 16, 2000

By 

Vladimir Dorta (Issaquah, WA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of of Paganini / Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Theme (Audio CD)

I disagree with the previous reviewer when he says that Julius Katchen takes the first movement too fast. The passionate way in which he plays could make you think it is fast. And the orchestra is also up to the romantic task. As a bonus, the listener gets one of the top recordings ever, a jewel of the golden era of stereo by the great Kenneth Wilkinson, superbly reissued by Decca. The famous Earl Wild/Horenstein version on Chesky (another KW recording, by the way) is not as good either as a performance or as a recording.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Adagio heaven, March 5, 2000

By 

John Buie (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of of Paganini / Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Theme (Audio CD)

Katchen takes the first movement too fast. On repeated listenings this isn't as bothersome, but I'd still prefer the allegro to be played a little slower. However, this minor failing can be forgiven when one hears the marvelous second movement! Actually after listening to the first movement, I was a little wary of what to expect. Would Katchen again take the express route, or would he slow everything down to a crawl to achieve some kind of temporal balance? Well, my misgivings turned out to be totally unwarranted. This Adagio is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful on record and beats out nearly all comers for tempo (exactly right in my opinion) and sheer beauty. There are a lot of alternatives of this popular work, but this performance ranks up there with the best.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A glimps of heaven, August 15, 2002

By 

Jerry Phillip Call (Murrieta, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of of Paganini / Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Theme (Audio CD)

I have heard various interpretations of this piece, but nothing compares to this one as interpreted by Sir Georg Solti and the perfect piano by Julius Katchen. I disgree with anyone who says that the first movement is to fast. When I first heard this piece, I can only compare it to getting a glimps of heaven. This is the most stirring and moving music I've ever heard. The images conjured up in the mind with a intense listening will bring you to tears. I am now on my second recording of this as my tape is now worn out. Even the great Andre Preven Doesnt compare with whats on this recording and he is one of my favorites. Sit back, relax turn it up and let it take you to heaven. All in all, a master piece.