Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29)

Sergey Rachmaninov (Composer), Sergey Rachmaninov (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Sergey Rachmaninov
• Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov
• Audio CD (March 30, 1990)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041WS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,605 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #59 in Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Polkas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Love at First Listen, January 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29) (Audio CD)

No words can describe the feeling of hearing Rachmaninov play his own compositions. He was known for his piano performances as much as his writing. Even though the album is not the best quality sound or containing the best versions of his well known songs, I am relieved that he was able to be recorded in his time. The man may be gone, but his sound will live forever. The cuts in the musical score that he made, I see as Rachmaninov's own whim, his split-second decisions, or his doubts. What a wonder to see him as human... I think these recordings should be put in Earth's time capsule. Also, his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" is fascinating. He lends his Russian soul to it that gives new meaning to the anthem.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rachmaninov plays Estonia piano, May 16, 2007

By 

Jim Fellows (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29) (Audio CD)

This is one of two recordings featuring Rachmaninov's Ampico rolls recorded on a modern piano. This one features an Estonia concert grand circa 1976, and the other features a Bosendorfer. For pianists this is a unique opportunity to hear the same performance on two pianos. How much difference does the piano make? Does the Ampico roll really capture the soul of Rachmaninov's playing? You'll be able to decide for yourself, I would say the answer to both questions is yes. As an owner of a newer Estonia piano, and as someone who plays Rachmaninov on that piano, this recording was a fabulous find; for other pianists it might provide some insight into the love many of the great Russian pianists of the 20th century had for Estonia pianos.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The way it should be played..., December 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29) (Audio CD)

Many people forget that Rachmaninov was a great pianist as well as a great composer... this album will serve as a reminder. This recording was made from a unique piano-roll system which provides amazing insight into his technical ability and musicality. Especially stunning are "Flight of the Bumblebee" and his own transcription of Kreisler's "Liebesfreud". A must-have for lovers of great piano music.