6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thrilling, June 23, 2008
This review is from: Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; Variations on a Theme of Corelli; Variations on a Theme of Chopin (Audio CD)
It was a brilliant idea to collect three of Rachmaninoff's variations pieces on one CD, regardless of how many are with orchestra The Paganini Rhapsody is a terrific performance. Lugansky handles the bravura moments very impressively, while Oramo's orchestra plays with verve and precision. Some writers have criticized Lugansky for being too reserved in the work's more emotive moments. I would say that there is a reticence to his playing, but he maintains a light and shade along with a beautiful feeling for the harmonic logic that renders his playing all of a piece, even in the more emotional moments. The solo works are given big, brawny performances, but always with logic and never any caprice. On the basis of this disc, Lugansky is clearly a major pianist whom we should be hearing more from. If you are looking for a version of the Paganini Rhapsody with more heart on its sleeve, I would recommend the classic Entremont/Ormandy rendition.
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