A Window in Time: Rachmaninoff Performs His Solo Piano Works

Sergey Rachmaninov (Artist), Sergei Rachmaninoff (Artist), Wayne Stahnke (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 25, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B000009RCS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,974 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #26 in Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Polkas
  • #52 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Modern, 20th, & 21st Century > Vocal & Song
  • #73 in Music > Classical > Chamber Music > By Period > Modern & 20th Century

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This collection of Rachmaninoff's solo piano performances relies on a mix of old and new technologies. Between 1919 and 1929, Rachmaninoff cut these 19 performances to piano rolls, which would then be played back through reproducing pianos capable of accurately re-creating the original performances through pneumatic devices that animated the rolls with living nuances and shades--a facet that differentiated the classier reproduction keyboards from the more common "player pianos." This set updates the technology with electronic devices--transparently, though expertly, replacing the pneumatics. Played back on a Bösendorfer Reproducing Piano, this collection sounds astounding, full of Rachmaninoff's lickety-quick motion and his punching intensity when striking the keys. There are 18 Rachmaninoff selections--some of them collaborations--and one gem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," taken to new places in this 1919 reading. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's even better than you'd think possible, May 31, 1999

By 

pm444 "pm444" (Okemos, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Window in Time: Rachmaninoff Performs His Solo Piano Works (Audio CD)

All of the superlatives in the reviews from other listeners are accurate. This CD will blow you away. First of all, the incredible dynamic range of the recording itself puts it in the top 10 greatest solo piano CDs of all time. Second, the power and the beauty of the performances cast piano rolls in a whole new light. I think that there has been a tendency to view recordings derived from piano rolls as less legitimate than those taken from old records. I admit that I was somewhat skeptical about it myself, expecting to hear a mechanical type of sound with limited expressive quality. Wayne Stahnke's brilliant recording techniques proved me wrong. As it turns out, when properly restored, the piano roll provides the listener with a much more life-like reproduction than any 78 could possibly do. This CD makes it very clear why Rachmaninoff was considered the greatest pianist of his time. A breath-taking experience not to be missed!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Magnificent!, July 18, 2004

By 

W L Milo "bearmarketeer" (Austin, TX.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Window in Time: Rachmaninoff Performs His Solo Piano Works (Audio CD)

I just got this CD and with some trepidations sat back and listened intently from start to finish. WOW!! I was hoping that the negative reviews about mechanical and robotic playing would not be too accurate. Well those reviews were utterly absurd, these are MAGNIFICENT recordings! To paraphrase the liner notes, we can thank our lucky stars that we live in a time that technology can bring us this close to the great Rachmaninoff! From some of the reviews one could think this is some sort of computer generated music, robotic and lifeless. Nothing could be further from the truth. The humanity, soul and beauty of the playing leaps out at you. We owe Mr. Stahnke a debt of gratitude for this labor of love. This is art restoration of a high order, not technological interference. To fault this incredible "remastering" of the orginal rolls is like faulting the new digital transfers of old analog tape. It is not "interfering" with original recordings, it is restoration. Purist debates and Bose versus Stein arguments are meaningless when hearing Rachmaninoff play with this level of clarity and beauty of sound. Just like digital transfer of classic films or "cleaning" of masterpiece paintings, this is technology being used to increase our experience of the original intent, not to alter it. I have ordered the second one as well and will purchase every single issue of old piano roll masters that is restored like this. Don't hesitate, these are truly magnificent recordings that will not disappoint. Five stars without reservation!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the original rolls., October 17, 1999

By 

George M. Bogatko "inluxer" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Window in Time: Rachmaninoff Performs His Solo Piano Works (Audio CD)

Anyone who thinks this recording presents music that is flat, mechanical, boring or monotonous doesn't know the difference between a good reproducing roll realization and a dog's asthmatic breathing. I have a lot of these rolls, plus lots of Rachmaninoff 78's. In addition, I make player rolls myself. The plain fact is that this is superior work, both musically and technically. Pay no attention to those luddite whiners who think this is bad stuff. It isn't. It's fabulous.