Description
Sergei Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor known for his emotionally rich and virtuoso music. Characterized by rich harmonies and grandiose melodies, his works include the iconic Piano Concerto No. 2 and the hauntingly beautiful Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. Despite facing personal and political upheaval, including emigration after the Russian Revolution, Rachmaninoff's music maintained its deep expressiveness and romantic style. His music lives on through his recordings and compositions, and continues to captivate audiences around the world. Rachmaninoff's artistry represents the pinnacle of late romanticism, combining technical brilliance with profound emotional depth. This double LP features representative pieces from those works. The artists featured on this record – Hélène Grimaud, Nikolai Lugansky, Leif Ove Andsnes and André Previn – are among those most inspired by this repertoire. Released as a double 180g vinyl LP on October 11th, 2024.
Tracklist:
Side A
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 – II. Adagio sostenuto
Performed by Hélène Grimaud (piano), Vladimir Ashkenazy (conductor), Philharmonic Orchestra
Prelude in G minor, Op. 23-5
Performed by Nikolai Lugansky (piano)
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 – Variations 18-24
Performed by Martin James Bartlett (piano), Joshua Weilerstein (conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 1 in F sharp minor, Op. 1 – I. Vivace
Performed by Leif Ove Andsnes (piano), Antonio Pappano (conductor), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Etudes "Pictures of Sound" Op.33 – No. 1: F minor
Performed by Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
Fantasy Pieces Prelude in C sharp minor Op.3-2 "The Bells"
Performed by Nikolai Lugansky (piano)
4 Romances Op.34 – Vocalise
Performed by Natalie Dessay (soprano), Michael Schönwand (conductor), Berlin Symphony Orchestra
Side C
Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor Op.30 – I. Allegro ma non tanto
Moments Musicaux Op.16 ~ No. 4: E minor
Performed by Nikolai Lugansky (piano)
String Quartet No.1 ~ II. Romance. Andante espressivo
Performed by Borodin String Quartet
Side D
Symphony No.2 in E minor Op.27 ~ II. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Symphonic Dance Op.45 ~ II. Andante con moto. Tempo di valse
Opera "Aleko" ~ Dance of the Women
Performed by Andre Previn (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra
