Rachmaninov : PIANO CONCERTOS No.2 & No.4

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:57 +0000

(Richter) “a performance so commanding and so utterly marvellously played that it gives endless pleasure” (Gramophone) “..sense of mastery that he conveys in every note….does not however let himself be rushed in the great secondary melody, so this is a reading of vivid contrasts…The Rachmaninov really fits the description ( of ‘legendary recording’)” (Michelangeli) “this is one of the most brilliant piano records ever made” (both: Penguin Guide)

PIANO CONCERTO No.2 in C minor, Op.18

1. Moderato 11:05
2. Adagio sostenuto 11:48
3. Allegro scherzando 11:28

PIANO CONCERTO No. 4 in G minor, Op.40

4. Allegro vivace 9:30
5. Largo 5:59
6. Allegro vivace 8:58

Richter Plays Rachmaninoff

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:36:35 +0000

*** “The playing is of a rare order of mastery and leaves strong and powerful resonances. Richter’s conception goes far beyond the abundant virtuosity the music calls for.”—Penguin Guide

It has been more than a decade since the death of Soviet pianist Sviatoslav Richter, but his reputation and fame continues to grow, and his recordings continue to be among the most sought-after classical piabno recordings ever issued. While his major label recordings have rarely been out of circulation, the many recordings he made for indie labels have often proven elusive – and commanded stratospheric prices on the used and auction markets. Alto is pleased to return to the catalogue some of Richter’s most sought-after sessions, once available on the independent UK-based label Olympia and now available for the first time at a super-value price.

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Etudes-tableaux, Op.33

1 No.9 in c-sharp minor, Grave 2:39
2 No.3 in d minor, Moderato 2:53
3 No.6 in e-flat minor, Non allegro 1:40

Etudes-tableaux, Op.39

4 No.1 in c minor, Allegro agitato 2:54
5 No.2 in a minor, Lento assai 7:00
6 No.3 in f-sharp minor, Allegro molto 2:46
7 No.4 in b minor, Allegro assai 3:35
8 No.9 in d minor, Allegro moderato, tempo di marcia 3:41
9 No.7 in c minor, Lento 6:57

Preludes, Op.23

10 No.1 in f-sharp minor, Largo 3:52
11 No.2 in B-flat Major, Maestoso 3:24
12 No.4 in D Major, Andante cantabile 4:12
13 No.5 in g minor, Alla marcia 3:44
14 No.7 in c minor, Allegro 2:24
15 No.8 in A-flat Major, Allegro vivace 3:06

Preludes, Op.32

16 No.1 in C Major, Allegro vivace 1:11
17 No.2 in Bb-flat minor, Allegretto 3:02
18 No.6 in f minor, Allegro appassionato 1:18
19 No.7 in F Major, Moderato 2:10
20 No.9 in A Major, Allegro moderato 2:34
21 No.10 in b minor, Lento 2:21
22 No.12 in g-sharp minor, Allegro 2:19

Recorded at 1984, Salzburg, and 1971
Originally released on Olympia

Rachmaninoff – Alto CD

Rachmaninov : PIANO CONCERTOS No.2 & No.4

Richter Plays Rachmaninoff