Rachmaninov : Conc. piano 1-4

Piano International (Mar, 2013)
Some of these performances will surely be well known to readers: Nos 1 and 2 have already been reissued at mid-price; but here are all four concertos at a tempting price point. The first two concertos find Andsnes in collaboration with the Berlin Philharmonic. Pappano elicits tremendous definition from his players in the First Concerto, while the soloist exhibits his characteristic intelligence, combining close interaction with the orchestra and a careful consideration of Rachmaninov’s pianistic textures.

The live Second Concerto features a ravishing orchestral palette, while the piano sound is deftly recorded. The textural awareness and expert voice-leading that characterises Andsnes’ Rachmaninov gives life to his playing here – he is …