I've recently been listening to the following:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chopin...6313730&sr=8-1-spellThere are many recordings of the Rachmaninov and indeed, the Chopin. However, they capture both the sonatas in a rather intimate and very expressive way.
Luganksy isn't one of my favourite pianists, but I was pleasantly surprised at this CD. He has a fantastic chamber ability. The Cello playing is very heartfelt and colourful.
Dan
Posted on: 16 February 2010 by u5227470736789439
Thanks for the recommendation!
For me the star would the Chopin, but the Rach might have appeal as well!
ATB from George
Posted on: 16 February 2010 by Florestan
Dan, while I don't mind this recording, I don't think it would be my first choice. One thing I've noticed about myself is that as I age I tend to prefer musicians who don't rush (especially in slow movements). To me, the "heartfelt" comes from the musicians taking their time and considering the depth (ie. making music). Some parts of this recording leave me feeling that they could have taken a little more time with it. This of course is just my own opinion. I'm mostly speaking in general here as I see myself slowly change over the years. Twenty years ago I would never have said or thought such a thing.
George, don't tell me you are going to come over to the dark side (insert big smiley here!) Nothing would please me more if only we could talk about Bach and Haydn with the same enthusiasm as with Chopin, Rachmaninov, or any post classical composer.
I'd consider the Andante from the Rachmaninov to be a gem as far as musical creations go. True, this is sad and melancholy but we are mining out deep human emotions here and it is special for that reason; we are human after all. Also, I don't really care who or when something was written. It either moves me in a very personal way or it doesn't.
I feel the same emotion and have a hard time not getting all choked up over, say, Bach's c sharp minor or e flat minor Preludes as I can from Chopin's Preludes, Rachmaninov's Preludes, or even Scriabin's. It seem's I need the language from all the extremes or options to feel musically fulfilled.
For anyone who really connects with the Andante from Rachmaninov's Cello Sonata I'd really recommend also hearing a wonderful piano transcription of it by Arcadi Volodos. You'd find it on a recording he did of the 3rd Piano Concerto with James Levine.
Regards,
Doug
