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 STANDING OVATION! Apr 28, 2008
Quite Simply: You will be on your feet applauding at the end of this preternaturally glorious performance of Rachmaninov's 3rd Piano Concerto. It is absolute perfection on all accounts - Levine's, the Berliner Philharmoniker's, the sonic landscape provided by the engineering team...but above all, from Aracdi Volodos' keyboard wizardry. This Rachmaninov album is more than fleshed out with astounding solo performances from Volodos; a particular highlight is his transcription of the Op. 19 Cello Sonata.
A Jewel in Volodos' Crown!
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Titanic Live! Mar 31, 2008
At first listening, I didn't like the interpretation at all - Volodos' excessive effort to bring all detail to attention impedes flow of music at times. But the more I listen the more I was amazed by his enormous capacity to articulate every detail, not only in right-hand, but also in left-hand part, and to dig deeper into heart of the music. The cadenza in the middle movement is incredibly vivid. I still prefer Horowitz' earlier accounts, but this one has something very special, more depth and dignity perhaps.
Volodos' own transcription of the slow movement from Rachmaninov's Cello Sonata, played with breath-taking delicacy, is just magical and apt encore piece after the incandescent finale of the concerto.
 Immaculate playing and recording Mar 27, 2008
Volodos clearly is a very talented pianist with superhuman finger agility. This being the sixth recording of Rach 3 I own, I did not find Volodos' rendition exceptionally engaging. Other folks might have a different opinion, but I found that I return to this record for only the amazing technical sections, rather than for a full listen. I prefer Horowitz 1951 and Ashkenazy/Previn for the full experience.
The other works on the CD are good, but are not as emotionally engaging as other recordings for me. For example, compare Grimaud's etude Op. 33/9 to Volodos'. Again, I'm mainly expressing personal preference. The music and sound quality on this CD is still great, hence the four stars.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Digital Rachmaninoff Jan 28, 2006
Sergei Rachmaninoff's compositions are often lumped in with other Russian nationalist composers, like Rimsky-Korsakov who wanted to raise the state of Russian music by incorporating modes and folk-elements of their native land into the mainstream. With Rachmaninoff, you get the feeling his music is Russian, but without selling out; he avoided in most cases, overtly inserting folk-sounds, but instead, composed classical music which was greatly influenced by his environment and surroundings.
The opening of his Piano Concerto No. 3 in d minor, is a fine example of that. A simple unison melody for piano, with simple orchestral accompaniment seems delicate, classically balanced, and tuneful, but the integrity of the melancholy nature seems to listeners as Russian. The theme returns three times, each time as charming and fondly remembered as the first. A more positive secondary melody speaks of love and yearning, evoking Rachmaninoff's highly Romantic compositional style. After the second reprise is a passionate piano cadenza (Volodos choose the longer one), bringing the moods of both motives. The d minor opening movement has a feel of forward movement without being rushed, and the lush Romantic orchestration is colorful and dramatic. The second movement has a potpourri of emotions, including a few reoccurring important ideas. The opening pastoral string section continues the mood of the opening movement, but when the piano enters, it becomes a peaceful pastoral scene. In contrast, a great sweeping theme of passionate emotion, in an almost exotic mode, takes over from time to time, again, rooting the listener in a Russian composition. A brash conclusion links the second movement to the third with a whirlwind scalular passage for orchestra and piano. The final movement begins with a forceful idea, again in the minor, which modulates around creating an interesting kaleidoscope of colors, much like the opening. A whimsical scherzo, along with a reprise of the opening movement's "love" theme gives the final movement an emotional pastiche feel. The work ends in an upbeat key, with broad Romanticism and stunning virtuosic athleticism. The final movement is a work-out for both orchestra and pianist.
This recording features James Levine and the Berlin Philharmonic. Levine, the conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra, has a natural timing for drama, and it aids this performance of a highly dramatic, Romantic work. The Berlin Philharmonic is full-bodied and accompanies well (the piano rarely takes a break); although, I feel the orchestra could be more present, especially in the opening movement and parts of the third, where the orchestra is sometimes obscured by the piano. Levine also keeps the music moving forward, never langoring in over-Romanticization, a plus for this performance (leaves the listener wanting more). The engineers know who the star of the concerto is; Arcadi Volodos gives an extroverted performance of the concerto and is placed forward in the recording. He is delicate and sensitive at need, but really shines in the virtuosic arena. Minus the slight balance issue, this is a stupendous performance, if not the finest, at 40 minutes.
An extra 20 minutes of Rachmaninoff's solo piano repertoire is added to the concerto. The etude tableaux in c-sharp minor, no. 6(9), preludes in d minor and f minor, romance in f minor, serenade in b-flat minor, and Volodos' transcription from a cello sonata is included. Showcasing sensitivity, as well as athletic virtuosity, the pieces fill out the CD nicely. Interpretively, this CD can stand with most, sonically, it outdoes most. If you are looking for just the 3rd concerto only, this is an easy recommendation of a digital recording. Many labels, however, put out combinations of concertos, which might appeal to a larger consumer base. This CD is an excellent performance, an easy buy.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Stunning performance, and excellent sound!! Jul 05, 2005
Volodos is an aspiring star at the piano, and he has showed us his technical and musical abilities several times. This recording of Rach 3 is to be remember as one of the great! I am not saying it is the best, because that for me can change day by day. I have my top 3 and that is enough!
The performance is excellent both from pianist, orchestra and sound technicians! The sound is overwhelming on a good surround system!
The enterpretation is strong and majestic and has all the elements you demand plus somewhat more. The octaves on the end of the 3. mvmt could have been much faster. We know Arcadi by now, and is there something he has no problems handling it is octaves.
If you like Rach 3, this shoukd be in your shelf!
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