Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Rubinstein, Artur;
Süsskind, Walter;
NBC Symphony Orchestra;
Golschmann, Vladimir

8.111289

Looking back at Arthur Rubsintein’s discography, it is strange to find so few recordings of music by Rachmaninov, though he placed on disc four versions of the Second Piano Concerto. This one was made in 1946 partnered by the NBC Symphony with Vladimir Golshmann. Polish by birth in 1887, Rubinstein lived the life of a touring virtuoso, moving around the world in a diary packed with future engagements.
He was to study in Berlin, the violinist and conductor, Joseph Joachim, nurturing the prodigious talent, his major concert debut coming at the age of 16 in 1903. With a massive career already established, he enjoyed a rather colourful life as a socialite in his 30’s and 40’s, his performances tending to be more flamboyant than in later life. It proved to be a long career that lasted well into his eighties, his appearances in the States and the UK being particularly well received. He was highly regarded for his unfailingly accurate technique, this concerto performance a fine example of that precision. Tempos for the outer movements are quick but remarkably free of those mannerisms that were common at the time.
The following year, 1947, going to London for concerts, he recorded the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini at the Abbey Road Studio, the recently formed Philharmonia being conducted by Walter Susskind. At the time the sound quality was hailed as remarkable, and even today it is still pretty impressive. I must tread cautiously as this is often regarded as one of the work’s finest recorded performances.
I find it rather cold, his formidable technique placed before the music. Yet when you hear those quick variations played with such an exhilarating brio - the nineteenth sparkles like cut diamonds - you can see why critics at the time were so bowled over. The accompaniment is equally good, and though Rubinstein always demanded the piano should dominate, there is still much orchestral detail to savour. As an ‘encore’ we have an unfussy account of Rachmaninov’s famous C sharp minor Prelude recorded in Hollywood in 1950. • David Denton, David's Review Corner, June 2008

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

02-06-2008

747313328925