Sviatoslav Richter, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra - Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 5 (1985)
Sviatoslav Richter, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra - Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 5 (1985)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log ~ 235 Mb | Total time: 57:40 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Deutsche Grammophon | # 415 119-2 | Recorded: 1958, 1959
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log ~ 235 Mb | Total time: 57:40 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Deutsche Grammophon | # 415 119-2 | Recorded: 1958, 1959
These recordings, dating from 1959 and 1960, have been staple entries in the classical catalogues since they were first issued. This is despite well chronicled unusual tempi in the Rachmaninov and distinctly wiry string tome especially in the Prokofiev. This latter partly to do with age but more to do with the players pushed to their technical limits.
The Rachmaninov is very much a Richter interpretation. The opening bars, at probably the slowest tempo ever recorded, make it quite clear that this is going to be an individual interpretation. Indeed, Richter has a tendency to play all the most melodic passages on the slow side. He is also powerfully nimble at points of climax and their build up. The interesting thing about all of this is that it works despite the idiosyncratic approach to key tempi. Indeed, at the point of listening, it crosses one's mind most strongly that there can be no other way to play whatever passage is in progress. The orchestra is on better form in this concerto and the orchestral textures are fuller and not a subject for concern.
There are no tempi oddities in the Prokofiev which simply gets a dazzling performance from Richter. Nothing else need be said about his contribution here. There is clear evidence of the string players being stretched in ways that could be described as scrabbling for their notes. At Richter's driven speeds this is understandable. However, the lack of fullness in orchestral timbre generally needs some tolerance as this is Prokofiev in spiky mood made all the more obvious in the wrong way.
This remains a benchmark recording of both concertos nevertheless. For many it is close to definitive in both works. I would suggest that both works can justifiably be described as 'great' but I am loath to describe any performance as definitive. That is to close too many useful and rewarding doors. As mentioned above, despite its undeniable greatness, this disc could not entirely be described as a central reading and there are other fine and outstanding recordings which are and should be considered as well.–I. Giles
Performer:
Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Stanisław Wisłocki, conductor (1-3)
Witold Rowicki, conductor (4-8)
Tracklist:
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1743)
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
01. I. Moderato
02. II. Adagio sostenuto
03. III. Allegro scherzando
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Piano Concerto No. 5 in G Major, Op. 55
04. I. Allegro con brio
05. II. Moderato ben accentuato
06. III. Toccata - Allegro con fuoco (Più presto che la prima volta)
07. IV. Larghetto
08. V. Vivo
Exact Audio Copy V1.0 beta 3 from 29. August 2011
EAC extraction logfile from 19. June 2013, 20:43
Sviatoslav Richter / Rachmaninov , Prokofiev - Piano Concertos - Sviatoslav Richter
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Sviatoslav Richter, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra - Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 5 (1985)
Thanks to the original releaser