Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3/ Solo Piano Works

Arcadi Volodos - Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3/ Solo Piano Works

Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3/ Solo Piano Works
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Music CD Cover

Artist: Arcadi Volodos
Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov
Conductor: James Levine
Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2000-09-26
Music Label: Sony
Soundtracks:
  1. Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
  2. Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30: 2. Intermezzo. Adagio
  3. Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30: 3. Finale. Alla breve
  4. Sonata for cello & piano in G minor, Op. 19: Andante
  5. Morceaux de fantaisie (5), for piano, Op. 3: No. 5: Sérénade in B flat minor
  6. Morceaux de salon, for piano, Op. 10: No. 6: Romance in F minor
  7. Prelude for piano No.17 in F minor, Op. 32/6
  8. Pieces (3) for piano, TN ii/19: Prelude in D minor, Op. post
  9. Etudes-Tableaux, for piano, Op. 33: Ã?tude-Tableaux in C sharp minor, Op. 33/6(9)

Free Music Notes for Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3/ Solo Piano Works

Free Music Review: Digital Rachmaninoff
Hit: 5 Stars

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.

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