Rachmaninoff Complete Editions (2--Brilliant Classics)

[@edwardbak4459]

The performance of the transcriptions by Garrick Ohlsson is fantastic. The scherzo from a Midsummer Night’s Dream is absolutely breathtaking, feather light and fleet and accurate - all betraying not the slightest indication that this is among the most treacherous challenges ever written for the piano. It equals the legendary recording by Moiseiwitsch. I don’t know of another way to buy it on CD outside of this set. And yes, the songs (voice and piano) are complete on 3 CDs. (The same number of discs in the Söderström/Ashkenazy set) They include the songs without opus numbers.

[@willgreencinema]

Great video, Dave!!!!!

[@charlespowell9117]

'A Russian Bruckner in drag;! I love it ! Dave,I have the older version of this set---there were 3 extra discs of historic recordings of the piano concertos with Rachmaninoff/Horowitz/Richter and piano solos too. Thanks again for a great video.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, thanks. Others have noticed that too.

[@ericakilian3]

Great recommendation of the Wild/Horenstein piano concerto performances. I was able to locate and download flacs from Chandos for 15 pounds. Been enjoying the hell out them all afternoon. Blistering virtuosity! Thank you.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Wonderful!

[@davidaiken1061]

As always, I appreciate your reviews of these box sets. As a result of your favorable review, I ordered the Decca/Rachmaninoff set. As you noted, it's a better buy than the Brilliant box and the overall quality of the performances seems better. I researched the Brilliant edition before ordering the Decca, and the cost was prohibitive. I have noticed that these brilliant boxes become particularly pricey when they go out of print. That's not a helpful trend. The Decca box hasn't arrived yet, but I am looking forward to making my acquaintance with Rachmaninoff's vocal and choral music which, with the exception of the Vespers, I have never heard. I "keep on listening" to fend off despair at the geopolitical situation, even if i feel a wee bit guilty these days loving Russian music as much as I do. But we can't blame Rachmaninoff for that.

[@AlexMadorsky]

I’ll need to read a Listener’s Guide to Rachmaninoff should such a book ever be written by our host. After many attempts, I’ve still never figured out a way to enjoy this brilliant all-around musician’s compositions. No reason to force it of course, but I can’t figure out what I’m missing that most people see with an abundance of clarity.

[@michaelhoppe8367]

Thanks Dave, excellent as always. Am very intrigued to see what you think of the Melodiya set. At around $350 it should be something…

[@murraylow4523]

I have this set, and have rather enjoyed it. It doesn’t have texts and translations on that cd rom as I recall, just notes. I must have an earlier or later incarnation than yours as it also has 3 or four historical discs. Horowitz/ Coates in piano concerto 3, Richter doing nr 1 or 2, solo richter, Gilels and I think Kissin. Does add value so might be worth checking when buying

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, why not rearrange the contents every few months just to keep things interesting?

[@murraylow4523]

Well yes but I can’t see if they have been removed it’s because of copyright exactly- that’s the earliest I believe of the Horowitz recordings and lord knows what the situation is with some of those Soviet piano recordings. Maybe it’s a US/EU difference there but I have no idea. Their big Tchaikovsky box maybe has had the same issues?

[@richardwilliams473]

Francesca di Rimini ? Wasn't that composed by Tchaikovsky?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Among others.

[@detectivehome3318]

@@DavesClassicalGuide lol

[@JaneSmith_]

Speaking of supporting Ukrainian ensembles, it might be worth doing a "Ten Best Recordings" video on Kuchar's recordings with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine specifically. Would be a good chance to highlight some of the less well known American and Ukrainian composers that Kuchar has recorded with the orchestra too.

[@moviedave2001]

Kuchar would be a great choice for one of those 10 best videos!

[@josecarmona9168]

@@moviedave2001 , but I really think that Kuchar's recordings have a general excellent level, which makes quite difficult to choose the 10 best. Almost all of them are "best".

[@moviedave2001]

@@josecarmona9168 that's what would make it fun!

[@josecarmona9168]

@@moviedave2001 , that's also true!! 👍

[@williammoreing3860]

With regard to Ukrainian composers, the symphonies of Boris Lyatoshynsky have been issued on Marco Polo (conducted by Kuchar) as well as on Russian Disc (various conductors). Initially I didn’t fall in love with these symphonies, but by God I’m falling in love with them now!

[@franzherzogvonreichstadt]

Dear Mr. Hurwitz, would you consider doing a video on ideal baroque opera recordings? I know there are a gazillion of them, but you could start with, say, the Handel ones? Thanks very much and much obliged

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I have been planning to do a big Handel series for a while, so stay tuned. It just takes some work and I need to be able to play samples, or what's the point? Major labels are impossible to deal with and they have most of the recordings, but I've got some ideas and work-arounds.

[@franzherzogvonreichstadt]

@@DavesClassicalGuide That’s great! Looking forward to them and thanks in advance

[@markmiller3713]

David: If someone doesn't want/need a large box set like this but maybe a smaller (essential?) box, what would you recommend?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Check out my reviews of the symphony cycles and piano concerto cycles.

[@palebluegreen]

i actually like Monna Vanna haha. Well not all of it, but there are some parts of it that are nice.

[@markstenroos6732]

Isn’t this set long oop?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Like everything these days, I think it depends.