Review: Rachmaninoff Complete Editions (1-Decca)

In this three-part series, I survey three complete Rachmaninoff Editions. First up, Decca, with a little help from Philips (formerly), Deutsche Grammophon, and a variety of independent labels to fill in the gaps. Unlike their random complete Scriabin box, this one has a lot going for it, as you will see.

[@joewebb1983]

Great summary as ever, Dave. For the Ashkenazy fans out there, I would also encourage them to listen to his early recording of the 2nd and 3rd Piano Concertos with Kondrashin and Fistoulari respectively, (it used to be available on Decca Legends). One of the main differences is the choice of the lighter cadenza (the one favoured by Wild, Hough, Rachmaninov himself) in the 3rd. Both performances are very good and are better than the later ones with Previn imho. On a side note, Fistoulari was a great conductor and possibly deserves a video of his own one day 🙂

[@davidaiken1061]

You are a good salesman, David! I was unaware of this set's existence, but as soon as your analysis of its contents was concluded, I wasted no time in ordering it. Of course I have many Rachmaninoff recordings (mostly concertos and symphonies), but with this box I can explore more of the vocal works and the "ephemera," Amazon was offering this set for about $2.50 per disc. Irresistible. I looked up the contents of the Brillant box--it's also very good, but more expensive. Thanks for the review.

[@vincentspinelli9995]

Thanks for the shout out to Ashkenazy. it is easy to overlook how large and varied his discography is.

[@kylejohnson8877]

The delightfully catchy Italian Polka for 2 pianos and trumpet that you mention would be a perfect candidate for a Miniature Masterpiece!

[@jacquespoulemer3577]

David and crew, I'm still laughing about the Bruckner in drag comment. I never thought of the second symphony that way but now I'll never be able to think of anything else! 🤣 I love Rachmaninov of course. I've been gathering his complete works since the 60's but now we have it Sooooo easy. Yes to the Bells and the songs are fun to sing. All the best JIM

[@waverly2468]

The best complete Rach piano music is the one by Ruth Laredo, which was issued on 6 records in 1981. The arrangements of the minuet from L'Arlessienne and Sorochinsky Fair are better than the originals. The arrangements of the well known Bach Preludio, Gavotte and Minuet from the solo violin Partita add some nice Ravel harmonies. Ms. Laredo did the Ravel G Major Concerto with the Youngstown, Ohio Symphony when I played in the violin section in 1976. Very nice lady, and I can still hear her super-clean passagework in the beginning of the first movement.

[@carlconnor5173]

Yes, The Bells is one of Rachmaninov’s finest works, and one of my favorites.

[@kellyrichardson3665]

Good point about composers who write vocal music that we hardly know about -- I remember when it dawned on me that Tchaikovsky wrote 13 operas -- THIRTEEN! Far fewer concertos, ballets and symphonies. But who thinks of him as a composer of operas?

[@willgreen2196]

You like the Argerich and Freire recording of Rachmaninoff?! I’m shocked!!! Argerich is always fabulous. Glad you enjoy this recording, one day you’ll appreciate her triple concerto!! Great video, Dave!!!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You really don't know anything about my work, do you?

[@Peter-tg1kk]

Looking forward to the Melodyia review. It's not listed on Amazon ( current political situation?) and is expensive on eBay

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, it is listed on Amazon. For $230 last I checked a couple of days ago.

[@MDK2_Radio]

Dave’s right, it’s listed but it’s being sold by third party retailers going through Amazon.

[@mrmrosullivan]

My CD collecting started with Ashkenazy recordings of Rachmaninov - Concerti with Haitink, Sonatas, Symphonies. I remember going to the Sydney Symphony to hear him conduct the First Symphony, and it was one of the most disappointing concert experiences of my life. Perverse and bad, in comparison to his Decca recording. He's still a solid go-to, but, as you say, and as I have discovered over the years, almost every major Rach work is done better by someone else. His tireless advocacy, though, should be congratulated. Also... the Rachmaninov Ampico recordings are fascinating for the tempi and rubato. I really love that recording.

[@shostakovich343]

Say, now that you mention it... You never did a talk on the third symphony. I really hope you'll cover it sometime.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Eventually.

[@martinhaub2602]

Am I the only fan of the Dutoit/Philadelphia Rachmaninoff recordings? They aren't the only recordings of the works I listen too, but I think they're among the best. I don't find them dull at all.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I hope you're the only fan! ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz....

[@DrFurtwangler]

Dutoit's recordings are wonderful. I say this as a Russian person and a Russian musician and professor at the conservatory. Listening to Hurwitz’s reviews, I am becoming more and more convinced that he is simply deaf. Or maybe also stupid.

[@ralphbruce1174]

I have the Brilliant complete edition. Great too. 28 cds _ 1 cd. I guess this set is delete today. I also have some Rach by Ashkenazy.

[@MDK2_Radio]

I’ve got the complete Ashkenazy Rach concerti, very nice recordings.

[@socratez]

That’s a lot of Ashkenazy!

[@richardwilliams473]

I know this could be a bone of contention but I prefer the Symphony No 2 with the the timpani stroke at the end of the first movement instead of the original composers instructions of just the string bass section. I heard on CD a performance with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Valery Gergiov where the timpanist, Nigel Thomas absolutely pulverised the low E natural on the timpani drum. Quite effective ,I think

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

It's a horrible and unnecessary distortion of Rachmaninoff's intentions, and it's already been discussed here very extensively. That last note is not the final word, it's a bit of very effective musical punctuation--the period if you will--AFTER the final word. It should not sound as the climax of the musical phrase, as happens with timpani reinforcement.

[@richardwilliams473]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Sorry that I suggested the timpani stroke .I just thought that you being a Percussionist would approve. Obviously not