Search - Sergei Rachmaninoff, Bach, Frederick Moyer :: Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Works

A beautiful sampling of Rachmaninoff

Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 08/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prior to obtaining this recording, I already had recordings of the Complete Preludes by Alexis Weissenberg and Constance Keene. Each of these recordings has individual pieces that are special for me, but Mr. Moyer's recording is the one I reach for most often. Mr. Moyer offers the Opus 23 preludes and a well-chosen set of other pieces. We are given Rachmaninoff's transcription of Bach's Violin Partita in E Major and some beautiful Etude-Tableaux. The preludes are played thoughtfully and lovingly, with plenty of power in reserve for when its needed (as in Opus 23 no. 2). His performance of Prelude Op. 23 No. 4 opened my ears to the beauty of that prelude -- I had never really heard it until I heard his recording. Since then, I've heard others that are also beautiful in the same way (Cliburn and Richter, most notably). There are huge differences between the way Moyer and Weissenberg play (compare Opus 23 no. 7, for example), but Moyer doesn't suffer from the comparison. He takes a different approach -- less muscular, a rounder and warmer tone, but he obviously loves this music and the listener comes away loving it with him. The only other recording I have of the Bach transcription is Jorge Bolet's from the Great Pianist Series (and that only has the preludio), and I prefer Moyer's recording. Rachmaninoff's transcription reflects his abiding respect for Bach. The temptation might be to play this piece as a virtuoso Rachmaninoff piece. Moyer lets it sound like Bach, complete with the beautiful counterpoint and exalted climaxes. The selection of Etudes-Tableaux are particularly attractive. My own favorite, Opus 39 No. 6, the "Little Red Riding Hood" one, is so evocative of the story, complete with the chase scenes. The stereo acoustic is warm and resonant, lacking some of the brilliance found on some of the premier labels, but the warmth of his acoustic seems to work toward his overall musical goal. This is an excellent single CD to introduce one to the beauty of Rachmaninoff's music. I urge you to get it."

Highly recommended!

Music lovin' mom | Northeast USA | 10/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own several CDs of Rachmaninoff solo piano works recorded by various performers. This is one of the two that I listen to most often. I originally purchased it because it contains a fabulous performance of Rach's: Transcription for piano of Bach's "Prelude, gavotte & gigue", from Partita in E major, TN iii/1. This prelude one of my 5 favorite pieces of classical music and my collection contains recordings of few different arrangements of this piece, including an orchestral version by Ormandy that gives me the chills every time I hear it. I never thought that any single instrument version could compete, but this particular performance really has what it takes. Delightful!



As for these Preludes, it never ceases to amaze me how a familiar piece of music can sound so different in the hands of various artists. Moyer gives excellent performances of these and upon my first listen, I was surprised at the number of notes I've not heard in other artists' recordings of these Preludes due to overdramatic, sloppy playing on their part. Op 23 No. 2 and No. 5 sound so disciplined and clean and yet do not lose any of their emotional appeal. I also particularly like Moyer's performance of Etude No.9 for much the same reason. This CD is proof that clean and disciplined do not have to mean "sterile." What a refreshing performance!



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