Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Van Cliburn :: Van Cliburn: My Favorite Rachmaninoff

Ultra-Romantic Pyrotechnics

Avid Reader | Franklin, Tn | 02/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rachmaninoff is my favorite composer - moody, lushly Romantic, austere, a little mystical. His early works are approachable only by the titans of the piano: Horowitz, Van Cliburn, or somebody of that caliber. Cliburn has a touch both powerful and intimate and appears to have mastered not only the physical demands of the music but has also grasped the emotional aspect. Particularly impressive is the Second Sonata, an incredibly difficult work that the master himself rewrote at a later time so as to make the piece more accessible. Van Cliburn performs the original version which remains intensely emotional and a showpiece of Romanticism. The Prokofief with its driving rhythms and tympani-like architecture was another brilliant interpretation. were The sonority on this record is brilliant as it illustrates Cliburn at the height of his powers. In my opinion, there has NEVER been a better recording of the immensely difficult Etude Tableau in E Flat Minor, the hardest yet most idiomatically "Russian" of the series. With its deep and brooding minor rhythms and soaring melodies it is akin to emotional paydirt. Van Cliburn performs the piece as marked - Appasionato. Oddly, the clapping (it was recorded live) only adds to the pleasure and intimacy of the music."

This cd is a treasure not be missed

classic voyage | ms usa | 03/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i am a big fan of rachmaninov and have a large collection of his solo piano works and this disc is the best of them all. avid reader is absolutely correct-there is no recording of the e-flat minor etude like this one. it still gives me goosebumps every time i hear it. don't miss this cd if you love rachmaninov!"

Rachmaninoff in the Hands of a Master

N. Hamilton | WA | 07/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since the LP turntable bit the dust, I'd forgotten the power of the Rachmaninoff Sonata in Van Cliburn's hands. I don't think the piano is capable of producing what he brings out of it, but his playing defies me. The hugeness of this masterpiece could overpower lyricism and form, but in Van Cliburn's hands there is nothing lost. Listen to the individual and inter-woven melodies, the harmonic and rhythmic progressions, as well as the overall piece. I'm brought to tears over and over again by the emotions and power of this Sonata and cannot imagine anyone but Cliburn able to wrap their hands around it. But it's not just his huge hands and powerful playing. It's the subtleties of the construction that don't get lost in the playing. Intelligent and beautiful interpretation. The sonata alone would make it worthwhile to own this CD. Other compositions, all richly and/or lyrically played, is icing on the cake. If you love Rachmaninoff, you'll love Van Cliburn's playing of it. My one regret? The 2nd and 3rd Concertos are not part of this set."