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Sony Masterworks

Rachmaninoff: Suites For Two Pianos, Etc / Ax, Bronfman

$11.98

Details

Composer
RACHMANINOV, SERGEI
Artist
Ax, Bronfman
Format
CD
Label
Sony Masterworks
Released
Nov 06, 2001
Catalog #
SK61767
UPC
074646176726

About

Like Ravel's piano originals that he subsequently orchestrated, Rachmaninov's two-piano version of Symphonic Dances sounds like a note-exact replica of the later symphonic score. Essentially the only thing missing is the chance to marvel at the composer's remarkable powers of orchestration. However, in compensation you get the enhanced clarity of textures that allows for fine delineation of all the intricate inner voices, especially as realized by Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman, who beautifully elucidate Rachmaninov's winding, winsome, and wondrous tunes. However, if you're like me, you can't help but pine for the missing percussion in the outer movements, and no piano ever could imitate the snarling brass crescendos that open movement II. Nonetheless, Ax and Bronfman make this Symphonic Dances a refreshingly alternative listening experience--as do Martha Argerich and Nelson Freire, though their faster speeds and self-conscious bravura make their performance more of a virtuoso showcase, something that also can be said for their Suite No. 2 with its breathless Waltz. Ax and Bronfman at least allow you to clearly discern all the notes in their noticeably less-excited rendition. But no need to worry: you get just as caught up in their potent projection of Rachmaninov's lush harmonies.


Later, Ax and Bronfman conjure up a startlingly vivid impression of church bells in the joyfully clangorous finale of the disc-ending Suite No. 1. All of this is faithfully and powerfully rendered by Sony's recording, which leaves adequate space around the instruments to make a cohesive, three-dimensional sound image (though not enough for satisfyingly deep bass). In sum, a gorgeously played and generous program (it would have filled two LPs in the '70s). Recommended for Rachmaninov lovers and piano fans alike.
--Victor Carr Jr., ClassicsToday.com

Tracklist 11 tracks

  1. 1 I. Non allegro 11:07
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Non allegro
    Duration
    11:07
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  2. 2 II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse) 08:45
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
    Duration
    08:45
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  3. 3 III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace 12:49
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace
    Duration
    12:49
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  4. 4 I. Introduction: Alla marcia 04:55
    Track
    4
    Title
    I. Introduction: Alla marcia
    Duration
    04:55
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  5. 5 II. Valse: Presto 06:06
    Track
    5
    Title
    II. Valse: Presto
    Duration
    06:06
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  6. 6 III. Romance: Andantino 07:08
    Track
    6
    Title
    III. Romance: Andantino
    Duration
    07:08
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  7. 7 IV. Tarantelle: Presto 06:02
    Track
    7
    Title
    IV. Tarantelle: Presto
    Duration
    06:02
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  8. 8 I. Barcarolle 07:33
    Track
    8
    Title
    I. Barcarolle
    Duration
    07:33
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  9. 9 II. La nuit … l'amour 06:26
    Track
    9
    Title
    II. La nuit … l'amour
    Duration
    06:26
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  10. 10 III. Les Larmes 05:32
    Track
    10
    Title
    III. Les Larmes
    Duration
    05:32
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman
  11. 11 IV. Paques 02:41
    Track
    11
    Title
    IV. Paques
    Duration
    02:41
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman