Sviatoslav Richter, Stanislaw Wislocki, Herbert von Karajan – Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2 / Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 (1959/2015) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Sviatoslav Richter, Stanislaw Wislocki, Herbert von Karajan – Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2 / Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 (1959/2015)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:11:04 minutes | 1,29 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Deutsche Grammophon (DG)

These two performances by Grammy-winning Russian pianist Sviatoslav Richter are now considered reference versions of the Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky concertos. Recorded in 1959 and 1962 respectively. Stanislaw Wislocki leads the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra on the Rachmaninov; Herbert von Karajan and Wiener Symphoniker accompany Richter on the Tchaikovsky.

This 1995 release from Deutsche Grammophon combines two memorable concerto recordings by Sviatoslav Richter. Almost all of Richter’s recordings are considered legendary — particularly since he did not like recording in the studio — but these are rightfully so. They were some of the first that were released widely in the west, where he was still something of a new talent in the late ’50s-early ’60s, although a middle-aged man by then. The Rachmaninov Concerto No. 2 with Stanislaw Wislocki and the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra dates from 1959 and was met with high praise from most for its detail and the depth of Richter’s knowledgable interpretation. It is not as ardent as most other pianists’ readings, but its clarity speaks volumes and can still move the listener. The Tchaikovsky, from 1963, with Herbert von Karajan and the Vienna Symphony, is also less affecting and, in some places, less dancing than expected. It may even seem stiff to some listeners, but again, there is no arguing with the sheer intelligence of the performance. Richter and Karajan worked well together here, with a common approach to the music. The sound quality of both recordings is very good, especially with the digital re-mixing helping to enhance the fine points of the music. –AllMusic Review by Patsy Morita

Tracklist:
Sergey Vasil’yevich Rachmaninov (1873 – 1943)
Konzert Für Klavier Und Orchester Nr. 2 C-moll Op. 18
1 Moderato 11:13
2 Adagio Sostenuto 11:54
3 Allegro Scherzando 11:39

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893)
Konzert Für Klavier Und Orchester Nr. 1 B-Moll Op. 23
4 Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso – Allegro Con Spirito 22:08
5 Andantino Semplice – Prestissimo – Tempo I 6:55
6 Allegro Con Fuoco 7:07

Personnel:
Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra (#1-3)
Stanislaw Wislocki, conductor (#1-3)
Wiener Symphoniker (#4-6)
Herbert von Karajan, conductor (#4-6)

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