Dive into the world of Russian Romanticism with this captivating 1988 recording featuring the extraordinary Evgeny Kissin at the piano. This album showcases Sergei Rachmaninoff's masterful Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, a piece renowned for its technical demands and profound expressiveness. The concerto is performed with the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the esteemed Valery Gergiev, ensuring a performance that is both powerful and nuanced.
In addition to the concerto, this album includes six of Rachmaninoff's Études-tableaux, Op. 39. These pieces, Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9, are miniature tone poems that offer a glimpse into the composer's rich inner world. Each étude is a study in both technique and emotion, showcasing Kissin's virtuosity and interpretive depth.
Recorded in May 1988 at Watford Town Hall, this album benefits from a rich, detailed sound that brings out the best in both the soloist and the orchestra. The 24-page booklet included with the standard jewel case release provides valuable insights into the music, with liner notes available in English, German, and French.
Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Rachmaninoff's music, this album offers a compelling introduction to some of the composer's most beloved works. Evgeny Kissin's performance is a testament to his status as one of the leading pianists of his generation, while the London Symphony Orchestra and Valery Gergiev provide a solid and expressive foundation.