Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 & Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30

Featuring

Leopold Stokowski
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Albert Coates
Vladimir Horowitz
The Philadelphia Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra

Did you know?

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Recording & Production

Sergei Rachmaninoff's 1929 recording of his Second Concerto has remained in print since its release and exists in two almost completely different versions.

Recording & Production

During World War II, RCA Victor replaced nine of the ten sides of the 1929 Second Concerto recording with alternative takes, creating a divergent version.

Recording & Production

A 'revised' session sheet mysteriously replaced the original, leading to the alternative takes of the 1929 recording being used for RCA's 45 rpm, LP, and initial CD reissues.

Recording & Production

The 1929 recording sessions for Rachmaninoff's Second Concerto nearly didn't happen due to a disagreement between Rachmaninoff and conductor Leopold Stokowski over proposed cuts.

Performer Biography

Vladimir Horowitz, a pianist featured on this album, was sought out by Rachmaninoff on the recommendation of violinist Fritz Kreisler.

Performer Biography

Rachmaninoff, after hearing Vladimir Horowitz play his Third Piano Concerto, confided that the young pianist had 'swallowed [the piece] whole'.

Interpretation

The recording of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto by Vladimir Horowitz and conductor Albert Coates is noted for its 'fleet performance' and 'understatement' of virtuosity.