Credits:

Francois Dumont

Description:

Of all the piano concertos, Rachmaninoff's Second is the most popular and also the most difficult barrier for pianists. It is a special work for Rachmaninoff, who bounced back from the painful failure of his Symphony No. 1 at its premiere. In the booklet, the virtuoso Giltburg says that the work is also special to him, and that he needs to be extra prepared when performing it. According to the booklet, the opening chords on the piano are reminiscent of the sound of bells, followed by a torrent of arpeggios. The booklet describes Giltburg's contemplation of the opening chord, which is reminiscent of the sound of a bell, and the torrent of arpeggios that follow, showing the care with which he plays each note. Giltburg also gives a great deal of thought to the "Picture of Sound" exercise, and his performance succeeds in conveying the charm of the work perfectly. The photograph used on the jacket is of the Church of the Savior on the Blood in St. Petersburg, taken by Giltburg himself. It is a landscape that epitomizes the sound of bells that symbolizes Rachmaninoff's music. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Moderato
2.Adagio sostenuto
3.Allegro scherzando
4.Allegro non troppo in F minor
5.Allegro in C major
6.Grave - Meno mosso in C minor
7.Moderato in D minor
8.Non allegro - Presto in E flat minor
9.Allegro con fuoco in E flat major
10.Moderato in G minor
11.Grave in C sharp minor
12.Liebesleid (Love's Sorrow), for violin & piano
13.Polka de V.R.