Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Sergei Rachmaninoff's masterful compositions with this captivating album, released on January 1, 2001, under Warner Classics. This collection showcases Rachmaninoff's unparalleled prowess as a pianist and composer, featuring his iconic Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, a piece renowned for its profound emotional depth and technical brilliance. The concerto is presented in its entirety, with each movement—Moderato, Adagio sostenuto, and Allegro scherzando—offering a unique glimpse into Rachmaninoff's musical genius.
Beyond the concerto, the album delves into Rachmaninoff's smaller yet equally captivating works. The 13 Preludes, Op. 32, are represented by the hauntingly beautiful No. 12 in G-Sharp Minor, while the 8 Études-tableaux, Op. 33, include three standout pieces: No. 1 in F Minor, No. 2 in C Major, and No. 8 in C-Sharp Minor. Each étude is a miniature masterpiece, blending technical virtuosity with lyrical expressiveness.
The album concludes with Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42, a work that demonstrates his ability to transform a simple theme into a rich tapestry of musical ideas. With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Rachmaninoff's piano repertoire, offering both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers a chance to appreciate the depth and breadth of his musical legacy.