Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2; Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor"

Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto, Number 5, his last piano concerto, is his most brilliant. The monumental piece has a dignified grandeur and lyrical splendor that made the piano much more than a solo instrument. It made the piano a symphony in its own right. The first movement is classical in structure but the piano is given a lot more attention. Also, it's more Romantic ultimately than classical. For years to come afterward, piano composers were greatly influenced by this concerto and its romanticism. The second movement, the adagio, is heart-warming and lyrical, a romantic piece that was even used prominently as the love theme in the film about Beethove and his true love, Immortal Beloved. The finale, the Rondo, is a dazzling and passionate as fireworks and concludes the concerto in the typical Beethoven heroism and triumph. Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 is his best. It's one of the most difficult and technically demanding concerti in all of the piano repertoire. Rachmaninov, recovering from a bout of depression in which he almost stopped composing altogether, returned to life with this impressive concerto. It's dark, it's furious, it's dramatic, it's romantic. In a very novel style, which makes the piano more dynamic, the piano becomes a second orchestra next to the orchestra that its being pitted against. Van Cliburn is at his best here and the sound of the recording is well-edited and remastered for digital cd's. It's a must have.

Cliburn's genius is that while keeping true to Rachmaninov's vision of organic unity, his piano still stands out like a flame. Some times slow-burning, some times like a flame thrower, but it BURNS throughout the concerto.

The opening of the 1st movement is incredibly powerful and heavy. The build-up towards the end of the movement is breathtaking. 2nd movement is one of the most beautiful rendition I've heard. and the opening of the 3rd! you just have to hear this CD.

There are a lot of younger musicians who will play Rach 2nd with greater technical clarity and with brighter and lighter color of tone. Cliburn plays so HEAVY. You can feel the gravity pressing you to the ground as you listen to this. I think, however, this is the best way to play Rachmaninov. Everything that is Rachmaninov: his fury, sorrow, irony, and romantic melodies and suspense, sound so real and compelling with Cliburn's gravity. You have to own this CD