Unknown Rachmaninoff (2007)

Rachmaninov aficionados take note, as this disc contains two world premieres: a coruscating Fugue in D minor for solo piano and a blazing Suite for Orchestra in D minor in a version for solo piano. Both works had been lost for more than a century before this recording was made, and while they are youthful works dating from the composer's 18th year, they are still extremely impressive and wholly characteristic works. Also, the recording was made in Rachmaninov's Swiss home on his own Steinway piano. While the recording ... Read More

Rachmaninov aficionados take note, as this disc contains two world premieres: a coruscating Fugue in D minor for solo piano and a blazing Suite for Orchestra in D minor in a version for solo piano. Both works had been lost for more than a century before this recording was made, and while they are youthful works dating from the composer's 18th year, they are still extremely impressive and wholly characteristic works. Also, the recording was made in Rachmaninov's Swiss home on his own Steinway piano. While the recording itself is a tad distant, it is also very detailed and atmospheric. Plus the piano has a combination of clarity and warmth that works brilliantly with the composer's music.The performances by young Russian virtuoso Denis Matsuev are superlative. He had made some successful recordings before this one -- his performance of Tchaikovsky's The Seasons was masterful -- and some less than successful recordings -- his performance of Stravinsky's Three Movements from Petroushka was dreadfully... Read Less