Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 / Suite No. 2 Norman OK

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 / Suite No. 2

Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra

Philips, 2001

REVIEW BY: Jeff Clutterbuck

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 02/28/2007

There is one advantage to rooming with three music majors -- one gets exposed to a wide variety of music. Since the start of the school year, it is not uncommon for jazz, classical, world music or even opera to be blaring forth from the speakers in the living room. I call it Jeff’s Theory of Music Immersion.

Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the more famous Russian romantic composers of the early 20^th century. His skill with the piano is renowned throughout classical music circles, and his music has in turn created divided opinions.

Naturally, this CD does not feature Rachmaninoff himself playing his own compositions, though there are recordings that exist that do. Instead, the primary performer is Martha Argerich, who consistently blows away the audience with her speed and skill. Performing alongside is the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, who proves more than able to hold its own against Ms. Argerich.

The romantic style consisted of wild, epic arrangements, bursting forth with energy and passion, befitting the title of the era. Rachmaninoff’s work fully reflects the characteristics of this type of music. Subdued is most certainly not a word one would use to describe the pieces featured here. In fact, one of the major criticisms leveled against Rachmaninoff was that his music was too over the top and grandiose.