Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances Op. 45; Isle of the Dead Op. 29 - Duo Piano Versions

On this CD:

1. Suite No. 2, for 2 pianos in C major, Op. 17
Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov

2. The Isle of the Dead, symphonic poem, Op. 29
Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov

3. Symphonic Dances, for orchestra (or 2 pianos), Op. 45
Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov

Customer Reviews:

Isle of the Dead - The greatest piano transcription of the 20th century?.......2007-02-25

At a glance, this CD may not be so distinctive amidst the Rachmaninov discography. Many a piano duo has tackled the Suites and Symphonic Dances: Demidenko, Argerich, Shelley, and Ashkenazy along with their respective partners. Ashkenazy/Previn and Shelley/MacNamara have stood out (at least in my mind) for recording the Suites and Symphonic Dances with the highest degree of musicality and virtuosity. But not any longer. The Prague Duo's transcendent and mind-blowing executions of these works have established a new benchmark.

The Prague Duo's rendition of the Suite No. 2 is simply the best I've heard. Ashkenazy and Shelley are no longer giants next to the colossus that is Zedenka and Martin Hrsel. From the opening bars of the momentous Introduction: Alla marcia to the tempestuous Tarentella, the Prague Duo plays with a smooth and utterly emotional articulation. Whereas Ashkenazy/Previn rush through important parts or ignore the delicate moments, the Prague Duo infuses every aspect of these compositions with a sublime spark. The first piece from the Suite, for instance, is played with dazzling furor: the blistering fanfare of chords in the beginning is played with a perfect nearly-legato touch, unlike most interpretations. And in the Romance: Andantino, I don't think I've heard a more tender and heartfelt rendering. Compare their dynamic and rich phrasing with Ashkenazy's/Previn's stoic delivery and it seems as if Ashkenazy/Previn is sight-reading this work. In the Tarentella: Presto, the duo gives such a satisfying full-blooded performance. The crashing chords in the beginning and the Romantically-charged tumult that ensues: this duo knows how to accentuate the best moments and unleash their emotions at the right times.

The Symphonic Dances offer just as much high-quality music from Rachmaninov's pen. Possessed of both a demonic and divine spirit, the piano duo wades through the Dances with a technical perfection and passionate ardor. Throughout the brilliant passagework the duo plays with a supreme control of dynamics; every measure is played with thought and feeling. In the Lento assai (third dance), the duo employs a strange fusion of patience and swelling emotion. The temptation for a faster tempo is resisted; they focus instead on the rising climaxes of passionate chords. Indeed, the Prague Duo demonstrates a vastly superior knowledge of how to use both the monstrous and the delicate sonorities of the piano.

What may surprise the reader of this review is that the Suite No. 2 and Symphonic Dances are not even the highlight of this recording! The towering achievement here is the unfathomably powerful Isle of the Dead symphonic poem, transcribed by Otto Taubmann (1859-1929). Woe to those who ever snubbed or doubted a piano transcription. Taubmann's arrangement, and more significantly perhaps, the Prague Duo's translation of this music to piano, is simply in a higher sphere than the famous orchestral version. I've heard the orchestral version through a number of different conductors and orchestras: this piano duet version blows them to pieces. It's as if this is Rachmaninov's greatest piano work and was never composed for the orchestra. After hearing this piano arrangement, I honestly think the orchestral timbres are actually handicapped when it comes to expressing the mood of the work; the piano is far more effective in evoking the bleak rowing of Charon's oars, the gloomy volition of the journey to the Isle of the Dead, the brutal chaos in the middle, and the alien-sounding fragmented Dies Irae theme. It would take too much space in this review to list all of the compliments I wish to give. Suffice it to say, this is one of the greatest piano transcriptions of the 20th century because it defeats the powers of the orchestra and seems best expressed only through the idioms of the piano.

Bottom line: It's sad that this recording is out of print when it contains the world premiere recording of such a profound piano arrangement of the Isle of the Dead. It also happens to feature a superlative delivery of the Suite No. 2 and Symphonic Dances. Thus I'm perplexed at the lack of reviews or popularity of this disc. Beyond that, this recording is invaluable simply for offering the monumental two piano version of the Isle of the Dead, played with such spirituality and cerebral melancholy in the hands of the Prague Duo. You won't find another recording like this, get it while you can!

Music Track:

Recommended Music:

Introducing Andrew Baham

Music: Luis Gianneo: Piano Works, Vol. 3

Intervision [Import]

Mother Earth [CD-single] [Import]

Irish Aires

Kim Weston - Greatest Hits & Rare Classics

Emotional Disorder

Mahler: Symphony #2 "¿Resurrection"; Auger, Baker, Rattle

Greatest Jazz Concerts, Vol. 2 [Box set] [Live]

Hit the Bricks

Hasta Cuando

Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, 1929-1931

Winds Of Heaven, Stuff Of Earth