Rachmaninov's D minor Concerto - Lugansky - Thoughts on performance

[aslanov]

Someone recently uploaded Nikolai Lugansky's performance of rachmaninov's third.
here it is
https://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=A8EmYXGNJXU

i quite like it, and even prefer it above some other's performances.
What do you guys think?

[nearenough]

Parts of the first movement cadenza are murky and muddy and not as crisply articulated as some others (esp Horowitz). I think the concerto is overplayed. But it is far better than anything by Sorabji or that other bore, Busoni.

[general disarray]

Parts of the first movement cadenza are murky and muddy and not as crisply articulated as some others (esp Horowitz). I think the concerto is overplayed. But it is far better than anything by Sorabji or that other bore, Busoni.

I like Lugansky.  Not always, but often.  His Rach2, for example, is incredibly faithful to the score and gorgeous.  No grandstanding.  You're too harsh on this Rach3. 

You need to reconsider Busoni.  He's hardly a bore.  His "Fantasia Contrappuntistica," for one, is a masterpiece anyone would be proud of.  If this bores you, then Bach must bore you.  And that's a pity.

[mike_lang]

His "Fantasia Contrappuntistica," for one, is a masterpiece anyone would be proud of. 

I was just reading this incredible piece the other day!  I was turned on to Busoni in October or November when I heard a number of his sonatinas and elegies in recital.  I really don't understand why more is not played.

[edwardweiss]

 Having studied the Fantasia Contrappuntistica for years and collected many recordings of it ,I second your thoughts about lack of performances. I could hope that one of our current legendary pianists so strongly admired on this forum might record it-but I guess I need not hold my breath while I wait for Kissin, Lang-Lang or Grimaud to learn it.

[aslanov]

I like Lugansky.  Not always, but often.  His Rach2, for example, is incredibly faithful to the score and gorgeous.  No grandstanding.  You're too harsh on this Rach3. 

You need to reconsider Busoni.  He's hardly a bore.  His "Fantasia Contrappuntistica," for one, is a masterpiece anyone would be proud of.  If this bores you, then Bach must bore you.  And that's a pity.

im afraid i myself fall into this category, admittedly, and ashamedly, of being bored by bach. maybe im not mature enough to understand his music. but i feel nothing when listening to it. i can certainly admire it for its complexity, but i just dont feel anything. maybe i just dont know how to listen to his works. no clue.

[mike_lang]

Having studied the Fantasia Contrappuntistica for years and collected many recordings of it ,I second your thoughts about lack of performances. I could hope that one of our current legendary pianists so strongly admired on this forum might record it-but I guess I need not hold my breath while I wait for Kissin, Lang-Lang or Grimaud to learn it.

Sorry to continue this digression, but:

I wouldn't put it past Aimard to program and/or record it.

[general disarray]

Hamish Milne has just recorded the Busoni for Hyperion. 

An early Naxos recording with Wolf Harden also exists.  It's excellent.

(My recording for DG is nla.   )

[pwla]

Listen to  this concerto with Martha Argerich it's also on YouTube

[minor9th]

Having studied the Fantasia Contrappuntistica for years and collected many recordings of it ,I second your thoughts about lack of performances. I could hope that one of our current legendary pianists so strongly admired on this forum might record it-but I guess I need not hold my breath while I wait for Kissin, Lang-Lang or Grimaud to learn it.

Carlo Grante and John Ogdon, despite his mental issues (or perhaps because of them!!) have made fine recordings of the piece. John's is not 100% accurate, but it surely is powerful and demonic.

[m]

What do you guys think?

I don't think much about it, esp. musically.

Best, M