Quote:
Originally posted by rnrules
Who are reputed as accomplished russian pianists?
and
In your opinion what was Rachmaninof's greatest piece? |
There are such a truckload of great Russo-Soviet pianists throughout the 20th century that it would impossible to name 'em all. Certainly Horowitz, Hofmann and Rachmaninoff are the best known names and perhaps the greatest, but I could list more than two dozen easily. The quantity and impact of these artists on the West has yet to be truly measured.
Among the living, Alexander Davidenko has been getting rave reviews of late, while Vladimir Ashkenazy's star has faded over the last two decades. Perhaps the best known Russian pianist of the last four decades, Sviatoslav Richter, died a few years ago. His recordings are plentiful, and I suggest buying those that predate the 1980s. If you don't mind the ancient sound, then by all means, sample Rachmaninoff's own recordings, especially of his own works; and check out his Schumann Carnaval. It's rightfully considered among the glories of the phonograph.
As for a single Rachmaninoff work being his "greatest," I don't think there really is one. How does anybody define a term like great? There's a lot of subjectivity in there, not to mention the works one might enjoy in a single given mood might appeal less in another. And is a 5 minute piece any less great for achieving its goals swiftly, unlike a 30 minute piece?
That said, my Rachmaninoff favorites include his Paganini Rhapsody, Symphonic Dances, Piano Concerto #2, Francesca da Rimini (opera), and Second Suite for Two Pianos.