Product Description "Fire and ice, passion and reson... Helene Grimaud has attained the artistic maturity of the greats." This disc, which features well loved works of Rashmaninov, proves a showcase for the pianit's exuberant expressivity and virtuosity. .co.uk The Canadian pianist Hélène Grimaud displays ample keyboard brilliance on this all-Rachmaninov release. The Second Concerto has been recorded often, and she doesn't challenge the versions of Richter, Rubinstein, Wild and Janis, among others. Her clean, hard-edged brightness detracts from the Romantic spirit of the first movement, pedestrian winds and dreamy tempos vitiate the Adagio sostenuto, and Ashkenazy's fussy conducting and the muddy sound don't help either. In the short pieces, Grimaud offers subtle shadings of light and colour, but without the quicksilver dash and brio we hear from past masters such as Moiseiwitsch. The Variations on a Theme of Corelli, though, are a complete success. She shapes the statement of the theme with precisely the right weight and shading and manages the varied changes of mood and styles within this 17-minute marvel to perfection. The sound in the Corelli Variations is outstanding, far superior to the rest of the disc, which was made in other venues by other technicians, suggesting that the "real" Grimaud can be found in this wonderfully lucid Romantic gloss on the Baroque. --Dan Davis
M**S
One to have
I have a number of versions of this work and this one from Grimauld/Ashkenazy is now close to the top of my personal list. The balance between soloist and orchestra is excellent and I suspect that this is due to the conductor being one of the great pianists of our time and he knows how to achieve this. Grimauld is one of my favourite pianists and she doesn't disappoint here bringing a depth of understanding that not everybody can achieve. (If you get a chance to see her live don't miss it!)A very easy recommendation!PS I don't mind the pictures of Grimauld, she is very easy on the eye. :-)
D**E
Stunning
Aside from the slightly tacky "classical music babe" photoshots they chose to market this disc, it is a stunning aural display of a deeply talented musician. She brings a touch, fluency and subtlety of emphasis to these works which few modern pianists can match - in my opinion.
G**L
Sublime
I listened to all the YouTube versions of this concerto before deciding this was the best. A perfect balance of quality and drama.
U**O
Brilliant
I love Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto and the way Helene Grimaud plays it!
L**E
Five Stars
perfect condition lovely recording
P**H
Four Stars
In case anyone is any doubt Helene is French not Canadian !
A**S
Great recording
Favourite pianist, seems to give each note room to be heard
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