Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 & Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Recorded in November 1971 and still sounding amazingly fresh in superb Decca sound, here are two piano-and-orchestra favourites that find pianist, orchestra and conductor making magic happen. Ashkenazy’s wonderful way with this composer—he’s one of the great Rachmaninoff interpreters—makes this a very special recording: the Concerto broad, romantic and powerfully done, the Rhapsody witty, fleet of foot and full of sparkle. Previn is a perfect partner and had already made the LSO into a world-class Rachmaninoff ensemble.