Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in c minor, Op. 18 (Richter, Zimerman)

Probably two of the best recordings of what many say is the greatest piano concerto ever written. With heart and strength and flawless interpretation, Richter's rendition is quintessential. If you are listening to this concerto for the first or last time, this performance is for you. Zimerman's recording is nearly as indispensible, with unique style choices and tempo fluctuations. What sets this recording apart from others is its perfect sound quality (typical of Zimerman). Every note, piano or orchestra, is crystal clear, accentuating Zimerman's remarkable attention to detail. Richter 0:00 - Moderato 11:08 - Adagio sostenuto 23:03 - Allegro scherzando performed with the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra Stanislaw Wislocki, conductor Zimerman 34:40 - Moderato 46:19 - Adagio sostenuto 58:28 - Allegro scherzando performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra Seiji Ozawa, conductor