2CDs & 1 Blu-ray Pure Audio disc
the Rachmaninov Piano Concertos performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy and the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by André Previn are among the most iconic recordings in the Decca Classics catalogue. For the first time in over 40 years, the recordings have been remastered in ultra-high quality 96kHz 24-bit audio at Abbey Road Studios.
A NOTE ON REMASTERING THE CONCERTOS AND RHAPSODY IN 2014:
To celebrate these iconic recordings, DECCA has gone back to the original tapes and used the latest techniques and extensive comparison with the first LP pressings, to make a definitive transfer. For the first time ever, all audio processing has been achieved in the 96kHz 24-bit domain. The new Blu-ray disc format, in particular, affords an unprecedented opportunity to hear the recordings at this resolution.
Rachmaninov’s works for piano and orchestra enjoy wide popularity with audiences and pianists. While the works are renowned for their often extreme technical demands, they are also famous for the deep poetic feeling and the typically Russian passion they evoke. These legendary interpretations bring authority and integrity to the music. “From Ashkenazy, every page declares Rachmaninov’s nationality, his indelibly Russian nature… Prévin works hand in glove with his soloist… the product of the greatest musical sympathy.” Gramophone
This is the second Ashkenazy/Rachmaninov product in 2014 (the 11 CD set COMPLETE WORKS FOR PIANO was released in February – Cat No. 4786348).