Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29)

Beautiful, Amazing

Wow. If you're thinking about buying this, do yourself a favor, and do. Not only is his playing beautiful, but there's nothing like hearing how he "plays" with the timing and dynamics (to encourage you to do it yourself). And it's not expensive here, and it's not easy to find.

Seriously: this is about the same price as a 3-month old hip-hop CD that's moved to discount in the record store, and no-one's going to want to listen to in 2 years.

Forget about the technical stuff: when Rechmaninov himself heard this played back, he was very pleased that it sounded like his playing. You will be, too. If you didn't know all about Ampico, you'd be wondering how they processed it to make an old recording sound so good.

Listening to this on a (roughly) $4,000 stereo didn't show any terribly noticeable technical flaws in the recording; I think those who think it sounds "mechanical" are either not crazy about Rachmaninov's fingering technique (his "diction" is sometimes rather pronounced), or else it's the power of suggestion.

If you play it for someone without telling them how it was made, they'll probably be very impressed. I have recordings of pianos that sound (slightly) better, but not that I'd rather listen to. November 4, 2008

Rachmaninov plays Estonia piano

This is one of two recordings featuring Rachmaninov's Ampico rolls recorded on a modern piano. This one features an Estonia concert grand circa 1976, and the other features a Bosendorfer. For pianists this is a unique opportunity to hear the same performance on two pianos. How much difference does the piano make? Does the Ampico roll really capture the soul of Rachmaninov's playing? You'll be able to decide for yourself, I would say the answer to both questions is yes. As an owner of a newer Estonia piano, and as someone who plays Rachmaninov on that piano, this recording was a fabulous find; for other pianists it might provide some insight into the love many of the great Russian pianists of the 20th century had for Estonia pianos. May 16, 2007

Love at First Listen

No words can describe the feeling of hearing Rachmaninov play his own compositions. He was known for his piano performances as much as his writing. Even though the album is not the best quality sound or containing the best versions of his well known songs, I am relieved that he was able to be recorded in his time. The man may be gone, but his sound will live forever. The cuts in the musical score that he made, I see as Rachmaninov's own whim, his split-second decisions, or his doubts. What a wonder to see him as human... I think these recordings should be put in Earth's time capsule. Also, his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" is fascinating. He lends his Russian soul to it that gives new meaning to the anthem. January 20, 2002

The way it should be played...

Many people forget that Rachmaninov was a great pianist as well as a great composer... this album will serve as a reminder. This recording was made from a unique piano-roll system which provides amazing insight into his technical ability and musicality. Especially stunning are "Flight of the Bumblebee" and his own transcription of Kreisler's "Liebesfreud". A must-have for lovers of great piano music. December 18, 2001

One of the best.

I'm not sure if this album is technically good, but I gotta tell ya, I love it! Definantly a must have for anyone interested in Classical Piano. Let's face it, Rach can play! So much emotion is built up in most of these works, he plays them the way they are meant to be played, pure and delicious.

The only song on here It could have done without is 'The Star Spangled Banner'. Other then that, A great album!

Highly recommended. November 20, 2000

More reviews at Amazon.com ...