Alexis Weissenberg's Rockin' Rachmaninov Third Concerto

Revisiting Alexis Weissenberg's Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3 recording with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Georges Prêtre. Here's link to purchase a download: www.prestomusi...

[@grantparsons6205]

Thanks for the recommendation! I'm unfamiliar with this version, although I admire Pretre. I've had a (completely uninformed by listening experience) prejudice about this pianist as cold & brittle toned. Time to actually listen!

[@jdistler2]

Weissenberg indeed could play in a cold and brittle toned manner, and many of his recordings bear this out. Yet the hard edged qualities he brings to the Rachmaninov Third leave an arresting and often convincing impression, at least to my ears. It's a work that can absorb many interpretive viewpoints, from the high-wire Horowitz and Argerich to the mellower, warm hearted Ashkenazy/Ormandy, and many in between.

[@brentstahl204]

I heard Weissenberg play the Rach 3 in Minneapolis with the Minnesota Orchestra in the 1970s, probably with Skrowaczewski conducting. It had all of the features described in Distler's description. There is a CZcams video of him doing this work in 1969 in Rome with Pretre conducting.

[@jdistler2]

The Minnesota performance was broadcast, and recordings of it have floated around on the internet.

[@nickboldewskul2136]

The roto-rooter style is certainly on display with his recording of Rachmaninoff's piano sonata no. 1 in D minor when compared to Santiago Rodriguez's warmer interpretation. I'll look into Weissenberg's Rach 3. Thank you for providing the Piano Maven podcast with your experience and informed analysis and opinion.

[@jdistler2]

Thank you for your kind words and for listening. Please spread the good word!