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Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 in Building a Library with Kathryn Stott and Andrew McGregor

Andrew McGregor with the best new classical releases, joined by pianists Lucy Parham and Kathryn Stott, who picks her favourite recording of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2.

Andrew McGregor with the best new classical releases, joined by guest reviewers Lucy Parham and Kathryn Stott.

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Pianist Lucy Parham talks through her pick of the week's new releases.

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Building a Library: especially for Valentine's Day, pianist Kathryn Stott surveys recordings of Rachmaninov's lushly romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 and picks her favourite. The concerto symbolises both personal and artistic rebirth for the composer after years spent in deep depression. Its second movement inspired Eric Carmen’s pop ballad “All by Myself,” and also features in film scores, most famously the 1945 romance Brief Encounter.

Top choice:
Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano), Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Kirill Kondrashin (cond.)
Decca Legends 4663752

c.1545
Record of the Week
Andrew picks his favourite new release of the week.

1 hour, 59 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 Feb 202614:00
BBC Radio 3

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Sibelius Symphony No. 5

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Music Played

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit (Cantata BWV 115)

    Ensemble: Le Banquet Céleste.
    • J. S. Bach: Mein Geist.
    • Alpha Classics.
    • 1.

  • Frank Martin

    Piano Quintet in D minor (1st mvt)

    Performer: Ilona Timchenko. Ensemble: Utrecht String Quartet.
    • Dabriunghaus und Grimm.

  • Clara Schumann

    3 Romances Op.22 (Nos. 2 & 3)

    Music Arranger: Mark Thiel. Performer: Jean Johnson. Performer: Steven Osborne.
    • LINN.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Goldberg Variations BWV.988 (Variation 30 & Aria da capo)

    Ensemble: TrioFenix. Music Arranger: Dmitry Sitkovetsky.
    • EVIL PENGUIN.

  • Sergei Rachmaninov

    Romance in F sharp minor (4 Pieces)

    Performer: Boris Giltburg.
    • Naxos.

  • Sergei Rachmaninov

    Polichinelle in F sharp minor (5 Morceaux de fantaisie Op.3)

    Performer: Boris Giltburg.
    • NAXOS.

  • Einojuhani Rautavaara

    Cantus arcticus Op.61 (Melancholy)

    Orchestra: Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Neeme Järvi.
    • CHANDOS.

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Piano Concerto no.8 in C major K.246 (3rd mvt)

    Performer: Olga Pashchenko. Ensemble: Il Gardellino.
    • ALPHA.

  • Pink Floyd

    Breathe [in the air]

    Singer: Clara Brunet. Performer: Bor Zuljan.
    • Ricercar.

  • John Dowland

    In darknesse let mee dwell

    Singer: Clara Brunet. Performer: Bor Zuljan.
    • Ricercar.

  • Nikolai Yakovlevich Myaskovsky

    The Kremlin by night Op.75 (Chorus and Aria)

    Singer: Albina Shaikhieva. Orchestra: Ural Youth Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Alexander Rudin.
    • FUGA LIBERA.

  • Kevin Puts

    Emily - no prisoner be (nos.24-26)

    Singer: Joyce DiDonato. Ensemble: Time for Three.
    • PLATOON.

Broadcast

  • Sat 14 Feb 202614:00
    BBC Radio 3

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