Well, I just listened to the Vasary rachmaninoff, and the first thing that struck me was how utterly wonderful virgin vinyl is! For warmth, timbre and pure sensuous feeling, vinyl is still the only way to go. Maybe it has something to do with the analog process which includes all of the audio information, including frequencies that the digital process eliminates. I cannot really judge, although with the way vinyl deteriorates, I know that each time I replay an LP I am going to lose something no matter how good the cartridge and arm is. Vinyl is just too soft to stand up to any consistant use. Hopefully, the cd-digital process is heading more towards the vinyl audio experience. My JVC XRCD's really come close to approximating the sound.
Anyway, back to the Vasary. With the Piano concerto 1, I always have problems judging the performance. The sheer level of expertise and bravura playing that is necessary always leaves me speechless. I feel presumptuous cavilling about nuance when it is so extraordinary to be able to perform the music at all. That said, I found the First Concerto a lot more enjoyable than the 2nd, which for my taste, was a bit too lyrical and soft. The second with the intensely romantic themes that really cry for intensity seemed a little lacking. They were still very enjoyable, but now, listening to the RCA Red Seal Van Cliburn performance (Fritz Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), I am completely blown away. It is a much more romantic and satisfying performance to me, especially the second movement with it's soul stirring theme (basis for Eric Carmen's "All by myself," which really hacks it up).
The sound on the RCA is also much better, but the RCA has the concerto on 2 sides whereas the DG has one concerto per side. Both concertos gave my speakers a run for the money with the tremendous dynamic range so typical of Rachmaninov.
I'll be listening to the recording again, and if I find anything else in it, I'll report back.
