The Best Recordings of Rachmaninoff Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3 

All winners. Excellent recommendations. I most often listen to Rachmaninoff's own recordings of his piano works. His unique blend of subtlety and power resonates with me. A bit of trivia; Rachmaninoff performed his PC 3 at Carnegie Hall on January 16, 1910 with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Gustav Mahler.

Very fine picks for both works. I'm partial to the Earl Wild readings. His dexterity and touch are just incredible. One great Rachmaninov artist who doesn't get the love he deserves these days is Augustin Anievas who recorded all 4 concertos and the Paganini Rhapsody for EMI with various conductors. Really great readings.

Absolutely agree about Byron Janis and both RACH 2 and 3❤️🎶🎹⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks. Some great ideas here. #2 for me is the Ashkenazy/Previn recording you mention. For #3 it's more tricky but the edge goes to Gavrilov/Muti/PO - he' plays the big cadenza and the whole recording is excellent quality where you feel the weight of the piano. I agree that Janis is a great pick if you are OK with the shorter cadenza.

Excellent video. Thank you

I really appreciate your Passion and insight into the music.

It's interesting that the 3rd is dedicated to Josef Hofmann but he didn't like it and never performed it. Also Rachmaninov preferred Hofmann's playing of his works over his own. There is an interesting video here on RU-vid with Ruth Slenczynska talking about Rachmaninov and Hofmann. There is also one with George Bolet talking about Hofmann.

Am glad am not the only one who loves the crazy Barborilli Horowitz performance . I would say for Byron Janis , the orchestra with Munch is even more clear than the LSO , it is probably the best recording in terms of orchestral accompaniment . The second best Orchestral playing that is almost never mentioned , even in classicstoday , is Gutierrez and Maazel with the Pittsburgh orchestra . The accompaniment not only is just among the best , but Gutierrez relatively swift tempo , powerful and warm touch just melts your heart . The second concerto by Gutierrez and Maazel is my favorite , period . The third however , I do love Hough/ Litton with really insane swift tempos and Volodos/Berlin . One last mention : Sandor and Rodzinsky is just nuts on the second of Rachmaninov . It's probably the fastest recording of the concerto , but that doesn't mean for lack of passion and " romanticism " .

There's an interesting recording by Lazar Berman with the London symphony orchestra. I heard him do it live with the Utah Symphony orchestra. It's different than I expected, lighter and more nuanced.

Cliburn's Reiner Chicago Symphony version was recorded in Orchestra Hall Chicago in April 1962 and is a very beautiful performance in the grand manner. One of my all time favorite piano concerto recordings. The Living Stereo version coupled with the Beethoven Emperor is the one to own. It's the closest to the original mastertape. The version coupled with the Tchaikovsky has the Orchestra Hall reverberation filtered out and sounds flat and unnatural. Why RCA spoiled the original beauty of the recording is a mystery to me.

Even Rachmaninoff held Horowitz in awe.

What about Zimerman? I personally think that his Rachmaninov 2nd is the finest playing.

Thank you for your reviews. I have been researching recordings of the Rach PC 2, trying to find that "one" special recording, which transports the listener to another realm. So, I appreciate your recommendation for the Janis recording. It does sound great. Sadly, based on my research, a good majority of Rach PC recordings simply stink. Why? Horrible recording techniques. If I can't hear the piano, or have to turn the volume all the way up to maximum, that's a clear sign that the recording gets a rating of zero from me. If the performance is 10, but the recording is zero, I'm not going to purchase the CD. I'd like to hear your recommendations for: Chopin Etudes/Nocturnes/Preludes.

Janis is by far my favorite for the 3rd concerto.

Eileen Joyce, Cyril Smith, Earl Wild all do it for me.

I'm still listening b/c I to learn and hear.

What about Alicia de Larrocha’s live and studio recordings of 3 and her live recordings of 2 on youtube…I love Argerich, but her 3rd is vulgar and tasteless…I think she gets carried away with her boundless technique, which works well for the Prokoviev 3rd, but not for the Rachmaninov 3rd.

How come Argerich? The most vulgar thoughtless Rach 3 ever.