This blog visits a new album scheduled for release on April 14 that features works for piano and orchestra by Sergei Rachmaninov (2023 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth). The solo pianist is Boris Giltburg, a seasoned Naxos artist noted not only for his outstanding musicianship and technical finesse (witness the numerous glowing reviews he unfailingly receives), but also for his presentation skills in bringing to life the works he performs, both on social media and, as is the case with this latest album, his production of the album’s booklet notes, which reflect authority and insight. The catalogue number of the release is 8.574528.

I’ll be dipping into Boris’ observations about the three works on this programme: Rachmaninov’s First and Fourth Piano Concertos, and the Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. That latter work, together with Rachmaninov’s Second and Third Piano Concertos, receive significantly more attention in recording studios and concert halls than the First and Fourth Concertos; but it would come as no surprise if this wonderful recording by Boris (together with the Brussels Philharmonic under conductor Vassily Sinaisky) proceeds to significantly raise the stature of those perceived poor relations. Continue reading and listening at blog.naxos.com