[SACD-R][OF] Рахманинов / Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No. 2 & Frank – Symphonic Variations (Alexis Weissenberg, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan) - 1973/2011 (Classical/Orchestral/Piano)

Charismatic pianist Alexis Weissenberg has been dubbed 1 of the greatest performers of 20th century music. This refined collection features a diverse range of celebrated piano pieces from iconic composers, Rachmaninoff & Frank. Conductor Herbert von Karajan & the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra join in to bring a dramatic account of Frank’s symphonic variations. Part of the EMI Remastered Series, the album has been revitalized with inspired dynamics and rich sonics.

SA-CD.net:
A recording made in September 1972 which has never ranked very highly by admirers of either artist, but I found much to enjoy here. Karajan never seemed particularly engaged as an accompanist for pianists – the main prosecution witness could be his dire conducting for Christoph Eschenbach’s DG recording of Beethoven’s 1st Concerto, but he was a firm admirer of Weissenberg & their collaboration works pretty well.
The 1st movement of the Rachmaninov is imposing in Weissenberg’s hands, & Karajan goes along with him, drawing very powerful playing from the BPO at the climax, with powerful timpani strokes adding to the excitement. The tempo of the Adagio sostenuto is dangerously slow but the simple dedication of the soloist & Karajan’s attention to detail reaps dividends – he & Wislocki for Richter are 2 of the few conductors to draw out the flute chording at the movement’s climax. Beautiful string playing without blandness throughout, while the wind section are admirable in the Finale’s opening pages. Here Weissenberg’s penchant for aggressive & rather literal playing slightly undermines the Slavonic melancholy.
Sonically this is enjoyable, with a wide soundstage & greater refinement than previous incarnations, though some hiss is still audible. The only small snag is the slightly close balance, most noticeable during the Finale. The recording sounds best during the quieter passages so again the 1st 2 movements of the Rachmaninov fare best – the closeness of the sound & slight hardness of the piano tone are more evident in the Finale.
The decent but unremarkable performance of the Franck Symphonic Variations doesn’t have the individuality of the main work.