Rachmaninoff for Two (CD Review)

by Karl Nehring

(CD1) Symphony No. 2 in E minor op. 27: 3. Adagio (Transcr. for 2 pianos by Daniil Trifonov); Suite No.2 for 2 Pianos op. 17; (CD2) Suite No. 1 for 2 Pianos “Fantaisie (Tableaux)” op. 5; Symphonic Dances op. 45 (Version for 2 pianos). Sergei Babayan, piano; Daniil Trifonov, piano. Deutsche Grammophon 486 4805

I think we sometimes tend to forget just how talented a musician the Russian-born Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) really was. Not only was he one of the all-time-great piano virtuosos, but he also excelled as a composer and even as a conductor, having been appointed at the age of 31 to the conducting staff of the prestigious Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. While at the Bolshoi, the young Rachmaninoff was in charge of presenting major Russian ballets, operas, and orchestral works. What is particularly compelling about this new album from the Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov (b. 1991) and Armenian-American pianist Sergei Babayan (b. 1961) is that we get to hear arrangements of two of Rachmaninoff’s best-loved orchestral works, offering us new insights into their structure while enchanting us with pianistic virtuosity and color.

 

A closer look at the cover photo leads to the observation that the two pianos being played by the two pianists are not identical. As it turns out, Babayan plays a Steinway, while Trifonov plays a Bösendorfer. The program opens with Trifonov’s arrangement of the famous Adagio from Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. For those familiar with the lushly scored orchestral original, this version offers a whole new way to enjoy the music. Next up are two suites written explicitly for two pianos. Suite No. 1 was inspired by and dedicated to Tchaikovsky, who unfortunately succumbed to cholera before the work’s premiere. The Suite No. 2, which Rachmaninoff composed concurrently with his Piano Concerto No. 2, is a lively work suffused with dance rhythms. Trifonov and Babayan really sparkle in these two works, bringing energy and enthusiasm that really brings out the dance-like elements. 

 

Only in the Symphonic Dances did I at times find myself missing the color, weight, and heft of the orchestra. The arrangement, by the way, is by Rachmaninoff himself. Still, despite my reservations, it is interesting to hear – it is just that the Trifonov transcription that opens the program strikes these ears as more convincing. Overall, though, Rachmaninoff for Two is an entertaining release, well worth an audition.