Mikhail Pletnev, Russian National Orchestra Mstislav Rostropovich - Rachmaninov, Prokofiev: Piano Concertos (2004) [SACD]

Mikhail Pletnev already has to his credit superb recordings of all of Tchaikovky’s concerted works so it comes as no surprise that he excels in these Thirds of Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. Both are given magnificent interpretations with vivid accompaniments from the Russian National Orchestra directed by Rostropovich. These are solid, imaginative readings in every way—treatment of the exquisite rhapsodic central interlude in the Prokofiev’s finale is as melting as I’ve ever heard. Apparently these performances did not originate from live concert performances—CD notes describe the recording sessions which took place in late evening/early morning during September 2002 in the Great Hall of Mosow Conservatory. Pletnev plays the more elaborate first movement cadenza of the Rachmaninoff (making a very slight cut in it; he also makes a minor cut in the finale). From a SACD surround standpoint this is one of DGG’s most successful accomplishments. Performers are in front, with a solid piano tone, rich orchestral textures and a wide dynamic range. Rear speakers are effectively used for ambient sound. For whatever reason, two separate disks are used, rather odd as both concertos would have fit on one, as they did on the standard CD version.