Sergei Rachmaninoff plays Schumann Carnaval Op.9

Legendary Russian composer-pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff's stupendous RCA Victor recording of Schumann's Carnaval Op.9.

Rachmaninoff made multiple takes over the course of three sessions - April 9, 10, and 12, 1929 - to try to achieve the best results, evidently not satisfied with those he set down of each 78rpm disc side on the first day: he would make a total of eight attempts at the first side, eventually agreeing to release take seven.

Long considered one of the desert-island readings of the work, this performance is presented here in a fresh un-EQ'd transfer by Tom Jardine (to whom all thanks) that reveals with greater fidelity than I've ever heard the stunning playing of the superlative Rachmaninoff in this reading. Soaring phrasing, robust rhythm, tightly-voiced chords, masterful pedalling, lushly expressive rubato, and refined dynamic shadings all serve the artist's brilliant characterization of each part of Schumann's remarkable composition.

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