[.ca] Symphonic Dances/Suites For

From Amazon.com:
Ax and Bronfman went about this project like rock stars, making the recording first (in 1999) for a tour (in 2002). Although both players are major virtuosos, technical prowess is not their first order of business. The ensemble is never loose, but it's also not as razor-sharp as in the identically programmed Argerich-Rabinovitch CD. Instead, there are two personalities at work here, each with his own expressive profile (although, lacking a seating chart, it's hard to tell which is which). These aren't Rachmaninov's greatest hits, so the disc offers gratifying discoveries to listeners who like his music. From the early, thoroughly romantic Suite No. 1, through the mature and completely typical Suite No. 2, to the composer's final work, the Symphonic Dances, all this music represents Rachmaninov at the height of his powers. For some listeners, this original two-piano version of the Dances may even be preferable to the composer's orchestration, which is effective enough, but sounds almost bloated at moments. The rich tonal qualities of the pianos, brilliantly conveyed by Sony's recording, help make these exciting performances the preferred versions of this generous selection (78:49). --Leslie Gerber

Unbelievably good!:
I love Rachmaninoff piano works and these are absolutely fabulous.

Perfect balance:
I have heard many pieces by Bronfman and I have to say that he is one of my favorite pianists: he knows how to express and convey emotions incredibly well. Ax is, of course, a wonderful pianist as well - these two playing together are probably one of the best balanced duos of all the ones that have been listed in other reviews - certainly for a piece like this one. They work very well together, and know how to express most everything that this piece has to offer, without any extras - just Rachmaninov. Listening to this CD, I did not feel like there was anything missing when I did the inevitable comparison with orchestral version. I absolutely recommend it.

More Technical Clarity Than Unabashed Romance but....:
Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman are major players in the contemporary Piano arena and both are highly respected for their musicality and exacting precision of execution. Hearing these three Rachmaninoff works written for two pianos played with such virtuosity is thrilling, yet for this listener the pulsating lyricism of Rachmaninoff's musical lines eludes this technically brilliant recording. The Suites 1 and 2 fair better under these four hands and it is a joy to hear these rarely heard works performed with such respect. The SYMPHONIC DANCES, which is the last work Rachmaninoff wrote, is a dazzling orchestral work that can tug at the heart and send whirling dervishes into final ecstasy. Here Ax and Bronfman address the inner voices of the work and find the driving rhythms that propel this exciting work along, but the Romance is left wanting. For sheer luxury of exploring the work this recording belongs in your library. Just concentrate on prowess and you'll be satisfied.

If you can avoid quibbling over pianists, this CD is a treat:
I am not a fan of Mr. Ax, so this was a stretch to even consider this CD for Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances." However, here are the picturesque Etudes Tableaux and the rhythmically intense Suite #2. Nothing like rumbling rhythm and wide melodies for duo piano. Back to the Symphonic Dances, which is why anyone would buy this CD in the first place. Rachmaninoff wrote this both for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and it was his last composition, ever. He wrote a duo piano version as well. Where the orchestral work is wonderful with colors, including a saxophone mooning mysteriously in a midnight garden, the duo piano version is like riding a ship on rollicking waves, from dawn, to hot noon, to mysterious sunset and deep twilight. I love it for piano, maybe even more than for orchestra. This is a fairly good rendition, though I lament that my vinyl version with Vronsky and Babin is not to be found remastered in CD. In short, not bad, and the other works are a bonus.

If you can avoid quibbling over pianists, this CD is a treat:
I am not a fan of Mr. Ax, so this was a stretch to even consider this CD for Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances." However, here are the picturesque Etudes Tableaux and the rhythmically intense Suite #2. Nothing like rumbling rhythm and wide melodies for duo piano. Back to the Symphonic Dances, which is why anyone would buy this CD in the first place. Rachmaninoff wrote this and dedicated it to the Philadelphia Orchestra, his last composition, ever. He wrote a duo piano version as well. Where the orchestral work is wonderful with colors, including a saxophone mooning mysteriously in a midnight garden, the duo piano version is like riding a ship on rollicking waves, from dawn, to hot noon, to mysterious sunset and deep twilight. I love it for piano, maybe even more than for orchestra. This is a fairly good rendition, though I lament that my vinyl version with Vronsky and Babin is not to be found remastered in CD. In short, not bad, and the other works are a bonus.

• Symphonic Dances For 2 Pianos, Op. 45: Allegro
• Symphonic Dances For 2 Pianos, Op. 45: Andante con moto
• Symphonic Dances For 2 Pianos, Op. 45: Lento assai
• Suite No. 2 for 2 Pianos, Op. 17: Introduction
• Suite No. 2 for 2 Pianos, Op. 17: Waltz
• Suite No. 2 for 2 Pianos, Op. 17: Romance
• Suite No. 2 for 2 Pianos, Op. 17: Tarantella
• Suite No. 1 For 2 Pianos, Op. 5: Barcarole
• Suite No. 1 For 2 Pianos, Op. 5: A Night For Love
• Suite No. 1 For 2 Pianos, Op. 5: Tears (Largo di molto)
• Suite No. 1 For 2 Pianos, Op. 5: Russian Easter (Allegro maestoso)