This 1995 release from Deutsche Grammophon combines two memorable concerto recordings by
Sviatoslav Richter. The
Rachmaninov Concerto No. 2 with
Stanislaw Wislocki and the
Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra from 1959 was met with high praise for its detail and the depth of
Richter's knowledgable interpretation. It is not as ardent as other pianists' readings, but its clarity speaks volumes and can still move the listener. The Tchaikovsky, from 1963, with
Herbert von Karajan and the
Vienna Symphony, is also less affecting and, in some places, less dancing than expected. It may seem stiff to some listeners, but there is no arguing with its sheer intelligence.
Richter and
Karajan worked with a common approach to the music. The sound quality of both recordings is very good, especially with the digital remixing helping enhance the fine points of the music.