Tagged: CD Picks

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 in d minor, op. 30
Vladimir Horowitz, piano
The New York Philharmonic; Eugene Ormandy, conductor

It's not often that we re-discover or even newly discover treasures that are hidden in our libraries, but this one is irresistible and undeniably the most exciting recording of one of the most technically demanding works in the piano repertoire - Sergei Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto.

The Vanishing Nordic Chorale
Musik Ekklesia

It's well past time to listen to historical instruments because they're, well, historical. Or "informed," or "accurate," or whatever word we might use to feel scholastically correct. It's time to listen because they sound beautiful.

Marriages: the successful workings of two business partners; two athletes involved in a sporting event, and other instances in which two individuals are teamed and work successfully, are often described as unions made in heaven.

Oscar Peterson: Unmistakable
A Zenph Re-Performance

There is nothing quite like listening to Oscar Peterson play the piano. The man was a true musical genius, and his playing exuded rigid technique and grace - all at the same time. This Unmistakable release is a solo record, and may be one of the most pristine recordings of Oscar's work that has ever existed.

Michael Torke: Tahiti

Who says classical music has to be profound to be enjoyable? If you listen to classical music to "chill out," this disc is for you - with the composer's stamp of approval. Michael Torke says that he "always wanted to write a composition that would inspire a woman - coming home from a long day of work - to draw a bath, light candles, and listen to it on her pink iPod." And he has, times two, with "Tahiti," the title composition, and "Fiji" - fun pieces with a depth that listeners can explore.