Rachmaninoff. The Piano Concerto & Paganini Rhapsody – Yuja Wang

Rachmaninov’s piano concertos are timeless masterpieces that have been graced by countless virtuosos over the years. In the crowded landscape of Rachmaninov interpreters, Yuja Wang’s latest album, “Rachmaninov: The Piano Concertos; Paganini Rhapsody,” featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, holds its own as a formidable addition.

Wang’s recording of Rachmaninov’s works comes on the heels of a demanding series of performances in North America, including a remarkable marathon at Carnegie Hall where she tackled all five concertos in a single day. In this album, she opts for a more reasonable schedule, presenting one concerto per concert over a two-week period in Los Angeles.

While Wang had previously recorded the Second Concerto and the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Claudio Abbado, and the Third Concerto with Dudamel in 2011 and 2013, her maturity as a performer shines through in this latest endeavor.

In the First Concerto, Wang’s technical prowess is on full display, matching the orchestra’s agility under Dudamel’s direction. She effortlessly navigates the concerto’s playful exuberance, bringing out its quicksilver shifts in mood while also delicately teasing out its lyrical moments in the Andante. Her interpretation of the famous opening chords of the Second Concerto sets the stage for a dramatic narrative rather than a mere romantic indulgence, yet the slow movement, although brilliantly executed, feels somewhat brisk and lacking depth compared to some other pianists’ renditions. However, Wang’s rendition of the finale is a triumph, demonstrating her impeccable skill and flair.

This album showcases Yuja Wang’s continued growth as a pianist and her ability to breathe new life into these beloved concertos. Her partnership with Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic is a winning combination, with their synchronized performances adding depth and vitality to Rachmaninov’s lush compositions.

While Wang faces fierce competition from the annals of Rachmaninov interpreters, her unique blend of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and artistic maturity make this recording a valuable addition to the ever-expanding discography of these iconic concertos. “Rachmaninov: The Piano Concertos; Paganini Rhapsody” stands as a testament to the enduring power of Rachmaninov’s music and the virtuosity of Yuja Wang.