Good Rachmaninov music making, in my view, is comparatively easier than many other composers. Less is needed in detail, but obviously the more qualities you have the better… Ashkenazy is one of the foremost Rachmaninov interpreters of all times and that adds a lot to this CD. Despite the violin’s shrieking tone in the upper register and the too modest colors of the cello, he has managed to take a leading role and led the group into the correct Rach path. That is, passionate but not exaggerated  outbursts, no light touch on the piano and exercise of authority over the shoe group there and maintaining a mournful atmosphere throughout. The two trios could not have been played more elagiquely. As Ashkenazy provides the background, the cello’s soaring melody in the opening of the Op. 9 Trio will give you the idea. The technical supremacy in the finale is amazing, and that is not unimportant for Rach. The famous Vocalise and the Op. 38 No.5 Dream are nice closings to the CD.

Feyzi Erçin