Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Recordings
Top Choice
Leonard Pennario / Arthur Fiedler / Boston Pops
1963Very good RCA sound. They 'really bring out the pizzazz' as well as the 'lush, beautiful quality' of Variation 18.
Also Worth Hearing
Earl Wild / Jascha Horenstein / Royal Philharmonic
Not specifiedFrom the complete set. 'Very, very dramatic and fun and lush and beautiful.' Well recorded, great balances.
Vladimir Ashkenazy / André Previn / London Symphony
Not specifiedPaired with Concerto No. 2. 'Very lush, very beautiful'.
Sergei Rachmaninoff / Leopold Stokowski / Philadelphia Orchestra
1934 Historic recordingThe composer's own. 'Not as much of a showboat,' but Stokowski/Philly 'do a wonderful job' (a little 'schmaltzy') with Variation 18.