Rachmaninoff Edition, CD21by Sergei Rachmaninoff

Who is the greatest pianist you've never heard of? I think I have discovered him on Brilliant Classics' Rachmaninoff Edition, specifically CDs 21, 22, and 23. He is Santiago Rodriguez, a Cuban-born musician who specialises in Rachmaninoff's very difficult music. Of course, all the greats have performed and recorded the Russian's piano compositions, for instance, Horowitz, Richter, Ashkenazy, Ogdon, etc., etc. In my opinion, Rodriguez deserves to be in their company. His playing of Rachmaninoff is extraordinary and compelling. A good example is the Prelude No.1 in C sharp minor, probably the composer's best-known solo piano piece. Most recordings last about four and a half minutes. A few go over five. Rodriguez's recording on this collection clocks in at six minutes and ten seconds! That means he plays it very slowly indeed, and if you are used to the normal tempo it takes a bit of getting used to. But the ear quickly adjusts and I found it to be the most thrilling performance of this work I have ever heard. On all the Rachmaninoff pieces here, Rodriguez plays with great power and great feeling for the music. His approach to Rachmaninoff is individual and once you've heard these performances there is no going back. At this price, it's a no-brainer.