Wang-Rachmaninoff Yoga Review: Piano Concerto Nos. 1-4

Within a short period of time, Deutsche Grammophon filled its catalog with another recording of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s complete works for piano and orchestra. After Daniil Trifonov, this time the soloist is called Yuja Wang. She will be joined by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. There’s not much to be said for Wang’s graceful fingers, her manual agility and acrobatic movements, and her sparkling touch. This is known. However, the overall score remains somewhat average. Because what Rachmaninoff often interprets in his works as the wrong path, Wang sometimes falls into the trap. It sounds fast and ingenious, but the melancholy often gets lost in this great frenzy, except for the slow motions. This creates a kind of continuous fireworks display that shimmers and burns, but overall it looks a bit monochromatic. Even with the lively orchestra.

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto Nos. 1-4 and Paganini Rhapsody

Yoga Wang (piano), Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Gustavo Dudamel (conductor)
German gramophone

Gustavo Dudamel

Gustavo Dudamel’s rise as a conductor unleashed a veritable wave of enthusiasm for classical music in his native Venezuela. It is considered a symbol of musical education in his country, especially among the youth. I started when I was still a kid… Continue

Wang Yoga

Born in Beijing in 1987 to a dancer and percussionist father, Yuja Wang started playing the piano at the age of six. Then she first studied at the conservatory in her hometown and then continued her studies… further