So I downloaded some Angelich, and like it very much.But there was a real gem in one of the downloads, i.e., Marietta Petkova.She plays the Rachmaninoff Preludes as well as anyone I ever heard.Here is a review from Amazon:
Before I
heard this remarkable recording, I had never even heard of Marietta
Petkova! She has made quite a few recording for the somewhat obscure
Doron and Challenge Classics labels, but not so much as a “whisper” of
her incredibly beautiful and felicitous touch, unforgettable mastery of
both pedaling and rubato and searing interpretive penetration have ever
reached me.
I have heard no other recordings of the C-sharp minor, B-flat minor, G major and B minor Preludes that have simply moved me to tears and distraction as quickly and decisively as these have: phenomenally gorgeous and other-worldly in every respect.
That this recording is not more widely known and appreciated is simply criminal and speaks volumes about the true state of present “perks under the table ” musical criticism and the “money and glamour first” recording industry in general.
I have now listened to these discs 5 times through, with the greatest joy and satisfaction, and I cannot for my life understand how such an incredibly and beautifully talented Bulgarian pianist - gifted from above with musical intelligence and insight the equal of (and even surpassing!) Richter, Ashkenazy and Osborne – could come to be so neglected and even unappreciated?
You have my absolute assurance that one listen ALONE will suffice to lift this improbably triumphant tour de force to the level of “first choice” in your collection of illustrious Rachmaninov Prelude recordings.
Wholeheartedly recommended!
https://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninov-Etudes-Tableaux-Preludes-Sergei-Rachmaninoff/dp/B0000713BH
I have heard no other recordings of the C-sharp minor, B-flat minor, G major and B minor Preludes that have simply moved me to tears and distraction as quickly and decisively as these have: phenomenally gorgeous and other-worldly in every respect.
That this recording is not more widely known and appreciated is simply criminal and speaks volumes about the true state of present “perks under the table ” musical criticism and the “money and glamour first” recording industry in general.
I have now listened to these discs 5 times through, with the greatest joy and satisfaction, and I cannot for my life understand how such an incredibly and beautifully talented Bulgarian pianist - gifted from above with musical intelligence and insight the equal of (and even surpassing!) Richter, Ashkenazy and Osborne – could come to be so neglected and even unappreciated?
You have my absolute assurance that one listen ALONE will suffice to lift this improbably triumphant tour de force to the level of “first choice” in your collection of illustrious Rachmaninov Prelude recordings.
Wholeheartedly recommended!
https://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninov-Etudes-Tableaux-Preludes-Sergei-Rachmaninoff/dp/B0000713BH