Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction & Var. 1Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: ThemeSergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 2Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 3Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 4Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 5Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 6Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 7Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 8Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 9Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 10Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 11Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 12Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 13Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 14Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 15Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 16Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 17Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 18Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 19Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 20Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 21Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 22Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 23Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Var. 24Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Introduzione (Maestoso) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Tema (Allegro) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 1 (Poco più mosso) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 2 (Risoluto) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 3 - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 4 (Molto meno mosso) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 5 (Più mosso) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 6 (Ancora più mosso, allegro) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 7 (Walzer) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 8 (Alla marcia allegro moderato) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 9 (Presto - Andante rubato) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 10 (Passacaglia) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Var. 11 (Choral) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25: Finale fugato (Allegro vivace - Tempo del tema - Molto allegro) - 1959 RecordingErnst von Dohnányi, Julius Katchen, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: 1. ModeratoSergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: 2. Adagio sostenutoSergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: 3. Allegro scherzandoSergei Rachmaninoff, Julius Katchen, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Julius Katchen, the American concert pianist, was renowned for his powerful and daring interpretations, particularly of Johannes Brahms' solo piano works. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Katchen began his musical journey as a child prodigy, debuting at the age of 10 and performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy just a year later. His career flourished as he toured Europe and settled in Paris, becoming a celebrated figure in the classical music world.
Katchen's discography is extensive and diverse, encompassing works by Liszt, Rachmaninov, and Brahms, among others. His recordings of Brahms' piano sonatas and variations are considered benchmarks, showcasing his technical prowess and musical insight. Beyond his solo work, Katchen also collaborated with notable musicians such as Josef Suk and János Starker, further enriching his musical legacy. Despite his tragic early death at the age of 42, Katchen's contributions to the piano repertoire continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano with Julius Katchen's captivating album, "Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini / Dohnányi: Variations on a Nursery Song." This exquisite collection, released on Decca Music Group Ltd. in 2018, showcases Katchen's masterful prowess and deep connection with the classical repertoire. Spanning a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, the album is a testament to Katchen's artistry and the enduring appeal of these classical masterpieces.
The album opens with Rachmaninov's iconic Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, a work that has become synonymous with the composer's romantic and deeply expressive style. Katchen's interpretation is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the concerto's dramatic range and emotional depth. The second half of the album features Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, a virtuosic display of technical brilliance and musical ingenuity.
Complementing these Rachmaninov works is Dohnányi's Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25, recorded in 1959. This charming and inventive piece showcases Katchen's ability to bring a sense of playfulness and sophistication to the piano. The variations, ranging from the resolute to the waltz-like, demonstrate Katchen's versatility and his deep understanding of the composer's intent.
Julius Katchen, a renowned pianist of his time, brings a unique sensitivity and technical precision to these performances. His recordings with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Adrian Boult, are celebrated for their clarity and emotional resonance. This album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights Katchen's extraordinary talent and the enduring beauty of these classical compositions.