DCD 098 - Mark Zestler Plays Rachmaninov and Prokofiev

In this edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast we showcase a remarkable 1995 release from Laurel Records. Renowned pianist Mark Zeltser teamed up with his fellow countryman, conductor Rudolf Barshai, to record two mainstays for piano and orchestra from their native Russia.

The Prokofiev Third Piano Concerto, Op. 26 bristles with emotion and energy in this recording. Zeltser captures Prokofiev's sly humor, while easily dealing with the massive technical challenges of the work.

Also on the CD is Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini for piano and orchestra, Op. 43, another work that really puts the pianist through his paces. In this podcast we can only play an excerpt of this work due to time constraints, but rest assured the entire composition is well worth a listen. Zeltser and Barshai work in tandem to make this piece come alive.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #098 - Zeltser Plays Rachmaninov and Prokofiev

- Ralph Graves

This episode we play:

Prokofiev: Concerto No. 3 for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 26, Mvt. 1
The Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra; Rudolf Barshai, conductor
Mark Zeltzer, pianist
A Laurel Records release

Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini for piano and orchestra, Op. 43, final variations
The Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra; Rudolf Barshai, conductor
Mark Zeltzer, pianist
A Laurel Records release

DCD 097 - Max Reger: Piano Pieces

This edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast podcast we feature selections from an exciting new CD from Troubadisc. For some time now, this German-based label has been building up an impressive catalog of chamber and solo music by Max Reger.

The latest addition to the series, Max Reger: Piano Pieces showcases the artistry of pianist Wolfram Lorenzen. Lorenzen has appeared on several other of Troubadisc's Reger recordings, and his understanding and affinity for the music is clear and unmistakable.

The release includes two Sonatinas from Reger's Op. 89 set of four, and an early work, the Five Humoresques, Op. 20. The big piece, though, and the one most characteristic of Reger's mature style, is the Variations and Fuga on a Theme by Johann Sebastian Bach, Op. 89. It combines Reger's love for Bach's music with his own inventive and contrapuntal talents in one large work.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #097 - Max Reger: Piano Pieces

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link above to start listening.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Max Reger: Sonatina Op. 89, No. 1 mvt. 1
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Five Humoresques, Op. 20, Nos. 2-4
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Sonatina, Op. 89, No. 3, mvts. 2-3
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Variations and Fuga on a Theme by Johann Sebastian Bach, Op. 89, variations XII-XIV and Fuga
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc