Silverman's Variations CD Released in "Two-Fer" Offer

After a series of unforeseen delays, for which we apologize, the CD of Robert Silverman's performance of Beethoven's monumental work for solo piano, the Diabelli Variations (Variations, STPH017-2), is available for purchase from our e-commerce page today, Monday, October 2.

Variations, which couples the Diabelli Variations with Beethoven's little-performed 32 Variations in C-Minor, is the first recording for which I dispensed with tape altogether. Instead, I recorded the output of Ray Kimber's IsoMike microphone array straight to hard disk, with a sample rate of 88.2kHz and 24-bit resolution. I wrote about the making of this CD in the May 2006 issue of Stereophile. This article is also available in Stereophile's free on-line archives today.

Our new Variations CD costs $16.95, but if you also purchase Robert Silverman's out-of-print 1980s recording of the two Rachmaninoff Piano Sonatas (OrpheumMasters KSP802), the price for the two CDs will be $24.95 (plus S&H).

This Rachmaninoff set has long been a favorite of mine, particularly the "Faust" Sonata (No.1 in D-minor), recorded on analog tape in 1980, of which the reviewer for Fanfare magazine wrote: "Silverman's performance is a gradually expanding one. His shaping of the multiple elements that structure the first movement is impeccable. The deeply resonant sound of the piano enhances its great drama. But wait till you get to the unspeakably beautiful Lento. Few pianists can float treble melodies as sensitively as Silverman can. I've heard no other pianist play this movement with such consummate poignance. The tone bespeaks regret and loss, but it is also phenomenally gorgeous. The sound of the recording is spacious and full. Certainly, this recording must be included in the top two or three outstanding renditions I have ever heard."

We only have a limited stock of this Rachmaninoff Piano Sonatas CD, so it will be first-come, first-served. Put both Variations and the Rachmaninoff CD into your shopping basket at http://ssl.blueearth.net/primedia/home.php and be prepared for both superb pianism and musical satisfaction.

Update: As of October 10, the Rachmaninoff Piano Sonatas CD is sold out.

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