Album insights
Celebrating Rachmaninoff's 150th birthday, Yuja Wang performed all four piano concertos of the composer along with his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the L.A. Philharmonic, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. These captivating concerts took place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, where Rachmaninoff spent his final months. The recording of the sold-out, critically acclaimed performances is now available on Deutsche Grammophon. Wang’s exceptional strength, depth, and brilliance in her playing combined with Dudamel's quest for enlightenment were evident throughout. The intense focus displayed by both performers was truly remarkable, with all distractions fading away as each performance began. Rachmaninoff, a gifted pianist himself, crafted a diverse range of expressive music for piano, which includes these five pieces for piano and orchestra. Wang has skillfully enriched the kaleidoscopic richness of these works with new insights throughout her career. Collaborating repeatedly with Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic, the performances reflect a profound sense of mutual respect and understanding, akin to playing chamber music, as noted by Dudamel.