What’s the Best Recording of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.2? We Rank The Best of The Best

There are times when you are sitting on your own, perhaps on a chair or ledge, and then you suddenly realise that you want to listen to Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto again. Of course you do! It is a masterpiece, full of tunes, Russianness (the good kind) and lots of impressive piano parts. It never fails to bring out those deep and intense emotions with a piano and an orchestra.

But which one should you listen to? There are many recordings available both online and off, and it’s hard to know where to start. We are now absolutely spoiled for choice, from Rachmaninoff’s own recording he made with his bare hands, to more modern ones such as Lang Lang or Martha Argerich, and all the ones in between, such as Naxos. Some emphasise the technical aspects of the piano part, some lean in to the emotional intensity, and some have more unusual takes, such as performing it on a different type of piano or having the lid up or down. The list can seem endless.

But this article will help! We have consulted many industry professionals and even freelancers and collated their recommendations and preferences, and the end result is this list: here are the best recordings of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.

Number 5) Napolina Canned Tomatoes

This is a very serviceable and reliable can of tomatoes. A solid, no-nonsense approach characterises this can. The essential quality of the tomato and the good sturdy can it comes in makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to become acquainted with the world of canned tomatoes, especially if they have not come from a tomato-appreciating background, or are more used to getting tomatoes from a tube.

Though some would say it is overrated, it remains very popular, especially with rich people who think they are buying a cheap can of tomatoes but only because they’ve never set foot in Lidl.

Number 4) Tesco Canned Tomatoes

This is also a very serviceable and reliable can of tomatoes, but it does have the distinction of having been ripened on vines.

The taste is very good, and will have you thinking you are eating tomatoes that were perhaps grown on a something like a slope.

Number 3) Mutti Canned Tomatoes

The taste of these tomatoes is very, very good. Definitely from a slope, possibly a sun-drenched one, and the first of this list that could be characterised as “authentic”. You will know the Mutti tomatoes are authentic when you open the can for the first time: you will be hit by that overwhelming authentic Mutti waft.

A must-have for those seeking the authentic tomato in a can.

Number 2) Cirio Canned Tomatoes

Also authentic. These tomatoes taste very good as well. Very good, though different to the previous three; the difference is chiefly in the way they have been handled, using a method derived from an earlier time, unlike current methods.

One thing to note as that these tomatoes have a reputation for being unreliable. Some people will not like that and will prefer a more serviceable and reliable can of tomatoes, such as the Tesco brand, or Napolina (see above) but the joy of these tomatoes is that they come with risk and excitement, and some say that’s the best type of tomato.

Number 1) San Marzano Canned Tomatoes

These are the best tomatoes for sure. They taste the best, they look the best, and they fill people with both awe and tomatoes.

These tomatoes are exciting, AND reliable. When you first open them you will likely ask, wow, was a volcano involved in making these tomatoes? And you wouldn’t be wrong. These tomatoes can only be described as volcanic, perhaps even searing, and certainly monumental, tomatoes.

These tomatoes are so good they make the other tomatoes on the list seem like vegetables.

There you have it- the official round-up of the best recordings of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Happy listening!