Tchaikovsky+Rachmaninoff (Van Cliburn): Piano concerto (1 bzw 2)

Tchikovsky's 2nd movement is just a superb piece, alternating peacefulness and exuberance. Precisely the setting for a superb performance.  The 3rd movement interspersed French arpeggiate cannot betray its Slavic origin with its theme of winds and strings with exclamations from the metals.

Rachmaninoff's concerto is so superbly performed that the interpretation itself can be or not transparent (which although unrelated does not occur with Il Giardino Armonico). One can just leave oneself to be inebriated, or attend to each instrument, at no loss of enjoyment.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto #1	Bbm	Op.23	Kiril Kondrashin/RCA Symphony Orchestra	1958
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto #2	Cm	Op.18	Fritz Reiner/Chicago Symphony Orchestra	1962

This is an instant RCA Red Seal SACD favorite!