Joint winner of The 1962 International Tchaikovsky Piano competition (with Ashkenazy), John Ogdon was a phenomenal pianist and composer, a gentle giant of a man but a troubled genius plagued by mental and later physical problems. His recorded legacy is considerable but his inaugural recordings for EMI remain special for capturing in superb stereo his artistry at the start of his career.

• Hi-Q Records Supercuts
• 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• Cut from the Original EMI Analog Master Tapes
• Mastered at Abbey Road Studios
• Features Original Album Artwork

"Cut at Abbey Road Studios from the original stereo analogue master tapes with the Neumann VMS82 lathe fed an analogue pre-cut signal from a specially adapted Studer A80 tape deck with additional 'advance' playback head, making the cut a totally analogue process. Pressed using the original EMI presses at The Vinyl Factory in Hayes, England"

Joint winner of The 1962 International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, (with Ashkenazy), John Odgon was a phenomenal pianist and composer, a gentle giant of a man but a troubled genius plagued by mental and later physical health problems that culminated in his premature death at the age of only 52. His recorded legacy is considerable but his inaugural recordings for EMI remain special for capturing in superb stereo his artistry at the start of his international career.

In the original review in The Gramophone of July 1962, T.H. remarked that it was "a record that will certainly enhance his reputation the word over...the intellect in control of the emotions, allied to a really remarkable technique, brings nobility, to the first movement in particular, that is rare and very affecting."

"...The recording suits this approach, too, for soloist and orchestra are for once well balanced... yet the recording is of wide range, so the climaxes are fully telling...bright and vivid stereo."

"...a special word must go to John Pritchard and the Philharmonia Orchestra for an accompaniment that is a real partnership and is, on the part of the conductor, admirably perceptive. It is such good playing that it almost takes the interest as much as the solo work, which is saying a lot in this concerto."

Recorded 29-31 January 1962, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London. Recording Producer: Peter Andry & Ronald Kinloch Anderson. Balance Engineer: Neville Boyling

Track Listing:
 

Side A
Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (RACHMANINOV)
01. 1st Movement: Allegro moderato
02. 2nd Movement: Adagio sostenuto

Side B
Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (RACHMANINOV)
01. 3rd Movement: Allegro scherzando
02. Prelude in G minor, Op. 23 No. 5 (RACHMANINOV) *
03. Prelude in G major, Op.32 No. 5 (RACHMANINOV) *
04. Prelude in G sharp minor, Op. 32 No. 12 (RACHMANINOV) *

*piano solo

JOHN OGDON, piano
THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA
conducted by JOHN PRITCHARD