Best CD of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano C

Best how?? There is a recording by Rachmaninoff. Sounds like crap considering it's 70 years old. Can't argue with the interpretation considering. I'll get back later with more.

OK, I am back. I dad a date in Baltimore with three other Russians. Yuri Temirkanov conducting Shostakovich #7 and Sergei Babayan playing Bach Piano Concerto #1 (also Yuri conducting).

I was not kidding about the old Rachmaninov recording. It is sonically only fair (recorded 12/4/39), but the performance is by the Rach himself, so it is worth having as a reference. With Ormandy / Philadelphia RCA 5997-2-RC (also available on the Musical Heritage Society label). Also includes Rach playing #2 with Philadelphia / Stokowski (recorded 4/10/29).

My modern pick of Rach #3 is Santiago Rodriguez playing with the Sofia Philharmonic, conducted by Emil Tabakov on Elan label CD2220. Be careful, there is another Rach #3 Rodriguez on Elan with Lake Forest Symphony.

I am very interested in hearing the Volodos recording. I heard him play the Prokofiev #2 live in person a couple months ago. Best I have ever heard of that work.

Not familiar with the Ashkenazy/Previn Rach #3, but their recording of the Rach #2 in 1972 is the best Rach #2 IMHO (London Jubilee 417-702-2 and a newer pressing).

I guess while you're at the store, pick up the original Rach recording of Rach playing numbers 1 and 4, also Ormandy / Philadelphia. RCA 6659-2-RC. (Or through Musical Heritage Society.) http://www.musicalheritage.com/

The Horowitz/Ormandy is one of the references Gramaphone Magazine uses to compare with others. Probably worth a listen.