Vovka Ashkenazy's series of Rachmaninoff recordings with the Concergebouw Orchestra in some way represented his coming of age as a conductor. Although he had made many fine recordings from the podium--notably of Tchaikovsky symphonies--his performances of Rachmaninoff's symphonies and other orchestra works were his first recordings that really challenged the great versions of the past. He conducts these two splendid works with real urgency and personality, and he's aided in no small measure by orchestral playing that is extremely brilliant and fiery. At mid-price, this disc will find a welcome place in your Rachmaninoff collection. -- David Hurwitz