These two recordings date from 1954 and each rather sounds its age, despite improvements to the original sound. Of Richter's three Tchaikovsky First Piano Concerto LPs I would pick the 1958 version with Mravinsky (Melodiya MK1501, 10/61—nla) as being the most convincing. With Ancerl he takes a very even approach, and nothing is left to chance. Shimmering pedal effects, delicate washes of notes and a granitic power in chord playing give the performance plenty of point to savour, but the piano sound partially obscures Richter's tonal objectives. The piano tone is generally muffled throughout the record.
In the Bach Richter gets right into the core of the divers rhythmic patterns, and every note can be placed within a melodic context. The string playing, however, is none too accurate. But there is a hypnotic air of pathos that enshrouds the slow movement, reminiscent of a Gluck aria. Again, the recording quality falls into the 'historical' category.'