My first Van Album
I can't call myself an aficionado so take this for what it is worth. The Rachmaninoff Concerto is played during some ad (that I can't remember) and this spoils it for me. Okay so I'm a Philistine But it is a good recording and the Tchaikovsky is great. Refer to the experts (ha-ha) here for technical details. I am glad to have this recording in my library.

Great Tchaikovsky better Rachmaninoff Elsewhere
This is arguably one of the finest Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto recordings of all time. Unfortunately its not matched with a comparable performance of the Rachmaninoff Second Piano Concerto - the tempi are ponderous and Mr. Cliburn slogs through the 'alla marcia" in the first movement as if he were wearing fly-fishing waders. He peaked in his early years and there was no further artistic growth. Having heard him bungle his live concerto performances at Tanglewood, I know why he insists his live performances not be broadcast - his reputation is based on recording engineers and retakes. His victory in Moscow was political, he made a musical career out of it.

Over-rated
It's really weird to see the many raving reviews of this recording. I was skeptical, so I borrowed this CD from the library to hear if it was as good as people say. The orchestra was no match for Van Cliburn, which makes the whole thing unbalanced. Also, I think other soloists (Richter, Gilels) have more subtlety and shade in their playing. So anyway, do compare this recording with others and see for yourself.

Hard to beat
The two greatest piano concertos of all times played by the master. What more could one ask?

Van Cliburn
This CD has the quality of the original LP I purchased in 1958. It is wearing out which is why I purchased the CD. It also has the quality of the live performances I attended.