Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3; Symphonic Dances

Routine Rachmaninov from Mackerras and the RLPO, neither of whom seems at ease with these scores. Mackerras is a shade reticent in his handling of the Third Symphony; equally, his account of Rachmaninov’s swan-song, the Symphonic Dances, never really takes flight either. The RLPO strings lack substance throughout; partly a consequence of the natural recording perspectives achieved, ironically enough, in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. Collectors seeking a reliable version of the Third shouldn’t miss de Waart’s complete cycle, now available in the excellent Philips Duo series. Michael Jameson

Our rating

3

Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm

COMPOSERS: Rachmaninov
LABELS: Classics for Pleasure
WORKS: Symphony No. 3; Symphonic Dances
PERFORMER: Royal Liverpool PO/Charles Mackerras
CATALOGUE NO: CDCFP 4649 DDD (1989)

Routine Rachmaninov from Mackerras and the RLPO, neither of whom seems at ease with these scores. Mackerras is a shade reticent in his handling of the Third Symphony; equally, his account of Rachmaninov’s swan-song, the Symphonic Dances, never really takes flight either. The RLPO strings lack substance throughout; partly a consequence of the natural recording perspectives achieved, ironically enough, in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. Collectors seeking a reliable version of the Third shouldn’t miss de Waart’s complete cycle, now available in the excellent Philips Duo series. Michael Jameson

This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2024