COMPOSERS: Rachmaninov
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3; The Isle of the Dead; Symphonic Dances; Vocalise; Aleko: Intermezzo, Women’s Dance
PERFORMER: LSO/André Previn
CATALOGUE NO: CMS 7 64530 2 ADD (1973-77)
Brilliant landmarks in restoring Rachmaninov’s symphonic reputation when first issued in the 1970s, Previn’s readings remain prime examples of how to keep this music on the move without losing out on lavishness or flexibility. If you prefer a more leisurely Romanticism (and all repeats) there’s now Andrew Litton and the RPO (on Virgin) as a persuasive alternative. EMI’s CD transfers for Previn are fierce, unacceptably so in the finale of the First Symphony, though at its best the sound still helps out the LSO’s macabre incandescence in The Isle of the Dead and the Symphonic Dances. Single disc reissues remain obligatory
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3; The Isle of the Dead; Symphonic Dances; Vocalise; Aleko: Intermezzo, Women's Dance
Brilliant landmarks in restoring Rachmaninov’s symphonic reputation when first issued in the 1970s, Previn’s readings remain prime examples of how to keep this music on the move without losing out on lavishness or flexibility. If you prefer a more leisurely Romanticism (and all repeats) there’s now Andrew Litton and the RPO (on Virgin) as a persuasive alternative. EMI’s CD transfers for Previn are fierce, unacceptably so in the finale of the First Symphony, though at its best the sound still helps out the LSO’s macabre incandescence in The Isle of the Dead and the Symphonic Dances.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:36 pm