Rachmaninov: Symphonies Nos. 1-3 / The Isle of the Dead / Symphonic Dances / Vocalise, Opp. 13,14,27,29,44,45 / Aleko (extracts) (Audio CD)

   Sir Andre and the 1970s LSO had a unique, symbiotic relationship. Together with their Decca Rachmaninov Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody (with Vladimir Ashkenazy), this cycle of the Symphonies (and the other major orchestral pieces) just may be their greatest work ever. The fantastic LSO strings, admittedly lacking the famous post-war Ormandy/Philly gloss, make it easier to take these works more seriously than before. (Granted, R's symphonies are not the Brahms FOURTH, or the Bruckner EIGHTH, but they deserve better than "pops-concert" condescension.) Everything runs deeper.First off, a respectful nod to all the other reviewers here and a small, salient fact: RACHMANINOV COMPOSED MORE THAN THE SECOND SYMPHONY !!! (And yes, this SECOND is stupendous in its breadth and commitment.)This FIRST SYMPHONY is pungent, exotic, at times even barbaric...The VOCALISE is bittersweet, not merely sweet. And Sir Andre actually takes the repeat !... The ALEKO fragments are...Read more