The Symphonic Dances, an orchestral suite in three sections, was the last work Rachmaninoff completed and proved one of his most popular compositions. Although rarely sentimental, it draws on many of the composer’s reminiscences of Russia, from where he emigrated in 1917. It is characteristically lyrical with vivacious rhythmic sections, reminiscent of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and the composer’s own Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
Gergiev couples the Symphonic Dances with another work in three movements by a Russian émigré to the USA. Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements was written between 1942-45 and was the first work Stravinsky completed after his arrival in the USA. Although he claimed it was a ‘War Symphony’, his true inspiration was typically vague.
Composers Sergei Rachmaninoff, Igor Stravinsky Conductor Valery Gergiev Performers London Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Dances
1. I. Non allegro
2. II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
3. III. Lento assai – Allegro vivace – Lento assai. Come prima – Allegro vivace
Symphony in Three Movements
4. I. Crotchet = 160
5. II. Andante – Più mosso – Tempo I
6. III. Con moto – Più presto – Meno mosso (Con moto)
Release Date 2 April 2012
LSO0688 | 822231168829
Producer James Mallinson
Engineers Neil Hutchinson and Jonathan Stokes for Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded May 2009, Barbican, London
DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording
Booklet in English, French & German
FLAC - 24bit 192kHz and 24bit 96kHz - Compatible with Windows and Android devices MP3 - 320kbps - Universal compatibility
SACD - Compatible with all CD players
Available on streaming services
Reviews
“
***** 'Valery Gergiev is one of the most exciting conductors recording today. His previous Rachmaninoff Second Symphony for LSO Live was a knockout, and both of these symphonic works will likely take first place of multichannel options.'
“
‘How beautifully blended and responsive [the LSO] are under Gergiev's direction … there is much to enjoy here, not least an orchestra that is at the very top of its game under its charismatic conductor.'
“
'Both pieces are well suited to Valery Gergiev's interpretive talents, and with the LSO on blistering form those reasons alone should make these accounts ones to be reckoned with.'
Sign up to our newsletter
Receive special offers and first look at new products.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.