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

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