Rachmaninoff: Symphony No 2 [download]

Gramophone Magazine’s Editor’s Choice
'This Rachmaninov finds the London Symphony Orchestra warm and irresistibly propulsive ... Gergiev has a feel for the romantic urgency of the music as well as its lyrical impulse.'

***** ‘Gergiev seems to communicate a darker side to this music.’
Audiophile Audition

***** 'The sweep of emotion that runs through all four movements is as polished as it is inexorable. The opening movement unfolds like an inbound tide, the waves of voluptuous sound building with a potency that is rich and sonorous. Contrast that with the heightened energy of the second movement, the familiar glow of the Adagio, and the fiery control of the finale, and you have a performance with Gergiev's fingerprint all over it.'
The Scotsman

'Breathtakingly beautiful string playing. I greedily anticipate the release of the other symphonies in due course.’
International Record Review

‘Gergiev brings a brooding intensity to the first movement, a heartfelt, light-pierced inwardness, that speaks of a profound understanding of the score… There’s a rapport between conductor and orchestra that makes for a spellbinding experience.’
MusicWeb International

'As you would expect with the charismatic Valery Gergiev on the conductor's platform, this performance of Rachmaninov's opulent symphony is full of long sweeping gestures, at times a little moody, but packed full of the feel of spontaneity that comes from a "live" recording. He allows the slow movement ample time to beguile the ears and turns up the heat for an exciting finale. The London Symphony respond perfectly to his many subtle rhythmic infections, the playing in the superlative class. Good sound generous in detail.'
Yorkshire Post

‘A wonderful new LSO Live recording.’
Chicago Tribune

‘A fine performance, well engineered.’
ClassicsToday.com