Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Leonard Slatkin, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra :: Rachmaninov: The 3 Symphonies

Overlooked by the Critics!

05/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You will never see this collection of the Rachmaninoff Symphonies in any of the established literarture of CD ratings. Nevertheless, this collection is very worthy of respect and deserves attention. Perhaps the greatest attribute of this collection is its availability, which goes back at least ten years--no small feat for any classical recording. This is an especially good collection if you enjoyed the long and honorable association of Leonard Slatkin and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with the music of Russian composers, and Rachmaninoff in particular. Moreover, this is the only readily available collection of the three symphonies of Rachmaninoff by an American orchestra available after the historic (but heavily cut) recordings of Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra; Zinman and Baltimore have done Nos. 2 and 3.I find the Third Symphony the most captivating of the three. It holds it own among the more recognized recordings of Ashkenazy and Stokowski. You will find radiance and good orchestral detail in it. The Second Symphony omits the optional repeat of the exposition of the first movement, yet is satisfying throughout. The First Symphony also finds a strong reading from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The recording quality is perfectly acceptable in all three.Finally, at bargain price, this is an solid collection for an additional recording of these great symphonies or for the newcomer. I highly recommend this set which, though not crtically acclaimed, has stood the test of time with many other listeners."

A classic set

Mark McCue | Denver, CO USA | 09/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many the world over have latched onto this Slatkin set for so many years, that it's of classic status...and there are good reasons.First, the St. Louis Symphony is a jewel with technique at full service of the music. Slatkin's control and insight is imparted to the orchestra so fully that they all disappear and the spirit of the composer is quite simply summoned before the listener. The result is engulfing and absorbing. No greater accolade can be given to conductor and orchestra for accomplishment in the recording arts.Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz deserve kudos for their careful engineering of the sonic picture and sensitivity to the character of the congenial venue. Their work has survived the innumerable issues of these performances...and while it might be at its best on clean vinyl, it's commendable here, too.Quite simply a classic release that sets itself apart, despite the laudatory accomplishments of Ormandy, DeWaart, Previn among others."

Sturdy Rachmaninoff

Gregory M. Zinkl | Chicago, IL | 11/22/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The 2nd is worthy here, but other recordings have more excitement, such as Temirakinov (sp!) and even Lopez-Cobos on his recent Telarc disc. However, 3 and especially 1 are worth seeking out. Great playing, good performances. Engineering is uneven; #1 seems to have been treated the best, but all are definitely listenable.An enjoyable set."