Search - Tom Krause, Sergey Rachmaninov, Vladimir Ashkenazy :: Rachmaninov: The Symphonies

Definitive Recordings of Rachmaniov's Symphonies

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 05/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vladimir Ashkenazy's love of Rachmaninov's music is evident not only on the keyboard, but also at the podium. His conducting of Rachmaninov's music is absolutely first rate, with an ample mix of passion and precision. I am certain that these fine recordings undoubtedly helped raise his stature as a noteworthy conductor. Under his direction, Bernard Haitink's Concertgebouw Orchestra gives distinguished, technically perfect performances steeped in emotion. Their level of playing is superior to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra's under Lorin Maazel's baton (Maazel and the BPO recorded a set of Rachmaninov's symphonies for Deutsche Grammophon around the time of Ashkenazy's recordings.). The best performance of Ashkenazy's Rachmaninov cycle has to be that of the Second Symphony, but the others, especially those of the tone poems, are almost as good too. Of course, Decca's sound engineers did a wonderful job capturing the Concertgebouw's (the orchestra's hall, that is) warm acoustics. If these aren't the definitive recordings of Rachmaniov's symphonies, then they ought to be."

"Rocky" Rules!

John Kwok | 07/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Three cd's, affordable price, quality recordings and most importantly beautiful music. All of the discs are worth your time but the best is the second one.The Isle of the Dead is entrancing. Its dark, foreboding theme builds and crashes time and time again. The second symphony can leave me in tears. The 3rd movement to me is what it sounds like to fall in love. A note played near the end of the piece breaks my heart everytime I hear it. The 4th movement ends with such an explosion that I sometimes laugh due to being overwhelmed by the pounding sounds of triumph!This is very powerful music. If you like lush orchestral works I can't think of a better set to own."

Ashkenazy + Rachmaninov = Love

Deborah M. Lisle | Salem, OR United States | 11/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. I have always loved Rachmaninov, and Ashkenazy has never disappointed with his interpretations, so I was willing to give him a shot as a conductor. I was not very familiar with Rachamninov's symphonic works before I bought this set, but my love for him has only increased as I see his abilities as a symphonist. The second symphony is the most easily understood, and is one of the most beautiful pieces written in the twentieth century. For those who still consider Rachmaninov purely romantic I encourage them to listen to the First Symphony and the Symphonic Dances. They have elements of Rachmaninov's lyrical romantic style, but possess an edginess and a dark fire that is lacking in any comparable Romantic composer's (Tchaikovsky?) work. His choral symphony is a marvel to listen to, and chilling in its ability to convey action through music (if you buy this set I encourage you to read the words along with the music). The Isle of the Dead is similarly chilling and icily beautiful. Did I mention you can get this whole miraculous set for (dollar amount)? If you are a fan of Rachmaninov you can't pass this set up."