Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances / The Isle of the Dead, Opp. 29,45

Serge Rachmaninov (Composer), Vladimir Ashkenazy (Conductor), Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
• Conductor: Vladimir Ashkenazy
• Composer: Serge Rachmaninov
• Audio CD (October 11, 1991)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041YX
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,308 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark "Isle" - Glittering "Dances", April 24, 2002

By 

Bruce Hodges (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances / The Isle of the Dead, Opp. 29,45 (Audio CD)

This is a sensational recording of two of Rachmaninov's best works. "Isle of the Dead" is written in 5/4 meter, creating the effect of a boat gently rocking on the water. From the opening haunting bars, the music rises and falls in sinister waves to its dramatic climax. Rachmaninov has captured the Bocklin painting with a sound world that is totally compelling.

Ashkenazy's version of the "Symphonic Dances" is notable for its energy; with greater urgency and forward momentum, he gives the music even more sparkle as well. The third movement opens with a thrilling fortissimo burst from the orchestra, and the tension steadily increases until the final sharp, hair-raising chords that bring the piece to its brilliant end.

The recording is excellent, with the resonance of the Concertgebouw captured beautifully. Among recent versions of the "Dances," I own the excellent Eiji Oue/Minnesota Orchestra performance - a demonstration-quality CD on Reference Recordings. But Ashkenazy is even deeper inside the soul of the music, and further, brings each piece a refreshing clarity.

Two gorgeous scores brought to life with passion, tremendous orchestral playing, and vivid sound.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ashkenazy's best Rachmaninov on disc, November 23, 1999

By 

a Rakhmaninov junkie (Woodstock, Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances / The Isle of the Dead, Opp. 29,45 (Audio CD)

I just went to my shelf to retrieve my copy of this disc when, to my dismay, I see that it is missing. Given that it is one of my favorite CDs in my collection (2,000 and growing), I must have laid it in another room. The other reviewer sings the praises of the Symphonic Dances. Ashkenazy's handling of the Isle of the Dead is no less magical. His delay at the climax of the second theme is breathtaking, and the handling of the Dies Irae canon verges on the mystical. That same elasticity comes into play with the Symphonic Dances. The second movement in particular benefits from the fact that Ashkenazy treats it *as* a dance: one can feel the give and take between the partners of conductor and orchestra.

Since I cannot find the one disc, I'm taking this opportunity of ordering a second ... and in letting others know that this disc -- now at mid-price! -- is a must-have.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully poised readings..., June 4, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances / The Isle of the Dead, Opp. 29,45 (Audio CD)

The star of this recording is the glorious sound of the Concertgebouw and the full round woodwind playing. I doubt you will find any interpretation to match this one excepting Previn in London on EMI. The superb coupling is played with incredible panache....note the superb french horn work as well. I know of no north american recording that comes remotely near this.