Customer Reviews

Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Forgot the fact that this is a budget label, this is a top quality recording of a fantastic work. The irish orchestra is on top form here, the playing is superb all round and is conducted with passion. The sound is maybe a little light on bass but is exceptionally clear. An absolute must. Buy it.

For the most part, I agree with the other reviewers who laud the sound quality and balance of this recording.

It should be noted, by those to whom it would make a difference, that Anissimov takes a small cut around the beginning of the Allegro vivace. Rachmaninoff himself suggested cuts for his Second Symphony, and they were often observed until around the 70's when Previn and others started to record the symphony in full. Today, the symphony is most often performed without any cuts.

Whether it makes the recording any better or worse is mostly subjective; it's just something worth noting.

I agree with the reviewer below. Absolutely gorgeous sound. One of the best recordings of Rachmaninov's Second Symphony I have ever heard. Passionate and lyrical. Definitely not to be missed!

Excellent performance of this work, particularly for the price. The wind playing can get thin and/or shrill at times, I noticed this particularly in the clarinets (particularly the bass clarinet) and the trumpets and other brass (to a lesser degree). In general the sound quality is very good. If you love the richness of American Orchestras, you may not love this recording, otherwise, highly recommended.