Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2/Vocalise

Sergey Rachmaninov (Composer), David Zinman (Conductor), Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Sylvia McNair (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Sylvia McNair
• Orchestra: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: David Zinman
• Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov
• Audio CD (June 30, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B000003CYO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,719 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #72 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Romantic (c.1820-1910) > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sophistocated., March 14, 2002

By 

D. Seymour "snadmus" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2/Vocalise (Audio CD)

Rachmaninoff is the height of lyrical beauty among romantic composers. His melodies are sophisticated yet never esoteric. His phrases never dead end; they weave into each other with purposeful continuity. His transitions are seamless. The first movement sends the listener skimming across a bright, sometimes brooding landscape at a leisurely glide. After the free-falling second movement, the adagio settles into one of the most beautiful melodies ever penned. Just when you have been lulled into a satisfied stupor the finale lets loose with fourteen minutes of unbridled joy. The Vocalise that follows provides the perfect denouement. Sylvia McNair deftly sings the part of the wordless siren, seductive and alluring. The orchestral balance is perfect, moving underneath as if she herself controlled it with her voice. Zinman and Telarc capture the best of the Baltimore Symphony and the depth of the recording is incredible. This is a top-notch performance.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fully deserving of all superlatives..., November 8, 2003

By 

Mr Russell S. Wollman "russwollman" (Fairfield, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2/Vocalise (Audio CD)

As an admirer of all things Rachmaninoff, I am terminally biased. I am also rather uncritical of anyone talented enough to perform his work. The second symphony is a great joy to hear, but Sylvia McNair's singular performance of the Vocalise is what sends me on this recording. The subtle power of her voice is beyond compare and smoothly lifts the Vocalise securely into stellar territory, where it most certainly belongs.

It doesn't matter why you buy this recording. It will quickly get the better of you-and so will your fondness for Rachmaninoff.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A High Energy Performance, July 12, 2000

By 

Alan Craig (Grand Junction,CO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2/Vocalise (Audio CD)

David Zinnman and the Baltimore Symphony, with a little help from the Telarc Engineers deliver a performance full of sizzle and electricity. There is none of the heavy handed Russian style here. Nor is the smaltzy, syrupy style heard here. Rachmoninov's music gets to speak for itself! All the eloquence is here and Sylvia McMair's performance of "Vocalise" is just stunning. Icing on the cake, or the bubbles in the champaigne.