Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead [BOX SET]

Rachmaninov (Composer), Mariss Jansons (Conductor), St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Orchestra: St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Mariss Jansons
• Composer: Rachmaninov
• Audio CD (November 5, 2002)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 6
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B00006HM8V
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #136,928 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent set now as a compilation., July 11, 2003

By A Customer

This is a great set of Rachmaninov recordings, which until recently could only be bought in pieces. EMI deserves praise for making these worthy performances, under direction of Mariss Jansons, available in a box set.

Not only as a recording accomplishment but on artistic grounds as well does this set deserve to be offered as a compilation. The piano concertos are all distinguished and really have not received the exposure that they deserve. Mikhail Rudy offers a fine performance throughout. This set, if it is a straight reissue of the previous Piano Concertos, should also include the original, and very interesting, conclusion to the 4th Piano Concerto. The recording of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 is also a fine work that has been put into this Rachmaninov box set.

In the symphonies Mariss Jansons makes his own unique stamp on these works and the result is very satisfactory throughout. While one may disagree with some elements of his interpretations, such as his election to do the 2nd and 3rd Symphonies without the exposition repeats, one cannot fault his overall approach and vitality.

In addition to the well-known Vocalise, the listener gets the mysterious and rarely-recorded Scherzo as an additional filler piece.

Jansons has created a compilation here that is nearly as comprehensive as those done by Ashkenazy (Decca) and Slatkin (Vox). Overall I would rate this set sonically and artistically slightly below Ashkenazy, but slightly better than Slatkin. I stronly recommend this set as a complement to either compilation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what a steal!, January 9, 2009

By	Daniel W. Fowler (Austin TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This 6-cd overview of Rachmaninov orchestral works offers compelling and consistent readings of some gorgeous music. Mariss Jansons has a real affinity for Rachmaninov's music, and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic executes his instructions flawlessly. The recording is first rate as well. Personal favorites from the set include a ravishing Symphonic Dances, and the whole set of piano concertos, where Janson and his orchestra interact very well with pianist Mikhail Rudy. Janson and his forces offer a vision of these works that can easily hold its own next to other worthy interpretations offered by Ashkenazy and Ormandy, two of my other favorites. This set would make an excellent introduction to Rachmaninov's orchestral world or a valuable supplement to an existing library of Rachmaninov recordings.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EMI's and Mariss Jansons Rachmaninov, February 16, 2009

By	Dennis O. Larsen "Newshawk14" (North Bend, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Prior to this release, I had felt that the Leonard Slatkin, Rachmaninoff
was the best choice for the symphonies and concertoes. I would now change
that recommendation to this set. Mariss Jansons and the St. Peterberg
Philharmonic are superb, as is the recorded sound. In the tone poems
again one is struck by an uncommon sensitivity to what the music is trying
to accomplish. I know Reiner's Isle of the Dead gets rave reviews, but I
don't think it can hold a candle to this performance.