Search - Rachmaninoff, Jansons, St. Petersburg Phil :: Symphony 3 / Symphonic Dances

4 1/2 Stars. An excellent recording.

04/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Only out of deference to the unsurpassed recording (and unbeatable value) of this symphony by Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Concertgebouw Orchestra do I withhold a five star designation for this recording.This Rachmaninov 3rd is really full of surprises. At many critical junctures, Jansons manages to find enlightening, perhaps even unconventional, ways to interpret this piece. His unique approach offers some greater dramtic moments than many other recordings of this piece. These surprises aside, this recording delivers a thoroughly well-rounded and energetic reading. Jansons elects to omit the exposition repeat in the first movement, an omission which I have always believed dilutes the satisfaction one gets from this symphony.The EMI recording with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic is top-rate, as are the Rachmaninov piano concertos which Jansons also recorded with EMI.The Symphonic Dances filler for this CD are memorable and rival those of Askenazy (also with the Concertgebouw) and the surprisingly good bargain recording with Sir Charles Mackerras and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic."

Something missing

L. Courcelles | Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada | 10/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This review/commentary pertains to the Symphonic Dances particularly. In comparing with the recording by Dutoit and the Philadelphia Orchestra, I find this one is lacking in dynamics particularly to wards the end of the third movement where the brass restates the dies irea theme fff and on though till the end of the piece. On the Dutoit recording on Decca, there is a very noticeable difference in dynamics that is missing in the EMI recording. It also lacs some punch when the bass drum is engaged. I've recently heard this piece live and the Dutoit recording reproduces that climax nicely: much like I remember it sounding in the concert hall. The EMI recording is not without merit however. There is nice emphasis on the piano in the beautifully melodic theme from the first movement where you could miss the piano completely listening to the Dutoit recording."