Search - Rachmaninoff, Rlp, Mackerras :: Symphony 3 & Symphonic Dances

Excellent interpretation and great value

03/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one the few single-disc recordings of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Symphony that one can obtain. The fact that this recording is so well recorded and priced at super-bargain level makes it a compelling addition to anyone's collection.This recording has great detail of the orchestral colors, especially the brass section. You may have to play this piece at a slightly higher volume level than you would for the benchmark Ashkenazy/Concertgebouw recording. Nevertheless, you will find Mackerras' reading exciting and very rewarding listening. This recording does include the exposition repeat in the first movement (caution, other conductors still strangely elect to cut Rachmaninoff symphonies) and the entire movement lasts more than 17 minutes, yet it is energetic and never drags. The second movement is dynamic and thrilling. The finale ends with all the fire that one could want from this great symphony.I have owned another Rachmaninoff 3rd/Symphonic Dances coupling with Pletnev and the Russian National Orchestra (another frequently encountered recording today). On all counts I find this recording to be superior. I strongly recommend this recording both to the curious first-time buyer and to the person who wants to buy another reading of this great symphony."

Rachmaninov with a light touch, and very cheap

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 06/10/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Because he was the epitome of Russian soulfulness, Rachmaniov's music encoucrages conductors to go for swooning and tears. Mackerras says no, giving us a decidedly light, dry-eyed Third Sym. I found it refreshing--his often elegant phrasing speaks in its own voice. Tempos are on the fast side, and although the first movement repeat lenghtens it quite a lot, Mackerras is never loggy or sluggish. The Royal Liverpool Orch. plays with energy and commitment. All in all, I would rank this vivacious (and very un-Russian) reading near the top.



If only the filler, a loud, foursquare reading of the Symphonic Dances, were as good. Mackerras doesn't lumber, which is fine, but nowhere does the music really feel like it's dancing. This work benefits from a showy virtuosic reading, which the Royal Liverpool forces can't quite manage. Despite this earthbound effort, the symphony is good enough, particularly at such a bargain price, to carry the whole CD."