London Symphony Orchestra & Valery Gergiev - Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 (2010/2018) [Hi-Res]

The first release in Valery Gergiev s Rachmaninov symphony cycle features a magnificent performance of the Symphony No.2, recorded in September 2008 at the Barbican. This vast work was composed when Rachmaninov was at the pinnacle of his careers as composer, pianist and conductor. Filled with emotion and brimming with beautiful melodies, it is a masterpiece and the epitome of the Romantic symphony. The recording features the complete version of the symphony and will be followed in future years by the first and third symphonies as well as the Symphonic Dances.

"Gergiev has a feel for the romantic urgency of the music as well as its lyrical impulse and the LSO responds as though its life depended on it." (Gramophone Magazine)

"You don't have to be Russian to play this symphony convincingly, but just as certainly it can't hurt. It doesn't hurt Gergiev here, and despite the London Symphony Orchestra being the very model of a modern British orchestra, the members perform with their hearts beating vividly on their sleeves... a no-holds performance." (Fanfare)

"A wonderful new LSO Live recording." (Chicago Tribune)

"Pulse and phrasing are always clear and there are no redundant gestures. There's little sign of Gergiev’s unscripted vocals and his finale is electrifying; not only that, the Brits add a suppleness and bounce to Rachmaninov’s rhythms … Musically and politically controversial he may be, but when he’s at his best – as here – Gergiev is almost unbeatable." (MusicWeb International)

London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev, conductor