Philharmonia Orchestra & Vladimir Ashkenazy - Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances, Symphony No. 3 (2018) [Hi-Res]

Marking their latest collaboration with their conductor laureate Vladimir Ashkenazy, the Philharmonia return to disc with a stellar live-performance of two late works by Rachmaninov – the Symphonic Dances and Symphony No. 3 in A Minor. This release is third and final in a new series of Rachmaninov’s symphonic works, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy in live performances with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

"The recorded sound is beautiful, capturing the velvety Philharmonia strings to perfection, while perspectives are well caught throughout. The slow movement of the symphony (which also houses its Scherzo) finds Ashkenazy a touch too pliant; it is in the vitality of the finale that the performance’s stature shines, the strings glorious in Rachmaninov’s counterpoint. Ashkenazy’s Symphonic Dances make much of the reflective contrasts of the first movement and bring out a nightmarish slant to the central Tempo di valse, though the beginning of the finale is underpowered." (Classical Music)

Philharmonia Orchestra
Vladimir Ashkenazy, conductor