Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances
On this CD, Valery Gergiev conducts a thrilling performance of Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances’, coupled with Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements.
Rachmaninov:
- Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
Stravinsky:
- Symphony in 3 movements
Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev
The ‘Symphonic Dances’ were the last works that Rachmaninov completed, and they proved to be some of his most popular music. They draw on folk idioms and the composer’s reminiscences of Russia, from where he emigrated in 1917.
Stravinsky’s ‘Symphony in Three Movements’ was written between 1942 and 1945 and was the first work Stravinsky completed after his arrival in the USA.
Valery Gergiev emphasizes the rhythms of Rachmaninoff’s orchestral writing. The swirling waltzes of the second movement are perfectly played, while Gergiev really drives the finale home in a strong manner.
The “Symphony in Three Movements” by Stravinsky also exhibits the same type of rhythmic quality as the Rachmaninoff. This disc is a complete winner for me.
Tracks are as follows:
1. Symphonic Dances: i. Non allegro
2. Symphonic Dances: ii. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
3. Symphonic Dances: iii. Lento assai – Allegro vivace – Lento assai. Come prima – Allegro vivace
4. Symphony in Three Movements: i. Crotchet = 160
5. Symphony in Three Movements: ii. Andante – Più mosso – Tempo I
6. Symphony in Three Movements: iii. Con moto – Più presto – Meno mosso (Con moto)
Here is a short film examining 3 student conductors participation in a conducting masterclass with the LSO and Maestro Valery Gergiev
And here is the Stravinsky “Firebird Suite” Bassoon and Oboe solos; Vienna Philarmonic, conductor Valeriy Gergiev
Tags: Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Gergiev