Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 & Symphonic Dances

This album is a terrific example of the old Russian (Soviet, really) orchestra sound exemplified by orchestras like Leningrad under Mravinsky and the orchestra heard here in the Symphonic Dances, the Moscow Philharmonic under Kondrashin. Warm yet crisp strings, brilliant brass playing, phenomenal accuracy and that tendency toward a heavier bass sound are all hallmarks on marvelous display here. The second movement of the Second Symphony is as sharp and finely executed as you'll ever hear. What a treat to hear this orchestral sound in a good, quality recording!

The Rachmaninoff second symphony is beautiful, with a scope rivaling that of Mahler, and melodies seeking higher meaning. I must admit that I own four different versions of this symphony, and have heard many more. This version is a new addition to my collection. It ranks in first, despite the fact that I own the Simon Rattle/Los Angeles Philharmonic version. Many aspects of this version are better than Rattle's; for one, the strings are much better, and the brass is as good if not better than the LA Phil's. Denon's sound is of a higher quality, and the interpretation is outstanding, also. (By the way, the Symphonic Dances are a treat to hear, also, and well played, etc. but I don't know them well enough to say anything other than I enjoyed them.) If you need one version of the Symphonic Dances and the Symphony No. 2, this is the answer. I love this album! (By the way, ignore the fact that I stated that Rattle's is best on my review for that album.)