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| Rachmaninov: The Symphonies | 
 enlarge | Creators: Tom Krause, Sergey Rachmaninov, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Natalia Troitskaya, Ryszard Karcykowski
Label: Decca
Category: Music
List Price: $23.98
Buy New: $15.53
You Save: $8.45 (35%)
Buy New/Used from $12.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  (20 reviews)
Sales Rank: 24802
Format: Box Set
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.8 x 0.9
MPN: 455798
UPC: 028945579825
EAN: 0028945579825
ASIN: B0000042HY
Release Date: February 10, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
A noteworthy Rachmaninov set July 29, 2004
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
These were outstanding recordings when they were released individually in the 1980's, and as a complete set they make quite a bargain. Ashkenazy finds just the right tempi in most cases, particularly in the spectacular Symphonic Dances, one of the best versions of this piece ever recorded. Somehow he manages to combine his no-nonsense approach while still letting Rachmaninov's long melodic lines glow.
The dark Concertgebouw tone suits this program perfectly. If the First and Third Symphonies aren't exactly the composer at his most inspired (don't get me wrong -- not bad, just not his best), you are not likely to hear either one performed as dazzlingly as they are here. Many listeners will already have a recording of the Second Symphony, probably the composer's most popular work, and I'm not convinced that Ashkenazy's is the one and only, but you may want it just for the quality of the playing from the orchestra. And there is no shortage of good recordings of the Isle of the Dead, either, but again, the mood conjured up here is considerable.
In short, this is an excellent set -- gorgeously played, and spectacularly recorded. And now it's at a price that makes it hard to beat.
BRILLIANT!!! September 22, 2003
4 out of 8 found this review helpful
I cannot believe what great quality this package is for such a great price!The music itself is divine. The mixing is spot on (A very rare compliment to hear from my mouth). What more could I want? More works by Rachmaninov like this please!
Oh, Rachy, what beautiful music! April 24, 2003
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is a lovely set of Rachmaninoff's three symphonies. As with his other works, these pieces are melodic and full of passion. Rachmaninoff may get a little moody at times, but he will never leave you in the doldrums. These are exciting works, and Ashkenazy brings them to life. The orchestra responds well. As a real bonus, this set includes other orchestral works. Of these, the Symphonic Dances have been performed more frequently lately. Ashkenazy handles these Dances admirably. The sound quality of these digital Decca releases is excellent. The upper range of the brass has a little bite to it, but it does not detract from the deep, rich sound of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The dynamic range is extensive. Don't be afraid to turn up the volume and give your speakers a workout. This is a class act where the conductor, orchestra, and music come together beautifully. Bravo.
Yet another ashkanazey masterpeice April 17, 2003
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
i have never heard the symphonies by rachmaninov, and my only dive into his orchestral works other than the concerti before i got this cd was isle of the dead, which is also included in this set, and the main reason i got it. i was pleasantly suprized that this is quite possibly one of the most powerful recordings ive ever heard, and ive heard many.
I'd Give it 6 stars if i could March 13, 2003
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Rachmaninov was the last romantic composer, and he was heavily influenced by his idol, Tchaikovsky. However, his music has a certain texturing and flair that is unique to Rachmaninov. His first symphony was a spectacular failure, which, upon hearing the piece, was an absolute shock to me. The only logical reason for this disaster would have to be that its premiere conductor (Glazunov) arrived at the podium tanked up on vodka. Damn you Glazunov. Symphony number one in D minor is a spectacular piece, though its inner movements do contain some rather dull moments. All of the previous reviewers have commented on the second symphony, so all I'm going to say about it is that it's a breathtaking piece, and Askenazy does it a great justice, most outstandingly in the second and third movements. The Isle of Dead is (in my personal opinion) one of the, if not THE, greatest pieces ever written. It opens with a foreboding timpani beat accompanied by the orchestra, shortly followed by a brilliant 5/4 motif that is steadily repeated over and over with subtle variations. Soon, another simple motif is introduced the horns. From here the music builds, incorporating new themes and ingeniously colored orchestration until it reaches a climatic recapitulation. Over the course of the piece (last over 20 minutes) one goes though an assortment of emotions that are all overshadowed by a terrible aura of gloom. I became so entranced by this piece that I bought a reproduction of the painting Rachmaninov was inspired by. A link to a site were the painting can be bought is as follows: ... In looking at this magnificent piece of art, I could interpret for myself what Rachmaninov had written in his music. The 5/4 repeated motif is meant to represent the slow paddling of oars in dark water. In my mind, the boat in the painting is a vessel traveling to hell, and the music depicts the collection of feelings one might have when knowing they are doomed to hell: regret, anger, fear, reminiscence, foreboding to name a few. There are some more bright themes in the piece, however Rachmaninov is sure never to let the pieces mood of overwhelming eeriness be lifted. The piece in ends the perfect cadence, as if a doomed soul on the way to hell has accepted his fate. I recommend this CD most strongly to anyone who likes Tchaikovsky, Rimsky Korsakov, or Debussy, however anyone can enjoy such beautiful music.
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