Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances / Gergiev

Valery Gergiev, London Symphony Orchestra

Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances
Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements

Following his acclaimed LSO Live recording of Rachmaninov's Symphony No 2 (Editor's Choice Gramophone), Valery Gergiev conducts a thrilling performance of the composer's Symphonic Dances.
The Symphonic Dances, an orchestral suite in three sections, was the last work Rachmaninov completed and proved one of his most popular compositions. Although rarely sentimental, it draws on many of the composer's reminiscences of Russia, from where he emigrated in 1917. It is characteristically lyrical with vivacious rhythmic sections, reminiscent of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring and the composer's own Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
Gergiev couples the Symphonic Dances with another work in three movements by a Russian émigré to the USA. Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements was written between 1942-45 and was the first work the Stravinsky completed after his arrival in the USA. Although he claimed it was a 'War Symphony', his true inspiration was typically vague.
Following an extensive tour of the Far East with the LSO in February and March, Valery Gergiev conducts concerts throughout Europe in with the Mariinsky Orchestra, including performances in the UK. In May he conducts a festival of Stravinsky's music with the LSO in London. His recent recordings on LSO Live include Mahler's Symphony No 9 (Outstanding Recording International Record Review). In March the Mariinsky label releases a new recording of Massenet's Don Quichotte with Ferruccio Furlanetto. Gergiev recently received the Artist of the Year award from Classica in France, as well as a Choc de l'année for his Mariinsky DVDs of Tchaikovsky's symphonies.

Price: $18.98