Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3, Isle of the Dead, Vocalise

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Composed in 1892, before Rachmaninoff had even reached his twenties, Prelude in C sharp minor gave the recent Moscow Conservatory graduate a sudden reputation, making him a much-loved and sought-after concert performer. This short piece quickly became a staple within his recital programmes, arousing great public enthusiasm. The work was performed in many versions and in various formats: solo piano, piano duo, and even with full orchestration. The most famous orchestral version to date is that of Stokowski, who had the good taste to not overembellish the piece, instead preferring to scrupulously follow the already colourful score. Stokowski’s contribution to the orchestration is, therefore, minimal, which makes the transcription sublime. The only thing he adds is the brilliant tremolando strings, a natural and deeply touching logical extension of the heart-rendering chromatic lines. 

Symphony No. 2 in E minor was written during his first stay in Germany during the troubles caused by the October 1905 revolution. Traumatised by his first symphony, whose premier had been a total flop, the triumphant discourse and dignified character of the sequel betrays a renewed sense of ambition. However, he didn’t wholly forgo the safety ropes and thoroughly embraced the Russian symphonic tradition. 

At the head of the Sinfonia of London ensemble, which specialises in studio recordings, John Wilson offers a broad, generous and attentive vision of these splendid pages by Rachmaninov, inaugurating a year-long tribute to the Russian composer on the 150th anniversary of his birth. A remarkable first CHANDOS release that’s an absolute must-listen. ©Pierre Lamy/Qobuz