Detroit Symphony Orchestra & Leonard Slatkin - Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 / Symphonic Dances (2013/2015) [24/192]

Completed in 1936, two years after the hugely popular Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony was considered by the composer to be one of his finest works. Both this and the Symphonic Dances, his last work, offer a summation of his late style in blending intense rhythmic energy with rich romanticism. Leonard Slatkin and the DSO’s recording of the Second Symphony (8.572458) was hailed by BBC Music Magazine as “a performance warmed by musicians who clearly love this symphony”.

The Third Symphony and the Symphonic Dances are late Rachmaninov and go together very well. Both illustrate Rachmaninov taking new directions in his compositions, sparer in the Symphony and rhythmically charged in the Dances.

„Leonard Slatkin’s Vox Rachmaninov cycle was one of his most successful early series of recordings, and he still has the measure of this music. The key to the Third Symphony lies in not playing it like the Second. Slatkin clearly understands this. Through it all the Detroit Symphony plays the music about as beautifully as it can be done, and Naxos’ engineering is excellent…these performances are solid winners that will reward repeated listening.“ (David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com)

„Structurally and from the point of view of identifying shifting moods, Slatkin has a secure grasp in both pieces, finding sublime, yearning wistfulness at the centre of the finale of the Symphonic Dances but harnessing vigour and bite for a thrilling conclusion – and he lets the ominous crash of the tam‑tam echo on after the final chord, just as it should.“ (Gramophone)

Tracklist:
1. Ostrov myortvikh (The Isle of the Dead), Op. 29 21:19
2. I. Grave - Allegro ma non troppo - Moderato - Allegro vivace - L'istesso tempo - Allegro molto 13:55
3. II. Allegro animato - Meno mosso - Tempo I 08:28
4. III. Larghetto - Piu mosso - Largo un poco - Con moto - Tempo I 09:55
5. IV. Allegro con fuoco - Marciale - Con animo - Allegro mosso - Allegro con fuoco - Presto - Largo 12:43

Personnel:
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin, conductor

Digitally remastered