Serge Rachmaninoff, St Petersburg Philharmonic, Mariss Jansons - Symphonies Complete

Review by Wendy Grant

Symphonies Complete, the album by Serge Rachmaninoff, St Petersburg Philharmonic, Mariss Jansons, is a stunning collection of the composer's three symphonies. The album is a perfect representation of Rachmaninoff's music, with its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and powerful emotional expression.

The St Petersburg Philharmonic, under the direction of Mariss Jansons, delivers a truly breathtaking performance. The orchestra's precision and energy are impressive, and they capture the full range of Rachmaninoff's music, from the delicate and intimate to the grand and majestic.

The album begins with Symphony No. 1, a work that Rachmaninoff himself regarded as a failure. However, in the hands of Jansons and the St Petersburg Philharmonic, it becomes a powerful and moving work, with a sense of drama and intensity that is impossible to ignore.

Symphony No. 2 is perhaps Rachmaninoff's most famous work, and the performance here is nothing short of magnificent. The orchestra brings out all the lush beauty of the work, from the famous opening theme to the sweeping melodies of the slow movement.

The album concludes with Symphony No. 3, a work that is often overlooked but deserves more attention. Jansons and the St Petersburg Philharmonic give a passionate and nuanced performance, bringing out the full emotional range of the work.

Summary by Wendy Grant

Symphonies Complete is a must-have for any fan of Rachmaninoff's music, and for anyone who loves powerful and emotional orchestral music. The performances by the St Petersburg Philharmonic and Mariss Jansons are truly exceptional, and the album is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.