Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 11:36:59
TGR Audiophile Posts: 3002 Location: No. California Joined: March 22, 2004	It is more like Рачманинофф OK, I am being a wise ass. Like others on this board, I like the EMI Previn recordings, which I have on vinyl. Ivan Fischer does a nice job with the 2nd on a Channel Classics SACD.

Long argument, posted on July 31, 2014 at 11:56:18

Amphissa
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As you can see, Rachmaninoff himself spelled it ff. All legal documents pertaining to him were spelled (and signed) ff. His wife spelled it ff. His American citizenship papers spelled it ff. His daughters spelled it ff. His gravestone at Valhalla in NY is spelled ff. All recordings produced in his lifetime of him as an performing artist or containing his music, spelled it ff. In fact, his contract with RCA specifically stated that his name *must* be spelled with the ff.

After his death, the Russians decided they wanted to reclaim him. They convinced the Germans (like DGG) to begin using v instead of ff. That spelling propagated into some catalogs.

The Rachmaninoff Society spells it ff. The official website spells it ff.

You decide.

"Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)

This has been my favorite set for many years....., posted on July 31, 2014 at 11:58:02
Chuck Y Audiophile Posts: 4376 Joined: August 31, 2001	And at that price, what a deal! Generally speaking I don't think you can go wrong with Previn, Ashkenazy, or Previn and Askenazy in PC's and piano. Their style in the symphonies is quite different though. I favor the crispness and more dramatic presentation of Ashkenazy.

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 12:37:49
andy evans Audiophile Posts: 4382 Joined: October 20, 2000	You're excused being a wise ass - the cyrillic is Сергей Васильевич Рахманинов Рачманинофф would be Ratchmaninoff - you need the x not the ч

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 13:14:31

srl1
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This is set I almost always go to for Rachmaninov orchestral music. Evgeny Svetlanov rips through this music, sometimes faster than the State Symphony Orchestra of the Russian Federation can... Recorded in 1995.

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 13:24:07
rbolaw	I very much like the Ashkenazy set. As for the "ff" or "v" question, one can't argue with Amphissa's points below, but I see it more like the Peking or Beijing question. In both cases, English spelling conventions have changed over time. And there is a political element, with modern regimes not wishing to associate with monarchies of the past. Though that could change too, I guess!

Thanks :-), posted on July 31, 2014 at 15:30:38
TGR Audiophile Posts: 3002 Location: No. California Joined: March 22, 2004	I used a translate tool....maybe I was over-excited and mistyped his name in English.

Seems pretty conclusive, posted on July 31, 2014 at 15:33:10
TGR Audiophile Posts: 3002 Location: No. California Joined: March 22, 2004	I know how my name should be spelled. Presumably he did as well.

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 16:05:42

Pat D
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The old Ormandy set is my favorite.
-----
"A fool and his money are soon parted." --- Thomas Tusser

http://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninoff-Syms-Nos-S/dp/B000026026/

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 16:43:44

Chris from Lafayette
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#1:

(Amphissa posted some time ago that he doesn't like this one, and with his large collection of recordings of this work, I think we have to respect that - I'd be interested in specifics of what he doesn't like however.)

#2:

#3:

This is ONLY if you can tolerate the antiquated SQ. It seems to me that a colorful work like this really needs modern SQ - however, the composer's performance is the composer's performance. ;-)

For sets, I like the Lan Shui / Singapore performances on BIS and the Noseda / BBC performances on Chandos. I also agree with srl1 about the fantastic Svetlanov performances (with the "State Symphony Orchestra of the Russian Federation") on the Canyon label - the only reason I mentioned Shui and Noseda first is that they're in hi-rez (either sacd or 24/96 download).

What a shame there is no Bychkov recording, posted on July 31, 2014 at 17:25:13
TGR Audiophile Posts: 3002 Location: No. California Joined: March 22, 2004	There is a DVD, but no dedicated recording (I personally find that performances with Video get to be wearing). He performed this work beautifully in San Francisco a few seasons back.

For 1: Slatkin/St Louis, for 2: Weller/LSO and for 3: Previn LSO, posted on July 31, 2014 at 18:12:49

jdaniel@jps.net

that said, all three of Slatkin's ( Nickrenz/Aubort recordings) IMHO balance poise and passion very well. I almost didn't give him a try after hearing his Gerswhin and Prokofiev Choral works. ZZZZZZzzzzzz, if beautifully played.

Everyone's going to recommend Previn for the 2nd but I find it fussy and not as well recorded as his 1st and 3rd.

Of course, the Russians (of old) really make a party out of the 3rd mov'ts like no one else.

I've also been a fan of Jansons'/St Petersberg 3rd on EMI along with a fantastic Symphonic Dances.

There is a Bychkov CD of the 2nd Symphony [nt], posted on July 31, 2014 at 23:26:44
Amphissa Audiophile Posts: 2717 Location: Zardoz Joined: March 9, 2004	. "Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)

I like the Kocsis S1 pretty well, but it's not at the top of my list [nt], posted on July 31, 2014 at 23:28:36
Amphissa Audiophile Posts: 2717 Location: Zardoz Joined: March 9, 2004	. "Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)

I have it, posted on August 1, 2014 at 08:51:15
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26480 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012	It's good, but the multi-microphoning is too noticeable for me. Other folks' MMV.

OOP?, posted on August 1, 2014 at 09:56:05
TGR Audiophile Posts: 3002 Location: No. California Joined: March 22, 2004	Wasn't listed at arkivmusic.com

RE: OOP?, posted on August 1, 2014 at 10:20:17
Amphissa Audiophile Posts: 2717 Location: Zardoz Joined: March 9, 2004	Can be picked up at Amazon or Ebay. But not worth a high tariff. "Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on August 1, 2014 at 15:09:47
briggs Audiophile Posts: 1674 Location: Connecticut Joined: April 16, 2002	Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra recorded an "uncut" version of #2 that I find enjoyable. I have it on Columbia LP but have not checked its current availability.

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on August 1, 2014 at 18:04:42

Todd Krieger
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On commercial recording, for the Rach Two, I'd go with Ormandy/Philadelphia, the uncut version......

The best performance I've heard of this work was Frank Shipway conducting the Cleveland Orchestra........ This is one of those performances that I believe won't be equaled.

Rachmaninoff 2, IV, Shipway/Cleveland

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on August 1, 2014 at 18:23:46

Todd Krieger
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There is a live performance of Ormandy/Philadelphia doing the Rach Two on YouTube.... But it's the "cut" version. Still an excellent performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw0wh-L_B_U

I think I'll get the Ashkenazy with the "ff", posted on August 1, 2014 at 23:37:49
jimbill Audiophile Posts: 3050 Location: Texas Joined: May 31, 2004	nt.

It's no up on any of the streaming services I subscribe to but....., posted on August 2, 2014 at 05:26:19
Ivan303 Audiophile Posts: 48887 Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM Joined: February 26, 2001	$1.79, plus media mail shipping for a used CD is not such a 'high tariff'. ;-) First they came for the dumb-asses And I did not speak out Because I was not a dumb-ass

RE: I think I'll get the Ashkenazy with the "ff", posted on August 2, 2014 at 06:45:19

Amphissa
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IMO opinion, this is a good set to start with. All the performances are above average and it is certainly an attractive price. It's hard to beat the playing of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and Ashkenazy chooses good tempi.

The other set of symphonies that I recommend to complement this set would be Ormandy with the Philadelphia orchestra. These were originally recorded with cuts approved by Rachmaninoff, so purists get cranked about that. However, Rachmaninoff had a close relationship with this orchestra, conducted it himself sometimes, recorded with it. And at that time, the Philadelphia was known for its exceptional string sections. Rachmaninoff considered the Philadelphia the best orchestra in America. Their playing is very fine indeed, and Ormandy captures aspects of this music that others often miss. This set (blue cover on Sony) is another real bargain on Amazon.

"Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)

Can't go wrong, his was my 2nd CD purchase in '83 (?) mine for $24.95 ordered from an SF music store and sent , posted on August 2, 2014 at 07:15:01

jdaniel@jps.net

after my check cleared. (Whole process took 2 months. Remember those days?) I picked up the Solti Bartok Concerto for Orchestra, too. I believe that there were around <50 CDs from which to choose at the time and those were among London's first, along with Dutoit's Daphnis. IIRC, Telarc offered its Pictures at an Exhibition, Rite of Spring and Ozawa's Beethoven 5th. They kept the little collection behind glass at Tower.

RE: Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?, posted on August 2, 2014 at 08:10:09

Rockethead26
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Based on this thread, I picked up the following this morning on eBay.

I'm looking forward to hearing them both:

EMI HMV Melodiya Stereo ASD 2471 Rachmaninoff Symphony No.1 USSR Symphony Orchestra / Svetlanov

and

Columbia ML 4961 / Ormandy /Rachmaninoff, Symphony # 3 Op 44 .Philadelphia Orchestra / Sealed

I already have Symphony No. 2 on RCA LM-2106 with Boult and the London Philharmonic, so it will be interesting to compare the three.

Looks like a Rachmaninoff symphony day in a couple of weeks.

I have to stop reading these kinds of threads, it gets expensive. ;-)

Well, I hope you decide to get another recording of Sym1 someday [nt], posted on August 2, 2014 at 14:32:53
Amphissa Audiophile Posts: 2717 Location: Zardoz Joined: March 9, 2004	. "Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)

RE: Well, I hope you decide to get another recording of Sym1 someday [nt], posted on August 2, 2014 at 16:18:24
Rockethead26 Audiophile Posts: 2065 Location: Arizona Joined: March 21, 2011	Oh, oh. Is the one I ordered really terrible?

RE: Well, I hope you decide to get another recording of Sym1 someday [nt], posted on August 4, 2014 at 17:02:31
Rockethead26 Audiophile Posts: 2065 Location: Arizona Joined: March 21, 2011	OK, you can't say something like that and not follow up with why.

Did you say "Symday Someway"?, posted on August 4, 2014 at 18:44:08

jimbill
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Posts: 3050
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Sorry, love this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sgQYHQSqjQ

Let me make an attempt. . . , posted on August 4, 2014 at 19:13:07

Chris from Lafayette
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. . . (and if Amphissa doesn't agree, he can chime in).

First of all, I am very favorably disposed to Svetlanov - one of my top recommendations for the whole cycle (and in this I agreed with srl1) was for Svetlanov's mid-90's superlatively engineered recordings on the Canyon label.

BUT. . . the problem with Svetlanov is that, while he can whip up all kinds of excitement in his interpretations, some of the orchestral playing on his earlier, Soviet recordings can be just crude - no two ways about it. Svetlanov did seem to mellow out in his later years, but I still find him an interesting interpreter even towards the end of his career.

As far as the recording of the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 1 you're about to get, I can't remember if I've heard it or not, but it falls in a period where the orchestral playing (and the engineering) can be wild and woolly (and not always in a good sense). I'd guess that even if this is so, the interpretation will still be interesting.

Over and out!

RE: Let me make an attempt. . . , posted on August 4, 2014 at 20:13:23
Rockethead26 Audiophile Posts: 2065 Location: Arizona Joined: March 21, 2011	Thanks, Chris. I appreciate the explanation. I didn't realize that he had two periods of performance, one of which was not so good. I always balk at Melodia pressings, but decided to try this one anyway. Well, it will be interesting.

RE: Let me make an attempt. . . , posted on August 5, 2014 at 00:40:56
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26480 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012	I would be a little uncomfortable saying that one of Svetlanov's periods was not so good - it was just that it was more variable in terms of orchestral playing and engineering, and there were certainly some good recordings he made in the Soviet era.

Over and out!, posted on August 5, 2014 at 18:29:54
briggs Audiophile Posts: 1674 Location: Connecticut Joined: April 16, 2002	As a one time radio operator, you can be "over" or "out". You cannot be both. Since you used the phrase, I thought you should know. It is a common error. No criticism is implied.

RE: Over and out!, posted on August 6, 2014 at 00:32:18
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26480 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012	Thanks - I think I heard it wrong when I was a kid. No radio operations experience for me - thanks again for the correction!

RE: Over and out!, posted on August 7, 2014 at 06:37:18
Rockethead26 Audiophile Posts: 2065 Location: Arizona Joined: March 21, 2011	I thought one said "over" when they were done talking, letting the other person know that they could speak, but that the conversation was continuing. "Out" was used when one was ending the conversation. So, "over and out" would be the same as, "that's all I've got for now, I'm outta here".

About the 2nd..., posted on August 7, 2014 at 11:30:28
Poles Apart Audiophile Posts: 280 Joined: June 25, 2012	If you've not heard the Golovanov, you've not heard the 2nd. Recorded in 1948 with a post-war pickup Russian band, but still... P.A.

Here's some clips., posted on August 11, 2014 at 08:24:53

Rick W

Doesn't make me wanna buy a copy, but to each his own.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/rachmaninov-symphony-no-2-mw00

RE: Here's some clips., posted on August 17, 2014 at 12:34:14
jimdgoulding@yahoo.com Manufacturer Posts: 969 Location: Le workshop Joined: May 24, 2007	Symphonic Dances floats my boat with Donald Johanos conducting The Dallas Sym on the Athena label.

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Favorite recordings of Rachmaninov symphonies?

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