London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances; Stravinsky: Symphony in three movements (2012) [Official Digital Download 24bit/48kHz]

London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances; Stravinsky: Symphony in three movements (2012)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 58:37 minutes | 528 MB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © LSO Live

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 Stravinsky completed after his arrival in the USA. Although he claimed it was a ‘War Symphony’, his true inspiration was typically vague.

‘How beautifully blended and responsive [the LSO] are under Gergiev’s direction … there is much to enjoy here, not least an orchestra that is at the very top of its game under its charismatic conductor’ (International Record Review)

‘Valery Gergiev is one of the most exciting conductors recording today. His previous Rachmaninoff Second Symphony for LSO Live was a knockout, and both of these symphonic works will likely take first place [of multichannel options]’ (Audiophile Audition,)

Tracklist:
01. London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Symphonic Dances Op.45 – I. Non allegro – Lento – Tempo I (12:57)
02. London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Symphonic Dances Op.45 – II. Andante con moto: Tempo di valse (09:34)
03. London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Symphonic Dances Op.45 – III. Lento assai – Allegro vivace – Lento assai – Allegro vivace (13:49)
04. London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Symphony in three movements – I. Crotchet = 160 (10:06)
05. London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Symphony in three movements – II. Andante – Più mosso – Tempo I (05:44)
06. London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev – Symphony in three movements – III. Con moto – Più presto – Meno mosso: Con moto (06:23)

Personnel:
London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev, conductor

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