Rachmaninov: Bells, choral symphony Op35; Songs Op34/14

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It's not as popular as the Second Symphony or the Second and Third Piano Concertos, but real Rachmaninoff fans widely regard The Bells as his greatest work. So did Rachmaninoff himself. Three factors have prevented it from receiving the popular acclaim that it deserves. First, it sets a Russian version of Edgar Allan Poe's famous poems (though it's often done in English translation); second, it requires a huge orchestra, including piano, organ, soloists and chorus, and is thus quite expensive to perform. Finally (and this is the kiss of death), it ends quietly. Most conductors like to conclude a concert with a bang, and beginning the program with a work of this size and complexity would be out of the question. So your best chance to hear it is on disc, in a great performance like this one. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

The Bells Op. 35: I. Allegro ma non tanto - The Silver Sleigh Bells
II. Lento - The Mellow Wedding Bells
III. Presto - The Loud Alarum Bells
IV. Lento lugubre - The Mournful Iron Bells
Vocalise Op.34 No.14
Romeo And Juliet: Duo - Do you not hear the nightingale?
Festival Coronation March in D Major

Amazon.com

It's not as popular as the Second Symphony or the Second and Third Piano Concertos, but real Rachmaninoff fans widely regard The Bells as his greatest work. So did Rachmaninoff himself. Three factors have prevented it from receiving the popular acclaim that it deserves. First, it sets a Russian version of Edgar Allan Poe's famous poems (though it's often done in English translation); second, it requires a huge orchestra, including piano, organ, soloists and chorus, and is thus quite expensive to perform. Finally (and this is the kiss of death), it ends quietly. Most conductors like to conclude a concert with a bang, and beginning the program with a work of this size and complexity would be out of the question. So your best chance to hear it is on disc, in a great performance like this one. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful CD.......2006-09-24

This is beautiful and makes you wonder why it is no longer available except as used disks.

Jarvi's almost mystical reading.......2002-06-18

Rachmaninov's wonderful setting of Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Bells" certainly does not get enough attention. Jarvi and the Scottish National Orchestra make this abundantly clear in this atmospheric, almost mystical recording of it. When in top form (and he certainly is in top form here) Jarvi is a master of the Russian romantic idiom. He imparts a passion to these proceedings which has rarely been matched. It is almost a sin to compare this excellent recording with others. The only one in the same league would be Dutoit's with Philadelphia. Yet for all of the Dutoit's icy beauty, there is something to be said for the warmth and space brought by Jarvi and his team. The Tchaikovsky Festival Coronation March makes an ideal counterpoint to The Bells. All in all, a great program. Highly recommended.