Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances & the Isle of the Dead
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Composer: Sergey RachmaninovConductor: Enrique Bátiz
Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1994-02-15
Music Label: Naxos
Soundtracks:
- Symphonic Dances, for orchestra (or 2 pianos), Op. 45: No. 1, Non allegro
- Symphonic Dances, for orchestra (or 2 pianos), Op. 45: No. 2, Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
- Symphonic Dances, for orchestra (or 2 pianos), Op. 45: No. 3, Lento assai - Allegro vivace
- The Isle of the Dead, symphonic poem, Op. 29
Free Music Notes for Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances & the Isle of the Dead
Free Music Review: Appealing and effervescent -- vodka with a dash of soda
Hit: 4 Stars
Russian conductors so dominate the music of their own country that not many non-Russians have had much to say recently. I love Rachmaninov's last orchestral work, that black orchid known as the Symphonic Dances. It's as luridly exotic as sharing mescaline with Oscar Wilde. But then, Rachmaninov often verged on the edge of 'poshlust' (a Russian term loosely defined as "self-satisfied vulgarity") despite his aristocratic lineage. The Symphonic Dances are elusive enough that they eldue as good a conductor as Temirkanov. Mravinsky left no recording, and Gergiev has yet to make one, so the field has been won by Ashkenazy and Mariss Jansons, to name two completely successful readings in the modern era.
Is Batiz their equal? Only if you like your vodka with a dash of soda. His reading is lighter and more refined than either of his rivals. It's effervescent and more 'positive,' to use a word the Gramophone loves -- a plus if you find the last two movements a bit oppressive in their luxuriant waywardness. The Royal Phil. stands out for its supple string body and overall enthusiasm. I find the sonics a little garish, but I can't argue against the other reviewers -- home audio systems differ too much for a definitive opinion -- and the engineers certainly wanted the wow factor. The Isle of the Dead is too substantial to call a filler, and here again Batiz is less gloomy than his Russian rivals. This is more The Isle of the Drowsy. Other recordings could bring up suicidal thoughts, but not this one.
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