Only the music counts. The conductor is a helping hand to the composer and the orchestra. What a masterful performance. What a masterful conductor. Thank you, Mr Previn. We miss you.
After a prolonged hiatus, I revisited the symphonies of Rachmaninoff, an experience that might best be described as a purification of the soul. Owing to this 2nd symphony, I find myself enveloped in a serene and tranquil disposition. While my auditory journeys frequently encompass Rachmaninoff's piano concertos, the occasions to immerse myself in his symphonies appear remarkably infrequent. The availability of youtube movies that allow for the indulgence in my preferred melodies at my convenience is indeed a boon.
This beloved symphony has been recorded earlier by Andre, twice with the Royal PO & once with the London SO. This last recording with NHK proves that despite his age the master has not lost his magic touch. Along with Kurt Sanderling / Leningrad, it is amazing that it was for the Germans to interpret this Russian composition with zest & leave it miles ahead of contemporary recordings, which proves that the Conductor is the captain of the ship.
The 1973 EMI recording of Previn and the LSO is truly magnificent and moving. I’ve loved it for nearly fifty years. This is also a wonderful performance. Thanks for all the music; jazz, film and classical, you gave us Andre, RIP
More than any other romantic composer, Rachmaninoff tapped into the sublime. This symphony is the perfect example of his ability to develop the sparest of thematic material (one or two measures) into an expansive work that covers the gamut of human emotion. At the conclusion, the listener feels they have been on a journey from earth to heaven and every place in between. This performance, led by the eminent conductor, Andre Previn, the symphony, presented without any cuts, is completely convincing that it should never be heard in any other way than with every note Rachmaninoff wrote. A moving performance by Tokyo's NHK Symphony Orchestra, and my favorite currently available on RU-vid.
What a conductor!! You hear everything from the distinct instrumental ensembles of the orchestration to the dreamy rubati, completely organic and almost self explanatory! I am so happy to have heard him live accompanying Renee Fleming on the piano in NY more than 20 years ago. What a memorable experience!!
Quite an elegent performance with new understanding of Previn, probably the best non-Russian Conductor for this Symphony (Russian Counterpart is probably Svetlanov, Still lacking Kurt Sanderling's live performance to talk about)
