This mid price Telarc release features a performance of Rachmaninov's most popular symphony made by David Zinman and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 1992.
Even more than the Second Piano Concerto, the Second Symphony finds Rachmaninov at his most soulful and romantic, the spacious canvas rich with a poignant melodic inspiration. Despite its popularity, however, the symphony was for many years performed in a truncated form, reducing its 60 minute length to as little as 45 minutes. Even now, many conductors omit the exposition repeat in the first movement. Not so Zinman, who follows the example of conductors such as Previn and Litton by presenting the symphony absolutely complete.
Zinman's interpretation emphasises the work's symphonic credentials, eschewing the volatile approach to tempi adopted by Russian conductors such as Ashkenazy and Temirkanov. He successfully communicates the warmth and beauty of Rachmaninov's music. However, I found myself occasionally wanting something more. The symphony's darkness and heartbreak, the almost desperate passion of its optimistic conclusion, are not prominent features here, despite the eloquence of Zinman's overall approach. The clarinet solo in the Adagio is a little thin, but otherwise the orchestral playing is very fine.
Rachmaninov's Vocalise was originally written for soprano and piano in 1912. It is usually heard in the orchestra-only arrangement that Rachmaninov produced in 1916, but Zinman here presents a version for soprano and orchestra. The wordless melody is beautifully sung by Sylvia McNair, and its inclusion considerably raises the attraction of the CD.
Telarc's recording has a rich texture and a strong bass component, but is slightly lacking in depth and ambience. The booklet includes a detailed and informative essay on the symphony.
 |
more 