Rachmaninov: Complete Symphonies / Vocalise / Isle of the Dead / Symphonic Dances

Sergey Rachmaninov's symphonic career had a rocky start with the premiere of his First Symphony, now recognised as one of the great Russian symphonic works of the late 19th century. Both the powerful First Symphony and the gloriously melodic Second, with its lushly harmonic Adagio third movement, are haunted by the Dies irae chant melody. Rachmaninov considered his Third Symphony to be one of his finest works, alongside the exquisitely orchestrated and virtuosic Symphonic Dances. The enduring attraction of these symphonies is enhanced by the 'impressive, highly desirable interpretations' (Gramophone) in this acclaimed edition conducted by Leonard Slatkin.

"...here is a performance warmed by musicians who clearly love this symphony. On the whole this is a very 'straight' account, Slatkin only occasionally 'point-making'...but generally his tempos seem so sympathetically chosen that the music speaks eloquently" BBC Music (on the 2nd symphony)

"Well-played and with a recorded sound that faithfully reproduces the distinctive blend of richness and subtlety in Rachmaninoff's orchestration, the performance is pliable but unexaggerated, poignant and powerful...there is a genuine heart and soul to it as well." Daily Telegraph (on the second symphony)

"Leonard Slatkin and his marvellous Detroit Symphony really hit a home run with their splendid Naxos release of Rachmaninov's Third Symphony and Symphonic Dances." Fanfare on Symphony No. 3)

"Slatkin is with Rachmaninov, all the way. He revels in the first movement's restless shifts, pitting the brute power of full ensemble against woodwind detail and soaring cellos." (William Dart NZ Herald on Symphony No. 3)

"The emotional contours of the music are naturaly shaped...These are impressive, highly desirable interprations - budget in price but invaluable for the insights they bringt so animatedly and poignantly into Rachmaninov's world." Gramophone Symphony No. 1)