Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic - Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances, The Bells (2013)

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Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic - Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances, The Bells (2013)

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EMI Classics releases an exciting new recording of Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances and The Bells. These two Rachmaninov masterpieces, performed by one of the world’s most renowned orchestras under their celebrated principal conductor Sir Simon Rattle. This is a rare chance to hear Sir Simon’s interpretations of these great works. Towards the end of his life, the composer himself said of The Bells “I worked on this composition with feverish ardour; and it remains of all my works the one I love the most”. Of the Symphonic Dances, written shortly before his death, he said “I don’t know how it happened, it must have been my last spark”.

Composer: Sergei Rachmaninov
Performer: Luba Orgonasova, Dmitri Popov, Mikhail Petrenko
Conductor: Simon Rattle
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Reviews: These two live performances are astoundingly fine. Simon Rattle made an impressive recording of the Symphonic Dances early in his career in Birmingham. It was a short disc in terms of playing time (the coupling was the Vocalise) and an early EMI digital recording, and perhaps for that reason it was never released on CD. That version was notable for its deliberate tempos, but this one is up to speed. Perhaps Rattle learned the piece in the meantime; the same phenomenon characterized some of his Sibelius performances as well.

Whatever the reason, this is an excellent interpretation, perhaps the best Rattle and Berlin have yet recorded. The playing is exceptional, that typical Berlin smoothness never smothering the textures in an excess of timbral homogeneity. The first movement’s difficult-to-interpret “non allegro” is perfectly paced, and punchily accented. The ensuing waltz is both sexy and sinister, while the finale has plenty of excitement, with the slow central episode particularly well sustained. The coda is aptly blazing, with a healthy swat on the tam-tam left to die away gradually, as it should.

If anything, The Bells is even better. Spectacularly well sung by the Berlin Radio Choir and a fine trio of soloists (only bass Mikhail Petrenko tends to shout in the finale), Rattle’s performances are as atmospheric and colorful as any on disc. Check out the opening of the third movement (The Alarm Bells) and you’ll immediately understand that nothing here is going to be underplayed. EMI’s live sonics are generally very good—perhaps a bit dull in the high frequencies as a result of the live audience soaking up some of the sound, but still vivid and well-balanced. At last, Rattle and Berlin live up to their storied reputation.