Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov
Orchestra: WDR Sinfonieorchester
Conductor: Cristian Măcelaru
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Linn
Catalogue: CKD778
Release: 2025
Size: 2.99 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
CD 01
Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 13
01. I. Grave. Allegro ma non troppo
02. II. Allegro animato
03. III. Larghetto
04. IV. Allegro con fuoco
05. Caprice bohémien, Op. 12
CD 02
Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27
01. I. Largo. Allegro moderato
02. II. Allegro molto
03. III. Adagio
04. IV. Allegro vivace
CD 03
Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 44
01. I. Lento. Allegro moderato
02. II. Adagio ma non troppo. Allegro vivace
03. III. Allegro – Allegro vivace – Allegro (Tempo primo) – Allegretto – Allegro vivace
04. The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29
In his latest release with the WDR Sinfonieorchester, Cristian Macelaru has set the formidable goal to record an extended symphony cycle by one of the last Romantic giants of the twentieth century, Sergei Rachmaninov. This triple-album follows his journey as a composer marked by both triumph and deep personal trauma. The First Symphony, a youthful composition full of ambition, received a disastrous premiere that haunted Rachmaninov for years. Despite this, he returned with his Second Symphony, a masterpiece that would solidify his reputation. The work shows refinement, emotional depth and technical brilliance, its sweeping melodies and intricate textures making it one of his most beloved works. The Third Symphony, composed in the 1930s, was met with mixed reactions, perhaps due to its more modern, experimental style. The rarely heard Caprice bohemien and the haunting Isle of the Dead complement the set. This is deeply expressive, innovative music, matched by peerless performance.
