Rachmaninov: Symphony No.2

There were recordings of Rachmaninov’s expansive Second Symphony before André Previn made this classic version in 1973. But Previn’s was the first to convincingly demonstrate that the symphony should be played complete, without the cuts too frequently made to shorten the work in concert. The resplendent playing of the London Symphony Orchestra is a major factor in the performance’s success. Previn was the orchestra’s principal conductor at the time and knew how to tap into its power and sumptuosity. The symphony’s opening sets the tone, its darkly sculpted bassline distilling an atmosphere of brooding melancholy. The scherzo and finale crackle with energy, and Previn revels in the lushly romantic “Adagio,” with its languorous clarinet solo and lush string playing. The analogue recording is clear and expertly balanced, allowing the sonic splendour of this vintage interpretation to fully resonate.