Top 5 Favorite Rachmaninov Works

[Cato]

Neoclassical is something I too hear here. The 2nd movement is especially good.

I hope that recording is in stereo and with good sound since Stokowski's recordings tend to be old and those recordings don't appeal to me that much.

The second movement combines the Slow Movement and Scherzo into one organism, which (it seems to me, I could be wrong) has not been remarked upon much by critics.

[Mirror Image]

Neoclassical is something I too hear here. The 2nd movement is especially good.

I hope that recording is in stereo and with good sound since Stokowski's recordings tend to be old and those recordings don't appeal to me that much.

Yep, it's in stereo. This performance was reissued by Newton Classics several years ago, but I believe this label is defunct now. It could probably be bought second-hand.

[kyjo]

I've never been too fond of the 1st Symphony.

Very surprised to read this, Cesar, considering we generally have such similar tastes! To me, the First is a work of smoldering, cataclysmic intensity, especially that finale! But I will say that the slow movement is comparatively rather uninspired, certainly not up to Rachmaninoff's usual standards. I love all three (well, four, counting The Bells) of his symphonies just about equally - they're all wonderful in their own unique ways. Although nothing can quite beat the ecstatically gorgeous slow movement of the 2nd, IMO.

[kyjo]

OK...one symphony, one concerto

Symphony No. 1
Piano Concerto No. 2
Symphonic Dances
The Bells
Suite for two pianos No. 1

I'm inclined to agree with this list, though depending on my mood I could substitute the 2nd symphony for the 1st or the Paganini Rhapsody for the 2nd concerto.

[Mirror Image]

Very surprised to read this, Cesar, considering we generally have such similar tastes! To me, the First is a work of smoldering, cataclysmic intensity, especially that finale! But I will say that the slow movement is comparatively rather uninspired, certainly not up to Rachmaninoff's usual standards. I love all three (well, four, counting The Bells) of his symphonies just about equally - they're all wonderful in their own unique ways. Although nothing can quite beat the ecstatically gorgeous slow movement of the 2nd, IMO.

I'm not sure I agree as I happen to think The Mournful Iron Bells from The Bells is one of the most beautiful pieces of music Rachmaninov has written. It goes from this kind of brooding austerity, then builds up to a heroic outburst and then the way it ends with such opulent beauty is truly magnificent.

[Symphonic Addict]

Very surprised to read this, Cesar, considering we generally have such similar tastes! To me, the First is a work of smoldering, cataclysmic intensity, especially that finale! But I will say that the slow movement is comparatively rather uninspired, certainly not up to Rachmaninoff's usual standards. I love all three (well, four, counting The Bells) of his symphonies just about equally - they're all wonderful in their own unique ways. Although nothing can quite beat the ecstatically gorgeous slow movement of the 2nd, IMO.

Apart from the powerful beginning (which sounds almost the soundtrack for a Dracula's movie) and the 4th movement, I feel the thematic material of this work is not too strong, but I keep trying. And yes, the slow movement from the 2nd Symphony is one of the pinnacles in Rachmaninoff's music with no doubts.

[vandermolen]

Very surprised to read this, Cesar, considering we generally have such similar tastes! To me, the First is a work of smoldering, cataclysmic intensity, especially that finale! But I will say that the slow movement is comparatively rather uninspired, certainly not up to Rachmaninoff's usual standards. I love all three (well, four, counting The Bells) of his symphonies just about equally - they're all wonderful in their own unique ways. Although nothing can quite beat the ecstatically gorgeous slow movement of the 2nd, IMO.

I'm with Kyle here, although 'The Bells' is his masterpiece I think. As for Symphony No. 1 ('Vengeance is Mine saith the Lord') - I think that it is the sense of looming catastrophe from the start which is especially appealing. After threatening to collapse into the abyss for so long the symphony finally topples head-long into into it during the coda. Magnificent!

[kyjo]

I'm not sure I agree as I happen to think The Mournful Iron Bells from The Bells is one of the most beautiful pieces of music Rachmaninov has written. It goes from this kind of brooding austerity, then builds up to a heroic outburst and then the way it ends with such opulent beauty is truly magnificent.

Well, of course, Rachmaninov wrote so much beautiful music!

[vers la flamme]

Piano Concerto No.2
The Isle of the Dead
Piano Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor
Preludes op.23
Symphonic Dances

I'm not at all familiar with the symphonies yet. I haven't actually heard any of them. I am new to Rachmaninov's music.

[Symphonic Addict]

I'm not at all familiar with the symphonies yet.

I suspect you'll like them.

[vers la flamme]

I suspect you'll like them.

I listened to Symphony No.2, the Ormandy/Philadelphia recording, and I did quite like it. But I understand that Ormandy recorded a version of the symphony with significant cuts. I need to hear the complete symphony now...

[ChopinBroccoli]

I listened to Symphony No.2, the Ormandy/Philadelphia recording, and I did quite like it. But I understand that Ormandy recorded a version of the symphony with significant cuts. I need to hear the complete symphony now...

The cuts were Rachmaninoff's own ... at the time, it was typical to perform it that way.  Plus, the two men were good friends.  Nowadays, it's usually performed without the cuts. 

Still, Ormandy's set of the symphonies is one of the very best with utterly incredible orchestral playing

[ChopinBroccoli]

I'll give it a shot

PC 2
Isle of The Dead
Symphonic Dances
Symphony No. 3
Symphony No. 2

[Christo]

some favourite pieces:

Symphonic Dances
All-Night Vigil
Piano Concerto No. 2
Symphony No. 2
Caprice bohémien

Today's list

PC 2
Symphony 2
Symphonic Dances
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Cello Sonata

Tomorrow's list may be different. 

Tomorrow's here, tell us what you think now. 

[Florestan]

Tomorrow's here, tell us what you think now. 

PC 3
Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos
Piano Sonata No. 2
Caprice bohemien
Piano Trio No. 2

Tommorow you can ask me again.