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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
The Isle of the Dead represents Rachmaninov at his most uncompromising. The Böcklin painting which inspired this harrowing symphonic poem is reproduced on the cover of this disc (although in colour: Rachmaninov was actually inspired by a black and white reproduction). Pletnev begins his account with the quietest of pianissimos. DG's excellent, crystal clear recording sustains this well. The brass throughout is threatening and doom-laden. Even in the quieter moments, Pletnev keeps the intensity fully alive, so that the rhythmic impetus inexorably moves towards the climactic, punched chords (here precisely together for maximum effect). Pletnev's full grasp of Rachmaninov's idiom and musical processes is confirmed in his account of the First Symphony. The fugal passages are presented unapologetically, almost as if Pletnev believes Rachmaninov to be the greatest contrapuntalist since Bach. The virtuosity of the Russian National Orchestra enables the second movement to be as mercurial as it is swift. The most important facet of both of the performances on this disc is that, in refusing to over-sentimentalise, Pletnev makes the music tremendously powerful. The Larghetto flows gorgeously, all the more so for not being milked for all it is worth. Pletnev becomes a clear choice for a modern recording of these pieces. --Colin Clarke
Product Description
CD ...Dead/W/Russian National Orchestra, Mikhail Pletnev
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The recording of "Isle of the Dead" is delicious. I can't imagine it being better. The First Symphony is also a good, solid performance on the whole, but there are moments when Pletnev seems to forget that it's by Rachmaninov and reverts to conducting Tchaikovsky. This is especially noticeable in the opening of the fourth movement where the triumphant brass is incongruously straightforward. Desperate optimism instead of monochrome grandeur would have improved the coherence with the rest of the piece. Having said that, I am very glad that I added this disk to my collection. I will almost certainly give Pletnev's recordings of symphonies 2 and 3 a go- they have also, to my knowledge, had more consistent reviews.
The composition itself (the first symphony) is a little rough around the edges, but if, like me, you value expression more than technical perfection, then this kicks many other romantic composers into a corner. It is nothing short of a tragedy that the debut of this piece was such a disaster, and I pine for the lost symphonies that Rachmaninov might otherwise have written.
Format:Audio CD
The atmosphere evoked of by Arnold Böcklin's painting Isle of the Dead is captured perfectly in Rachmaninov's symphonic poem. The emotional intensity of Pletnev's performance with the RNO has in my opinion never been (and probably never will be) surpassed. The way the strings sigh as the shrouded figure is ferried to his final resting place, the yearning for past life in the agonising climaxes, the final acceptance of death in the closing bars, cut straight through to the heart of the listener.
I have listened to other highly rated interpretations (for example Ashkenazy with the RCO), but for me, none come close to this one. Also the sound and recording quality are excellent, one of the best from DG.
As for the the Symphony no.1, I haven't much to say because it is not one of my favourite pieces. No doubt a fine performance for those who like the work.
Finally, I am not alone in my praise. The CD was awarded a rosette by the Penguin Classical CD guide. This CD is worth its price for Isle of the Dead alone. The added bonus is that the cover illustration is of the painting that inspired the music, in my view essential for the complete experience.
I have listened to other highly rated interpretations (for example Ashkenazy with the RCO), but for me, none come close to this one. Also the sound and recording quality are excellent, one of the best from DG.
As for the the Symphony no.1, I haven't much to say because it is not one of my favourite pieces. No doubt a fine performance for those who like the work.
Finally, I am not alone in my praise. The CD was awarded a rosette by the Penguin Classical CD guide. This CD is worth its price for Isle of the Dead alone. The added bonus is that the cover illustration is of the painting that inspired the music, in my view essential for the complete experience.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Eagle
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Super quality, super sound. A real help with studies and a great pleasurable listen. DG recordings never let you down.
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