Rachmaninov: Symphony No 3 [+digital booklet]

I can't say I was unprepared for the splendour and success of this recording, having been bowled over by Petrenko's "Isle of the Dead" and impressed by the Piano Concertos. Even if Trpceski's pianism is a little too restrained in those two recordings, the increasing virtuosity of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is very much in evidence here: lovely string tone, some delightful, "Nordic" colouring in the woodwind, a heft of sound when they play in unison and a real sense of spontaneity. Petrenko achieves true subtlety without losing the necessary sense of improvisatory attack - the scurrying strings in the "Caprice bohémien" really show off their élan and I suspect that their conductor can be satisfied that he has succeeded in moulding them into a world-class ensemble before he is poached by a more prestigious outfit, in the same way that Rattle brought on the CBSO. My instinct is that Petrenko is a greater conductor than Rattle and I look forward with interest to his rising to the stature of Gergiev in similar repertoire.

The "Caprice" and "Vocalise" encapsulate the Russian sensibility that Rachmaninov personified, combining yearning melancholy and the rousing passion which typifies "Aleko". Certainly their demands expose any weakness in a band but the RLPO pass the test in two showpieces which serve as a warm-up to the main dish: Petrenko launches into the flowing Lento with total confidence and assurance, convincing us that this is no episodic ragbag of a piece but a taut, tight masterpiece where no note is superfluous. Again and again, I am surprised and delighted by his grip over the rhythm and pacing; there is a naturalness and warmth about proceedings, never a hint of bombast. There is a no hint of "soupiness"; every detail emerges tellingly. I honestly don't think the word "provincial" could possibly cross the mind of anyone listening blind; he or she would be head-scratching, wondering which major orchestra was playing.

The Adagio is lithe and lean, faintly disturbing in its restlessness and a far cry from the "prettification" approach which sentimentalises it. Brass blare balefully, flutes flicker nervously, oboes moan plaintively - this is wonderful playing.

The finale is triumphant; a kind of Elgarian bravura intertwines with a seething soulfulness. This is a great disc, the best new recording I've heard for a good while and an essential purchase for lovers of Russian music - flawlessly played by one up-and-coming Scouser orchestra to watch!

Late Rachmaninov is not early Rachmininov. It should be obvious, but some interpreters seem to try to shoehorn everything he wrote into the style of the young man who wrote the early piano concertos. There are flashes of brilliance in the third Symphony, but they are placed in the context of music which comes from a very different place, emotionally as well as physically, from the early works.

The RLPO has developed a particularly beautiful string sounds over the last few years with Petrenko, and it is present in this recording in all its splendour. The recorded sound is good, as you would expect, the only slight drawback being the high recording levels (although this seems to be the universal practice at the moment). It doesn't affect enjoyment of the recording though.

The reading of the 3rd Symphony is sublime and subtly original. Slower tempos, in places, allow the music to breathe and the detail to come through. Above all, this is a reading that allows the humanity of Rachmaninov's music to shine, without it being cuffed around the ears by over-showy playing in the "big" tunes.

If there were any doubt about the differing perspectives offered in Rachminov's work over time, the inclusion of the early Caprice Bohemien should make things plain. The playing here shows off the skills of the RLPO's musicians in a showy firework display. The Caprice is certainly not the most profound piece Rachmaninov ever wrote, but is fun, exciting, and of course the orchestration is superb.

Finally, there is an orchestrated "Vocalise". The performance is beautifully judged. Showy and exciting though his music often is, there is another side to Rachmininov, evident in both this tender interlude and the 3rd Symphony's regretful, but life-affirming arc.

A very recommendable recording.