London Symphony Orchestra, Mily Balakirev & Valery Gergiev - Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 1 (2016)

This new release in the LSO Live cycle of Rachmaninovs complete symphonies features his Symphony No. 1. The piece was composed in 1895 at his Ivanovka estate in Tambov, Russia. The premiere was a disaster due to poor conductor performance and under-rehearsal, but the score was rediscovered after the composers death and has since been frequently performed. English composer and professor Robert Simpson calls the First Symphony a powerful work in its own right convinced, individual, finely constructed, and achieving a genuinely tragic and heroic expression. Valery Gergiev is able to shine with this work, displaying his impeccable transparent interpretation. Also included on this release is Balakirevs Tamara. A member of Russias Mighty Handful, this work is considered by most scholars to be Balakirevs best work. The score drips with exotic and oriental influences, which were popular in nineteenth century Russia. This concert received extraordinary reviews: Full blooded and engrossing the performance revealed the genius of this strange, haunted piece. (The Telegraph) This is music Gergiev clearly believes in and that translated itself to his players Here was Gergiev at his best. (Bachtrack)

TRACKLIST
01 Symphony No 1 in D minor, Op 13 i. Grave - Allegro non troppo
02 Symphony No 1 in D minor, Op 13 ii. Allegro animato
03 Symphony No 1 in D minor, Op 13 iii. Larghetto
04 Symphony No 1 in D minor, Op 13 iv. Allegro con fuoco
05 Tamara