Description
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 & Vocalise – Leopold Stokowski / National Philharmonic Orchestra (Newton Classics CD)
- UPC: 8718247710249
- MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): 8802024
- Brand Name: Newton Classics
- Product Type: Audio CD
- Genre: Classical / Romantic Orchestral
- Style: Late-Romantic / Symphonic
- Recording Type: ADD Stereo
- Total Duration: 46′19″
Overview
This expressive Newton Classics release features two of Sergei Rachmaninov’s (1873–1943) most lyrical orchestral works — the Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44, and the hauntingly beautiful Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14, conducted by the great Leopold Stokowski with the National Philharmonic Orchestra.
Recorded in London, April–May 1975, Stokowski’s interpretation blends sweeping romantic intensity with radiant orchestral color. His deep empathy for Rachmaninov’s world — both as a friend of the composer and a champion of his music — makes this recording a compelling testament to late-Romantic expression at its finest.
The Symphony No. 3, written during Rachmaninov’s years of exile, fuses melancholy nostalgia with brilliant orchestration, while Vocalise remains one of the composer’s most tender creations — a pure melody without words, shaped here with transcendent beauty.
Digitally remastered by EMI Records (1998) and reissued by Newton Classics (2010), this album preserves Stokowski’s trademark lush sound in pristine clarity.
Product Features
- Format: Audio CD
- Recording Type: ADD Stereo
- Recording Dates: 28 & 30 April, 1 May 1975
- Recording Location: West Ham Central Mission, London, UK
- Producer: Anthony Hodgson
- Executive Producer: Marcos Klorman
- Balance Engineer: Robert Auger
- Digital Remastering: EMI Records Ltd. (1998)
- Label: Newton Classics BV
- Country of Manufacture: Netherlands
- Total Duration: 46′19″
Interesting Facts
- Stokowski & Rachmaninov: Stokowski and Rachmaninov shared a personal and professional relationship; Stokowski premiered several of the composer’s works and was one of his greatest advocates.
- A Conductor’s Signature: Known for his rich orchestral textures and expressive freedom, Stokowski’s interpretations of Rachmaninov are considered among the most emotionally charged ever recorded.
- Vocalise — A Melody Beyond Words: Originally composed for voice and piano in 1912, Vocalise became one of Rachmaninov’s most popular pieces. The composer’s own orchestration turns it into an elegy of sound and silence.
- Symphony No. 3: Composed in 1935–36 in Switzerland, this symphony represents Rachmaninov’s nostalgic farewell to his Russian homeland — lyrical, passionate, and infused with bittersweet reflection.
- The Stokowski Sound: Recorded in London’s West Ham Central Mission, this performance exemplifies Stokowski’s lush string sound and dramatic shaping of orchestral tone — hallmarks of his style from Fantasia fame to his final years.
Track Listing
-
Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 – 7′03″ Orchestrated by the composer
-
Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 44 I. Lento – Allegro moderato – Allegro – 17′07″ II. Adagio ma non troppo – Allegro vivace – 9′49″ III. Allegro – Allegro vivace – 12′10″
Total Duration: 46′19″
Publishers
Originally produced by Marcos Klorman under license to Newton Classics BV. Digital remastering by EMI Records Ltd., 1998. Reissued by Newton Classics BV, 2010. Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands.
All rights of the producer and of the owner of the work reproduced reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance, and broadcasting prohibited.
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