Rachmaninov: The Bells

[Guest]

I used to (possibly still do) have the 1970s Previn/LSO recording of this, but have decided it's time to acquire a CD version.

The BAL on this work gives the thumbs up to Ashkenazy and the RCO - a good choice, I'm sure, but now only available as part of a box set (I already have V.A.'s recordings of the symphonies and Symphonic Dances, etc, so that would be too much duplication). I'm also partially inclined to seek out a Russian ensemble...

BAL gives a recommendation with reservations to Svetlanov's 1979 recording - I'm assuming the reservations relate to the sound? Does anyone know this recording and can comment on it?

Just listened to Pletnev/RNO on spotify and was impressed.

[umslopogaas]

The 2010 Penguin Guide has Pletnev as its top recommendation, and also praises a version on Telarc conducted by Robert Shaw. I've got the Svetlanov version on an HMV LP, its another in their series of Melodiya issues, so would have been recorded in the USSR and will be authentically Russian. I dont remember anything to complain about (except that my copy is scratched ...) but I admit, its some time since I played it. I've also got versions by Previn, Kondrashin and Kitaenko. Who? Well, I know nothing about him except what's on the sleeve note, but its a Melodiya LP, dated 1990, by which time the LP was pretty much extinct in the west. According to the notes, Kitaenko had been principal conductor of the Moscow Philharmonic Symphony Orch. (who play on the recording) since 1976.

[Curalach]

Mandryka, your post caused me to check my shelves. I have four recordings of The Bells. SNO/Jarvi from Chandos 1986, Moscow Philharmonic/Kondrashin from Melodiya 1963, USSR Symphony Orchestra/Svetlanov 1979 now on Regis and Cologne Radio Symphony/Bychkov from Profil 2006.

Both of the Russian discs are not at the top of the league as far as recording is concerned but they are both exciting performances and Svetlanov on Regis is cheap.
Jarvi and Bychkov both have good recording quality and are also excellent performances.

I actually think that the Bychkov, which is coupled with the Symphonic Dances, is the best of recent modern issues.

If it were me, I would buy both Bychkov and Svetlanov and get the best of both worlds. (The Svetlanov fillers are Spring Cantata and Vocalise).

[makropulos]

Mandryka, your post caused me to check my shelves. I have four recordings of The Bells. SNO/Jarvi from Chandos 1986, Moscow Philharmonic/Kondrashin from Melodiya 1963, USSR Symphony Orchestra/Svetlanov 1979 now on Regis and Cologne Radio Symphony/Bychkov from Profil 2006.

Both of the Russian discs are not at the top of the league as far as recording is concerned but they are both exciting performances and Svetlanov on Regis is cheap.
Jarvi and Bychkov both have good recording quality and are also excellent performances.

I actually think that the Bychkov, which is coupled with the Symphonic Dances, is the best of recent modern issues.

If it were me, I would buy both Bychkov and Svetlanov and get the best of both worlds. (The Svetlanov fillers are Spring Cantata and Vocalise).

I'd say much the same about the excellent Bychkov performance, and then there's the one I can't live without - Kondrashin. The sound may be a little ropey, but what a marvellous account of the score! The other one I hope might be issued one day is Svetlanov's live Barbican performance in 2002 which I have recorded from the radio. That was pretty sensational, I thought.

[Curalach]

I'd say much the same about the excellent Bychkov performance, and then there's the one I can't live without - Kondrashin.

I agree about Kondrashin, which is also coupled with the Symphonic Dances. I'm not sure how available it is at present.

[BBMmk2]

I have the Pletnev version, as recomended by Penguin Guide. If you feel that another recording by Ashkenazy is too much duplication, then this is a very good alternative. It also has Taneyv's John of Damascus.

[StephenO]

I agree about Kondrashin, which is also coupled with the Symphonic Dances. I'm not sure how available it is at present.

Amazon have it - if you don't mind paying £31.99 for a sinlge disc!

It's one of my favourite works (I love the Ashkenazy recording) so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Vasily Petrenko will record it before too long.

[reinerfan]

I have 5 versions, all on CD, Previn, Ashkenazy, Kondrashin, Svetlanov/USSR S.O. and Svetlanov/BBC S.O. (taken from the radio). All, in their own way, seem to me to be excellent, but the Svetlanov/BBC is really something special with the extra adrenalin coming from a live performance.

[makropulos]

I have 5 versions, all on CD, Previn, Ashkenazy, Kondrashin, Svetlanov/USSR S.O. and Svetlanov/BBC S.O. (taken from the radio). All, in their own way, seem to me to be excellent, but the Svetlanov/BBC is really something special with the extra adrenalin coming from a live performance.

Cause for rejoicing in this morning's post: the Svetlanov BBC SO performance has now appeared on ICA Classics (ICAC 5069) - it really is glorious. The coupling is Svetlanov conducting Alexander Nevsky with the Philharmonia in 1988 (with Alfreda Hodgson as the soloists).

[BBMmk2]

That sounds like worthwhile investment then?May have to pursue this!

[jayne lee wilson]

The 2005 Melodiya remaster (in their "CD as mini-LP series"...) of Kondrashin is musically unsurpassable, pretty good sound for the vintage - but rare and expensive - check out Amazon fr. and de...

The original 1986 Ashkenazy Decca CD (big bell on the front, "DIGITAL recording" across top left corner) has stunning sound, fabulous performance, but only findable 2ndhand; haven't heard the 1993 Decca Ovation effort but it's still on Amazon at a reasonable price.

I do remember that Svetlanov from the broadcast - if it's well-transferred on ICA it must be one of the best.

STOP PRESS!!! The Ashkenazy 1986 one is available cheaply at Amazon.com. Ready, steady, GO! Grab it NOW!!

[makropulos]

The 2005 Melodiya remaster (in their "CD as mini-LP series"...) of Kondrashin is musically unsurpassable, pretty good sound for the vintage - but rare and expensive - check out Amazon fr. and de..

Yes, I have that already, thank heavens (as you say, it's a bit elusive) - and yes, it's quite stunning. Do give Svetlanov 2002 a try, though - the ICA source is excellent so the sound is pretty spectacular. His heartfelt ultra-lyrical approach (but also detailed and always rhythmical) produces something that is really very moving –ithe performance feels genuinely special, and if you know his earlier studio recording for Melodiya - which I guess you do - I should stress this live one is in an altogether different league.

Why've I never really "got" Ashkenazy's Rachmaninov, I wonder? It's a bit of a blind spot for me, so perhaps I should give his Bells another try. :)

[jayne lee wilson]

Yes, I have that already, thank heavens (as you say, it's a bit elusive) - and yes, it's quite stunning. Do give Svetlanov 2002 a try, though - the ICA source is excellent so the sound is pretty spectacular. His heartfelt ultra-lyrical approach (but also detailed and always rhythmical) produces something that is really very moving –ithe performance feels genuinely special, and if you know his earlier studio recording for Melodiya - which I guess you do - I should stress this live one is in an altogether different league.

Why've I never really "got" Ashkenazy's Rachmaninov, I wonder? It's a bit of a blind spot for me, so perhaps I should give his Bells another try. :)

Honestly, his Bells are exceptionally powerful, clear and musically most impressive!

I've often been unconvinced by him as a conductor - upper reaches of the second division, perhaps - he once guested at the RLPO quite often but didn't really persuade me otherwise - but the 1986 Bells CD is a peach, and you can still locate IM's original review in the Gramofile archive. (try "Rachmaninov ashkenazy Bells" etc...)

[AmpH]

Yes, I have that already, thank heavens (as you say, it's a bit elusive) - and yes, it's quite stunning. Do give Svetlanov 2002 a try, though - the ICA source is excellent so the sound is pretty spectacular. His heartfelt ultra-lyrical approach (but also detailed and always rhythmical) produces something that is really very moving –ithe performance feels genuinely special, and if you know his earlier studio recording for Melodiya - which I guess you do - I should stress this live one is in an altogether different league.

Why've I never really "got" Ashkenazy's Rachmaninov, I wonder? It's a bit of a blind spot for me, so perhaps I should give his Bells another try. :)

Presumably the Kondrashin recording you have been discussing is this one ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000E1JO3Y/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

[LeMartinPecheur]

Another very good reason for getting the Ashkenazy Bells is its coupling, the wonderful Three Russian Folksongs