Rachmaninov Symphony No. 1 / Balakirev Tamara

This new release in the LSO Live cycle of Rachmaninov’s 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 composer’s 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 Balakirev’s Tamara. A member of Russia’s “Mighty Handful,” this work is considered by most scholars to be Balakirev’s best work. The score drips with exotic and oriental influences, which were popular in nineteenth century Russia. This concert received extraordinary