London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner / London Philharmonic Choir / Dmytro Popov - Rachmaninov: The Bells & Symphonic Dances - Import CD

Credits:

London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner / London Philharmonic Choir / Dmytro Popov

Description:

LPO led by Gardner Rachmaninoff's "The Bells"! Overwhelming sound pressure In 2025, the LPO label celebrates its 20th anniversary with its first release in 2005, Rachmaninoff's "Island of Death" and "Symphonic Dances" conducted by Jurowski. Since then, it has grown to a catalog of over 115 works that highlight the orchestra's ever-deepening and evolving artistry, innovation, and sometimes adventurous spirit. Here, Gardner, the orchestra's current principal conductor, once again records Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances" and the choral symphony "The Bells". A new chapter in the history of the London Philharmonic Orchestra is about to begin! The Bells, based on a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is one of the most original choral symphonies composed since Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Poe's "The Bells," from the innocent hopefulness of the first two sections, through the harsh experience of the third section, to the bleak image of death in the ending, was a strong attraction for Rachmaninoff, who composed it. It would also have had something to do with the image of the sound of Russian church bells that never left his ears.The opening "Silver Sleigh Bells" with harp, piano, celesta, and glockenspiel is magnificent. The introduction of "Mellow Wedding Bells" in the second movement is equally thrilling. The chorus is accompanied by "Dies irae" (also heard in the symphonic dances that follow). The darkening of the image of the bells accelerates in the third movement, where the ringing of the bells becomes a rattling sound, conveying a growing sense of panic and despair. The solo strings, harp, and quiet flute in Rachmaninoff's finale suggest that there is still hope of "rest" and "repose" left for us. The symphonic dances are also popular, with the winds and percussion playing a major role, and the LPO members exude an abundance of energy throughout the huge hall. The intensity and power of the chant in the final movement reminded us once again that Gardner has also built a career as an opera conductor. LPO

Tracklisting:

1.The Bells, Op. 35~Allegro ma non tanto (The silver sleigh-bells)2.The Bells, Op. 35~Lento (The mellow wedding Bells)3.The Bells, Op. 35~Presto (The loud alarum bells)4.The Bells, Op. 35~Lento lugubre (The mournful iron bells)5.Symphonic Dances, Op. 45~Non allegro6.Symphonic Dances, Op. 45~Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)7.Symphonic Dances, Op. 45~Lento assai - Allegro vivace
1.The Bells, Op. 35~Allegro ma non tanto (The silver sleigh-bells)
2.The Bells, Op. 35~Lento (The mellow wedding Bells)
3.The Bells, Op. 35~Presto (The loud alarum bells)
4.The Bells, Op. 35~Lento lugubre (The mournful iron bells)
5.Symphonic Dances, Op. 45~Non allegro
6.Symphonic Dances, Op. 45~Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
7.Symphonic Dances, Op. 45~Lento assai - Allegro vivace