Rachmaninoff: Orchestral Works

Together with the WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cristian Măcelaru has taken on the orchestral works of Sergei Rachmaninov, one of the last romantic giants of the 20th century. This triple album follows his path as a composer, shaped by triumphs and deep personal trauma. The First Symphony, a youthful composition full of ambition, suffered a disastrous premiere that burdened Rachmaninov for years. Nevertheless, he returned with his Second Symphony, a masterpiece that was to solidify his early successes. The work is distinguished by its refinement, emotional depth, and technical brilliance. Its sweeping melodies and intricate structures make it one of his most popular works. The third symphony, composed in the 1930s, met with mixed reactions, perhaps due to its more modern, experimental style. The rarely heard "Caprice Bohème" and the haunting "Isle of the Dead" complete the program.