June 10, 2015, Barbican Hall, London: André Previn’s final appearance with the LSO, conducting Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony.
Apr 1, 2023 | Videos | 3 comments

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I remember it well. An emotional occasion, and a couple of friends of mine in the LSO that evening were moved by this return/farewell. But oh, it creeps along so, it’s so frail, so loved to death. The energy drains from the piece. I’d prefer to remember Previn’s Rachmaninov by that wonderful EMI recording of the symphony which saw me through school and university…I can mentally lip-synch it. Avoid his previous RCA taping with its cuts! There are so many fine Previn/EMI Rachmaninov recordings including The Bells with the incomparable Sheila Armstrong. So this LSO-farewell Second Symphony is surely no more than the souvenir of a poignant occasion.
Yes Andrew, a souvenir.
Sheila Armstrong in the Bells (Previn; Proms).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tFYO8ru0yo
Col
Ah, now you’re talking, Col. That Prom of The Bells is dumbfoundingly beautiful, crowned by the glorious artistry of Sheila Armstrong, still very much with us in retirement. The palmy days of Previn and the LSO.