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

Sergei Rachmaninov – born 150 years ago on this date, April 1; he died on March 28, 1943.

3 Comments

  1. Andrew Keener
    Andrew Keener on April 2, 2023 at 12:06 am

    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.

    Reply
  3. Andrew Keener
    Andrew Keener on April 2, 2023 at 9:08 am

    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.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.