The Isle of the Dead represents Rachmaninov at his most uncompromising. The Böcklin painting which inspired this harrowing symphonic poem is reproduced on the cover of this disc (although in colour: Rachmaninov was actually inspired by a black and white reproduction). Pletnev begins his account with the quietest of pianissimos. DG’s excellent, crystal clear recording sustains this well. The brass throughout is threatening and doom-laden. Even in the quieter moments, Pletnev keeps the intensity fully alive, so that the rhythmic impetus inexorably moves towards the climactic, punched chords (here precisely together for maximum effect). Pletnev’s full grasp of Rachmaninov’s idiom and musical processes is confirmed in his account of the First Symphony. The fugal passages are presented unapologetically, almost as if Pletnev believes Rachmaninov to be the greatest contrapuntalist since Bach. The virtuosity of the Russian National Orchestra enables the second movement to be as mercurial as it is swift. The most important facet of both of the performances on this disc is that, in refusing to over-sentimentalise, Pletnev makes the music tremendously powerful. The Larghetto flows gorgeously, all the more so for not being milked for all it is worth. Pletnev becomes a clear choice for a modern recording of these pieces. –Colin Clarke

01. The isle of the dead, op.29 Rachmaninoff The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29
02. Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 13 I. Grave – Allegro ma non troppo
03. Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 13 II. Allegro animato
04. Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 13 III. Larghetto
05. Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 13 IV. Allegro con fuo
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