Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony comes off nicely under Neeme Järvi’s assertive yet sensitive conducting style. His instinct for color, phrasing, and dramatic timing, aided by the London Symphony’s lush-toned, vibrant playing enlivens both the first movement and finale. Best is the slow movement, where Järvi’s luxurious treatment of Rachmaninov’s gorgeous melody makes for a particularly sensuous experience.
Unfortunately, Järvi seems to have abandoned his best instincts in the Symphonic Dances. Where he was lively and energetic, he’s become stiff and dull. There’s precious little of the romantic, easy rubato that informed the symphony performance, leaving the first movement’s two climaxes wanting in surprise, while the finale’s varied sections are insufficiently differentiated to have the effect Rachmaninov intended. The London Philharmonic provides merely workmanlike playing under these circumstances. Listen instead to Mariss Jansons’ powerful and passionate performance on EMI to experience the full impact of this music. In fact, Jansons’ coupled Third Symphony is another gripping performance, also superior to Järvi’s. Plus, Chandos’ over-reverberant, bass-shy recording is no match for EMI’s excellent sound. In short, if you want this coupling, go for the alternative.
