Rach Symphony #3

Rachmaninoff’s 1st and 3rd symphonies deserve much more attention than they receive. His Symphony No. 2, an undeniable masterpiece, tends to crowd out his many other symphonic works (excluding the piano concerti of course).

I pulled out my only Symphony No. 3 record for a spin: Ormandy and Philly on Columbia. Unfortunately, it’s a Columbia Masterworks repress—I’d love a 2- or 6-eye pressing of this record. The overall sound quality of these represses is generally pretty crummy. However, there are so many incredible artists and performances in the Columbia catalogue, that I keep plenty in my library.

This performance, which according the jacket is the “first recording in stereo” of the Third Symphony, doesn’t disappoint. The Philly strings conquer the lush, romantic melodies that weave through the score. There’s also a certain “American popness” to this symphony heard in the percussion and various fanfares in the winds. Really, The Philadelphia Orchestra defined the sound of these emigre symphonic works and the composer and orchestra shared a special relationship.