Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the most beloved composers of the twentieth century. His music is redolent of his Russian homeland, and it sings long, lush melodies that define the term 'romantic', on these lyrical and dynamic works for orchestra. The 'Symphonic Dances' have become one of Rachmaninoff's most-performed scores and 'Vocalise' is one of the great classical melodies.

Rated 10/11 Music and 10/11 Sound by Michael Fremer (Analog Planet)

2003 Grammy Nominee for Best Engineered Classical Album

• Limited Edition
• Reference Mastercuts
• LP 180 Gram Audiophile Virgin Vinyl
• Half-speed mastered by Paul Stubblebine
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings QRP, USA
• Deluxe gatefold cover

Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the most beloved composers of the twentieth century. His music is redolent of his Russian homeland, and it sings long, lush melodies that define the term 'romantic'. Everyone who knows and loves his piano concertos will enjoy these lyrical and dynamic works for orchestra. The 'Symphonic Dances' have become one of Rachmaninoff's most-performed scores. 'Vocalise' is one of the great classical melodies.

Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the most beloved composers of the twentieth century. His music is redolent of his Russian homeland, and it sings long, lush melodies that define the term "romantic." Everyone who knows and loves his piano concertos will enjoy these lyrical and dynamic works for orchestra. The "Symphonic Dances" in recent years have become one of Rachmaninoff's most-performed scores. "Vocalise" is one of the great classical melodies, and is hummable by everyone. Initial response from renowned reviewers is amazingly positive. Two have said this is the finest orchestral recording Reference Recordings has ever made!

"In any case, this reading is the deepest I've heard on record and while Johnson's recorded perspective is distant, the instrumental balance borders on outright perfection, the harmonic balance is equally so, and the dynamics and bass weight are staggering. If your system has the power reserves and low frequency response necessary to reproduce them, the macro dynamics and bottom end in this recording are sensational but more importantly, the string sound is sensation and the profusion of orchestral colors remarkable. The sense of being in the hall (well back of course) and hearing it live is palpable." - Michael Fremer, Analog Planet

"This may be some of the best sound Keith Johnson has ever gotten out of Symphony Hall in Minneapolis, and certainly Oue's most convincing work with the Minnesota players, who sound for all the world more like the Philadelphia than that orchestra does these days. How Johnson got that huge climax at the end of the Dances cleanly onto tape transcends engineering and goes into the realm of magic." - Harry Pearson, The Absolute Sound

"No one can approach Reference Recordings' unparalleled sound in this music. The sweet liquid presence of the high end, especially the critical massed strings, approaches perfection when it blends with RR's characteristic ambient soundstage, fine inner detail and bass impact." - Arthur B. Lintgen, The Absolute Sound

"Even by the exalted standards one has come to expect from Reference Recordings, this is something extraordinary. This is the kind of recording that gives one renewed faith in the possibility of reproducing the power and beauty of an orchestra in a home environment, the kind of thing that makes audio worthwhile. Not to be missed." - Robert E. Greene, The Absolute Sound

"The recording is once again absolutely stunning, brilliant and plushy at the same time, unequaled by another label in this piece." – Peter Aczel, The Audio Critic

"Overall, the sound is the best I’ve ever heard from Reference Recordings. That also means that overall there’s none better that you can currrently purchase. You don't need any more details, just trust me and run out and buy it." – Karl Lozier, Enjoy The Music

"Once again, Keith Johnson has raised the bar of excellence in the recording of a symphony orchestra. It's a fabulous recording and a super performance of the Symphonic Dances, and a testament to the brilliance of Keith Johnson and his associates." - Anthony Kershaw, Audiophilia

Track Listing:

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Symphonic Dances

1. Non Allegro
2. Andante Con Moto (Tempe Di Valse)
3. Lento Assai

4. Vocalise