Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Sergei Rachmaninoff with this captivating album, "Rachmaninov: Monna Vanna & Songs." Released on July 8, 2014, under the Ondine label, this classical masterpiece spans a concise yet impactful 57 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of Rachmaninoff's compositions.
The album opens with "Monna Vanna," a dramatic and lesser-known opera orchestrated by G. Belov, showcasing Rachmaninoff's early work and his ability to blend intense emotion with lyrical beauty. The opera is presented in three scenes, each revealing the depth of Rachmaninoff's storytelling and his mastery of orchestration.
Following the opera, the album delves into a collection of Rachmaninoff's most beloved songs, drawn from various opuses. These pieces highlight his exceptional gift for melody and his profound understanding of the human voice. From the hauntingly beautiful "Vocalise in E Minor" to the evocative "U moyego okna" (Before My Window), each song is a testament to Rachmaninoff's enduring appeal and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions.
The album also features some of Rachmaninoff's lesser-known works, such as "Krisolov" (The Rat-Catcher) and "Son" (A Dream), offering listeners a chance to explore the full breadth of his musical genius. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Rachmaninoff or a newcomer to his music, this album is a treasure trove of classical elegance and emotional depth.
2014 Ondine2014 Ondine
Tracks
Monna Vanna: Introduction (Orch. G. Belov)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Evgeniya Dushina, Vladimir Avtomonov, Dmitry Ivanchey, Edward Arutyunyan, Mikhail Golovushkin, Moscow Conservatory Students Choir, Moscow Conservatory Students Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Monna Vanna, Act I Scene 1 (Guido, Borso, Torello) [Orch. G. Belov]Sergei Rachmaninoff, Evgeniya Dushina, Vladimir Avtomonov, Dmitry Ivanchey, Edward Arutyunyan, Mikhail Golovushkin, Moscow Conservatory Students Choir, Moscow Conservatory Students Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Monna Vanna, Act I Scene 2 (Guido, Marco) [Orch. G. Belov]Sergei Rachmaninoff, Evgeniya Dushina, Vladimir Avtomonov, Dmitry Ivanchey, Edward Arutyunyan, Mikhail Golovushkin, Moscow Conservatory Students Choir, Moscow Conservatory Students Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Monna Vanna, Act I Scene 3 (Guido, Chorus, Vanna, Marco) [Orch. G. Belov]Sergei Rachmaninoff, Evgeniya Dushina, Vladimir Avtomonov, Dmitry Ivanchey, Edward Arutyunyan, Mikhail Golovushkin, Moscow Conservatory Students Choir, Moscow Conservatory Students Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy
15 Songs, Op. 26: No. 10, U moyego okna (Before My Window)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Soile Isokoski, Vladimir Ashkenazy
15 Songs, Op. 26: No. 12, Noch' pechal'na (Night Is Mournful)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Soile Isokoski, Vladimir Ashkenazy