Dive into the enchanting world of Sergei Rachmaninoff with this captivating album, "Rachmaninov: Monna Vanna & Songs." Released in 2014 under the Ondine label, this collection offers a rich tapestry of Rachmaninoff's vocal and orchestral masterpieces, performed by the renowned Soile Isokoski and Vladimir Ashkenazy. The album spans a duration of 57 minutes, featuring a blend of operatic scenes and beloved songs that showcase Rachmaninoff's unparalleled compositional genius.
The album opens with selections from Rachmaninoff's opera "Monna Vanna," orchestrated by G. Belov, providing a dramatic and evocative introduction. Following this, the album delves into a series of Rachmaninoff's most cherished songs, including "U moyego okna" (Before My Window), "Noch' pechal'na" (Night Is Mournful), and the iconic "Vocalise in E Minor." These pieces highlight Rachmaninoff's deep understanding of the human voice and his ability to craft melodies that resonate deeply with the heart.
Isokoski's radiant vocals bring a new dimension to these timeless works, while Ashkenazy's masterful piano accompaniment adds depth and nuance. The clean, high-quality recordings and elegant packaging make this album a treasure for both seasoned Rachmaninoff enthusiasts and those new to his music. Whether you are drawn to the operatic grandeur of "Monna Vanna" or the intimate beauty of Rachmaninoff's songs, this album offers a comprehensive and rewarding exploration of one of classical music's most beloved composers.
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