The 1907 Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 by Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) as always been considered by many to be one of the best symphonies of the 20th century. Although stylistically I would personally classify it more in line with the late 19th century romantic movement. I mean when you compare it to other symphonies written around the same time by Gustav Mahler and Charles Ives for example that were pushing the envelope in totally opposite directions, it does seem a bit middle-of-the-road even by Russian standards when juxtaposed against the symphonies of Alexander Scriabin from the same decade. But there is no doubt that structurally and melodically it is the work of a master. I think the allure of Rachmaninov is how he, like Tchaikovsky, could very slowly build and sustain suspense and tension which rendered the inevitable release and resolution even more intense. Add to all this the fact that its beautiful Adagio movement with its lush strings and forlorn clarinet melody is one of the most lyrical slow movements ever written and you have a compelling case. Too bad pop singer Eric Carmen tainted its image by using it as the basis for a song titled "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again" which went on to sell over half a million copies.

Conductor Simon Rattle has obviously performed this work many times, including two previous live recordings, one from Los Angeles (Warner Classics) and the other from Berlin (Euroarts DVD). His pacing throughout is innate and unforced, as well as flexible without ever being excessive. Dynamic control is always well proportioned and orchestral balance is always in check, with no section of the orchestra unduly spotlit which is sometimes difficult to control in a live setting. The unfolding of the musical narrative, omnipresent in Russian music, is highly focused in this live performance, which apparently Simon Rattle conducted from memory from start to highly exhilarating finish.