Circles Ep

The compositions of Sergei Rachmaninov simply overflow with vitality. When performed in Moscow by the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, there's an additional sense of pride woven into the energy.
Always one for drama, Rachmaninov's 'Spring,' Op. 20 celebrates the season in an unusual way. The furious bass voice of Tigram Martyrosyan sings his tale of a husband in a jealous rage. He is about to kill his wife, only to be stopped by the beautiful onset of spring. Whereas so many of the composer's works for chorus are symphonic in style, this piece has a definite operatic quality.
Symphony No. 3 was one Rachmaninov's last, greatest works. He composed only one more piece in his lifetime, the Symphonic Dances, which shares many of the themes he explores here. His increased focus on rhythm builds tension. By the middle of the 'Allegro Ma Non Troppo' movement, the excitement is electric in the air. The third and final movement releases some the energy with a festive introduction before building to its tense and rousing conclusion.