Rachmaninoff's First Symphony

[ERJ]

After a number of years listening to classical music Rachmaninoff continues to be one of my favourites. The first time I heard his symphonies (1-3) I was not particularly impressed and preferred his solo piano works (in particular preludes + etudes-tableaux). However, after revisiting his symphonies I have came to believe that the famous failure that was his first is, not only his best symphony, but one of the best I have heard from a "romantic" composer.
I imagine that quite a number here would not have heard it unless they are Rachmaninoff enthusiasts as recordings are few and far between but of those who have heard his first symphony- what do you think?
I realise it has it's imperfections by I still think it is a work of genius and recently found that some critics now think it is his best also. Any response is greatly appreciated.

[Brad Stark]

I think his first symphony is just "ok". I find that his orchestration improved in his later works. I tend to think his other symphonies are better.


But at the same time, I don’t really rank his symphonies very high overall in the grand scheme of things, and I think his concertos are much more interesting. His 2nd and 3rd concertos are probably the best of the “romantic” concertos ever written in my opinion.

Brad

[Hildegard]

Hi ERJ

I think this symphony is just great! Rachmaninoff is so underestimated today and it's a shame. He is a very fantastic composer in my opinion.

But my favourite work is Symphonic Dances. Either for two pianos or orchestra. This work is so dynamic and expressive - also.

Hildegard

[JohnM]

I like it, it's good - but with the reservation that it's a reconstructed lost work and as such is not necessarily exactly as Rachmaninov intended it to be.

[dko22]

After a number of years listening to classical music Rachmaninoff continues to be one of my favourites. The first time I heard his symphonies (1-3) I was not particularly impressed and preferred his solo piano works (in particular preludes + etudes-tableaux). However, after revisiting his symphonies I have came to believe that the famous failure that was his first is, not only his best symphony, but one of the best I have heard from a "romantic" composer.
I imagine that quite a number here would not have heard it unless they are Rachmaninoff enthusiasts as recordings are few and far between but of those who have heard his first symphony- what do you think?
I realise it has it's imperfections by I still think it is a work of genius and recently found that some critics now think it is his best also. Any response is greatly appreciated.

I agree entirely -the problem is finding decent performances. To me the only wholly acceptable one I know is Svetlanov's. In his hands this symphony is one of the most haunting ever written with a truly terrifying climax at the end. English composer and author Robert Simpson said that Rachmaninov never again captured the leanness and total sincerity of this work, the stuffing permanently knocked out of him by the tragedy of its failure