Rachmaninov: The Bells; Symphonic Dances – review

It seems odd to see Simon Rattle, who has recorded almost exclusively for EMI throughout his career, now appearing on Warner Classics. But since Warner completed its acquisition of Parlophone, discs from the EMI roster of artists, including reissues of the huge back catalogue, will now appear under the Warner logo, while Virgin Classics will be reborn as Erato. Just to confuse things further, Rattle made an earlier recording for EMI of Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances with the CBSO, a much leaner, less plush performance than this one, recorded live in the Berlin Philharmonie three years ago. Rattle's first recording of The Bells, though, dates from concerts last November. It's a work whose vivid palette of orchestral colours suits him and the Berlin Philharmonic, while careful engineering eases the problems of balance between soloists, chorus and orchestra. Rattle doesn't always give the music its head in a way that a Russian conductor might, but the performance is carefully calibrated and full of brilliantly focussed detail.