Christoph Eschenbach has a longstanding association with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and this release adds to critically acclaimed recording of Bruckner Symphony No. 6 released in 2011. a prolific recording artist over five decades, Eschenbach has recorded as both a conductor and a pianist on labels including Deutsche Grammophon, Sony/BMG, Decca, Ondine, Warner and Koch. The stellar quartet of soloists includes the great lyric soprano Anne Schwanewilms, who enjoys an unparalleled reputation for her performances of Strauss and Wagner, and tenor Nikolai Schukoff who is destined to become a leading voice of his generation.
This release is the second of three major recordings featuring LPO Principal Conductor Edward Gardner during the period of marking 20 years of the Orchestra's acclaimed record label. Dvorak's Symphony No.7 was commissioned by the London Philharmonic Society in 1884. It may not be his most popular symphony, but it's arguably the best. It combines dramatic, dark and flawless structure with radiant melodies cutting through it's intensity. In contrast, Schumann's Symphony No.2 is a deeply personal work, written during the time of his struggles with depression. The melodies blend restless energy with transcendent lyricism, culminating in a cathartic finale. Captured live in concert at London's Royal Festival Hall, these recordings are a testament to the emotional depth and refined artistry of the LPO under Gardner's dynamic leadership.
Rachminov's Symphonic Dances was one of the first four releases on the LPO Label. As a celebration of the LPO 20 Anniversariy, they are releasing a new recording of the Symphonic Dances, recorded in March of 2023, paired with Rachmaninov's The Bells. Both recordings are performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of our prinicpal conductor, Edward Gardner. The Bells, a choral symphony incorporates Edgar Allan Poe's namesake poem, with a traditional Georgian melody Dies Irae. Motifs of Dies Irae can also be heard in the final movement of the Symphonic Dance; where the Dies Irae theme represents Death.
