Sergei Rachmaninov was better known in his day for his pianistic virtuosity than for his compositions, but his creative output has long been acknowledged as the enthralling legacy of a major creative artist. A thrilling masterpiece based on Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, The Bells is a choral symphony in all but name, its theme giving Rachmaninov the opportunity to explore his fascination with bell sounds. Spring is a dramatic portrayal of rebirth in a land gripped by ice, while the Three Russian Songs are folk-song settings that became a hit at the premiere under the baton of Leopold Stokowski.

This VOX Audiophile Edition recording was recorded In 1980 and first released on vinyl in 1982 as part of a multi-LP collection of Rachmaninov’s complete orchestral music. The Bells recording was later coupled with The Isle of the Dead in 1982 and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Choral Performance (Other Than Opera).

The Elite Recordings for VOX by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

‘Leonard Slatkin and the Saint Louis Symphony have established a fine track record as interpreters of Rachmaninov.’ – David Hall, Stereo Review

‘The playing is generally excellent… The opening of The Bells, whose interpretation takes on strong, powerful introspection as the performance develops…’ – Houston Chronicle

‘…powerful and committed performance… The great mystery is why this powerful, thrilling masterpiece is as relatively little known and rarely performed as it is; it’s full of rare beauties, and is also concise, never for a moment outstaying its welcome.’ – Gwyn Parry-Jones, MusicWeb International