I spent my Friday at the state symphony's rendition of a handful of the greatest Russian maestros. I have never, in all honesty, heard them play this well or enthusiastically. It was a small joy to lose one's worries, if only for a moment. Here were two of my favorites, if you have the time:
The conductor noted, quite aptly of course, that critics found this number to be "too hollywood", at which point the conductor asked- "is Rachmaninoff too Hollywood, or is Hollywood too Rachmaninoff?" I couldn't agree more. I prefer the violin performing the vocal line.
