‘Hilary Hahn & Philharmonia Orchestra’

In his last composition, the Symphonic Dances, Rachmaninov takes a nostalgic look back at the Russia he knew, and at his earlier work. The opening theme from his First Symphony makes an appearance, but we also hear his beloved Russian church music. In the final dance, Rachmaninov creates a magnificent contrast between the portentous Dies Irae motif and a song about the Resurrection. The Philharmonia Orchestra dazzles in these three dances, led by the young Finnish conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, who is also perfectly at home with Sibelius. Rouvali’s recordings of the latter’s work have been widely acclaimed, so the picturesque En Saga is in good hands. The great violinist Hilary Hahn also makes an entrance. Prokofiev’s colourful Second Violin Concerto is the perfect work to display her consummate technique and thrilling musicality.