Rachmaninov's The Bells in Building a Library with Nigel Simeone and Andrew McGregor
Andrew McGregor with the best new classical releases, joined by Alice Farnham and Nigel Simeone, who surveys recordings of Rachmaninov's The Bells and makes a top recommendation.
Andrew McGregor with the best new classical releases, joined by Alice Farnham and Nigel Simeone, who surveys recordings of Rachmaninov's The Bells and makes a top recommendation.
c.2.10pm Conductor Alice Farnham joins Andrew to play tracks from a selection of new releases that have caught her ear this week.
c.3pm Building a Library: Rachmaninov's The Bells. Nigel Simeone joins Andrew to survey a shortlist of recordings of Rachmaninov's choral symphony and makes a top recommendation.
Written in 1913 and premiered in St Petersburg conducted by the composer, Rachmaninov originally considered The Bells to be his third symphony (until he wrote his purely orchestral Symphony No 3). The text is from a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, and the traditional Gregorian melody Dies Irae is used throughout the work. It was one of Rachmaninov's two favourite compositions, along with his All-Night Vigil.
c.3.45pm Record of the Week. Andrew's top pick of the week's new releases.
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Broadcast
- Sat 21 Nov 202614:00BBC Radio 3
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