Sergei Rachmaninov; Symphony No. 1 in D Minor; Caprice Bohemien National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Alexander Anissimov, conductor. Naxos 8.550806

These works from Rachmaninov's youth fairly radiate with potent, shimmering energy. The Symphony No. 1 has such a quintessential Russian flavor that hard to believe it was dismissed by Cui as a musical depiction of the plagues of Egypt.

Anissimov keeps the pace going in a strong, focused and pliable reading. The brilliant clarity of the orchestral playing is enthusiastic. The recording itself is spacious and clear allowing the full spectrum of the brilliant orchestral colors to come through. Beautifully done.