Rachmaninov & Dohnányi: A Classical Rollercoaster You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, buckle up, because this album is like that one friend who shows up at a party and somehow manages to be both the life of it and the deep conversation you have in the corner. We’re talking about Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini / Dohnányi Variations on a Nursery Theme, performed by Julius Katchen, the London Philharmonic, and conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. Released in 2017 under Decca (because if you’re gonna do classical, might as well go big), this record feels like a time machine to when music had more drama than your last group chat.
The Vibe
First off, let’s talk genre and style. Romantic? Check. Modern? Double-check. It’s basically the musical equivalent of wearing a velvet suit while scrolling through TikTok—classic but with an edge. And props to the engineers Alan Reeve and Kenneth Wilkinson for making these tracks sound so crisp they could cut glass. Mastered by Ben Wiseman? Yep, he polished this baby till it shines brighter than my future career prospects.
Now, onto the good stuff—the songs. There are 42 tracks here (yes, really), which sounds intimidating until you realize how much fun they are. I mean, variations on nursery themes? Rachmaninov doing Paganini? This isn’t just classical music; it’s a theme park ride where every twist leaves you clutching the armrest.
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Track Highlights: Why These Stuck
Let’s zoom in on two tracks that made me sit up straighter than my posture usually allows:
Variation 18
Oh, sweet summer child, this track hits different. If I were forced to describe it in three words, I’d say “elegant,” “haunting,” and “why-didn’t-I-listen-to-this-sooner?” The piano dances around like it’s showing off its fancy footwork at a ball, but there’s also this underlying melancholy that sneaks up on you. Like, sure, it’s beautiful—but it’s the kind of beauty that makes you stare out a window and wonder what life’s all about. Classic Rachmaninov move, honestly.
Finale Fugato: Allegro Vivace - Tempo Del Tema - Molto Allegro
This one? Absolute chaos—in the best way possible. Imagine someone took a caffeine overdose and then decided to write a symphony. That’s this finale. It starts fast, gets faster, and then just throws caution to the wind entirely. By the end, I was half-convinced my speakers might explode. But hey, if you’re gonna go out, why not do it with a bang?
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Final Thoughts: Because Life’s Too Short Not To Reflect
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. Is it perfect for background music? Nope. This isn’t the kind of thing you can ignore—it demands your attention like that overly enthusiastic dog begging for treats. Listening to it felt like stepping into another world, one where emotions are cranked up to eleven and everyone speaks in minor keys.
And now, for the unexpected remark: After listening to this masterpiece, I suddenly understood why people used to faint at concerts back in the day. Music like this doesn’t just entertain—it overwhelms. In a good way, though. Like love or nachos.
Rating: 9/10 – Only losing points because my eardrums need a nap after that finale.
