5/5 Great performance of the Second Symphony...
  by Camil Moujaber (Owosso, Michigan USA)
Got this DVD for Rachmaninov's Symphony no.2... Amazing performance by the WDR Symphony Orchestra, which was formed in 1947 by the NWDR Radio station in Cologne. Today this orchestra has gained an international reputation under chief conductors that have included Dohnanyi, Macal, Bertini and Vonk, as well as guest conductors like Abbado, Karajan, Maazel, Mehta, Solti and Previn. Since 1998, the orchestra's chief conductor has been Semyon Bychkov, conducting the performances on this DVD.

This Rachmaninov DVD contains the following programs:
* The Bells, Opus 35 - Documentary and performance
* Symphonic Dances, Opus 45 - Documentary and performance
* Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Opus 27 - Performance only

The documentaries include rehearsals, interviews with orchestra members (in German, with subtitles) and commentary in English by the conductor on the life and works or Sergei Rachmaninov.

I have watched "Symphony No. 2" and some of "The Bells" rehearsals so far on this DVD, and as I mentioned before, the Sym. 2 performance by the WDR.S.O. is very pleasing, accurately displaying the grandiose beauty and genuine melancholy of this beautiful symphony. Quoting from the booklet: "It was fantastic to see the way the orchestra brought commitment and passion to this extremely difficult music, the spirit of which is so difficult to fathom. In the concerts, the orchestra played as if it was a matter of life or death". I am sure the rest of the performances on this DVD will be as pleasing.

Great picture, great sound, great orchestra and conductor, great performances... so? 5 stars for this highly recommended DVD!

4/5 Review: the Bells & Symphonic Dances; Rachmaninoff
  by DK (Michigan)
A very good performance, coupled with discussions by orchestra members and the conductor. Provides some insights into the life of the composer and the experiences of selected performers.