Rachmaninoff International Orchestra plays Swan Lake Suite & Carmen Suite

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite (arranged by Mikhail Pletnev; 
Shchedrin: Carmen Suite - Ballet in one act after George Bizet (A transcription of excerpts from Bizet's opera for strings and percussion)

In August 2022, the musicians of the world-class Rachmaninoff International Orchestra (RIO) gathered in Bratislava to perform their first recording under the direction of founder and artistic director Mikhail Pletnev.  Experience the beloved tunes from "Swan Lake" and "Carmen" on Super Audio CD and digital.

Pletnev's reimagining of Swan Lake goes beyond convention, offering an elaborate arrangement of Tchaikovsky's ballet music. The result is a captivating cocktail of color and atmosphere, blending theatrical drama with aristocratic elegance in perfect harmony. Meanwhile, the Carmen Suite, artfully arranged by Rodion Shchedrin, introduces a playful twist to Bizet's timeless melodies.

For audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of sonic excellence, the Super Audio CD boasts High-Resolution Audio. Whether enjoyed on the Super Audio CD or through digital platforms, also as Dolby Atmos, these recordings transport you to a world of unparalleled musical brilliance.

REVIEWS

Mikhail Pletnev’s new ensemble is already finely honed
Judging by this debut recording, [the RIO] is already a finely honed ensemble. The playing doesn’t yet boast the razor-sharp precision of articulation that perhaps can only be achieved by a long-established orchestra. But this is a relatively minor disadvantage when measured against the commitment of the performance as a whole… Pletnev has opted to create his own arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s work. This preserves the narrative chronological sequence of music as it unfolds throughout the ballet. [The Bizet/Shchedrin Carmen Suite] has drive, rhythmic exuberance and expressive intensity.

– June 2024 BBC Music Magazine