Rachmaninov’s Symphony No 2 in E minor was written in 1906-7, after the composer had recovered from a bout of depression triggered by the disastrous premiere of his First Symphony. While he wrote significant works in between, the Second Symphony marks his full maturity as a master of the orchestra. This is not only the Rachmaninov of soaring, sequential string melodies but also of bouncing scherzos and piquant woodwinds. In particular, the slow movement requires a truly sensitive clarinettist.

There have been several magnificent recordings of this symphony, starting with André Previn’s 1973 version (EMI). Previn’s approach was pliable and “capital R” Romantic. Pletnev (DG) was swift and articulate. Jansons (EMI) combined the best of both worlds, and Pappano does the same in this new live recording. As a leading opera conductor, Pappano knows precisely when to broaden the tempo, when to press forward, and how to shape a long lyrical phrase. The St Cecilia players sound tight as a drum – accompanying figures are never opaque: unsuspected orchestral colours leap out at you.

Liadov’s Enchanted Lake is beautifully realised too. The mysterious soft opening trills had me holding my breath. No wonder Liadov was Diaghilev’s first choice to compose The Firebird! The recording quality is fine for a live concert, though the balance strikes me as artificial and the sound picture two-dimensional compared to the very best. No matter, it’s the performance that counts.