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That luscious adagio is always the pivotal moment of any performance of Rachmaninov's titanic second symphony, and the sensuous strings of the Budapest Festival Orchestra under its co-founder, Ivan Fischer, make this outstanding recording no exception. But the outer movements are not, for once, overshadowed by its lyrical beauty; Fischer is at pains to demonstrate their sinuous strengths, drawing a rich range of colours from his very accomplished players. In this impressive company the celebrated Vocalise, a bonus to an already fulfilling programme, amounts to a soothing encore. The Observer 23rd May 04 Anthony Holden