We are continuing our exploration of 2nd movements of romantic piano concertos with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. #PianoAdagios
In 1900-1901, Sergei Rachmaninoff, emerging from the shadow of a crippling depression after his first symphony’s failure, poured his soul into Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor. Inspired by therapy with Dr. Nikolai Dahl, Rachmaninoff dedicated it to him, a nod to the healing that birthed this music. It was premiered in 1901 in Moscow with Rachmaninoff at the piano. I was introduced to this piano concerto by my parents. I have listened to it more than any other piece of music.
Let’s try an experiment. Listen to these two performances first:
Now listen to this one, performed by Valentina Lisitsa without orchestra. What is incredible about Rachmaninoff is that the piano often sounds like a full orchestra.
You can listen to the full concerto here:
Magnificent!