Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 I. Moderato (Rubinstein)

Moderato, first movement from Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Fritz Reiner, conductor
Arthur Rubinstein, piano

The Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, is a concerto for piano and orchestra, composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff between the autumn of 1900 and April 1901. The second and third movements were first performed with the composer as soloist on 2 December 1900. The complete work was premiered, again with the composer as soloist, on 27 October 1901, with his cousin Alexander Siloti conducting. This piece is one of Rachmaninoff's most enduring popular pieces, and established his fame as a concerto composer. he opening movement begins with a series of bell-like tolling on the piano that build tension, eventually climaxing in the introduction of the main theme. In this first section, the orchestra carries the Russian-character melody while the piano makes an accompaniment made of arpeggios riddled with half steps. After the statement of the long first theme, a quicker transition follows until the more lyrical second theme, in E flat major, is presented. The agitated and unstable development borrows motives from both themes changing keys very often and giving the melody to different instruments while a new musical idea is slowly formed. The music builds in a huge climax as if the work was going to repeat the first bars of the work, but the recapitulation is going to be quite different. While the orchestra restates the first theme, the piano, that in the other occasion had an accompaniment role, now plays the march-like theme that had been halfway presented in the development, thus making a considerable readjustment in the exposition, as the main theme, played by the orchestra has become an accompaniment. This is followed by a piano solo, which leads into a descending chromatic passage and concluding with an eerie french horn solo. From here the last minutes of the movement are placid until drawn into the agitated coda, and the piece ends in C minor fortissimo.

Quotes from Max Harrison's "Rachmaninoff: Life, Works, Recordings" and Geoffrey Norris' "The Master Musicians: Rachmaninoff"

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873 - 1943)

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  Music

[Pyotr Tchaikovsky]

In Soviet Russia, we make good music.

[Brian Gee]

Except neither you, nor Rachmaninoff were Soviets, or composed in Russia during the Soviet Union. Not to mention the Soviet Revolution essentially ruined Rachmaninoff's way of living. But of course, you were dead at the time so I guess I can forgive you for not knowing.

[DaveSWK]

And Fairy Tail too.

[Brian Gee]

I did. But historically the Soviets tried to censor Tchaikovsky's proclamations, which I believe he only made in private letters to family members and friends. If I remember correctly, it was also a somewhat torturous side of his life (go figure). He had an unsuccessful marriage as well. But this is a Rachmaninoff video!

[Examantel]

Did you know Tchaikovsky was gay?

[ronnie solo]

you certainly do.



[MultiKutner]

The autism is strong in this one.

[Marsha Brady]

I agree! Did you ever see the interview where Rubinstein said he was 10% into music and 90% into women!!!! lol!!!

[Brian Gee]

To whom are you directing this comment? Nothing in my post reflected my social or economic beliefs. Rachmaninoff was part of the Russian bourgeoisie. When the Soviets took power they destroyed his estate and his subsistence with their revolution. Furthermore, what would become the Bolshevik party didn't even appear until 10 years after Tchaikovsky's death. This isn't opinion or subjectivity. This is literally a matter of fact. So, in other words, "No, you."

[Kimberly Miller]

fuck off you bloody capitalist

[Alma L.]

Rachmaninoff, the genius. He will always be my favorite composer! Thank you Rubinstein!

[AvatarYoda]

This piece was also in Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo.