RACHMANINOV: PIANO CONCERTO NR. 2
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, composition for piano and orchestra by Sergei Rachmaninov. It premiered on November 9, 1901, and contains themes that, throughout the 20th century, would be reborn as the melodies of several popular songs, including Frank Sinatra's 1945 “Full Moon and Empty Arms” and Eric Carmen’s 1975 “All by Myself.” It was made most famous when set as the haunting motif of David Lean's 1945 film Brief Encounter.
ABOUT
The first movement (Moderato - Allegro) opens with dark, paired chords for the soloist, building into stormy runs. By contrast, the second movement (Adagio sostenuto) is sweetly romantic in the spirit of a candlelit dinner. Drama returns with the final movement (Allegro scherzando), with a march-like beat in the first bars, demanding runs for the soloist, and at last a grand, flowing melody to support that bravura keyboard activity.
Tracklist: Piano Concert in c minor, No. 2, Op. 18
Side A:
1. Satz: Moderato
Side B:
2. Satz: Adagio sostenuto
3. Satz: Allegro scherzando
Six Preludes
1. No. 12, C Major, Op. 32, No. 1
2. No. 3, B Major, Op. 23, No. 2
3. No. 6, G minor, Op. 23, No. 5
4. No. 13, B minor, Op. 32, No. 2
5. No. 5 D Major, Op. 23, No. 4
6. No. 8 C minor, Op. 23, No. 7
Artist: Sviatoslav Richter
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Media: 180g Vinyl