[Rachmaninoff or Rachmaninov? In Cyrillic his name is Рахманинов, where the ‘в’ represents ‘v’. However, he spelled his name ‘Rachmaninoff’, which is what we’ve decided to use.]
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor of the late Romantic period. Born into a musical family, Rachmaninoff demonstrated prodigious talent at an early age. His compositions, characterized by lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and virtuosic piano writing, contribute significantly to the late Romantic Russian tradition.
Rachmaninoff’s early success, such as with his Prelude in C-sharp Minor, was followed by a period of self-doubt after the premiere of his First Symphony. However, he regained confidence with the success of his Piano Concerto No. 2, and his Symphony No. 2 stands as one of his most celebrated orchestral works.
Rachmaninoff composed his Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27, between 1906 and 1907, a period marked by artistic and political turbulence in Russia. The symphony reflects the lush Romanticism of the time and echoes the emotional depth found in works by contemporaries like Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler.
Additionally, the symphony is contemporary with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, which further established his reputation as both a composer and performer. The broader context includes the culmination of late-Romantic orchestral traditions and the onset of 20th-century musical experimentation.
Largo – Allegro moderato: The symphony opens with a brooding Largo introduction, showcasing Rachmaninoff’s gift for melancholic melodies. The Allegro moderato that follows introduces the main thematic material, rich in orchestral colour. The movement unfolds with dramatic contrasts, from stormy passages to lyrical episodes, creating a sense of emotional depth.
Allegro molto: marked by its vivacious and rhythmic character. Rachmaninoff employs vibrant orchestration and lively motifs, creating a contrast to the introspective first movement. The scherzo-like quality of this section adds energy and momentum to the symphony.
Adagio: the emotional heart of the symphony. Rachmaninoff crafts a soulful and expressive melody, showcasing his mastery of lyrical writing. The movement unfolds with a gradual crescendo of emotional intensity, featuring lush strings and poignant woodwind solos.
Allegro vivace: returns to a more dynamic and spirited character. Rachmaninoff introduces lively rhythmic patterns and thematic developments, building towards a triumphant conclusion. The movement combines elements of Russian folk influences with the composer’s signature grand orchestral style.
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 is a testament to his ability to navigate the emotional landscape of late-Romantic music. Advanced music students studying this symphony will find rich material for analysis, from its thematic development to its orchestral colour, revealing the depth and complexity of Rachmaninoff’s compositional prowess.
Listening Project 