Rachmaninoff's homeland always remained in his heart and is reflected in his music, even though he was never able to return to Russia after emigrating.
Performer Biography
Modestas Pitrenas, the conductor, is one of the most successful Lithuanian conductors of the younger generation, known for his symphonic and opera conducting.
Compositional Technique
Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini incorporates the Dies irae, a Gregorian chant from the Requiem Mass, as a prominent theme in several variations.
Composition History
Rachmaninoff revised his Piano Concerto No. 1, originally written at age 18, 27 years later in 1917, just before leaving Russia forever.
Historical Context
Rachmaninoff left Russia in December 1917, taking what he could in small cases, including sketches for compositions and scores of his unfinished opera Monna Vanna.
Performer Biography
Anna Fedorova, the pianist on this album, has a live recording of Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto with over 23 million hits on YouTube, making it the most watched classical concerto.
Recording & Production
The recording of this album took place in the Tonhalle Theater St. Gallen, Switzerland, from November 13-15, 2019.
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