Anna Fedorova's live recording of Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto in the Royal Concertgebouw has over 35 million views, making it the most watched classical concerto on YouTube.
Historical Context
Rachmaninoff was forced to flee his homeland during the 1917 Revolution and spent the rest of his life in the US, making him a victim of the Russian government.
Composition History
Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 was dedicated to Nikolai Dahl, a neurologist and psychotherapist who helped him recover from depression after the disastrous premiere of his Symphony No. 1.
Interpretation
Anna Fedorova chose to begin the album with Piano Concerto No. 4 and end with Piano Concerto No. 2, as the 4th represents a farewell to the past and the 2nd symbolizes rebirth and hope.
Critical Reception
Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 4 was initially criticized as an "interminable, loosely knit hodgepodge" by Pitts Sanborn in The Evening Telegram after its 1927 premiere.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in November 2021 at the Tonhalle Theater St. Gallen, Switzerland, and the team finished recording one and a half days ahead of schedule.
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