Rachmaninov stated, 'I am a Russian composer; therefore my temperament, outlook and music are quintessentially Russian,' with many melodies influenced by Russian folk and church music.
Compositional Technique
The first Suite, 'Fantaisie-Tableaux', is programmatic, with each movement inspired by a poem and excerpts printed in the original score.
Composition History
Rachmaninov's teacher, Anton Arensky, initiated a trend for two-piano works in late 19th-century Russia, composing five suites that served as models for the genre.
Performer Biography
Marianna Shirinyan, an Armenian-born pianist, is a professor at both the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Royal Danish Academy of Music, and a Steinway Artist.
Composition History
Rachmaninov began his second two-piano suite in 1900, after recovering from a breakdown following the critical reception of his Symphony No.1.
Composition History
Rachmaninov discussed his first two-piano work, 'Fantaisie-Tableaux', with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who had previously supported Rachmaninov's talent.
Recording & Production
This recording of Rachmaninov's Suites for two pianos was made during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown at the Concert Hall of The Royal Danish Academy of Music.
