The 2nd Symphony's extended 'Largo' introduction is the 'germinal cell' of the entire work, with themes presented there becoming highly important later.
Composition History
The catastrophic premiere of Rachmaninov's 1st Symphony in 1879, which he called the 'most appalling hour of my life', caused him trauma and a severe writer's block.
Composition History
The premiere of Rachmaninov's 1st Symphony was disastrous due to conductor Alexander Glazunov being possibly drunk, and the orchestra being unprepared.
Composer Biography
Rachmaninov's 2nd Symphony is an expression of the homesickness he felt, like many Russian artists forced into exile.
Critical Reception
Rachmaninov's 2nd Symphony was highly acclaimed at its 1908 premiere and earned him the Glinka Prize and a position as vice-president of the Russian Music Society.
Composer Biography
Rachmaninov overcame depression and writer's block with the help of psychologist Nikolai Dahl, to whom he dedicated his successful 2nd Piano Concerto.
Composition History
Rachmaninov moved his family to Dresden in 1906, seeking stable conditions and a positive work atmosphere away from the Russian Revolution and 'Bloody Sunday'.
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