Great Music - Rachmaninoff

As my loyal readers will recall, yesterday we finished our survey of La Folia with the Variations on a Theme of Corelli by the great Sergei Rachmaninoff.  Once I get started with Rachmaninoff, it's hard to stop!  His music speaks in such a profound, yet intimate way, that I don't know how people can do without it.

When I was giving you some biographical background on Rachmaninoff, I mentioned that the premiere of his First Symphony had been a disaster.  The First Symphony was never again performed during Rachmaninoff's lifetime.  Since then, it has been played and recorded many times.  One wonders what happened at the premiere that led to such rejection (Mme. Rachmaninoff's accusation of a drunk conductor gets a little more veracity, when you realize there's no real problem with the music.)

It is important to remember that in addition to being a top-notch pianist and composer, Rachmaninoff was also a celebrated conductor.  His orchestral works (even his student works) show extraordinary skill and musicianship.  It's hard to believe that the First Symphony is as bad as it seemed to be.

But why don't you decide for yourselves?  Here's the last movement of Rachmaninoff's First Symphony in D Minor. (Sorry - I could only find a good version in two clips - but it's worth the effort) I think you'll be happily surprised.  Enjoy!