Sergei Rachmaninov (1873 - 1943)
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27
I. Largo : Allegro moderato
II. Allegro motto
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro vivace

In the Autumn of 1906, Rachmaninov left Moscow with his wife and daughter to settle, quietly and incognito, in Dresden. He was leaving Moscow (where social life tended to begin at midnight and end at dawn) in order to find more time for composing. "I have escaped from my friends," he told an acquaintance, "Please don't give me away!".

The plan worked; for the first time since the disastrous failure of his first symphony in 1897, he felt the confidence to tackle purely orchestral works. The second symphony, and "The Isle of the Dead" were both written in Dresden during 1907. The symphony was premiered in St.Petersburg in January 1908, with Rachmaninov himself conducting.

The second symphony is his largest work for orchestra; is written in the usual four movements, and is scored for a normal large romantic symphony orchestra.

The introduction begins with a motto theme on lower strings, followed by a winding violin tune, which twists and turns into an intense climax. It subsides, and the Allegro starts quietly. The main theme is similar in feel to the introduction, and soon builds to a climax. A short clarinet solo leads to a sighing second theme, to which strings soon add a chattering triplet figure. A third big theme for strings leads to rest and quiet. The development of these ideas begins with a solo violin, and goes on to several passionate climaxes. Eventually the original themes are rediscovered, and a coda based on the chattering triplet figure leads to an abrupt close.

The second movement is a fast brittle scherzo. A motto theme is announced at once on horns, which is taken up by the violins in a closely related but sprightlier dancing figure which dominates this movement. The scherzo refrain is interrupted by several contrasting slower episodes, notably a long flowing string melody (which is introduced by a rocking figure on the woodwind) and a quite intricate fugal section, introduced by the second violins alone. At the end, the movement fades to silence ...

... and the glorious Adagio unfolds. There are two main tunes here - the upward-striving string theme which opens the movement, and the rhapsodic clarinet solo which shortly follows. Analysis is pointless; just sit back and enjoy Rachmaninov at his best!

The finale opens with a wild burst of energy, in a 12/8 rhythm like an Italian Tarantella. A big string theme offers contrast, and there are reminiscences of themes from previous movements. Don't be surprised when the adagio makes a reappearance for a few bars! But it is the vigorous tarantella which carries the day, and drives the symphony to its exuberant conclusion.