Rachmaninoff, the 2nd Symphony, the hope and the survival

A determination, a passion, a purity of intention, a personal dedication, a true love of art... whichever ambition is considered, the roots are grounded in the beautiful tragic of Rachmaninoff ... beginning with a sky full of hopes ... turning into a stormy season of critical darkness ... and finally welcoming the first rays of [...]

A determination, a passion, a purity of intention, a personal dedication, a true love of art… whichever ambition is considered, the roots are grounded in the beautiful tragic of Rachmaninoff … beginning with a sky full of hopes … turning into a stormy season of critical darkness … and finally welcoming the first rays of light

 

 

This Russian citizen of the kingdom of classical sounds, Sergei Rachmaninoff, was a pianist, a conductor and a composer in the late 19th and the early 20th century. Trained in harmony with the classical traditions at the Moscow Conservatory as a pianist, at the end of 19th century (1897) Rachmaninoff shared his First Symphony with the audience at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. The overall reception of this virgin piece of the very first symphonic confidence cannot be described in any other words than a disaster; in fact, it was regarded as a musical representation of hell mastered by this young composer.

 

The First Symphony was considered as a musical representation of Hell and the Ten Plagues of Egypt

 

Despite the common perception, at the time of launching the first symphonic piece, Rahmaninoff’ s talent exposed to the critical cynicism that was being questioned on the fact of his musical skills, it survived… but needed the time to recover.

The historical analysis revealed that those negative words were the direct representatives of political and operational circumstances. The rivalry between the Moscow and St. Petersburg Conservatories was extremely strong at the late 19th century and the conductor who was responsible for a successful performance was not being fully aware of his role (he was drunk).

At the time when Rachmaninoff’ s  talent had been presented to the public for the very first time, facing the excruciating criticism, the musician was absolutely ensured in the perception supported by media that he was the one to blame for his musical incompetence.

The result of which was a four-year depression stripped off any signs of creativeness.  His self-confidence was being restored after therapy sessions and a total renewal of thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions of his own capabilities and talents. The time had come for Second Piano Concerto being born. Five years later after consistent steps towards building blocks of courage to write another symphony, his Second Symphony, was being composed (1906-1907). Winning the coveted Glinka Prize, an extremely prestigious award at the time, Rachmaninoff’s talent finally received a deserved level of recognition… this time not only talent was being awarded… but the composer’s determination, and self-belief built on grounds of criticism.

Barcarolle Op. 10, No. 3 by S.Rachmaninoff

Containing four movements (or sections), the third movement: the Adagio is being considered as very influential that many later artists were inspired enough to base their songs on it (Eric Carmen’s “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again”).

 

Moments Musicaux Op. 16, No. 3 by S.Rachmaninoff

 

 

 

 

Rachmaninov – The Island

by Albertyna Kacalak

 

 

 

 

‘What is music? How can one define it? Music is a calm moonlit night, a rustling of summer foliage. Music is the distant peal of bells at eventide! Music is born only in the heart and it appeals only to the heart; it is Love! The sister of Music is Poesy, and its mother is Sorrow!’ 

— S.Rachmaninoff, New York, 1932

 

 

Images courtesy of SaatchiArt and Victoria Hamilton