Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 / Vasily Petrenko / Oslo Philharmonic

Watch the Oslo Philharmonic perform Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 with chief conductor Vasily Petrenko in Oslo Concert Hall on 31st October 2014.

I. Largo - Allegro Moderato 0:00
II. Allegro molto 19:18
III. Adagio 29:30
IV. Allegro vivace 44:34

Production: Les Film Jack Fébus

Film director: François René Martin

#classicalmusic #orchestra #symphony #rachmaninoff #rachmaninoffsymphony2

[ruslannuriyev]

After listening to many versions of this piece, I'm strictly convinced that maestro Petrenko's version cannot be surpassed. The Oslo Philharmonic and Petrenko are some of the best duos of our time. Everything they produce is utterly beautiful and divine. And one more thing, Petrenko is one of the rarest conductors that can take a piece out of its standard and usual form and flex it to his own ideas. This requires an incredible amount of encouragement.

[loualcaraz]

I want to thank my high school music teacher ms. Lee for introducing me to this incredibly beautiful piece of music. Ms. Lee if you are still with us, from the bottom of my heart I will forever be grateful. You don’t know how much you changed this boy from the ghetto’s life.

[frankreedy]

I’ve heard dozens of symphony orchestras perform R2, both in live performances and all up and down YouTube. One thing is clear: the brilliant orchestrator and harmonist Rachmaninoff transcends anyone and everything that presents his beautiful music.

[davidjared]

Isn't the Adagio one of the most beautiful movements in all classical music?! Thank God for this season of working from home. I'd scarcely listened to Rachmaninoff beforehand; now I'm profoundly impressed with the soul and genius of his music. And I love Maestro Petrenko's conducting too. Bravo!

[christianvennemann]

As monumentally gorgeous as the Adagio is, that sudden modulation from 42:08 to 42:12 never fails to get me. It's so subtle and only happens once in that whole 15-minute movement, but it tugs at my heartstrings every single time 🥲🥰

[chihiroogino]

I. Largo - Allegro Moderato 0:00
II. Allegro molto 19:18
III. Adagio 29:30
IV. Allegro vivace 44:34

[peterartboy]

I've never before seen a conductor with such control over whole orchestra. He uses his hands and fingers
as of he was playing a very large and complex instrument, everyone was in sync so the harmony was crisp and clear. Brilliant.

OMG, what a Rach 2 symphony, one that penetrates the Slavic soul like no other. Surely, the DEFINITIVE performance, to me at least! Maestro Petrenko is top class and the Oslo players better than even the Berliners! Bitte.
My wish is to hear this great orchestra play this same piece (with the same passion!) with this great conductor in the Dewan Fil over here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, perhaps, when the Covid 19 pandemic is over.
And that clarinet solo with Leif Pederson in the

[jo_the_lurker]

After the storm comes the peace of the Adagio…..repeating the motifs we hear in the first two movements but with such serenity and calm. Gives me chills every time I hear it.

[RJGinSATX]

Vasily Petrenko is one of the most gifted conductors on the classical music scene today. May his artistry and command of the score continue to enlighten and refresh the repertoire.

[kiaraeijo]

This is beautiful!! I feel like Rachmaninov is underrated as a Symphonic composer when compared to his contemporaries Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich.

[shaunpatrickthomas]

The Third Movement (Adagio) gives me goosebumps every single time! (And I've heard it many many times!) One of the best interpretations of Rach Symphony 2 - one of my favourite symphonies!

[simonrostis]

That brief interjection of a jolly, proud march at 23:50 is so incredible. I don't know why I enjoy that part so, but it just speaks to the creative genius of Rachmaninov. All of the themes in this song could be expanded into their own 30-minute long work.

[AngusHumphreys]

Petrenko and the Oslo Philharmonic have such a great chemistry. They blend in so well and they clearly have a great musical understanding of each other. What happens is something like this is produced. Can you come to the UK one day?

[anandsamuel]

Rachmaninoff is one of favourite Composer and this symphony does move me emotionally! I have watched this amazing symphony performed so many times by different orchestras and all of them were excellent! It's very difficult for me to say which orchestra is better than the others because by doing so I am making a judgement which is not fair on any orchestra. Having said that this concert is excellent. Super performance by Oslo Philharmonic orchestra and an very involved Conductor though young brings out the best from this orchestra. On the lighter side my girlfriend and me are watching the wonder of Rachmaninoff in full flow with a glass of wine!

[Anonymous]

This is an incredible performance. Every member of that orchestra feels and "understands" what the music is "saying" and you can see it on their faces. They're good and they know it. So much energy!

[josellorca]

Wow what a rendition from Oslo Philarmonic and Mr Petrenko!!! It seems to me that the orquestra members where in the high seas of emotion! They brings to me to tears. 😪 And yes, the adagio really was made with the angels behind mr Rachmaninov....and is the most highest and beautiful music ever written by a human been.

[AFN]

The solo clarinet in the 2nd movement was inexpressibly beautiful. I have never hear it performed more flawlessly. Brought tears. But then this movement always moves me. Maybe where the musical term derives. If it isn’t, it ought to be.

[brucedahms]

This symphony is brilliant as is this performance. I first heard Rachmaninoff's second symphony at a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert years ago. I had gone primarily to hear the soloist in a concerto during the first half of the concert. The emotion and intensity of the Rachmaninoff in the second half of the concert was overwhelming. To this day I cannot remember what was performed in the first half of the concert. This symphony should be performed much more frequently than it is.

[mms]

This is the most intense emotionally compelling symphony ever. In 90s I remember attending it with ST Louis symphony orchestra when conducted by Leonard Slatkin. I sat in the first row and the finale ending was an out of body experience. Felt at union with the violinists who on turn were in a different world.