Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances op.45 - Live concert HD

Radio Filharmonisch Orkest o.l.v. Edward Gardner

18 december 2011, 11:00 uur, Grote Zaal van het Concertgebouw Amsterdam.

Rachmaninov: Symfonische Dansen

[neopathetique]

Before composing this piece, I think Rachmaninoff thought: "I will try to use as many instruments as possible, each and every one of them will have individual and melodic parts. Each movement will have a different character and orchestra members will definitely have fun playing it".

This performance is fantastic by the way. Especially the strings are flawless. Very well done, bravo.

[jessj]

10:53 gets me every time. Including a theme from his first symphony, 43 years later, as some kind of middle finger in the air to all those that doubted him and the depression that ultimately led to his time refusing to write music for a few years. What a piece, what a man.

[prettysaxy]

i’m a saxophonist, classical to be specific, i just love that composers use saxophones in their pieces

[sydneypreston]

Not often you hear a saxophone in an orchestra. Rach was so immersed in the colours that he wanted that only a sax would fit. Brilliant.

[pythregius]

I'm a person with a huge emotional blockade, the first movement of this master piece however gives me goosebumps and has the rare ability to make tears roll over my face something no other piece of music has ever been able to do for me, for that this is the most magnificent piece of music ever made for me.

[thesmilinone]

the woman playing the saxophone makes the slow part of the piece sounds so complete and wonderful

[djboo]

The saxophone is such an interesting instrument. We hear it all the time in jazz or symphonic band but it’s string/viola like quality really shines in the context of a symphony orchestra

[johanneseva]

Second movement: 12:10
Third movement: 23:15
Allegro vivace 32:53

[ladamyre]

Fine performance of one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.
Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

[lawrencemiao]

At 24:01 the bells play 12 times as if they were signaling midnight. This movement was also originally titled "midnight."

[peppapig]

One year ago to this day I fell asleep while listening to some music. I woke to this piece, and while it wasn't my first time listing to it, I hadn't heard it in a month.
At 10:53 where the glockenspiel comes in, I was half awake half asleep. I told myself that this must be what heaven sounds like. It was only when the audience started to clap did I realise it was Rachmaninoff and his trickery!
I swore to myself that from that day on, I will never forget the experience and always leave room in my heart for this piece.

[christopherdandeker]

Rachmaninov's masterpiece at the end of his life - a beautiful summation of all his musical themes - the haunting saxophone is just one of the superb contributions here.

[CB]

The "Dies Irae"-quote at 35:15 is the most "goosebumping" thing I have ever heard - it is just huge music!

[mirensummers]

That saxophone is like butter it's so smooth

[Cromf]

Incredible mix of harmony, melody, and style. This is why I adore Rachmaninoff’s music the most.

[anandsamuel]

To me personally Rachmaninoff speaks in a language I understand! Listening to this genius fills my heart with tears! That is his glory!

[Zonno]

Fijn dat avroklassiek zoveel uitstekende concerten beschikbaar heeft in de hoogste kwaliteit.

[Dylonely]

Rachmaninoff was a master orchestrator. Perhaps one of the greatest of his time.

[jksteven]

Rachmaninoff was the master of some of the most glorious, rich and lush melodic lines in music.Example: start at 10:53. Wow!

[piano]

The haunting saxophone melody in the first dance when taken up by the strings gives me goose flesh - one of Rachmaninoff's great melodic inspirations and one of his greatest compositions.