Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 | Antonio Pappano with the Staatskapelle Dresden

A frenzy of timbres: Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27, performed by the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden under the baton of Antonio Pappano. The concert took place in the Semperoper Dresden in 2018.

The second symphony by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873 - 1943) could also be called his "Dresden Symphony" since Rachmaninoff wrote the symphonic work in 1906/07 in Dresden, where his family had spent the winter months for three consecutive years. The premiere of Symphony No. 2 took place again in St. Petersburg in 1908 under the composer's direction and was a great success, which Rachmaninoff was in dire need of, since the premiere of his first symphony in 1897 had been a debacle and had plunged him into depression and a deep creative crisis.

All the more astonishing was the great success he had with his 2nd Symphony. This may be due, on the one hand, to the balance that characterizes the form of each of the four movements. But above all, it is the symphony's tonal colours that give it an incomparable radiance. Through lush orchestration and varied combinations of instrumental groups, the orchestra's tonal possibilities come into their own.

In the past, Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 was often performed in an abridged version. Here, the Staatskapelle Dresden plays it completely authentically – in its unabridged original version and at the location of its creation.

(00:00) Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27
(00:25) I. Largo - Allegro moderato
(19:23) II. Allegro molto
(29:50) III Adagio
(44:19) IV. Allegro vivace

© EuroArts Music International

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[anandsamuel]

A Russian Composer, a German orchestra and a Italian Conductor! Could not have asked for more for this magnificent Symphony!

[gregorA]

Do we think people will be listening to Cardi B in 100 years? Timeless, classical music is so amazing.

[rdavis]

There is no way to over-emphasize how great this is. I keep coming back to it, I'm sure over a dozen times by now. Together, this work and this performance is THE definition of music.

[stevieb]

One of the greatest symphonies ever composed! I've been fortunate enough to have played it many times as a first horn - most recently earlier this year - and have conducted this masterpiece as well and I've lost count of the number of times I've heard it. I still remember when, as a teenager, my late father brought home André Previn's now famous recording of the full version with the LSO on vinyl and it blew my head off. The sheer emotion of the first and third movements and the joy of the Scherzo - second movement - and Finale made such an impact then, as it still does now - almost 50 years later. Good to see Tony Pappano and the Dresden orchestra give such a powerful performance. Thanks for posting this.

[kenelliott]

The 1st Clarinetist is Sooo good!! So perfectly phrased and so musical. The Adagio is perfect to show him off. Memorable!

[honda]

Although mainly known by his piano concertos I always thought his symphonies (mainly the 2nd but not forgetting the other two) were musically much more complex and rewarding to listen to. I always get goose bumps with this 2nd and must have heard it untold times. Only thing...it has to be played with lots of passion and by a very good and large orchestra to show its real colors.

[TheSunkensoldierball]

I have been listening the piano concerto N 2 for a couple of years, recently, I discovered this symphony and I can say, rachmanininoff's works are amazing. This one is another of my favorites now.

[DongoBongKong]

I have practically no formal knowledge of classical music. But it doesn't prevent me from being deeply moved by it and have my soul soothed in an oral bath of harmonies and melodies

[Nostalgicavenue]

I wish people didn’t forget the Second movement…it’s so wonderful!!! The whole symphony is amazing; this performance makes it shine even more. Thank you so much for giving us this music.

[philjm]

My son, a double bass player, will be playing this along with the rest of the York University Symphony Orchestra next week, and we're going along to watch - we can't wait - two very proud parents!

[darioribechi]

Pappano and Rachmaninov's 2nd are an explosive mix when they meet. Absolute beauty and drama. Thank you

[kenelliott]

I have never before heard any finer clarinet. The note changes are so silky smooth. He is phenomenal!! What a pleasure to listen to . . . clear and beautiful!

[scottxu]

The third movement is certainly beautiful in its gut-wrenching kind of way, but nothing beats the fourth movement with all its orchestral complexity and emotional power, with the string section's relentless pursuit of sublimation and the wind section's haunting punctuation between resolution and struggle. As a life-long admirer of Rachmaninov, this performance is one of the best I've heard, but in terms of YouTube uploads, this is the best version I've seen.

[luisangelortizcaraballo]

Without a doubt, a masterpiece of the symphonic repertoire of late romanticism! The glorious magnificence of this music is highlighted in this masterful performance... overflowing with mystery, drama, passion, lyricism, melancholy and poetic bombast! This extraordinary symphony inspires and moves with its beautiful themes... it makes us vibrate and tremble with emotion! It is a brilliant musical work: exquisitely orchestrated; and finely constructed in a masterly way, between soft and powerful pulses, with calm and vigorous rhythms! I take my hat off and bow to this wonderful orchestra, under the baton of this fabulous conductor... great job! Definitely: an artistic experience out of the ordinary... simply sublime! Braaavooo, Master Rachmaninoff!

[hongly-pc]

ne of the greatest symphonies ever composed! I've been fortunate enough to have played it many times as a first horn - most recently earlier this year

[jguerramusic]

One of the best performances of one of my favorite symphonic works. Adagio was A M A Z I N G...I love the tempo and the focus on dynamics. The clarinetist delivered a magnificent and "well-sung" performance. Bravi tutti!!!

[davidb]

This is the best interpretation of this much loved symphony I have heard in recent memory. He really manages to pull out all the complex harmonies of Rachmaninoff's writing. The orchestra is extremely responsive. The conductor takes over as Principal Conductor for the London Symphony Orchestra this year- lucky them and lucky us!! Brilliant.

[RicardoGarcia-cwvi]

This is beyond beauty, so peacefull, the melody, so harmonious… i cannot stop listening to it on a loop, thank you very much! And wish the best to all of you who are here feeling this masterpiece❤

[rosie]

This symphony is so incredibly beautiful. It is almost overwhelming, with so many heart wrenching melodies.

[operaFan-tnng]

Antonio Pappano. There aren't the words to express what a genius he is. He really brings out the strife and emotion of Rachmaninov's love for his Country, written in this gorgeous music, so that even a twit like me can understand it. Best performance out there. ❤