Piano Concerto Number Two

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is probably one of the most instantly recognizable concertos in all of concert literature. It may also be one of the most undervalued. Rachmaninoff’s penchant for luscious melodies and harmonies is evermore on display in this piece. One of the striking features is the demanding piano chords, marcato and forte in style (that is to say heavily accented and loud), giving depth to the emotion and experience of both the players and the audience. Another striking feature is his use of the strings. He has violins or first violins rather going on with the main melody while underscoring and doubling it in the cellos or low violas. This makes for a very rich tone and endearing harmonic quality.

It dives to and fro romantically such that every texture is finely tuned and weaved together. For such a piece to intertwine like that and get into the hearts and minds of people and to twist their heart strings to but lend an ear to the music is so honest and captivating. The E major movement is slightly less striking but not less beautiful. It still has that doubling in the strings that has captivated many composers who came after him. That’s one thing that makes the music distinctly Rachmaninoff. There is so much sincerity and integrity of intent in this piece that it makes one wonder about the person. Many say that music can evoke feelings that words alone cannot. This is one of the many examples of that at work. If you are in the mood for something that will in turn say, “Thank you for listening,” this is the one for you!