RACHMANINOFF — Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36
Daniel Hsu, piano

0:00 Allegro agitato
8:06 Non allegro
14:02 Allegro molto

Performed on Friday, October 23, 2015
Field Concert Hall, Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) grew up in the quiet Russian countryside, where his extraordinary musical skill became apparent at an early age. After studying in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Rachmaninoff performed worldwide as a concert pianist, dazzling crowds with the enormity of his hands. Before long he would also make a reputation as a significant composer and conductor.

Rachmaninoff was drawn to the quiet of nature and produced the majority of his works while at Ivanovka, a spacious, remote estate belonging to aristocratic relatives. While there he sculpted his musical style, full of lyricism, haunting beauty, and rich orchestral colors. During a 1913 sojourn at Ivanovka, he indulged his fascination with the sound of bells, producing several works that evoke their captivating resonance.

Premiered in 1915 by the composer, the second piano sonata failed to become popular, possibly because its scope and immensity were intimidating to many pianists. Rachmaninoff revised the work in 1931, trimming its length and content significantly. The revised sonata remains relentless and brilliant as it moves from one movement to the next. Heavy Russian church bells toll loudly throughout, pressing the performer on in this impassioned, dramatic showcase of strength and confirming Rachmaninoff as the last great representative of Russian late Romanticism.