In this programme the celebrated pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy, a champion of his compatriot Rachmaninov (1873-1943), urges a fuller appreciation of the composer’s music. Filmed at Ivanovka, the country house south of Moscow where Rachmaninov wrote many of his works, the programme makes extensive use of archive footage and stills. It draws on his writings and features several sound recordings of him playing his own compositions. Ashkenazy also plays and conducts music by Rachmaninov.
Sergei Rachmaninov
Fleeing Russia in 1917, Rachmaninov (1873-1943) was forced to set aside composing in order to support his family as a pianist. This film looks at his life in exile and at how this separation from his homeland affected his music. Filming centres on Senar, the villa by Lake Lucerne which Rachmaninov built as a conscious recreation of Ivanovka, his wife’s beloved estate in Russia. His grandson still lives there and, with his co-operation and that of Sofia Satin, his niece, the family archives have been used to piece together a picture of the composer’s life in both Russia and Europe.
All Night Vigil
Recorded live from London’s Royal Albert Hall, Valery Polyansky conducts the USSR Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir, with soloists Tatiana Zheranzhe (contralto) and Victor Radkevich (tenor), in a performance of Rachmaninov’s sublime sacred work. Written before Rachmaninov went into exile, the work is in Russian and scored for unaccompanied choir, since the Orthodox Church does not permit instrumental accompaniment.
Recital Andrei Gavrilov
One of today’s great concert pianists, Andrei Gavrilov enjoys a distinguished international career and has been awarded many of the music world’s top prizes for his audio releases. This recital was recorded in studio and features Gavrilov playing two works by the great pianist/composer Sergei Rachmaninov: Piece No. 1 in E flat minor from Morceaux de Fantaisie Op. 3, and Piece No. 3 in B minor from Moments Musicaux Op. 16.
Masterclass: Jorge Bolet
The legendary Cuban pianist, one of the last representatives of the grand tradition of Romantic piano playing, died in 1990. This masterclass series, made just a few years before his death, starts with a programme in which he talks about his life and work on the concert platforms of the world, illustrating his reminiscences at the keyboard. In three following programmes, Bolet works with up-and-coming young pianists on the movements of Rachmaninov’s formidable Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor Op. 30. The series concludes with Bolet giving a concert performance of the piece with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bryden Thomson.
The Odeonsplatz Concert: Viotti & Wang
The Odeonsplatz is one of the most beautiful places in Munich. The surrounding historic buildings distinguish this location as an open-air arena for about 8,000 spectators. The square is named after a popular concert hall, the Odeon, which was built by Ludwig I of Bavaria in the early 19th century. “Klassik am Odeonsplatz” is a summer highlight in the musical life of the Bavarian capital. Yuja Wang shines in Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, furthermore Lorenzo Viotti conducts popular works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Chabrier, and Ravel. PROGRAM Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol; Chabrier: Espana; Ravel: Bolero
BR: Mariss Jansons conducts Mahler & Rachmaninov
The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of its musical director Mariss Jansons gives ist debut at the Philharmonie de Paris: With Vladimír Sommer’s Antigone, Gustav Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, the evening’s programme revolves around the subjects of death, transcendence and the afterlife. Renowned alto and Mahler expert Gerhild Romberger makes Mahler’s ballads a “special and flawless experience” (Wiener Zeitung). The praised Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra shines “bright under their chief conductor Mariss Jansons. Impressive.” (Kurier) PROGRAM Mahler: Kindertotenlieder; Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances; Sommer: Antigone
Lucerne Festival 2022: Riccardo Chailly & Mao Fujita
Sergei Rachmaninov is perhaps most remembered—and beloved—for his piano concertos, which still stand as pillars of Romanticism, though mostly written in the 20th century. At the 2022 Lucerne Festival, virtuoso pianist Mao Fujita performs the composer’s celebrated Piano Concerto No. 2—absolutely brimming with memorable melody and poignant harmony—alongside maestro Riccardo Chailly at the head of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra!
Lucerne Festival 2022: Chailly conducts Rachmaninov
For Riccardo Chailly, celebrating Rachmaninov in Lucerne is something dear to his heart. This summer, he is devoting himself to the Symphony No. 2 in E Minor – the composer’s richest and densest contribution to the genre, evoking Tchaikovsky in form, as well as Borodin and Sibelius in the epic, almost Nordic spirit of its music.
Yuja Wang – The Berlin Recital
International sensation Yuja Wang releases a recital program of works by late Romantic-era and 20th-century composers, recorded live at the Philharmonie Berlin. Yuja always has been in love with Berlin as a center for music and culture. Since 2013 she has been a regular guest at the Berlin Philharmonie – performing concertos with the Berlin Philharmonic, the big solo pieces, but also chamber music. Yuja‘s stellar piano technique is matched by boundless imagination. This solo recital allows her to be her dazzling musical self – an unmissable experience for any piano lovers out there! Works by: Sergei Rachmaninov, Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Scriabin