Composer of the Week - Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) - Episode 3

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Sergei Rachmaninov. He looks at Rachmaninov and his family decamping first to Italy, and then to Dresden, to escape the turmoil of the 1905 Russian Revolution, where they endured an isolated existence. The programme includes two of Rachmaninov's songs and a complete performance of his Second Symphony, given a mixed reception at its premiere but now a firm concert hall favourite. Polka italienne, for piano four hands Ingryd Thorson, Julian Thurber (piano) Paula PACD 46 Dbl. CD 1 track 14 15 Songs, Op 26 (1906) - excerpts Maria Popescu (mezzo-soprano) Joan Rodgers (soprano) Howard Shelley (piano) Chandos CHAN 9451 tracks 16, 24 Symphony No 2 in E minor, Op 27 (1906-7) Philadelphia Orchestra Eugene Ormandy (conductor) Sony SB2K 63257 CD 1 tracks 1-4.