Sergei Rachmaninoff -2nd Time A Charm

Rachmaninoff, a Russian composer, pianist and conductor was born in the late 1800s. His Symphony No. 2 was created by Rachmaninoff after he suffered a mental breakdown due. in part, to the reaction his 1st symphony received from the critics. Rachmaninoff was in treatment when he wrote No. 2. The reaction to his 2nd symphony was much better and helped to increase the composer's confidence. Parts of the long 60 minute + symphony have been made into smaller works -- some used in movies (My mom didn't realize that some of the parts she is familiar with were from this symphony).


You can tell that the piano is the main star in this symphony. There are times when other instruments make an appearance, however, the piano is still easy to hear throughout the symphony. Most of the symphony is something that can easily be listened to when trying to sleep or at a time when you just want to relax and listen to someone play the piano really, really, well. There are different parts to this symphony where the music completely stops and then starts up again, nothing like the previous part. There is a really intense part when notes are hit for effect, sometimes hard, sometimes soft. I think this part would be great in a suspenseful movie, when you don't know what is lurking behind a door or corner.

Not having been exposed to classical music... I admit I struggled to listen to it in its entirety. I did though and now I feel that I have an appreciation for music other than what I listen to. It is understandable that with so many different people in this world, not every one is going to like only your taste in music. When I was younger, I liked rock, then rap, now I'm into Country. I listen to my Mom's easy listening channel when I'm doing homework sometimes... and now I might even turn to the classical music channel. Who knows! So, my suggestion is to get out of your box, take a listen to classical music and Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 is a good place to start.

“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.”

- RACHMANINOFF
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Rachmaninoff#Setbacks_and_recovery