The second concerto has a wealth of melodies and is one of the most beautiful compositions ever written, in my opinion. Its musical architecture, its effortless unfolding, its sincerity makes it the favorite among many discerning listeners..
While the beautiful melody so effortlessly unfolded, it struck a chord deep within myself that I had some personal connection with the piece.
Then I remembered I once played the concerto's closing theme in the last piano recital in which I ever participated, when I was about 15. After that, I gave up piano lessons, a decision I have lived to regret.
I still have the sheet music. Note the price: 40 cents!
But my association with the concerto doesn't end there. When I was a college sophomore, my Music Appreciation class professor informed students they could be exempt from the class final exam by performing before the class -- either singing or playing a musical instrument.
I was game! I'll play the Rachmaninoff Second, I naively thought. Never mind it had been years since I'd even touched a piano. But since the announcement came at the beginning of the quarter, I had weeks to prepare.
I dug out the sheet music and several time each week I'd stay on campus after classes to practice in the music room. It was tough going, but persistence paid off.
On the day I was to perform in front of about 50 fellow students, I was as nervous as a mouse in a barn full of cats.
But play it I did. I wasn't altogether happy with my performance, and I once "messed up" but quickly recovered.
There was the requisite amount of polite applause after I was finished. But hey, I got an A in the class so it ended well.
If you aren't that familiar with the Rachmaninoff 2nd Concerto, do visit You Tube and listen to the complete piece. I think you'll love.
*****
The song "All by Myself," a ballad written and performed by Eric Carmen in 1975, is based on the second movement of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto. The song also was covered by Celine Dione in 2008.
Life is full of associations with music? What are some of yours?
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am patriotic and prefer Jean Sibelius, known, appreciated, his compositions are presented all over the world.
There was a period I was inspired about classic music, nowadays I am more liberal.
No Hip Hop for me either. We have some fine Finnish women artists, who make write, compose and sing modern pieces. The amount has increased tremendously compared to the times, when Finnish artists only presented translated pieces.
DeleteIn general, I like modern music. I have liked Paul Simon for ages, Sting, Katie Melua, Josh Groban.. there really are so many, too many.
Jazz ( instrumental ) gives me a headache, but done well, I manage to listen to it too.
The above music I listen while shoveling at the stable, or driving my car.
I am addicted to having the radio on at all times.
New songs, news from the world along with interesting discussions, politics, but - no sports.
HB has all Sibelius CD,s,agree no sports here.
DeleteI, too, admire Sibelius! What are your favorite types of music these days? I like so many different kinds, but not Hip Hop.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story Sanda! Kudos to you for playing the piece even if not to your satisfaction. It is such a coincidence that I too turned on to Classical station early this morning so the cats could relax a bit. i played the accordion for many many years and I regret that in one move I lost my instrument, I also played the piano with joy but those days are history now. To stay with music all one's life is a great thing, I think it would help through tough times. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteWho are the cat boys' favorite composer? Why am I not surprised you play music for them?? Too bad your accordion is lost. I, too, find music very soothing.
Deletei used to have some rachmaninoff on lp but not this one. i remember when that original "all by myself" came out, and i've heard folks note classical influences galore in rock music. most musicians have some knowledge of music history, after all, and some training in the high points.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely spin-offs from classical in modern/rock music. I wonder if our old LPs are "worth" anything to collectors? I have tons of them. Suppose the problem is finding a turntable on which to play them!
DeleteSirius makes car trips so much better. I could listen to 70's music for miles.
ReplyDeleteAnd I always loved the alternate project choice in college. I once sewed a costume for a doll that was a copy of one of the paintings we studied. It must have been good since I got an "A" and the prof kept the doll.
I listen to Sirius through the TV, available through our satellite TV connection. My favorite channels are The Bridge (soft 70s rock); Symphony Hall, Spa and the 50s 60s and 70s stations.
DeleteKept the doll? That doesn't sound as if it should have been part of the deal.
I love this post, Sanda, and I love Rachmaninoff. How fantastic that you enjoyed the experience of playing his concerto, and what a beautiful memory to have. When I was 14 I entered a local talent competition and won with a piano solo version of The Dream of Olwen, and I expect I was as happy with my effort as you were with Rachmaninoff :)
ReplyDeleteAs well you should have been, for winning the competition! Do you still play piano? I played/still play "by ear," as well as by the written music, and my teachers told me that was a hindrance to becoming a really good pianist -- at least by the classical standard.
DeleteSanda, I went on to study piano as an adult, and had some minor competition success; accompanied singers and later brass musicians in competition and exams, and many years as a church organist, weddings, funerals etc. Gave it all up ten years ago as I felt the need to move in other directions. Now I just play at home for grandchildren and occasionally for choir practice. I was never much good at playing 'by ear' and really admire people like you who can do it!
DeleteI love austrian and German composers :-) Strauss Jr. being my favourite. Mr. C prefers the romantic and more lyrical Eastern European composers: Smetana, Tchaikovsky and Chopin.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to moder music situation is refersed: he loves hard core rock and metal while I prefer the golden era of swing and jazz.
It seems we are conditioned and appreciate most the music we grew up with.I enjoy a smithering of all the great composers, but I'd have to say Bach is my all time favorite. Enjoy Mozart too.
DeleteOh, Sanda, that classical music was gorgeous! Not a huge Celine Dion fan, though I have seen her in concert for some reason (a friend wanted to go perhaps?) and she does have a great voice. I've booked to go see Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake in April and I'm really looking forward to that. This winter I'm getting weary of hearing the vicious winds attacking my windows, so perhaps some music would be helpful to shut that out. Congratulations on your piano skills. I don't think I got very far - not past the first recital I think! It's all too long ago to remember.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge Celine Dion fan either. Swan Lake in April sounds fantastic. I saw it performed once.
DeleteWeariness with winter here too. I just walked the dogs at 8:30 a.m. It's 28 degrees F. and tiny ice pellets are falling from the sky. In past years, my early daffodils have been in full bloom at this time. Blah!
Rachmaninor 2nd is delightful (pianists call it the "Old War horse" as it is so popular,and played often)
ReplyDeleteClassical music is my daily diet especially in the car,Classic FM music station.Beethoven's trios,piano music &violin sonatas.Alot of Mozart's music, Orff's Carmeria Burana made the hairs on my neck stand up when the singing began! Restful Guitar + some jazz pieces,but strutting round the kitchen to Gerschwin's Walking the dog is fun.
The beautiful Jacquelin du Pre playing Dvorak cello concerto at the Proms will always stay with me as she died soon after.
Have enjoyed reading/sharing these thoughts on music.Maybe you could
take up the piano again Sanda?
Old War Horse; I like that. You have provided so many listening opportunities and I'm off to listen to Orff's piece you mention. You have excellent taste in music. I really like Baroque music, cello concertos, piano sonatas. Not a huge fan of classical guitar but perhaps my ear is not properly trained to appreciate it.
DeleteI should begin playing again. And I've said over and over I would, but never seen to get started.
Great post. Love it all! With the beautiful piano you have, along with the knowledge, would be something you could do without a lot of effort. And....it doesn't make a big mess
ReplyDeleteWhich is a reason I enjoy!
Something that doesn't make a mess is a very good reason! Right now I have strings and tiny bits of fabric all over the floor, a result of sewing the binding onto my new quilt. Sewing it, that is, when I can keep Carl from reclining on it!
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