Symphony No. 2 in E Minor

Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 is the ultimate Romantic symphony, filled with passionate melodies and rich orchestral textures. The work was written in 1906-07 and signalled a return to form for the composer. His Symphony No. 1 had been savaged by the critics at its 1897 premiere, and the composer fell into a deep depression. A long period of recovery eventually led him back to large-scale orchestral writing, and the Symphony No. 2 proved to be one of his most successful works. Many of its melodies are derived from the “Dies Irae” plainchant, also heard in the Berlioz Symphonie fantastique. The work opens with a slow chant-like theme in the lower strings, leading to an intensely dramatic main section. The second movement is a fast scherzo. At the start, the horns play the “Dies Irae”, now transformed into a bracing, rhythmic motif. These detached figures are balanced against another lush, lyrical melody from the strings. The slow third movement is dominated by a deeply expressive clarinet solo. The finale opens with a huge orchestral outburst, a surge of energy and passion. Dance rhythms predominate, but there are also reminiscences of the more reflective previous movements before the work builds to an invigorating climax. The symphony’s huge scale—over an hour in duration—led some conductors to abridge the score. Early recordings often employ shorter versions, but modern ones usually present the complete work.