Rachmaninov Two by Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, P. I., Fra (2023/2023), Instrueret af Cayenna Ponchione Bailey, Dirigent Marios Papadopoulos, The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, United Kingdom

There’s a reason Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is the most popular work of its kind ever written. From lonely chords, the iconic score hurtles towards a thundering climax via a succession of irresistible melodies – athletic one moment and heart-rending the next. Six years after it was written, the composer freed himself from political turmoil with a stretch in Dresden that would become one of the most productive of his career. The standout result was a second symphony powered by melody that encompasses infernal whirlwinds, passionate declarations of love and heartfelt reflections of peace. Wonderfully gifted pianist Lise de la Salle joins us for this feast of peak Rachmaninov.