Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
20 snips
Jan 8, 2026 Discover the compelling comeback story of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, born from the ashes of his First Symphony disaster. The journey through his depression and recovery through hypnosis reveals the personal stakes behind this masterpiece. Each movement is dissected, from the iconic opening chords to the tender second movement's key shift. Joshua highlights the concerto's emotional depth and craftsmanship, illuminating why it resonates with audiences today, even inspiring adaptations from artists like Sinatra.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Depression, Hypnosis, And A Musical Comeback
- Rachmaninoff collapsed into deep depression after the disastrous 1897 premiere of his First Symphony.
- Hypnotherapy by Nikolai Dahl revived him and directly led to the composition of the Second Piano Concerto.
Movements Written Out Of Order
- Rachmaninoff composed the last two movements first and finished the epic first movement later.
- The opening nine piano chords set the C minor key and establish a restrained, unsentimental drama.
Resist Extra Sugar In Performance
- Play Rachmaninoff without excess rubato or exaggerated sentiment; preserve his straightforward, unsentimental approach.
- Remember Rachmaninoff's warning: "I already put enough sugar in, you don't need to add any more."