Rachmaninov Revisited

“I have rewritten my first concerto; it is really good now” said Rachmaninov to a friend. “All the youthful freshness is there, and yet it plays itself so much more easily.” It contains all the signatures of his mature style – polished melodies, a demanding solo part and sumptuous orchestral writing, acquired during the two decades he spent as both a conductor and composer. Yet a youthful, dramatic energy is still evident from the opening bars to its show-stopping conclusion.

Martinů’s Fourth Symphony is one of the most luminous, colourful, rhythmically alive, optimistic and celebratory pieces of the 20th century. It grows out of a single motif, using contrasting lyrical and rhythmical material combined with sweeping melodies to reach its vibrant finale. The first great thunderbolt to issue from Tchaikovsky’s pen and the best early realisation of his incredible potential, this fantasy overture careens between the tension of the clashing Montague and Capulet houses and the heart-breaking beauty of the protagonists’ love. The sum of the parts is pure magic.