Clickety clack. That’s all Sergei Rachmaninoff heard as he practiced his new Piano Concerto No. 3 in advance of his big American tour, during which he would debut the piece. That’s because he finished the piece just before departing for the U.S. and didn't leave himself time to practice. He had to make do with practicing on a silent keyboard on the ship ... Show More
Nov 2018
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 8: A Stunning Finale
When the urge to compose finally struck again, Rachmaninoff took a little theme by Nicolo Paganini and turned it into a tour de force for the piano and orchestra, called Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. In this final episode of the Great Composers series on Rachmaninoff, we also ... Show More
33m 34s
Oct 2018
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 5: The Reluctant Hit Maker
Sergei Rachmaninoff just wasn't hungry -- literally and figuratively. So, after the success of his Piano Concerto No. 2, he took the less obvious route for a composer and dedicated himself to conducting and teaching. He just wasn't craving that next big hit. It was rising politic ... Show More
22m 51s
Oct 2021
Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances
<p>Rachmaninoff's music is often described as many different kinds of chocolate cake, but this piece, if it's chocolatey at all, would be that 85% dark chocolate - more bitter than sweet. It might be Rachmaninoff's greatest orchestral work, and one that is inextricably linked to ... Show More
52m 12s
Jan 2020
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3
<p>Rachmaninoff remains extremely popular as a composer. But at the same time, a kind of condescending attitude continues to linger about Rachmaninoff's music. People say it sounds like movie music, it's too sentimental, etc. etc. In fact, Rachmaninoff's music is as well put toge ... Show More
55m 55s
Jul 2024
Chopin Piano Music
Works include: Nocturne in E flat, Fantaisie Impromptu, minute Waltz, Grand Valse Brilliante and Etude Op 10 No. 3. Pianists include: Arthur Rubinstein. Alfred Cortot, Claudio Arrau, Margarete Long, Sergi Rachmanioff and William Kapell.
43m 35s
Jun 2021
Bach Chaconne for Solo Violin
<p>The Bach Chaconne is one of the great masterpieces of Western Classical Music, and today we're going to be diving straight into this monumental work. We'll talk about the legends behind its composition, the work itself, different interpretations of the piece, and its many many ... Show More
52m 18s