Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Work background
Researched classical background
Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto combines broad orchestral melodies with a piano part that alternates between solo prominence and flowing accompaniment. The opening sequence of piano chords gradually introduces the orchestra, establishing the scale of the dialogue. The work is associated with his return to composition after a difficult period and was dedicated to Nikolai Dahl, who had supported his recovery.
A listening guide
Notice how often the piano supports an orchestral melody instead of carrying the main tune itself.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo piano and orchestra
Premiere: 1901 (complete concerto premiere)
The complete three-movement concerto was premiered in 1901; some music was performed earlier.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
This is the concerto as a work, not a date or endorsement of a particular recording.
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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