Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Work background
Researched classical background
Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony builds broad melodic spans from material introduced quietly at the beginning. Four movements move through vigorous rhythmic writing, expansive lyricism, and a jubilant finale. The slow movement gives a particularly long melody to the clarinet before its ideas circulate through the orchestra. Historically common cuts can significantly shorten the work, so recording durations alone do not identify different compositions.
A listening guide
Follow the opening motto through later movements and compare the clarinet's long slow-movement line with the music around it.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1906-1907
The premiere followed in 1908; this is distinct from Rachmaninoff's First Symphony and later orchestral works.
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
Some performances use cuts; the complete score is substantially longer than abbreviated versions.
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 - 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
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 - 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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