'Your piano concerto will be fluently, effortlessly composed and of good quality'. The words of Dr. Nikolai Dahl to the hypnotised Rachmaninov, undergoing treatment for depression in 1900, were to be fulfilled in a work of enduring popularity.
This day school looks at the circumstances surrounding its composition and explores the piece in detail with examples performed by the tutor. In particular, we will consider Rachmaninov's unique approach to melodic structure and its relationship to the Russian Orthodox chant that he would have heard regularly throughout his formative years. We will also look at his distinctive harmonies – influenced, at times, by the gypsy bands that he heard in the cafes of Moscow, his crafting of intense musical climaxes and his 'Russian-ness'.
Rachmaninov's writing for the piano is rooted in his own transcendental piano technique and we will examine the piano writing in the concerto in detail. A webcam over the piano keyboard will be used to help illustrate this. Recordings, including some of Rachmaninov himself, will also be used.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 8 November 2023.