Two of the most popular works of all time?
What makes the music in the next London Firebird concert on 10 June amongst the most loved in the repertoire?
Rachmaninoff’s adored Piano Concerto no. 2 has been described as ‘the quintessential Romantic piano concerto. With its utterly gorgeous melodies, this three-movement piece really touches the soul.
Despite the technical challenges of the piano part, it’s the perfect showcase for pianists to really show what they can do.
It’s also about the beautiful lush orchestral sound which the composer creates using rich harmonies and a huge symphony orchestra.
Classic FM has described this piece as ‘the musical equivalent of a dark chocolate truffle’.
So much of Tchaikovsky’s music is in anyone’s list of the most loved pieces of all time. The composer himself conducted the premiere of his Symphony no. 5 in 1888 and this vast work filled with heroic optimism and uplifting melodies.
One of these melodies is a memorable theme which reappears throughout all four movements, some are darkly brooding themes and while others are full of intense passion.
This truly is musical drama from the height of the Romantic era.
Guest Conductor George Jackson will conduct the Firebird Orchestra with Firebird’s Artistic Director Marc Corbett-Weaver performing the concerto.
Rachmaninoff with Marc Corbett-Weaver
Tuesday 10 June, 7.30pm
St George’s Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1S 1FX
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op. 64
London Firebird Orchestra
Principal Guest Conductor George Jackson
Piano Marc Corbett-Weaver
Credit: Portrait of Rachmaninoff by Konstantin Somov, 1925
