S. Rachmaninoff, Symphony no. 2 (3rd Movement)

Today, we celebrate the 146th bithday of the Russian composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff! We will be listening to the 3rd movement of his 2nd symphony.

This piece is a wonderful example of Rachmaninoff’s iconic ability to build and develop music to a climactic moment. A favourite moment of mine is the buildup beginning from 6:38 - the buildup so exciting and climax so satisfying, one is not sure if one wants the music to continue, or to reach its peak! Romantic, passionate, and beautiful, enjoy one of Rachmaninoff’s most well known works and let your heart melt away.

Rachmaninov - Symphony No. 2 Op. 27 III. Adagio: Adagio (in A Major) London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gennadi Rozhdestvensky mp3: http://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninov-Symphony-No-Minor-Op/dp/B004812UTG/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1303270014&sr=301-2 or http://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninov-Symphony-No-2/dp/B000QQYQNU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303268580&sr=8-1-spell

Questions

What are some words you would use to describe this music?
How does it make you feel and why?

I’ve also included a bonus video by Nahre Sol titled, “How to Sound Like Rachmaninoff”, for those of you who are curious to hear more which features a Happy Birthday in the style of Rachmaninoff as well. You may recall her work from the Mary Had a Little Lamb listening activity from last year where she plays the well known tune in the style of various different classical composers. Nahre Sol also did a video, “How to Sound Like Chopin”, also with a Happy Birthday, which is included as well.

A video in celebration of the birthday of Sergei Rachmaninoff (born April 1, 1873) by breaking down elements of his compositional style and recognizable traits. And of course, I wrote a "Happy Birthday" in the Style of Rachmaninoff, which is at the end of the video. Enjoy!

As has become a tradition on this channel, here is "How to Sound Like Chopin," in celebration of his birthday today (March 1, 1810) and "Happy Birthday" in the style of his waltzes. Stick around until the end for bonus ideas!