Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 -

In 1897, Rachmaninoff’s First Symphony premiered to disastrous reviews, sending the composer into a deep clinical depression and a three-year bout of . He eventually sought help from Dr. Nikolai Dahl , a physician who used hypnotherapy to restore Rachmaninoff’s confidence.

Sergei Rachmaninoff with the Philadelphia Orchestra (1929). It’s surprisingly fast and unsentimental compared to modern versions. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s , is more than just a staple of the classical repertoire; it is one of the greatest "comeback" stories in music history. The Story: From Failure to Fame Sergei Rachmaninoff with the Philadelphia Orchestra (1929)

For a modern, high-octane performance that highlights the concerto's incredible technical demands. The Story: From Failure to Fame For a

Under hypnosis, Dahl would repeat: "You will start to write your concerto... you will work with great facility... the concerto will be of excellent quality." It worked. Rachmaninoff dedicated the finished piece to Dahl in 1901, and its success cemented his legacy forever.

Based on the third movement’s main theme.

You have likely heard this concerto without even realizing it. Its emotional "hook" is so powerful that it has been borrowed by modern artists for decades: