RACHMANINOV PIANO CONCERTO NO.2

I’m sure we all had been in a moment of depression. So exhusted and so discouraged that  separating our bodies from the bed or sofa itself was the biggest challenge of the day!

Well, this beloved piece is Rachmaninov’s personal victory over his torturous depression. After recieving cruel receptions on his first symphony as well as the first piano concerto, the composer faced “composer’s block” and was paniced about the process and the consequence of composing a music. As an attempt to get out of this situation, he even visited Tolstoy, but the conversation with one of the most creative person of the time only discouraged and scared Rachmaninov! Then, he found Dr. Nikoli Dahl who was actually an interal medicine doctor but learned hypnosis on the side. Rachmaninov went through pshycotherapy and hypnosis sessions as well as lots of cultured and inspiring conversations with Dahl. The fact that Dahl was a avid amature musician probably helped the process tremendously. Eventually, Rachmaninov overcame his depression that haunted him for several years, and dedicated this baby to Mr. Dahl! Happy ending! 🙂

This piece came under my radar because this is most frequently mentioned piece by non musicians around me when I ask them what are their favorite classical music piece! It’s very romantic and colorful as all of Rachmaninov’s composisions. Rachmaninov said “Melody is music and the foundation of all music. I do not appreciate composers who abandon melody and harmony for an orgy of noises and dissonances”, and probably this principle he believed in makes him one of the most beloved composers by general audience. I heard this piece is heard in movie soundtracks quite frequently as well.

Today, I hope you listen to this beautiful and romantic piece and celebrate your victory over that difficult and depressing time of your life, and continue to live fully and alive!