It's kind of unbelievable that somebody hasn't created a full length story ballet to Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2. It's only an hour long, but who would object to a double dose of that beautiful adagio that first appears at the halfway point – you know, the one that someone stole for a pop ballad back in the 1970's – Never Gonna Fall in Love Again.
There wouldn't necessarily have to be any dark Russian political undertones in the choreography since Rachmaninoff wrote the whole thing while living in lovely Dresden, Germany far away from the turmoil of the time.
A rich performance of the entire symphony by the New York Philharmonic is uploaded on the NYPhil website for listening, although the link could expire this week or next.
What a gorgeous, danceable, emotion- and drama-packed piece of music.
10 responses to “What to do
with Symphony No. 2”
I could sit through a full-evening of Rach but not sure of Shosta. The adagio is gorgeous.
I could sit through a full-evening of Rach but not sure of Shosta. The adagio is gorgeous.
Couldn’t agree more; once again you have excellent taste!
Couldn’t agree more; once again you have excellent taste!
Hi Jose. I know what you are saying with regard to sitting through a whole evening of Shostakovich. Small doses are okay, though.
Hi Jose. I know what you are saying with regard to sitting through a whole evening of Shostakovich. Small doses are okay, though.
Hi Koji. Rachmaninov is truly under-represented on the ballet stage.
Hi Koji. Rachmaninov is truly under-represented on the ballet stage.
Which is so surprising, considering all the russians in the dance world!
Which is so surprising, considering all the russians in the dance world!