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Sergei Vassilievich Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
16 June 2026
Background
- Composed between June 1900 and April 1901, after his breakdown.
- Premiered on 9 November 1901 at the Moscow Philharmonic Society, with himself at the piano and Alexander Siloti as conductor.
- Dedicated to Nikolai Dahl, Rachmaninov's neurologist, who provided supportive therapy towards his recovery from depression.
Recordings
Piano Concertos 1 & 2
Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
Berliner Philharmoniker
Cond. Antonio Pappano · Warner Classics
- 🏆 Gramophone Awards (2006): Winner Concerto
- 🏆 Radio 3 Building a Library (2018): Recommended
Concerto No. 2, Op. 18, Etudes, Tableaux
Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano)
Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra
Cond. Kyril Kondrashin · DECCA
- 🏆 Radio 3 Building a Library (2004): First Choice
- 🏆 Radio 3 Building a Library (2026): Top Choice
Piano Concerto No. 2, Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33
Boris Giltburg (piano)
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Cond. Carlos Miguel Prieto · NAXOS
- 🏆 Gramophone Magazine (2017): Editor's Choice
The Piano Concertos, Paganini Rhapsody
Stephen Hough (piano)
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Cond. Andrew Litton · Hyperion
- 🏆 Radio 3 Building a Library (2021): Recommended
Destination Rachmaninov, Departure. Piano Concertos 2 & 4
Daniil Trifonov (piano)
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Cond. Yannick Nézet-Séguin · Deutsche Grammophon
- 🏆 BBC Music Magazine Awards (2019): Winner Concerto
- 🏆 Diapason d'Or de l'Annee (2019): Winner Piano
Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Krystian Zimerman (piano)
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Cond. Seiji Ozawa · Deutsche Grammophon
- 🏆 Gramophone Magazine (2004): Disc of the Month
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