I. Allegro, D major, 4-4 time. The chief theme is given to the first violins. A transitional passage has material for the flutes. Development follows. The second theme is for first violins. The development begins with use of the first subject. The transitional measures are taken up, later the second theme. The recapitulation opens in C major (strings). Then follows the transitional passage (D major) for the flute. The second theme is again for the strings. There is a short coda.
II. Larghetto, A major, 2-2 time. First violins announce the chief theme. There are episodes.
III. Gavotta: Non troppo allegro, D major, 4-4 time. The subject is given at once to strings and wood-wind. The trio is in G major (flutes and clarinets above an organ point for violoncellos and double basses). This subject is repeated by the strings.
IV. Finale: Molto vivace, D major, 2-2 time. The first theme is for the strings; the second, A major, for wood-wind.
SERGEI VASSILIEVICH
RACHMANINOFF
(Born at Onega in the government of Novgorod, April 1, 1873)
SYMPHONY NO. 2, IN E MINOR, OP. 27
I. Largo; allegro moderato II. Allegro molto III. Adagio IV. Allegro vivace
The composition is a long one; it lasts about an hour. The first two movements seem by far the strongest, architecturally and emotionally. The third movement seems insufferably long drawn out and sentimental. The fourth movement gains on a second hearing—has a more decided profile, and seems less episodic.
The reasons for the popularity of this symphony are not far to seek. The themes are eminently melodious, and some of them are of singular beauty; there is rich coloring; there are beautiful nuances in color; there is impressive sonority; there are frequent and sharp contrasts in sentiment, rhythm, expression; there is stirring vitality. Mr. Rachmaninoff in this symphony is romantic in the old and accustomed forms. He does not surprise or perplex by experiments in harmony; his form is essentially academic and traditional. Here is another case of new wine in old leather bottles, but first of all the bottles were put in thorough order, patched, strengthened, cleaned.