Composer Of The Week

Donald Macleod turns his attention to Rachmaninov’s great choral worksRachmaninov has been seen as the last great champion of Russian Late Romanticism. He was a celebrated pianist and conductor, as well as a composer, and his musical legacy includes his hugely popular piano concertos. This week, Donald Macleod turns his attention to Rachmaninov’s great choral works and his story during the periods in which they were composed. These choral masterpieces are both sacred and secular, and include the cantata Spring, the choral symphony The Bells, Three Russian Songs, the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, and the iconic All-night Vigil. Donald explores what inspired Rachmaninov while he was writing this music, including creative collaborations, beautiful poetry, and places in Russia and abroad.Music Featured: How Fair this Spot, Op 21, No 7 Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor, Op 18 (Adagio sostenuto) Suite No 2 for two pianos, Op 17 Spring, Op 20 Before my window, Op 26, No 10 Piano Concerto No 3 in D minor, Op 30 (Alleg