Before composing this piece, I think Rachmaninoff thought: "I will try to use as many instruments as possible, each and every one of them will have individual and melodic parts. Each movement will have a different character and orchestra members will definitely have fun playing it". This performance is fantastic by the way. Especially the strings are flawless. Very well done, bravo.
I think this and the 3rd Symphony are where Rachmaninov made fullest use of the range of instrumental colours, using everything he learned from Rimsky-Korsakov in service of his melodic invention. His woodwind arrangements are particularly beautiful
I think he knew he was to die soon, and this was to be his last composition, when he composed it... 😢 It's so achingly beautiful, it always makes me sad... That's why I don't listen to it very often, despite how much I like it 🥲 Cheers! 🙂❤
10:53 gets me every time. Including a theme from his first symphony, 43 years later, as some kind of middle finger in the air to all those that doubted him and the depression that ultimately led to his time refusing to write music for a few years. What a piece, what a man.
Also, right after recovering from that depression (or perhaps as a result of that depression) which followed after the poor receival of his Symphony No.1, he wrote one of his most famous works, and absolutely one of the most well-known pieces of classical music: his Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor.
You are right. Although the saxophone has been just wonderful in much jazz it is wrong for jazz music to have a monopoly on the instrument. One piece I really like for its sheer joyful energy is Michael Nyman's concerto for cello and saxophone.
I'm a person with a huge emotional blockade, the first movement of this master piece however gives me goosebumps and has the rare ability to make tears roll over my face something no other piece of music has ever been able to do for me, for that this is the most magnificent piece of music ever made for me.
It's amazing how some pieces affect one, and others leave us unaffected. In my 66 years, I have never once enjoyed this piece! It's SO strange! Isn't it?
@@enriquesanchez2001 I know, I enjoy the piece it is very catchy (I know not the most in depth of descriptions however it is appropriate to the dance form) but it is nowhere near emotional enough to bring me to tears!
The saxophone is such an interesting instrument. We hear it all the time in jazz or symphonic band but it’s string/viola like quality really shines in the context of a symphony orchestra
One year ago to this day I fell asleep while listening to some music. I woke to this piece, and while it wasn't my first time listing to it, I hadn't heard it in a month. At 10:53 where the glockenspiel comes in, I was half awake half asleep. I told myself that this must be what heaven sounds like. It was only when the audience started to clap did I realise it was Rachmaninoff and his trickery! I swore to myself that from that day on, I will never forget the experience and always leave room in my heart for this piece.
Rachmaninov's masterpiece at the end of his life - a beautiful summation of all his musical themes - the haunting saxophone is just one of the superb contributions here.
Exectly, major goosebumping!! I once attended the symphonic dances here in Holland and the French horn players put the "Bells Up" at 35.15 wow, extra extra goosebumps!
That is one of my favourite moments in all of music; I've played these symphonic dances, and that moment (as a trombonist placing long chord notes in that melody) is sheer bliss.
+theposaunist I love the French horn player at 5:30, who looks like he is trying to stay awake. But this is one of my favorite pieces of music of all time. My brothers and I listened to it when we were children, and had some old 78's where you had to jump up and turn the record over. The urge never goes away at the right moment, even now.
+Jk Stevenson And the best part of it is that this theme was the main theme of Rachmaninoff's strongly criticised 1st Symphony. The critique of this very personal symphony let Rachmaninoff in to a deep depression. Now, at the end of his life as a succesfull composer he returns to this theme, as if saying: Can you now hear the quality of my early work? I agree: it's glorious!
Yeah it just irritates the hell oiutta me that the Russian public [and the music critics] didn't appreciate at all his wonderful sounding Symphony number 1! There is some speculation that Alexander Glazunov, who conducted the public premiere of it, might have been DRUNK when he conducted it, but that will never be proven. But the critics were overly harsh in their assessment of it.
The haunting saxophone melody in the first dance when taken up by the strings gives me goose flesh - one of Rachmaninoff's great melodic inspirations and one of his greatest compositions.
Rachmaninoff had first considered using the voice of contralto Marian Anderson for this marvelous passage in the first movement, but Miss Anderson wasn't available for the premiere. The American composer-orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett suggested to him use of the saxophone, which has a similar timbre to the contralto voice. Rachmaninoff had never used the instrument in his earlier works. It obviously works beautifully. It was his last major orchestral work (some regard it as his best) and is dedicated to the Philadelphia Orchestra, which the composer regarded as his favourite, and its conductor, Eugene Ormandy, who gave its premiere performance in 1941, two years before the composer's death.
The saxophone's performance really pulled at heart strings...maybe we'll get a chance to play this music in next semester and I'm still considering to play clarinet or piano...which both have very beautiful solos
This is my all-time favourite orchestral work from Rachmaninoff, and I do like the opening first movement with the saxophone and piano also and well performed throughout.
6:37 I was wondering why this part sounded so familiar and I finally realized that it is very similar to John Williams “Across the Stars” from Attack of the clones. Probably inspired by Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninov : je ne sais pas quelle sorte d'homme il était, quel fils, quel mari ,quel amant, ami, mais comme compositeur il est merveilleux, admirable ...
The solo was sublime. Prokofiev apparently had an appreciation of the instrument as well; several of his pieces feature it prominently. Joseph Holbrook made great use of the saxophone as well.
I find it funny, the irony in "classical saxophonist" It's also rare to see "saxophone" and "Orchestra" in the same sentence when it isn't something along the lines of "saxophones aren't allowed in orchestras"
Let's hope that Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev and other composers whose works feature the instrument finally obliterate the prejudice against using the saxophone in orchestras. Yes, there IS a prejudice against the saxophone as a standard orchestral instrument, despite its great versatility, and that goes back to the inventor of the instrument (whose surname was Sax!). There's a You-Tube video about why the saxophone isn't used in orchestras--it's an infuriating story. But the instrument has also been used in symphonic film scores, as in the alto saxophone cadenzas Franz Waxman included in his symphonic score for A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951).
I read many of the comments before I attempted to write this so I will simply say that this is a huge tapestry of tonal art which deserves its place and great recognition in the musical literature. I'm thrilled that it is always available to enrich my day. Thank you for the video.
Rachmaninoff considering using the voice of contralto Marian Anderson for this marvelous passage in the first movement, but Miss Anderson wasn't available for the premiere. The American composer-orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett suggested to him use of the saxophone, which has a similar timbre to the contralto voice. Rachmaninoff had never used the instrument in his earlier works. It obviously works beautifully. It was his last major orchestral work (some regard it as his best) and is dedicated to the Philadelphia Orchestra, which the composer regarded as his favourite, and its conductor, Eugene Ormandy, who gave its premiere performance.
This work, more than any other by Rachmaninoff, stirs my imagination. I love Rachmaninoff's symphonic, piano, choral, etc. music, but no other stirs my imagination like this one. I hear it almost the way I hear movie music, i.e.--"and in this part this happens," etc. I guess that's because this is a work of Symphonic Dances, although I don't imagine people dancing to this. Rather, I imagine it as a score for a dramatic adventure story.
Oui et non Car c'est trop souvent le reproche incongru qu"on lui fait d'avoir ecrit de la musique de film Mais vous le reconnaissez vous meme Cette danse symphonique ne doit pas etre danse ni accompagne un fillm Elle est suffisament inspirante pour se suffir et nous combles 15:58 15:58 15:59
One of my favorite works of music for all time. It's so dramatic that you can imagine a story with this music! But watching an orchestra play it is a great treat too, and no story comes to my mind when I watch the orchestra play it, because it becomes a concert in my mind. To be a member of the audience at this concert would be a fantastic treat, but what I love about watching it on You Tube is the closeness of the orchestra. Better than binoculars at a live concert. BUT--when I want more sonic splendor I have to listen to the music on my hi-fi stereo CD player.
That's exactly how I feel! I listen to my CD with earphones on to hear in greater depth. While it's exciting to watch an orchestra in a concert hall, being able to see the musicians up close is more satisfying for me. The first time I heard this was about 40 years ago at a concert by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and I've loved it ever since. Thanks for providing this wonderful experience. ❤
This is actually from his 1st symphony, which Rachmaninoff thought was lost for ever when he published this work. He included it believing noone would ever know where it came from.
One of the great moments on TH-cam. What a fabulous orchestra!!! I have still got chills. I listen to this piece all the time. What a wonderful way to spend half an hour!
Ya,Ya,Ya, “Ach du lieber, mein schatz”!!! Wave after wave of gorgeous glorious flowing MELODY! My defibrulator almost blew a gasket!! How I greatly loved to see most every instrument “play its licks”! I especially loved to see the older bassoonist “dancing around with his instrument”, really “into” the music!! At 82, I’d be blessed to pass on listening to this amazing music! At 12:24am, how will I ever be able to sleep tonight without “booppin’ around in my bed?! Magnificent night with a stunning performance!!! “Gesundheit”!
Best part is 9:13 to 9:23!!!!!!! The whole composition is too beautiful to receive all at once so I listen to this over and over as I drive to office and back. The freeway I take knows this music by now on its own. Bravo to the orchestra: PERFECT!
Ah, yes, Marie. If you are driving to work on Route 880 in Northern California you might hear the same music when passing my SUV. However, it'll likely be a different part of the piece, though. Sorry if that bothers you. I like my Rachmaninoff fairly loud, you see.
Beautiful performance of one of my all-time favorite symphonic works. I've heard this in various recordings over a period of many years, and it grips me every single time!
The Russian genius at its peak. This performance is mesmerizing, captivating, full of emotional and intellectual depth. Rachmaninov takes our heart and mind into a journey that covers and sums up all of his life, in 3 amazing symphonic dances. Notice the quote of the 1st theme of the 1st movement of his 1st symphony at 10:50, and the quote of 9th movement of "Vespers" at 35:49. I can not get enough of this masterpiece. Thank you Rachmaninov, thank you for composing such a work of art!
Intellectual depth I feel almost subtracts from its raw emotional power. To me, this music is the peak of Rachmaninoff perfecting his style of musical communication of emotion. When I listen to this piece, I feel like I have a view into his inner world, his emotions, his life, as if he's a dear friend. Rachmaninoff gets kind of cast as being *about* sophistication because his music *is* sophisticated, but whenever I listen to Rachmaninoff, I honestly just feel like I'm connected to his soul.
the 9th movement of his vespers/all night vigil is my favourite and I genuinely did a double take when I heard that bit at 35:49. the dies irae quotes at around 13 and a half mintutes and 35:05 are especially powerful. you are certainly correct and so is the other comment down here. it is a true connection to the soul of Rachmaninoff.
I have listened to this work many times now, but the most intriguing part to me is not the often quoted saxophone theme in the first movement but the main melody of the Andante, which begins some way way in. I just love how the harmonies change and the very russian sounding intervalls.
Wow, wow & wow again; what a finale. The lady saxophonist in the first dance seemed almost possessed by her instrument, having no choice but to do its bidding - I could listen to that superb solo over & over. This is composing, orchestration & musicianship of the highest order, & hats off to the conductor too.
Dies Irae sounds about 35:20. Wow! This work is like a what-if combination of 20th Century Russian greats Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Shostakovich, minus the pessimism.
I am seriously loving all the comments here about hearing a saxophone in a symphony orchestra (which _is_ unusual, normally), so while I'm here can I put in a word for Ralph Vaughan Williams, who also loved saxophones and wrote beautifully for them?
Us, we, music lovers, should be thankful to have access to performances such as these! Negativism, negative people helps us to reaffirm to feel and perceive values of those who had, have and will have the talent to make our lives better with their participation in the world of music. Thank you.
Although the Radio Philharmonic is completely unknown in the United States - except, perhaps, visitors to TH-cam - it's really an amazing orchestra. This performance, and another of the Rachmaninoff Second Symphony - elsewhere on TH-cam - are both are perfect. The playing is really at the highest level - at least according to my ears.
Rachmaninoff was talking about the solo to a friend who suggested the saxophone, which was new, but known. In early scores, there's an indication that the saxophone part can be defaulted to alternating 1st Bassoon and Cor Anglais, but in later scores this is removed, given the availability of saxophonists :)
There was a story... Originally rachmaninov write this part for vocal... But few days before first execution she became ill. Rachmaninov didn't now what to do, and orchestrant's propose to him invite saxophonist, who was alongside. Rachmaninov so liked sound of saxophone in this solo, that he rewrite this for saxophone. That story tell his son to Margharita Shaposhnikova.
A great reading of this magnificent Romantic classic. It has the vast sweep of the Steppes and the melancholy so often epitomized in Rachmaninov's great music. Thank you for making it available.
The quote from "All-night vigil - Blessed be the lord" in the finale managed to put a smile of joy on my face. That's my favorite part from my favorite composition of the set!
There are very few good performances of this piece, but this is definitely one. Bright, rhythmic snappy, and the ending bars are a headlong rush to oblivion. Perfect.
What a genius piece of music....especially the oboe, clarinet, saxophone parts....ok they are all great! Kudos to the orchestra and conductor! Love from Texas!
After listening to this and the orchestra's unsurpassed 2nd Symphony, it seems this is THE group made for Rachmaninoff's unbridled romanticism. It outshines, to my ear and heart, even the Philadelphia under Ormandy
As I listen to this Rachmaninoff masterpiece, I realize that Rachmaninoff's expertise with an orchestra, both composing and conducting, is often taken for granted. Rachmaninoff conducted many orchestras over the span of his life and I have heard it said if we think he was a brilliant pianist, he was also a brilliant conductor. Many people said that he was a better conductor than pianist, even though he was one of the greatest pianists of his generation. All one needs to do is listen to his compositions and we can see his expertise with orchestra. Ah, Rach, how much we take for granted your skill and greatness. I wish you were alive today so we could inject joy into your life and make that melancholic face beam with joy and happiness.
I've been listening to this work for over 30 years and I feel that I am only now starting to broach the emotional depths of it. It's like catching one big wave after another my emotions surfing along for the most exhilarating ride.
Rachmaninoff composed this after he left Russia and settled in the United States. The saxophone melody still sounds like the Russian Rachmaninoff, but oh, that jazzy saxophone voice--and all the dance rhythms of this work--sounds like Rachmaninoff took in something of what he heard of American music. Anyway, this is DRAMATIC music!
The Saxophone solo is the most beautiful of all solos ! Is absolutely wonderful when composer use then ! Specialy the Soprano Sax! But Tenor and Alto are great too! If you whant to hear more orchestral saxophone search for: Villa-Lobos Symphony N4 Ravel Bolero Prokofiev Liutenant Kijé Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet Charles Koechlin Sonatine for Soprano Sax and Chamber orchestra Karl Amadeus Hartmann Symphony (1946) Bizet L’arlesiene Strauss Sinfonia Domestica Shostakovic The Golden Age Debussy Rapsodie for Alto Sax and Orchestra Glazunov Concerto for Alto Sax and Orchestra Jacques Ibert Concertino da Camera And many others!
+Stephen Messick She's good. The sax is one of the reasons this piece doesn't sound much like early Rachmaninoff. The harp playing with the strings was also very nice and again, gives a different coloration to the sound than I am familiar with in the composer's earlier piano concertos and symphonies (at about 7 minutes into the piece). Most of the romantic lushness has also been stripped away.
This is the music of insane nostalgia and hopeless tragedy. And at the very end - the triumph of Evil, like Edgar Poe: "And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all"
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![Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Op 45 (with Full Score) [4K UHD]](/img/n.gif)
3:32 is my favorite melody
Before composing this piece, I think Rachmaninoff thought: "I will try to use as many instruments as possible, each and every one of them will have individual and melodic parts. Each movement will have a different character and orchestra members will definitely have fun playing it".
This performance is fantastic by the way. Especially the strings are flawless. Very well done, bravo.
saved his best for last
I think this and the 3rd Symphony are where Rachmaninov made fullest use of the range of instrumental colours, using everything he learned from Rimsky-Korsakov in service of his melodic invention. His woodwind arrangements are particularly beautiful
He could literally hear this music in his mind. And wrote it down. It is directly from heaven.
@@f1refall не заканчивайте!)
I think he knew he was to die soon, and this was to be his last composition, when he composed it... 😢
It's so achingly beautiful, it always makes me sad... That's why I don't listen to it very often, despite how much I like it 🥲
Cheers! 🙂❤
10:53 gets me every time. Including a theme from his first symphony, 43 years later, as some kind of middle finger in the air to all those that doubted him and the depression that ultimately led to his time refusing to write music for a few years. What a piece, what a man.
Jess J My youth orchestra director was talking about this... everytime we play it in rehearsal I tear up now.
yeah i know, it's just so fuzzy and warm... great nostalgia Rachmaninoff creates!
oh thank you, I hadnt picked up on that.
Also, right after recovering from that depression (or perhaps as a result of that depression) which followed after the poor receival of his Symphony No.1, he wrote one of his most famous works, and absolutely one of the most well-known pieces of classical music: his Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor.
I'm with you on this... a veery short section, but warm and emotional. Wish it lasted a little longer.
i’m a saxophonist, classical to be specific, i just love that composers use saxophones in their pieces
You are right. Although the saxophone has been just wonderful in much jazz it is wrong for jazz music to have a monopoly on the instrument. One piece I really like for its sheer joyful energy is Michael Nyman's concerto for cello and saxophone.
Not often you hear a saxophone in an orchestra. Rach was so immersed in the colours that he wanted that only a sax would fit. Brilliant.
read the above explanation
I'm a person with a huge emotional blockade, the first movement of this master piece however gives me goosebumps and has the rare ability to make tears roll over my face something no other piece of music has ever been able to do for me, for that this is the most magnificent piece of music ever made for me.
It's amazing how some pieces affect one, and others leave us unaffected. In my 66 years, I have never once enjoyed this piece! It's SO strange! Isn't it?
@@enriquesanchez2001 I know, I enjoy the piece it is very catchy (I know not the most in depth of descriptions however it is appropriate to the dance form) but it is nowhere near emotional enough to bring me to tears!
th-cam.com/video/_-KOu_CG2EE/w-d-xo.html (live rec. documentary in Cathedral)
Ditto 1:02
Me Too!@@douglasmmartin2191
the woman playing the saxophone makes the slow part of the piece sounds so complete and wonderful
The saxophone is such an interesting instrument. We hear it all the time in jazz or symphonic band but it’s string/viola like quality really shines in the context of a symphony orchestra
Imma yoink this comment to put into a band assignment. Thx :)
Yeet Xd haha np
The sax to me is root to all music,I liked you comments,🏄
Thank you, most kind comment, the sax is my favourite instrument you can play from mozart to miles Davis ,I have a alto saxophone & a flute, thanks
Second movement: 12:10
Third movement: 23:15
Allegro vivace 32:53
thank you im writing on an essay about this and you save me time
thank you lol
@@Osorio111 LOL, and scrolling through the comments section.
@@Osorio111i'm really interested about it, could you please let me read it ?
Electre my old computer broke sorry 😕
Fine performance of one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.
Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
At 24:01 the bells play 12 times as if they were signaling midnight. This movement was also originally titled "midnight."
One year ago to this day I fell asleep while listening to some music. I woke to this piece, and while it wasn't my first time listing to it, I hadn't heard it in a month.
At 10:53 where the glockenspiel comes in, I was half awake half asleep. I told myself that this must be what heaven sounds like. It was only when the audience started to clap did I realise it was Rachmaninoff and his trickery!
I swore to myself that from that day on, I will never forget the experience and always leave room in my heart for this piece.
Rachmaninov's masterpiece at the end of his life - a beautiful summation of all his musical themes - the haunting saxophone is just one of the superb contributions here.
He was glad to be out that hellhole Soviet Russia but he always missed her.
The "Dies Irae"-quote at 35:15 is the most "goosebumping" thing I have ever heard - it is just huge music!
I didn't notice it, oop
Exectly, major goosebumping!! I once attended the symphonic dances here in Holland and the French horn players put the "Bells Up" at 35.15 wow, extra extra goosebumps!
That saxophone is like butter it's so smooth
Sax solo: 3:32 to 5:17
Incredible mix of harmony, melody, and style. This is why I adore Rachmaninoff’s music the most.
You are so right!
To me personally Rachmaninoff speaks in a language I understand! Listening to this genius fills my heart with tears! That is his glory!
Fijn dat avroklassiek zoveel uitstekende concerten beschikbaar heeft in de hoogste kwaliteit.
Rachmaninoff was a master orchestrator. Perhaps one of the greatest of his time.
i see u under every Rachmaninoff piece :P
Oui bien sur .Heritier de ses predecesseurs qui a sut innove rajoute sa specificite incopiable 9:33 9:34 9:35 9:36
Rachmaninoff was the master of some of the most glorious, rich and lush melodic lines in music.Example: start at 10:53. Wow!
That is one of my favourite moments in all of music; I've played these symphonic dances, and that moment (as a trombonist placing long chord notes in that melody) is sheer bliss.
+theposaunist I love the French horn player at 5:30, who looks like he is trying to stay awake. But this is one of my favorite pieces of music of all time. My brothers and I listened to it when we were children, and had some old 78's where you had to jump up and turn the record over. The urge never goes away at the right moment, even now.
+Carol Marcum Love this image :)
+Jk Stevenson And the best part of it is that this theme was the main theme of Rachmaninoff's strongly criticised 1st Symphony. The critique of this very personal symphony let Rachmaninoff in to a deep depression. Now, at the end of his life as a succesfull composer he returns to this theme, as if saying: Can you now hear the quality of my early work? I agree: it's glorious!
Yeah it just irritates the hell oiutta me that the Russian public [and the music critics] didn't appreciate at all his wonderful sounding Symphony number 1! There is some speculation that Alexander Glazunov, who conducted the public premiere of it, might have been DRUNK when he conducted it, but that will never be proven. But the critics were overly harsh in their assessment of it.
The haunting saxophone melody in the first dance when taken up by the strings gives me goose flesh - one of Rachmaninoff's great melodic inspirations and one of his greatest compositions.
piano345 his final composition
Goose flesh...
I agree. This melody brings me to tears. And Femke Ijlstra plays this magnificently. She has such a warm, resonant sound.
The blonde sax player is so hot ... she gives me goose bumps!
Rachmaninoff had first considered using the voice of contralto Marian Anderson for this marvelous passage in the first movement, but Miss Anderson wasn't available for the premiere. The American composer-orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett suggested to him use of the saxophone, which has a similar timbre to the contralto voice. Rachmaninoff had never used the instrument in his earlier works. It obviously works beautifully. It was his last major orchestral work (some regard it as his best) and is dedicated to the Philadelphia Orchestra, which the composer regarded as his favourite, and its conductor, Eugene Ormandy, who gave its premiere performance in 1941, two years before the composer's death.
The saxophone's performance really pulled at heart strings...maybe we'll get a chance to play this music in next semester and I'm still considering to play clarinet or piano...which both have very beautiful solos
This is my favorite piece I've ever played in an orchestral setting. Such good memories
This is my all-time favourite orchestral work from Rachmaninoff, and I do like the opening first movement with the saxophone and piano also and well performed throughout.
Masterpiece from the master composer. Timeless, immortal, so many ages in his life, in this piece. And this i feel is the finest rendition.
6:37 I was wondering why this part sounded so familiar and I finally realized that it is very similar to John Williams “Across the Stars” from Attack of the clones. Probably inspired by Rachmaninoff
wow the concert master sounds INCREDIBLE (13:12)
Such power, glory and majesty in the opening. I feel myself being lifted up as I listen.
I like the conductor's hair.
It bounces around a lot when he conducts.
That amuses me.
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That third movement is spectacular though.
This is the most beautiful poem I have ever heard in years.
So much drama and soul. He was most full of heart in pieces as this. Love his music.
That whip pan at 24:12 is awesome - don't think I've ever seen such a thing in a concert video. (Oh, and the music is gorgeous, too!)
Rachmaninov : je ne sais pas quelle sorte d'homme il était, quel fils, quel mari ,quel amant, ami, mais comme compositeur il est merveilleux, admirable ...
Wonderful piece! As a classical saxophonist, it's nice to hear it used in an orchestral setting.
The solo was sublime. Prokofiev apparently had an appreciation of the instrument as well; several of his pieces feature it prominently. Joseph Holbrook made great use of the saxophone as well.
Amen to that.
I find it funny, the irony in "classical saxophonist"
It's also rare to see "saxophone" and "Orchestra" in the same sentence when it isn't something along the lines of "saxophones aren't allowed in orchestras"
Let's hope that Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev and other composers whose works feature the instrument finally obliterate the prejudice against using the saxophone in orchestras. Yes, there IS a prejudice against the saxophone as a standard orchestral instrument, despite its great versatility, and that goes back to the inventor of the instrument (whose surname was Sax!). There's a You-Tube video about why the saxophone isn't used in orchestras--it's an infuriating story. But the instrument has also been used in symphonic film scores, as in the alto saxophone cadenzas Franz Waxman included in his symphonic score for A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951).
I love Prokofieff's use of it in Romeo and Juliet.
I read many of the comments before I attempted to write this so I will simply say that this is a huge tapestry of tonal art which deserves its place and great recognition in the musical literature. I'm thrilled that it is always available to enrich my day. Thank you for the video.
The saxophone is extraterrestrially good.
Rachmaninoff considering using the voice of contralto Marian Anderson for this marvelous passage in the first movement, but Miss Anderson wasn't available for the premiere. The American composer-orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett suggested to him use of the saxophone, which has a similar timbre to the contralto voice. Rachmaninoff had never used the instrument in his earlier works. It obviously works beautifully. It was his last major orchestral work (some regard it as his best) and is dedicated to the Philadelphia Orchestra, which the composer regarded as his favourite, and its conductor, Eugene Ormandy, who gave its premiere performance.
This work, more than any other by Rachmaninoff, stirs my imagination. I love Rachmaninoff's symphonic, piano, choral, etc. music, but no other stirs my imagination like this one. I hear it almost the way I hear movie music, i.e.--"and in this part this happens," etc. I guess that's because this is a work of Symphonic Dances, although I don't imagine people dancing to this. Rather, I imagine it as a score for a dramatic adventure story.
Oui et non Car c'est trop souvent le reproche incongru qu"on lui fait d'avoir ecrit de la musique de film
Mais vous le reconnaissez vous meme Cette danse symphonique ne doit pas etre danse ni accompagne un fillm Elle est suffisament inspirante pour se suffir et nous combles 15:58 15:58 15:59
One of my favorite works of music for all time. It's so dramatic that you can imagine a story with this music! But watching an orchestra play it is a great treat too, and no story comes to my mind when I watch the orchestra play it, because it becomes a concert in my mind. To be a member of the audience at this concert would be a fantastic treat, but what I love about watching it on You Tube is the closeness of the orchestra. Better than binoculars at a live concert. BUT--when I want more sonic splendor I have to listen to the music on my hi-fi stereo CD player.
Cest beau tres emouvant 11:40
That's exactly how I feel! I listen to my CD with earphones on to hear in greater depth. While it's exciting to watch an orchestra in a concert hall, being able to see the musicians up close is more satisfying for me. The first time I heard this was about 40 years ago at a concert by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and I've loved it ever since. Thanks for providing this wonderful experience. ❤
10:50
Will remember this part until death. Always a comfort when listening to.
SOOO TRUE !!
This is actually from his 1st symphony, which Rachmaninoff thought was lost for ever when he published this work. He included it believing noone would ever know where it came from.
I had listened to his first symphony before hearing symphonic dances and I pretty much cried when I heard/recognized that
One of the great moments on TH-cam. What a fabulous orchestra!!! I have still got chills. I listen to this piece all the time. What a wonderful way to spend half an hour!
Ya,Ya,Ya, “Ach du lieber, mein schatz”!!! Wave after wave of gorgeous glorious flowing MELODY! My defibrulator almost blew a gasket!! How I greatly loved to see most every instrument “play its licks”! I especially loved to see the older bassoonist “dancing around with his instrument”, really “into” the music!! At 82, I’d be blessed to pass on listening to this amazing music! At 12:24am, how will I ever be able to sleep tonight without “booppin’ around in my bed?! Magnificent night with a stunning performance!!! “Gesundheit”!
Een prachtig muziekstuk! Blij dat ik het nog eens kan horen! Thanx
Best part is 9:13 to 9:23!!!!!!! The whole composition is too beautiful to receive all at once so I listen to this over and over as I drive to office and back. The freeway I take knows this music by now on its own. Bravo to the orchestra: PERFECT!
Ah, yes, Marie. If you are driving to work on Route 880 in Northern California you might hear the same music when passing my SUV. However, it'll likely be a different part of the piece, though. Sorry if that bothers you. I like my Rachmaninoff fairly loud, you see.
2:30 This is beautiful :D The swell, right into the leitmotif :)
Beautiful performance of one of my all-time favorite symphonic works. I've heard this in various recordings over a period of many years, and it grips me every single time!
" a oopn
The Russian genius at its peak. This performance is mesmerizing, captivating, full of emotional and intellectual depth. Rachmaninov takes our heart and mind into a journey that covers and sums up all of his life, in 3 amazing symphonic dances. Notice the quote of the 1st theme of the 1st movement of his 1st symphony at 10:50, and the quote of 9th movement of "Vespers" at 35:49.
I can not get enough of this masterpiece. Thank you Rachmaninov, thank you for composing such a work of art!
Intellectual depth I feel almost subtracts from its raw emotional power.
To me, this music is the peak of Rachmaninoff perfecting his style of musical communication of emotion. When I listen to this piece, I feel like I have a view into his inner world, his emotions, his life, as if he's a dear friend.
Rachmaninoff gets kind of cast as being *about* sophistication because his music *is* sophisticated, but whenever I listen to Rachmaninoff, I honestly just feel like I'm connected to his soul.
the 9th movement of his vespers/all night vigil is my favourite and I genuinely did a double take when I heard that bit at 35:49. the dies irae quotes at around 13 and a half mintutes and 35:05 are especially powerful. you are certainly correct and so is the other comment down here. it is a true connection to the soul of Rachmaninoff.
Polyrhythm! As a modern jazz drummer, I say wow, awesome!
I have listened to this work many times now, but the most intriguing part to me is not the often quoted saxophone theme in the first movement but the main melody of the Andante, which begins some way way in. I just love how the harmonies change and the very russian sounding intervalls.
Well, here I am again for this fabulous performance. Pure magic.
And that alto sax part is so beautifully played... Thanks for the explanation.
Stunningly beautiful
Wow, wow & wow again; what a finale. The lady saxophonist in the first dance seemed almost possessed by her instrument, having no choice but to do its bidding - I could listen to that superb solo over & over.
This is composing, orchestration & musicianship of the highest order, & hats off to the conductor too.
Rachmaninoff absolutely rocks with the performance, fabulous principal players...Gardner at his very best
Paul Pizzo ע
Yes "rock n' roll" was invented by Rach-man in-off the whirlwind of Petersburg.
I. Non allegro 0:00
II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse) 12:12
III. Lento assai. Allegro vivace 23:16
My new favorite orchestral work!!!
Dies Irae sounds about 35:20. Wow! This work is like a what-if combination of 20th Century Russian greats Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Shostakovich, minus the pessimism.
I am seriously loving all the comments here about hearing a saxophone in a symphony orchestra (which _is_ unusual, normally), so while I'm here can I put in a word for Ralph Vaughan Williams, who also loved saxophones and wrote beautifully for them?
I had forgot why I had this song in my playlist untill I listen 3:33
I love so much this part .
Here I am back to listen to this once again. I can never leave it for very long. Next to "Vespers" this is perhaps Rachmaninoff's finest work.
A well deserved 5 minute standing ovation. A remarkable performance.
Us, we, music lovers, should be thankful to have access to performances such as these!
Negativism, negative people helps us to reaffirm to feel and perceive values of those who had, have and will have the talent to make our lives better with their participation in the world of music. Thank you.
Although the Radio Philharmonic is completely unknown in the United States - except, perhaps, visitors to TH-cam - it's really an amazing orchestra. This performance, and another of the Rachmaninoff Second Symphony - elsewhere on TH-cam - are both are perfect. The playing is really at the highest level - at least according to my ears.
El Gran Rachmaninov, mi compositor favorito
Mine too!
et moi
Rachmaninoff was talking about the solo to a friend who suggested the saxophone, which was new, but known. In early scores, there's an indication that the saxophone part can be defaulted to alternating 1st Bassoon and Cor Anglais, but in later scores this is removed, given the availability of saxophonists :)
There was a story... Originally rachmaninov write this part for vocal... But few days before first execution she became ill. Rachmaninov didn't now what to do, and orchestrant's propose to him invite saxophonist, who was alongside. Rachmaninov so liked sound of saxophone in this solo, that he rewrite this for saxophone. That story tell his son to Margharita Shaposhnikova.
Amazing incredible bravo perfect - fantastic - well played and conducted !!!!! ❤
R A C H M A N I N O V
My favourite part is from 03:00 to 8:00. It is the saddest pieces of Rachmaninov. If you wanr to forget. Listen to this piece
Leave the World Behind a movie on Netflix, got me here.
Well said. The sax solo makes my knees weak.
A great reading of this magnificent Romantic classic. It has the vast sweep of the Steppes and the melancholy so often epitomized in Rachmaninov's great music. Thank you for making it available.
Bravo Madame la Saxophoniste, dommage que l' on ne voit pas plus car votre aisance est superbe. Cela ne retire rien à Rachmaninoff bien sûr.
2:59
To me, this seems to be the last call of Rachmaninoff to his motherland Russia, from Huntington all across the Atlantic and Europe... beautiful!
The quote from "All-night vigil - Blessed be the lord" in the finale managed to put a smile of joy on my face. That's my favorite part from my favorite composition of the set!
昔クラシックかじってた時ラフマニノフのは1曲しか演奏したこと無かったし、自分はチャイコフスキーが1番好きだと思っていたけど、日本でこれがバズって見に来てみたら私はラフマニノフの曲がとても好きかもしれないと気づきました。
それにしてもあのフレーズが出てくる度にあの言葉が頭をよぎりますね、笑
蜜…
Finally! A performance that takes the ending at the proper fast tempo. (Instead of the usual plodding flat-footedness). Excellent!
My favorite performance of this masterpiece.
John Garner Yes, how could it be better. Those of us blessed to hear/see this video are very lucky indeed. One of the great TH-cam moments.
Amongst the most moving pieces of music I know. Hauntingly beautiful melodies and a masterpiece of orchestral harmony ... what more could you ask for?
Holy shit I never knew how good saxes can sound in orchestras. I guess the ones now simply have their sound tuned to jazz
There are very few good performances of this piece, but this is definitely one. Bright, rhythmic snappy, and the ending bars are a headlong rush to oblivion. Perfect.
What a genius piece of music....especially the oboe, clarinet, saxophone parts....ok they are all great! Kudos to the orchestra and conductor! Love from Texas!
I really like this version. Got a much appassionate, delicate, and peaceful.
After listening to this and the orchestra's unsurpassed 2nd Symphony, it seems this is THE group made for Rachmaninoff's unbridled romanticism. It outshines, to my ear and heart, even the Philadelphia under Ormandy
rkentburke The version (on CBS) by Ormandy and the Philadelphia. Wonderful! But this performance with Gardner is also brilliant.
As I listen to this Rachmaninoff masterpiece, I realize that Rachmaninoff's expertise with an orchestra, both composing and conducting, is often taken for granted.
Rachmaninoff conducted many orchestras over the span of his life and I have heard it said if we think he was a brilliant pianist, he was also a brilliant conductor.
Many people said that he was a better conductor than pianist, even though he was one of the greatest pianists of his generation.
All one needs to do is listen to his compositions and we can see his expertise with orchestra.
Ah, Rach, how much we take for granted your skill and greatness. I wish you were alive today so we could inject joy into your life and make that melancholic face beam with joy and happiness.
31:48 - 32:55 is heavenly
one of the most heart wrenching sections-in the warm key of d flat.
I'm surprised Rachmaninov didn't call this piece a "concerto for orchestra." I mean, even the violas had places to shine!!!
A cloake of mystique
surrounds the lively master work .Few have achieved this level of
quality such as Rachmaninoff .
This was HIS only time doing this!
I've been listening to this work for over 30 years and I feel that I am only now starting to broach the emotional depths of it.
It's like catching one big wave after another my emotions surfing along for the most exhilarating ride.
Rachmaninoff composed this after he left Russia and settled in the United States. The saxophone melody still sounds like the Russian Rachmaninoff, but oh, that jazzy saxophone voice--and all the dance rhythms of this work--sounds like Rachmaninoff took in something of what he heard of American music. Anyway, this is DRAMATIC music!
I listened to this once, and now I love classical music. Thank you Rachmanioff
The Saxophone solo is the most beautiful of all solos ! Is absolutely wonderful when composer use then ! Specialy the Soprano Sax! But Tenor and Alto are great too!
If you whant to hear more orchestral saxophone search for:
Villa-Lobos Symphony N4
Ravel Bolero
Prokofiev Liutenant Kijé
Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet
Charles Koechlin Sonatine for Soprano Sax and Chamber orchestra
Karl Amadeus Hartmann Symphony (1946)
Bizet L’arlesiene
Strauss Sinfonia Domestica
Shostakovic The Golden Age
Debussy Rapsodie for Alto Sax and Orchestra
Glazunov Concerto for Alto Sax and Orchestra
Jacques Ibert Concertino da Camera
And many others!
This hurts my heart, it is so beautiful.
First Movement: 0:00
Second movement: 12:10
Third movement: 23:15
Allegro vivace 32:53
What a wonderful version. One of the best I've heard.
Wonderful piece of music. I too was impressed by the girl playing the saxophone. Rachmaninoff has done a superb job.
pertinax wasn't she wonderful!!!
+Stephen Messick She's good. The sax is one of the reasons this piece doesn't sound much like early Rachmaninoff. The harp playing with the strings was also very nice and again, gives a different coloration to the sound than I am familiar with in the composer's earlier piano concertos and symphonies (at about 7 minutes into the piece). Most of the romantic lushness has also been stripped away.
+Ronnie Moore The "harp" may have been a glockenspiel. Odd that their sounds are so similar here.
+Ronnie Moore If you are referring to the music beginning a short while after the saxophone, it is strings with piano and harp.
+Ronnie Moore Rachmaninoff composed this in the USA, and it sounds to me as if the different coloring is an effect of moving to the USA from Russia.
Amazing piece all around, but this has got to be one of the absolutely most riveting of all codas ever produced!
First Dance 00:01
Second Dance (Waltz): 12:10
Third Dance: 23:15
Exciting- beautiful - great conductor
Superb performance
作為最後一首作品，《交響舞曲》總結了浪漫主義巨匠拉赫曼尼諾夫畢生的悲劇性格、情感及思想。開場舞中極富歌唱旋律性、婉轉激昂的中音薩克斯風獨奏，更是薩克斯風這個樂器在為數不多的交響樂作品中極具代表性的演出，不能錯過。
拉氏善用薩克斯風, 發揮它感情濃烈的樂音, 把主題詮釋得淋漓盡致,非常感動. 可惜交響樂團中它較少出現, 如能用它取代 flute 演奏 Mozart flute concerto kv-622 如泣如訴的 第二樂章多棒.^^ 謝謝!
easily the best version on youtube
This is the music of insane nostalgia and hopeless tragedy. And at the very end - the triumph of Evil, like Edgar Poe: "And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all"
so many textures throughout... amazing
The Second movement is beyond words.