The Piano Concerto #3 by Rachmaninov was first performed on Sunday, November 28, 1909 in New York City. Sergei Rachmaninoff was the soloist.
The work received a second performance under conductor Gustav Mahler on January 16, 1910, an “experience Rachmaninoff treasured.”
Rachmaninoff later described the rehearsal:
At that time Mahler was the only conductor whom I considered worthy to be classed with Nikisch. He devoted himself to the concerto until the accompaniment, which is rather complicated, had been practiced to perfection, although he had already gone through another long rehearsal. According to Mahler, every detail of the score was important — an attitude too rare amongst conductors…
Today this composition has been loved by so many musicians and music lovers everywhere.
Here is Daniil Trifonov to play this music for you:
