The Second Symphony by Rachmaninov is in four movements. The first movement begins with an extended slow-tempo introduction (Largo), opening with a motif that will appear in various forms throughout the work.
The principal quick-tempo section (Allegro moderato) follows.
The second movement is a vibrant scherzo (Allegro molto), culminating in the brass’s chorale transformation of the Symphony’s opening measures.
The beautiful third movement (Adagio) is based upon two melodies, presented at the outset.
The finale (Allegro vivace), recalling music from previous movements, propels the symphony to an exuberant close.
Here is the entire symphony conducted by Maestro Vasili Petrenko:
