Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, is a Romantic piece for piano and orchestra, composed between 1900 and 1901. The famous piece is known for its lush melodies, dramatic passages, and virtuosic piano writing. The 2nd movement (Adagio) is particularly celebrated for its emotional depth and powerful impact on audiences. It is often said that music can heal broken souls. That Rachmaninoff composed this concerto after recovering from a period of depression and writer’s block is a stunning affirmation of this aphorism.
Here is the adagio movement of Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece, performed by the renowned pianist, Khatia Buniatishvili.