Main content

Rachmaninov, 2nd Piano Concerto

Episode 3 of 5

People from around the world describe how Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto has touched and shaped their lives. From 2012.

Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto - famously featured in David Lean's film "Brief Encounter" - is one of the world's most popular pieces of classical music.

Some of its fans describe the way in which it has touched and shaped their lives.

Featuring a pianist from Taiwan whose memories of a repressive childhood were dispelled by the emotions contained within this music.

Plus a story from an acclaimed pianist from Argentina who was told she would never play the piano again after a serious car accident, but who has recently performed this piece in New York.

And finally an account of the place that this piece of passionate and heartfelt music played in the life of John Peel and his family, told by his wife Sheila Ravenscroft.

The concerto is also given historical and musical context by pianists Peter Donohoe and Howard Shelley.

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Rosie Boulton.

First broadcast on 主播大秀 Radio 4 in February 2012.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 14 Jul 2021 00:30

Credit

Role Contributor
Composer Sergey Rachmaninov

Broadcasts

  • Tue 14 Feb 2012 11:30
  • Sat 18 Feb 2012 15:30
  • Fri 27 Jan 2017 18:30
  • Sat 28 Jan 2017 00:30
  • Tue 13 Jul 2021 18:30
  • Wed 14 Jul 2021 00:30

Featured in...

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast