SERGEI RACHMANINOFF (1873-1943)

Symphonic Dances, op. 45 (1940)

Notes by Michael-Thomas Foumai

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I. Non allegro

II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)

III. Lento assai – Allegro vivace

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The Symphonic Dances (1940) of Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) is the composer's beloved final work, a swansong prophetically fixated on dark colors and death. Over its three movements, Rachmaninoff serves a lush romantic menu of sweeping lyricism and impetuous rhythmic sensibilities. The work's original title is said to have been "Fantastic Dances," with each movement titled Noon, Twilight, and Midnight respectively.

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The opening Non allegro comes from an early ballet sketch that was dismissed as "un-balletic." The colorful and mischievous orchestration harkens to Rimsky-Korsakov paired with bombastic American pomp. The movement's tender offering is a familiar dish, a vocalise (featuring alto saxophone). The stark waltz of the Andante con moto (Tempo di valse) evokes the magic and intoxication of Tchaikovsky's ballets, and the finale, Lento assai – Allegro vivace brings new meaning to the "Dies Irae," a medieval chant of the dead. The work ends with a final battle-dance for life and death. Eugene Ormandy premiered the 35-minute score with the Philadelphia Orchestra on January 3, 1941.