Piece Description

One of the best illustrations of the so-called "romantic" era in classical music is the passionate music of Russian Composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. The heartfelt romanticism and expression of his music has been a huge draw for some and a turn off for others who view it as more mush than music. Pianist Stephen Hough takes polite issue with Rachmaninoff's detractors and tells us what he sees and hears in Rachmaninoff's music. Use this clip to enhance your introduction of Stephen Hough playing Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. (Hyperion 67501/2)

SUGGESTED HOST INTRO
It can be hard to live down, or even live up to your image and reputation. Rachmaninoff's music has been burdened with a not so flattering reputation in some circles. Pianist Stephen Hough says he sees and hears Rachmaninoff differently than some of the composer's detractors.

CLIP TRANSCRIPT
"I think with Rachmaninoff there's a great aristocracy to the music. From the 1950's and 60's, people thought of Rachmaninoff as sentimental, somehow as being tawdry, cheap and they thought of it to do with Hollywood and so on, but I don't feel the music is like that at all. The music is very refined; it's very noble, but it's not music that's self-indulgent or wallows in itself. And certainly this piece, the Rachmaninoff Rhapsody, is probably the least wallowing of all of his pieces."

SUGGESTED HOST OUTRO
Stephen Hough. His recordings of Rachmaninoff's Piano and Orchestral music won universal critical acclaim - including several "Best Recording of the Year" awards. Here he is playing the wallow-free Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini by Rachmaninoff. Andrew Litton conducts the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

(To download a .txt file of this suggested copy, look under the "Additional Files" for this piece.)


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