Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

usonian

(22,666 posts)
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 12:08 AM Yesterday

Here's a treat. Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances.

You can get a recording at the Internet Archive, and play it or even download it.

https://archive.org/details/lp_symphonic-dances_sergei-vasilyevich-rachmaninoff-sir-eugene/disc1/01.01.+Symphonic+Dances%3A+1st+Movement+-+Non+Allegro%3B+2nd+Movement+-+Andante+Con+Moto+(Tempo+Di+Valse).mp3 (link checked)

It's a good recording.
Sir Eugene Goossens; The London Symphony Orchestra 1969
Everest (SDBR 3151 / 3151)

If you want YT



Here's a talk by the GREAT Benjamin Zander



Now, the fun part.
I believe that Rachmaninoff wrote everything on piano first, so I found a two piano version.
I got a two piano score (may have used a VPN to grab it off imslp.org) and it sits on an ipad, whereas these two pianists need page-turners. Best use of technology ever.

Challenging.
You tube version.



AND if you want Leonard Bernstein's symphonic dances (from West Side Story) have at it.



Lower quality, but another 20th century musical genius.
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Classical Music»Here's a treat. Rachmanin...