Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op 27

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Still a young composer at 33, this symphony is nonetheless a mature work. Resplendent with sweeping tunes - soon to become his 'signature' - it sways between hope and melancholy, like its composer. Declared an immediate success, Symphony No. 2 heralded a thrilling return to form for Rachmaninov after years of self doubt. Composed during a period of refuge in Dresden it is darkly reminiscent of bleak Russian winters. Despite beginning with a sense of desperate, melancholic yearning the central theme is one of hopeful defiance and triumph. Composer: Sergei Rachmaninov Performers: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Osmo Vänskä Recording date: 30 October 1999 Date of broadcast: 01 November 1999