Symphonic Dances (Rachmaninoff)

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Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances , Op. 45, completed in 1940, and premiered on January 3, 1941, was his last composition. It was premiered by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, also bearing a dedication to them. Originally scored for two pianos, it is now often heard in the orchestral version which is remarkable for its use of the alto saxophone as a solo instrument. The Dances combine energetic rhythmic sections (reminiscent of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring) with some of the composer's most typical lush lyric melodies.

1 Background
2 Movements
3 Choreographed
4 References
5 External link

[edit] Background

The work was composed after his 3rd Symphony. Its original name was Fantastic Dances. The composition features the Dies Irae theme and a quotation from the composer's first symphony. The symphony had not been published or heard in almost fifty years, and it is very unlikely that anyone outside Rachaninoff's immediate circle caught the reference; it may be viewed, however, as Rachmaninoff coming to terms with the failure of the symphony.

The work demonstrates the composer's preoccupation with death in his later years, invoking the symbolic Dies irae motif, even though Rachmaninoff himself did not express his motives behind the composition of this work.^[1]

[edit] Movements

Non allegro
Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
Lento assai - Allegro vivace - Lento assai. Come prima - Allegro vivace.

[edit] Choreographed

Although it was not intended to be a ballet, the name suggests that the composition can be danced to. Salvatore Aiello did the choreography for North Carolina Dance Theater in 1991, while Peter Martins in 1994 for New York City Ballet.