Elim conducts Rachmaninov

Russian composers tend to cover the length and breadth of the emotional spectrum in their works. In his sparkling Variations on a Rococo Theme, Tchaikovsky explores the sonic possibilities of the cello, evoking a plethora of emotions. An ideal opportunity for soloist Pablo Ferrández to show off his skills. Rachmaninov is inextricably linked with the piano but he was also an excellent composer and conductor. The composer feared that by dividing his time between concerts, conducting and composing that he was spreading himself too thin. ‘I have bet on three different horses. But can I be sure that one of them will also win?’. With his stunning Symphony No. 2, which is steeped in pervasive melancholy and pathos, Rachmaninoff proves that he is capable of transposing the poetry of his famous piano concertos to his symphonic oeuvre.