(November 2018) I have completed episode 191 of my “opus project.” This edition: SERGEI RACHMANINOFF. Wow, could this guy put a hurt on a piano. I wonder whether they have to euthanize the piano after Piano Concerto #3 is played. But don’t discount his orchestral and chamber work too. I think of him as the last Romantic composer, capping the long, famous line of Russians in this tradition.
Favorite piece: Piano Concerto #3
Favorite symphony: #2
Favorite solo piano : Piano Sonata #2
Favorite choral piece: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Favorite song: Vocalise (wordless, with a melody that might have been taken by Paul Simon in Bridge Over Troubled Water)
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 