# 20 — LILACS

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) has produced some of the most beloved pieces in all music literature: Variation XVIII (18) of his own Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, the Adagio movement of his second symphony, and his Prelude in G Minor, Op. 23/5, just to name a few. The second movement of his Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 inspired the creation of the song “All By Myself,” written originally by Eric Carmen (even though most people know of the Celine Dion version). Indeed, most of his works feature piano and/or orchestra, considering he was also a concert pianist. Although his name is associated mostly with virtuosic piano writing of long, song-like phrases that soar over sweet and luscious harmonies, that music overshadows the hidden gems of his compositional output: his choral pieces. The most popular in this category is the “Vocalise,” which has been adapted several times for different instruments. The Bells, Op. 35 and All-Night Vigil, Op. 37 — both of which are choral works — are Rachmaninoff’s own favorite compositions, and they don’t get nearly the same amount of attention they deserve. Out of the surprisingly several art songs in the Russian composer’s oeuvre, there is one that is cherished especially by pianists: the fifth piece in a cycle of Twelve Romances, Op. 21 — “Lilacs.” Here is my rendition of it. Enjoy!