After the Russian Revolution,
Rachmaninov emigrated to America, where he forged a brilliant career as one of the outstanding pianists of his time. But it was at the expense of his own work as a composer. His last two piano works, both sets of variations, have enjoyed very differing fortunes. With Peter Donohoe and Stephen Hough.
The composer's letters are read by David de Keyser.
Mendelssohn, transcr Rachmaninov Scherzo (A Midsummer Night's Dream) Sergei Rachmaninov (piano)
Rachmaninov Variations on a Theme of Corelli
Shura Cherkassky (1986)
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Earl Wild (piano), Royal Philharmonic, conductor Jascha Horenstein
Discs Repeated next Friday 11.30pm