SKU: A0.948808

ЗдеÑ�ÑŒ хорошо (Zdes' khorosho, How nice is here) was written in April 1902, in a sweet moment in the composer's life: he had overcome a creative block and had just married his cousin Natalia Sarina. Zdes' khorosho is n. 7 from Twelve Romances, op. 21, a beautiful song that talks about the bond between man, nature and God. It’s also a love song; One of the things I like the most is the balance between contemplation and passion that Rachmaninov accomplishes. The poem, by the Countess Glafira Adolfovna Einerling, a contemporary writer of the composer who wrote under the pseudonym of Galina, simply describes a sunset. I don't know if the landscape portrayed is similar to what Rachmaninov could see from his home but no doubt he felt it part of his own; he even changed the beginning of the poem so he said that the nice place was here. Zdes' khorosho is a song full of lyricism, seemingly simple but demanding for the singer (please pay attention to the pianissimo at the last verse, which seems to arise from nowhere), with an exquisite accompaniment. Some scholars think that the true essence of Rachmaninov is found in songs like that, rather than in his athletic piano concerts.

In 1963, the Russian composer Vladimir Michailovich Jurowski (father and grandfather of conductors) orchestrated ten songs by Rachmaninov, including Zdes' khorosho, and there is a later orchestration of this song by Michael Rot. You know that I usually find it difficult to renounce the original piano versions, especially when the composer didn't orchestrated them, but I recommend you to listen to Anna Netrebko singing this song with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev.

You might wonder why I don't share this version here, there are two reasons: first, I can’t do without that beautiful piano; two, I chose my version months ago (something that lately happens quite often). I said before that Zdes' khorosho is between contemplation and passion; Most of singers enhance the most contemplative perspective, that's the case of the lovely performance by Anna Netrebko. Others sing the most passionate version, like the one we’re listening today. Its tempo is faster than usual, it lasts about a minute and a half; maybe it would surprise you if you're used to slower versions. I hope you enjoy this song as much as me; I think this performance by Nicolai Gedda and Gerald Moore, recorded live in 1966, is wonderful.

Source: Liederabend.cat
https://www.liederabend.cat/en/bloc/entrades/400-how-nice-it-is-here

SKU: A0.910772

A brilliant Rachmaninov transcription of the Menuet by Bizet is arranged for the violin and piano. The live performance of the arrangement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCa2xNu-vPc

SKU: A0.895231

The second movement of the piano and orchestra concerto No. 2 by S. Rachmaninov, arranged for piano solo.

SKU: A0.1509634

Rachmaninov wrote and orchestrated this piece in 1919 as solo for violin and orchestra. More than 100 years later it is offered here as a solo for flute and piano accompaniment.

SKU: A0.963728

Originally for piano, this F minor piece is typical of early Rachmaninov and is admirably suitable for strings. Duration 4 mins approx.  Copying of individual parts for sole use by the purchaser is permitted.

Through his experience of teaching the violin at all levels and conducting youth orchestras over many years, Ian Butterworth’s large number of compositions and arrangements have been enjoyed by youth and amateur players.

www.ianbutterworthmusic.co.uk

SKU: A0.1263398

This portion of the Rachmaninov 3rd concerto has been transposed to C major from B-flat. The arranger combined both the orchestra and piano solo so make a  self-standing piano solo. There are dynamics, rubato indications  (accelerandi and ritardandi) and pedal markings to simulate how an artist might interpret this piece.  But they are merely editorial suggestions  to the players that might spur the players to develop their own.