Rachmaninoff’s Sonata for Cello and Piano was completed in 1901. This work is a part of Rachmaninoff’s resurgence of composition that came after a three year bout with mental health issues that followed a negative response to the premiere of his first symphony in 1897. This sonata was dedicated to Rachmaninoff’s great friend and colleague Anatoliy Brandukov. Brandukov and Rachmaninoff premiered the work in December of 1901, just a short time after the premiere of his famous second piano concerto. This piece must be approached as a true duo work, as the piano and cello parts are equally important and difficult. This is a beautiful tribute to a long and meaningful friendship.
Steven Banks, baritone saxophone
Chen-Shen Fan, piano
Nichols Hall
Evanston, IL
November 9 2016