Rachmaninoff’s lost masterpieces revived

After a long wait the D minor orchestral Suite and the D minor Fugue, finally rang out in the 21st century.

When the composer, then aged 19, sent the score to Tchaikovsky, he wanted to get the opinion of the great maestro.

But there was no reply, and it’s still uncertain whether the score ever reached its destination.

The lost score was discovered in Moscow’s Glinka Museum of Musical Culture last year.

Rachmaninoff’s grandson personally chose Denis Matsuev to perform the piano piece.

“It's a funny story, he came to me after the concert and said, if you quit smoking, I will give you a big present. Rachmaninoff used to smoke a lot and died from cancer, so it's a very painful subject for his family… Of course, I did quit smoking and I got the scores as a present!” recalled Matsuev.

As well as elegant virtuosity and perfect technique, Matsuev has a genuine sense for Rachmaninoff’s music.

Hypnotised by the thunder and rain-drops of his performance, the audience was deeply grateful for the introduction to the lost masterpieces that were later found.

“It was the Rachmaninoff that we didn't know at all, and the performance was marvellous. It's a phenomenal event in Moscow's music life!” remarked an audience member after the performance.

A CD recording of the lost pieces, called The Unknown Rachmaninoff performed by Denis Matsuev is already on sale.

Matsuev spoke to RT about the recording, which was made at the composer’s estate in Switzerland.

“I recorded this composition on his piano, the Staneway 1928. As I touched it, I understood that I had never played such a piano before. Modern pianos do not sound this way. The upper tone sings like a voice, the bass is smooth, matt and velvet. It was a fantastic experience!” he said.

The Unknown Rachmaninoff recital by Denis Matsuev is a unique co-operation of talents from across the centuries, a must-have for every true classical music admirer.

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