As the title suggests, Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances began life as a work for symphony orchestra, a lavish one at that.
The composer also arranged the piece as a piano duet, as his large-scale orchestral work was near impossible to perform by one pianist—unless, like Rachmaninoff himself, the pianist has astonishing technique. Inon Barnatan fits the bill.
The Israeli-born American pianist arranged a solo version of Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, which is the centerpiece of his new recording, “Rachmaninoff Reflections.” In this interview, he joins “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to talk more about the album.
