Rachmaninov Piano Concerto 2, 2nd mvmt.
The second Rachmaninov Piano Concerto represents my latest effort
in my research project, Music Plus One, which develops an "orchestra
in box." This is computer program that plays an orchestral
accompaniment to a live player. The orchestra listens
to the live player and follows the player's interpretation;
with the benefit of several rehearsals, the program even assimilates
the soloist's interpretation to better anticipate and support
the live player. My hope is that someday this program will
be used and enjoyed by musicians throughout the world.
This example is unlike all others displayed on this site, at present.
Perhaps the least significant difference is that you will not hear
my oboe playing anywhere in the example. More important is that
the solo instrument is a piano --- a polyphonic instrument.
Since a crucial component of my research is score following (the "hearing"
of the soloist),
the polyphonic score following exhibited here represents a significantly
more difficult domain than the monophonic variety that has previously
been my focus.
For this recording I am indebted to Greg Hayes for his lovely piano
playing, his willingness to participate in this rather unusual
musical scenario, and his typically intelligent comments and suggestions.
Also I must thank the Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra
for recording the orchestra part to the concerto which I bought from
the Music Minus One company; in particular, the beautifully played
clarinet present the movement's opening measures.
I'd appreciate hearing what you pianists think of this.
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto 2, 2nd Mvmt, measures 1-93
More musical examples of my accompaniment research
More involved discussions of the science behind
this work