Sergei Rachmaninov left three symphonies in his life. The First Symphony was a fiasco. It undermined his confidence in himself as a creator for nearly three years until the ministrations of Dr. Dahlia, a Moscow neurologist who specialized in a type of hypnosis-therapy, led the spectacular resurgence of creative power. His sensitiveness appeared in his music style which was rather unsuitable for symphonies.
After Rachmaninov left his native land for ever in 1917, the year of the Russian Revolution, he showed mature technique of composition. The works in his last two decades are filled with his energetic power of creation. The Third Symphony reveals Rachmaninov's sentimentality and nostalgia, his spiritual confession. His inner Russian mind made this symphony regarded as his Russian Symphony.
The First Movement - Lento Allegro moderate - A minor After four bars of introduction, the first theme derived from the ancient chants of the Russian Orthodox Church appears.
The Second Movement - Adagio ma non troppo - C Sharp Major This movement has two characters of ordinary symphonies: a mordant scherzo enclosed within a romantic, red-blooded Adagio.
The Third Movement - Allegro - A Major The finale written in a sonata form with the single theme is propelled by that lyrical dynamism. The symphony ends in life-enhancing jubilation reminding listeners the Russian Festivals.
