Rachmaninoff, Sergei. (1873–1943) Piano Concerto No. 2 - SIGNED MUSICAL SCORE

Printed musical score of the Second Piano Concerto, Opus 18, with Orchestral Accompaniment arranged for Second Piano, boldly signed vertically by the composer and dated 1942 on verso of title-page. 4to, custom black cloth, gilt titling and owner name ("William Dorn") on front cover, minor wear; owner's inscription at upper edge of title-page, faint foxing to title-page, pencil and colored pencil notations throughout likely in hand of owner. Overall fine. Signed musical scores of the composer are scarce. Astonishingly, we have traced none in over 50 years of sales records and this signed example of one his most celebrated works, is a great rarity indeed. The Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 was composed between June 1900 and April 1901 and established Rachmaninoff's fame as a concerto composer. Spurred on by his hypnotherapist with mantras such as “You will begin to write your concerto,” “You will work with great facility,” and “Your concerto will be of excellent quality,” Rachmaninoff managed to pull himself out of the creative slump he’d experienced during the last three years of the 19th century, and created a sumptuous, sonic wash of emotion that he, fittingly, dedicated to the encouraging doctor. One of his most enduringly popular pieces and a romantic masterpiece, it is famous for its lush melodies, intense emotional depth, and immense popularity in film, popular music, and concert repertoire. American pianist William Dorn, from St. Louis, studied with Moritz Rosenthal, Rudolf Ganz and Adele Marcus. He enjoyed a long and successful performance career, including recitals at NY Town Hall and concerto performances with many fine orchestras, including the St. Louis Symphony. He later taught at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for 35 years.