What is rachmaninoff piano concerto 4?

The Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op. 40 is a work for piano and orchestra, completed in 1926. This concerto is often seen as the most difficult of Rachmaninoff's four concertos, but it is also one of the least performed due to its technical demands.

Rachmaninoff revised the work extensively in 1941, cutting about 10 minutes from the original score and shifting the emphasis from soloist to orchestra. The revised version also includes some new material, such as the opening solo horn melody.

The concerto is in three movements, with the first movement being the longest. It opens with a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the piano, which sets the tone for the entire concerto. The second movement is a scherzo, full of playful energy and virtuosic piano writing. The final movement is a grand and triumphant finale, showcasing the full power of the orchestra and piano.

Despite its technical challenges, the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 4 has been championed by many great pianists, including Vladimir Horowitz, who gave the work its American premiere in 1927. Today, it continues to be a testament to Rachmaninoff's skill as a composer and his love of the piano.