From Rachs to Riches — Piano à Deux play Fauré, Rachmaninov & Gershwin

FROM RACHS TO RICHES

This programme brings together works by Sergei Rachmaninov (1873–1943) and George Gershwin (1898–1937). Both were American citizens and lived concurrently in the USA, but their music embraces two different sound worlds, with Rachmaninov's music being a part of Russian Romanticism, whilst Gershwin was heavily influenced by the music of black America.

PROGRAMME

Gabriel Fauré

Dolly Suite Op. 56 for piano duet

I. Berceuse

II. Mi-a-ou

VI. Le pas espagnol

Sergei Rachmaninov

Suite No. 2 Op. 17 for two pianos

I. Introduction

II. Valse

III. Romance

IV. Tarantelle

George Gershwin, arr. Linda Ang Stoodley & Robert Stoodley

Scenes from Porgy and Bess arranged for two pianos

Rachmaninov was born a Russian aristocrat, but before he was nine years old, the family’s estates had to be sold to pay off debts caused by his father's financial incompetence. The following year, 1883, Rachmaninov's sister Sofia died of diphtheria, and his father left the family for Moscow. His maternal grandmother stepped in to help and also introduced a religious focus into their lives, often taking Rachmaninov to the Russian Orthodox Church.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the rich traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, with its chants, different types of bells and styles of ringing signifying different occasions, are ubiquitous in Rachmaninov's works. In this second suite, we hear every form of this 'singing icon', and the third movement, the Romance, showcases a peal of bells without equal.

After leaving the Moscow Conservatoire in 1892, Rachmaninov soon established himself as a composer, conductor, pianist and teacher, travelling extensively in Europe and the US. The Russian Revolution in February 1917 forced the Rachmaninovs to abandon their country estate, Ivanovka.

In October that year, amidst the turmoil, Rachmaninoff was invited to perform ten recitals in Scandinavia. This was a passport to freedom from a troubled Russia. In December, the family left St Petersburg by train for the Finnish border. From there, they travelled by open sledge and rail to Helsinki.

Whilst in Scandinavia, Rachmaninov received offers to conduct the Cincinnati Symphony and the Boston Symphony Orchestras, and to give piano recitals in the USA. With money from friends, the family secured passage on a ship in November 1918 from Oslo. They set sail for New York, never to return.

In the United States, Rachmaninov soon found financial success again. Family life was made comfortable by servants, a chef and a chauffeur. Rachmaninov himself enjoyed personal luxuries, including quality tailored suits and the latest cars — a return to the aristocratic life of his childhood.

Gershwin's parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia, and the family had only modest means.

George left school at fifteen to become a 'Song Plugger' at Tin Pan Alley. This was a hub for music publishers and songwriters on West 28th Street in New York. Song Pluggers were pianists sitting in cubicles next to each other playing through songs for members of the public who wanted to buy sheet music, and this cacophony gave the area its name of Tin Pan Alley.

Gershwin's rise to fame was rapid, his first hit being 'Swanee' in 1919, sung by Al Jolson, selling millions of records and sheet music.

With his lyricist brother Ira, the Gershwin contribution to the Great American Songbook is certain, and he takes his place with great songwriters like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II.

Gershwin's output not only influenced popular music, but his use of the jazz idiom and black American music changed the face of classical music.

Porgy and Bess is based on DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy, and was adapted by the author and his wife, Dorothy. Gershwin stipulated that he wanted an all-black cast for his opera.

PIANO À DEUX

Robert & Linda met not through music but on a dating website. They married in 2008. '' was formed in 2010, and they have since performed in the UK, Italy, Germany, Finland and Singapore.

Their repertoire includes the familiar, while their research has led to the discovery of works by neglected composers like George Onslow. They have also written many highly praised arrangements.

They have released three CDs, all to great acclaim. Their CD France Revisited includes Onslow's Duo Sonata Op. 7, his six solo pieces, Debussy's Petite Suite, and songs by Poulenc (arranged by PàD). France Revisited 2, with Onslow's Sonata Op. 22, will be released in April 2026.

Critics said that their playing in France Revisited was "piano four hands… at its very best". Their third CD, Porgy, Preludes & Paris, featuring their arrangements of music by Gershwin, received glowing reviews.

Their début CD, Strictly Not Bach (2011), met with great enthusiasm. Novel programmes with titles like From Mistresses to Manhattan presented with charm, humour and drama, as well as their arrangements, have won them a worldwide following.

Their repertoire includes two-piano works. Their latest project, From Rachs to Riches, with Rachmaninov's Suite No. 2 Op. 17 for two pianos and their own arrangement of Scenes From 'Porgy and Bess', all played from memory, was warmly received, as were their concerts in Finland, where the entire audience gave them a standing ovation. They return to Finland later this year.

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