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Symphonics in Miniature presents 'Russia vs. Beverly Hills'. The two most representative works of composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, performed on piano by soloist Alain Del Real.
The two pieces of the concert 'Russia vs. Beverly Hills' by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) were written at very different moments in the composer's life.
The first, the Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, from 1901, is one of the most popular works in the repertoire, both among the public and among performers. A piece full of glorious melody, romantic emotion and exciting virtuosity. The concert opens with solemn chords on the piano, which give way to a broad and melodic theme. A movement that is full of dramatic contrasts and rhythmic exuberance.
The second movement Adagio sostenuto is slow and contemplative, where the piano and the orchestra dialogue in an intimate way. The finale, Allegro scherzando, is bright and energetic, with a vibrant main theme that evolves through a series of virtuoso transformations before arriving at a triumphant finale.
The second piece, 'The Symphonic Dances. Op. 45', from 1940, was first composed and performed in the US, where the composer generally lived and worked as a concert pianist. It is Rachmaninov's last orchestral work, reflecting his mastery of orchestration and deep melodic style.
The work displays Rachmaninoff's characteristic romantic qualities, combined with rhythmic brilliance, kaleidoscopic harmony and colourful music. Its score quotes from the composer's earlier works, such as his First Symphony and Night Vigil, as well as Russian Orthodox chants. It was also written as a work for two pianos, so there are large and small versions.
The first movement, Non allegro, combines energetic rhythms with nostalgic themes. The dance is marked by an imaginative use of the orchestra and motifs reminiscent of Rachmaninov's past. The Andante con moto -Tempo di valse- is a valse macabre that evokes a mysterious and sombre atmosphere. Traditional waltz elements merge with unusual harmonies and dark orchestral colours. The final movement, Lento assai – Allegro vivace, presents a contrast between a slow, solemn theme and an allegro vivace. It includes references to the "Dies Irae" and to themes from Rachmaninov's earlier works, culminating in a brilliant and energetic conclusion.

Alain Del Real, solo pianist. His quality as a pianist has led him to participate with internationally renowned musicians such as the German baritone Falko Hönisch, the trombonist James Lebens, the violinist Román Revueltas, the soprano María Katzarava, the tenor Alan Pingarrón, the pianist Alexander Pashkov among others. He has participated in the best festivals in Mexico as a soloist with an orchestra, in a solo piano recital, a chamber music recital, as a pianist and as an opera coach, among which the most notable are the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato, the International Revueltas Festival in Durango, the Festival del Centro Histórico in CDMX, among others. As a pianist and coach, he has worked in the Carlo Morelli National Singing Competition in 2012 and 2013 in its regional stage, the Second National Violin Competition Tomás Ruíz Ovalle in 2014, the Ars Vocalis Mexico International Singing Course in the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 editions, and the San Luis Potosí Opera Festival in 2018 and 2019.
He maintains a constant presence in the two main opera houses in Mexico, the Teatro del Bicentenario in León and the Teatro de Bellas Artes in CDMX, serving as a pianist in different opera productions.
Sinfónicos en Miniatura is an initiative created, promoted and registered by the Orquesta Sinfónica del Atlántico since 2015, which brings the world of great symphonic works to those places that do not have a symphony orchestra on a regular basis. Through a small orchestral formation and after a very refined maturation process over the years, Sinfónicos en Miniatura has consolidated a way of interaction between musicians and the public that is as direct as it is original and satisfactory, based on the responsibility of creating very complex repertoires through small-format orchestral formations.