Ode to Sergei Rachmaninoff: The Brilliance of Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor: Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig's 2010 Freeskate and Joshua Farris' 2013 Freeskate

I knew it was going to be a good day today when Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor played on the radio as I pulled out of the church parking lot. The sun was shining, my windows were down, and Rachmaninoff's music filled the air. What came to mind immediately was Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig's 2010 freeskate to the same music. I remember their unbridled joy at the end of their freeskate, and their reactions in the Kiss & Cry to making the Olympic team. Another great program to Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor was Joshua Farris' freeskate at the U.S. Nationals this year. Josh put himself on the U.S. figure skating map this year, and this impressive freeskate is one of the reasons why. The common denominator here is the magnificent music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. By far one of my favorite musicians, Rachmaninoff's music is perfect for figure skating, as it has power, passion, subtlety, intricacy, and presence.

I hope you enjoy the two selections to Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.2 in C Minor!

Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig's 2010 Freeskate:



Joshua Farris' 2013 Freeskate: