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Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, is one of his most famous and beloved compositions. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic piece:

1. Composed Under Stress: Rachmaninoff composed his Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor in 1900-1901. He was under immense stress and depression at the time, having just recovered from a severe bout of writer's block following the disastrous premiere of his First Symphony in 1897. The composition of this concerto marked a turning point in his career and helped him regain his confidence as a composer.

2. Dedication to a Hypnotist: Rachmaninoff dedicated the concerto to Dr. Nikolai Dahl, a Russian physician and amateur musician who treated him for depression through hypnotherapy. Dahl's unconventional treatment methods were successful in curing Rachmaninoff's depression, and the composer dedicated the concerto to him as a token of his gratitude.

3. Rachmaninoff's Redemption: The premiere of the concerto took place in Moscow on October 27, 1901. It was performed by Rachmaninoff himself as the soloist, and it was conducted by his cousin, Alexander Siloti. The concerto's success at the premiere helped restore Rachmaninoff's confidence as a composer and performer.

4. Themes from Russian Literature: Rachmaninoff drew inspiration from Russian literature for this concerto. The second movement, in particular, features a hauntingly beautiful melody inspired by a poem by Russian writer Fyodor Tyutchev, which Rachmaninoff kept in his wallet as a source of inspiration.

5. Movie Appearances: The Piano Concerto No. 2 has been featured in several movies and television shows, including the 1945 film "Brief Encounter," which helped introduce the concerto to a wider audience. It has since become one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music in popular culture.

6. Lengthy Composition Process: Rachmaninoff was a meticulous composer, and he spent a significant amount of time revising and refining his compositions. The Piano Concerto No. 2 went through several revisions before reaching its final form.

7. Technical Challenges: The concerto is known for its technical challenges for the pianist, including rapid arpeggios, intricate passagework, and virtuosic cadenzas. It demands both technical prowess and emotional depth from the performer.

8. Rachmaninoff's Favorite: Rachmaninoff himself had a deep affection for this concerto and often performed it throughout his career. He considered it his favorite among his own compositions.

9. Influence on Popular Music: The concerto's beautiful melodies have made it a source of inspiration for numerous popular songs and adaptations. Artists like Eric Carmen and Frank Sinatra have used themes from this concerto in their music.

10. Eternal Popularity: Over a century after its composition, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, remains one of the most frequently performed and beloved works in the classical piano concerto repertoire. Its enduring popularity attests to its timeless beauty and emotional resonance.