Rachmaninoff is quoted as saying: "I look at my early works and see how much there is that is superfluous. Even in my sonata... so many voices are moving simultaneously, and it is too long. Chopin's Sonata lasts nineteen minutes, and all has been said." Interestingly, Rachmaninoff's 1931 revision reduced the playing time of the Second Sonata from twenty-six minutes to nineteen minutes. Entire sections were removed, melodic lines altered, textures thinned and passages reworked

John Browning says; "Rachmaninoff searched through-out his creative life for greater economy and simplicity of expression. While some revisions are generally regarded as definitive "improvements," e.g. the First Piano Concerto, I do not feel this is the case with the Second Sonata." Many pianists agree with Browning on this matter. As a result the original version of this sonata is still played today, but it appears that most recordings available are of this revision of 1931.

Since Browning's 'outing' of the original version in it's entirety, it has gained popularity and has also been released by the original publisher, Boosey and Hawkes. Browning's notes and editorial markings may be found in the International Music Company's edition of this sonata.

NOTE that in the IMC printing there are some errors made. See example below.

In addition to this Sonata, Rachmaninoff also revised the following works:

First Concerto, op. 1
Melodie, op. 3, no. 3 (almost like a transcription of the earlier version)
Serenade, op. 3, no. 5
Baracarolle, op. 10, no. 3 (small changes)
Humoresque, op. 10, no. 5
Fourth Concerto op. 40

An example of an error in the IMC Edition of the Original Version (this passage is correct in the Revised Version, and in all other editions)

Please notice the inverted note values. (sixteenth and eighth are reversed)

Boosey & Hawkes
IMC