Rachmaninov�s two Suites for two pianos are among the most original works for the medium, no less inspired or tuneful than the better known concertos. The early Suite No. 1 �Fantaisie-tableaux� shows the influence of Chopin, Liszt and Tchaikovsky, but is no mere bloodless imitation of their music. Written while Rachmaninov was working on his Second Piano Concerto, the Suite No. 2 represents a maturer idiom. The Symphonic Dances, a virtual symphony in three movements and Rachmaninov�s last major work, may be viewed as a retrospective of the composer�s career. The version for two pianos is a convincing translation of the orchestral work on which he was working at the same time.