After the success of the Second Piano Concerto in 1901, but the shattering memory of the failure of the First Symphony still with him, Rachmaninov concentrated on short piano pieces, operas and songs. However, during the Rachmaninovs' happy years at the Ivanoka Estate, he finally returned to symphonic composition and completed the Second Symphony in 1908. His worries were proved foundless as the symphony is characteristic for its abundance of rich melody, and is one of his most imposing and memorable works.

The first movement Largo - Allegro moderato is full of intense melancholy which is later relieved through powerful chords bringing forward the main theme. A current of contrasts runs through the whole work. The happy second movement Allegro molto - Meno mosso - Tempo I is followed by a compassionate third movement Adagio. In the final movement Allegro vivace - Adagio - Tempo precedente all the elements are brought together in a happy and optimistic conclusion.