Wow, watching this for the first time 16 years since it was posted and I absolutely adore the way he phrases his words regarding this piece. Thank you for sharing!
It's crazy to think it's been that long. I remember seeing this for the first time while in high school when I first discovered the Rachmaninoff concertos....that was half my life ago.😅
I love listening to Stephen Hough on the pianoforte; he’s my favourite pianist but I also love listening to him talk as he always has something interesting to say and makes a lot of sense. Xx 💕💕
I'm not a musician. This music is a story of life. In particular, the ending, old age, rushing time, memories, sounds, smells people, the crescendo, finally death. How good is that...! Oh, I really love this, the music, and life.
What a joy to hear Stephen Hough play with such intelligence, craftsmanship, and above all, passion! His recordings of all four Rach piano concertos are the absolute best.
Ashkenazy played Rachmaninov incredibly. He can't help spreading the chords because he has small hands.He spreads the chords with good taste. The general interpretation and his neat technique make up for all!
My god, I'm dying to get to see Ashkenazy performing Rach 2.. I love all his recordings of the piece, with Previn, Haitink and Kondrashin..I'd die to see the video..
Ashkenazy has one of the deepest interpretations of Rachmaninov. He has a true understanding of the music.I met people who heard him play this piece live and they said he was fabulous.
All pianists seem to have their own way of playing those opening chords which for all but the biggest hands are awkward; many splitting or arpeggioing them. Hough, 2:13, is the only one I've seen who plays the low F by crossing over his right hand.
I have played full-time professionally in orchestras for most of my life.I have played in orchesta with many very great pianists and indeed many were playing Rachmaninov.I mentioned Vladimir Ashkenazy as I have heard him many times as soloist.I was genuinely thrilled by his performances live every time I heard him.I was also thrilled when I heard Rubinstein in about 1970 in London. I love listening to many pianists including recordings of Horowitz and Richter.
Excellent video, thanks so much. it's wonderful to see so many of you who tear up as I do with this, the 3rd movement of the 2nd Symphony, the vocalise, etc. Lets face it...Rachmaninoff was a melody master, and an incredible orchestrator. His counter melodies in the 2nd Concerto are worth the price of admission.
With modern technology the piano doesn't have to be so subtle in the first two minutes, especially when recorded. Of course there is no other piano concert that moves me as much as this one! Ah but to only spend a few minutes talking to Rachmaninoff, what a dream. Mr Hough you know how to bring life into the gift of Rachmaninoff in deed!
I have found few pianist's interpretation of this work can ever come close to matching the legendary Svjatoslav Richter with the Warsaw Philharmonic ca. 1957(?) on Deutsche Grammophone. This recording was my first introduction to classical music and it sent chills up my 7-year old spine. I still get the same sensation 48 years later!
@dreamerpiano the very first time i listened to hough was when he played the tchaik piano concerto no. 2 at a live concert. as soon as the first few chords of the piano sounded, i thought to myself, wow, i like this guy already. his sensitivity to musical phrases and colouring just got me straightaway.
BTW, if you are genuinely unable to recognise the countless aspects in which Horowitz and Rachmaninoff share stylistic background (different as their playing may be) then it's no surprise that you cannot recognise what is missing from Ashkenazy's Rachmaninoff.
I thought you might be interested. I heard a live performance of Andrei Gavrilov playing Rachmaninov No.3 Concerto in Dublin a few weeks ago.Truly he played it like a great master. I was sitting above him in the balcony.He played incredibly deeply musically and with amazing technique when wanted.People gave him a screaming standing ovation.
This laid back concerto that the composer himself treated with disdain later so captivated a lady, that after a concert she asked the composer what inspired him to write such a piece containing "beautiful,wonderful, wonderful melodies ." He replied nonchalantly: "Twenty-five roubles." sd goh (malaysia)
'Amazing' would seem like understatement, though I share your sentiment. Richter was a perfectionist and his Rach #2 is flawless and, given the technology of that era, a superb recording.
I wouldn't suggest any of R's recordings suggest a huge tone, merely well contrasted balance (not volume!) giving clarity. Hough bring out details similarly. He also understands the need to open out hugely at times when taking such a moving tempo and then snap right back to the pulse. This is what characterises Rs playing of the 2nd subject. It's true that you hear little of the piano when the orchestra begins. That's what it's like live in a hall.
Amongst Vladimir Ashkenazy's best recordings,are his first recording of Rach3 in 1963 with Fistoulary ( just after winning the Tchaikovsky Competition).I read he did it all without retakes.Wonderful effect leading up to the shorter cadenza on that occasion. I also like his Rhapsody on a theme by Paganinni with Previn.Very neat and virtuoso etc.
Believe me when it comes to Rachmaninov Ashkenazy knows the heck of a lot.He has recorded the No.3 Concerto five times. The Variations on a Theme by Pagannini, the second and fourth concertos all three times. Many people loved his exquisite performances.He is the President of the Rachmaninov Society etc etc.
Not me certainly. I never said that. I said that Ashkenazy does not appreciate the broad parameters of the Rachmaninoff style, especially in the third concerto. Horowitz was NOT removed from Rachmaninoff's style. He had the same appreciation of vocal cantabile, legato and similar ability to project vital inner lines without banging them. The list could go on and on...
I don't dispute any of those things. My argument is based on the way the composer played and those whose playing he admired. Leslie Howard is president of the Liszt society, I believe, but his playing could hardly have less in common with the Lisztian style is documented in recordings of Liszt's pupils.
If only we could take all great pianists’ interpretations of this magnificent piano concerto which we know so well, love so much and indeed wish we could play as well as these top-flight pianists going back as far as the greatest pianist who ever played it, namely Rachmaninoff himself to Rubinstein, to Horowitz, to Argerich, to Kissin, to Lang Lang, and now to the upcoming young pianists in the name of Malofeev, and every unnamed pianist woven in and out and through these named pianists and put them into a computer and come out with the one and only interpretation that equals or even bests Rachmaninoff’s itself, we would have the one and only one that everyone would emulate. But that is not what it’s all about. What we humans love is hearing all the interpretations these great pianists have developed not for themselves but for out listening pleasure. We will die arguing who plays Rach 2 the best and that is how it should be. For me it’s Kissin. For others it’s, well.… I am just glad Rachmaninoff took the time to compose this beautiful PC and that we can not only hear it played but see it played in great halls around the world thanks to CZcams.
cziffra1980 did mention about Rachmaninov conducting and playing. I have Kusevisky and Ormandy conducting all the Rachmaninov concertos and the Variations on a Theme by Paganini.It's excellent too.
does anyone know where i can find the video footage of Vladimir Ashkenazy playing Rach 2, as in the very beginning of this video... i cant find his video performance anywhere. any help would be lovely
That is your opinion cziffra1980. I know Rachmaninov's approach and I do have true respect for him. I love Horowitz's playing. With Sir John Barbirolli he played with tremendous speed but still plenty of musical depth.Rachmaninov loved his playing,yet he played it very differently.Anyway we could argue endlessly about great players.Lets show them all respect.
Sorry but please may I beg to differ? cziffra1980. Horowitz was an absolute genius at the piano. He had incredible drive ( particularly in the Sir John Barbarolli performance in 1941)and he played that live performance with amazing speed.Also in the Sonata 2 he played an incredible technical display and wonderful romance in the tunes.Rachmaninov was incredibly different in character.Also truly wonderful.
Why? Have you ever criticised a film? What right do you have to do so if you are not a widely recorded film director? Well, you have every right. Even if I couldn't play a note on the piano, that wouldn't make me unable to understand music or judge performers. If qualifications are your basis for judging the right to make a judgement then what are your qualifications for judging me to be unqualified?
Really some great masterful moments. I like Hough very much. I still prefer Svyatoslav's krazy tempo changes, and Alexis Weissenberg's huge slow sonorities. My very old Rubenstein/Reiner tape also possessed great merit
You think I crave 'admiration' from random people reading comments on the internet? No, I just think it's a pity that Rachmaninoff's music is so widely misrepresented, by rigid, noisy performances. Thank God that Stephen Hough is around, to help destroy some of the misconceptions that prevail around Rachmaninoff's music and recapture the style of that era.
There is a body of thought that says the first big chords should be played the same speed as the rest of the movement not so slowly as a lot of soloists do. ??!!
Also, achieving a real sense of melodic smoothness and continuity is most certainly NOT a mere 'technical aspect' (although it is indeed technically difficult to achieve- far more so than pounding everything out percussively). Vocally inspired continuity and legato is the foundation of most of Rachmaninoff's music- especially this particular work.
My opinion is if you can't find the beauty in this song, you haven't lived long enough, nor are you mature enough to understand this piece. This isn't meant to offend anyone, it just means you haven't reached a point in your life to fully understand it. But given enough time, you will.
That's an exaggeration, but I agree that it's very unusual to play them even faster than Rachmaninoff and it doesn't exactly come off. However, listen to the rest. He understands how Rachmaninoff played, in more depth than anyone around today.
I have a big problem with this popular term 'sentimental'- which means 'with feeling'. It has become this odd code-word for something else. Rachmaninoff's playing is full of emotion and sentiment. None of Rachmaninoff's recordings suggest his tone to be big in the Horowitz sense, merely very clear and projected (rather like Hough I think). The nerves thing is possible. He wasn't a regular concert pianist at this time.
i'm sure there are many modern composers out there. but thesedays it is difficult to become a well-known composer because classical music simply isn't as popular as it used to be. as well as this, the general public are often not willing to let in new things. it is easier to like the old greats who everybody knows, because they are well-established and loved all around the world. people don't want anything new because they know that what we already have is incredible and too difficult to beat.
Who ever said you had to play the piece exactly like Rachmaninov. Horowitz's playing was incredible and in the Concerto3 Rachmaninov loved Horowitz's playing even though he was so far removed from Rachmaninov's style. He also gave him free rain for the ending of the second sonata. I absolutely adore Horowitz's best playing and I love Rachmaninovs playing. It's just a fummy world at times. I'm not making fun of you in any way cziffra1980 please understand that.
Leslie Howard has recorded the COMPLETE works of Liszt, but comparison with recordings by Liszt's students doesn't exactly suggest him to be a stylistic authority on that composer.
I have studied R's recordings of the concertos (and many other works) in detail as well as various historical performances by great pianists of the past. I have also performed the 2nd a few times and like Hough attempted to simulate aspects of how the composer played it (inner voices, melodic flow etc.). I don't think Ashkenazy pays adequate respect to the hallmarks of Rachmaninoff's style (most notably 'flow'). Perhaps your admiration for Ashkenazy is rather more 'rash' than my dislike.
cziffra1980. Please play at least one whole movement of the Rachmaninov No.2 Concerto [ hopefully the first or last movement)and put it on your site. We will then be very impressed.
Some others are far more superficialthan Vladimir Ashkenazy and use the music as a show piece. In the number3 concerto by Rachmaninov I actually love Horowitz. He may have had showy technique earlier on; but he had real musical depth. Everyone to their own taste and with due respect, I definitely think Ashkenazy is very deep with interpretation when it comes to Rachmaninov.Mouzovsky said too much romantism killed it and he was right.
cziffra1980. I just want to genuinely apologise to you for using those horrible words.I honestly don't know what got into me.I am not usually like that. Please forgive me. This is a wonderful site and I do respect it.I also of course know you are a good pianist.
His complete recordings also include the third symphony, vocalise and Isle of the dead conducted by him. Get hold of the cheap box if you want to get used to the flowing sense of direction than he always favoured. I'm no fan of Ashkenazy's plodding conducting of the symphonies either. The 2nd concerto (two recordings) and Paganini Rhaposdy are with Stokowksi, not Koussevitsky.
That's fine and you have every right to your own view too. However, when it comes to "tuneman" who calls my argument 'illogical' and refutes it without giving a valid reason for disagreement, I think it's a diferent matter.
No, you don't have to roll the chords. Byron Janis takes the first note (F#, I think) as a grace note and plays the rest as a chord. I don't think the rolled chords are convincing, and having small hands means there are simply pieces you shouldn't play if they require larger ones.
You can admire Ashkenazy if you like, but he does not understand the romantic style in the way Hough does. Hough demonstrates how much room there is for individuality, within the parameters of that style. Ironically there is far more room for variety than within the modern approach to Rachmaninoff, that is exemplified by Ashkenazy. Nobody has to copy anything.
Where did this suddenly come from anyway? I explained the meaning quite clearly ages ago. You don't have to 'copy' Rachmaninoff to show respect for his style and understanding of his language, as Horowitz exemplifies. Why are you suddenly bringing this up again?
I didn't say you have to play it 'like' Rachmaninoff. I said that Ashkenazy does not achieve the spirit of Rachmaninoff's era. What do you think I pretending exactly? I just think that Ashkenazy is a poor Rachmaninoff player who is among the many that have tarnished people's impressions of the composers music. If you can't handle that then tough.
Well fair enough if you like him, but I have listened in depth to the recordings of Rachmaninoff. That's my basis for saying that Ashkenazy fails to capture the most vital qualities in the music. Certainly not a 'rash' opinion.
If you can't hear ANY of the qualities that Hough shares with Rachmaninoff (hardly craftmanship) then I'd say you certainly should listen again to Rachmaninoff's recordings. I don't agree with these opening chords, but I can't believe anyone intimately acquainted with the details of Rachmaninoff's playing would fail to recognise the spirit.
Rachmaninoff's performances were all based on smooth flowing lines of a vocal nature. Ashkenazy's heavy, percussive approach is nowhere to be found. In what way exactly do you suggest Ashkenazy gets what Rachmaninoff was after? I explained my reasons but you haven't made any effort to define WHAT you feel he 'gets'. Don't question my 'logic' please, when you haven't even tried to define a basis for your argument.
Goodness, I know every performer has to put his own stamp on a piece - while also respecting the composer, which Hough says he does. But did Rachmaninov take it this FAST??? I am a great admirer of Stephen Hough but to me the peremptory way he despatches those sweeping themes and in particular the first tragic chords reduces Rachmaninov's whole epic journey to a farce.
He did play it extremely fast on some recordings at least, they're on CZcams so you can check for yourself. But it's reasonable to assume that this was this was at least in part because of the limited recording technology, since his 3rd concerto recording also includes numerous cuts.
Stephen Hough is surely one of the greats. Intelligent, articulate, and of course his playing is top-notch.
Wow, watching this for the first time 16 years since it was posted and I absolutely adore the way he phrases his words regarding this piece. Thank you for sharing!
It's crazy to think it's been that long. I remember seeing this for the first time while in high school when I first discovered the Rachmaninoff concertos....that was half my life ago.😅
I really respect Stephen Hough. He is a superb pianist. This is an excellent video. Thanks so much for showing it.
I love listening to Stephen Hough on the pianoforte; he’s my favourite pianist but I also love listening to him talk as he always has something interesting to say and makes a lot of sense. Xx 💕💕
I'm not a musician. This music is a story of life. In particular, the ending, old age, rushing time, memories, sounds, smells people, the crescendo, finally death. How good is that...! Oh, I really love this, the music, and life.
What a joy to hear Stephen Hough play with such intelligence, craftsmanship, and above all, passion! His recordings of all four Rach piano concertos are the absolute best.
My very favourite piece. My crying piece. Just love it. Thankyou for sharing it
I'm so happy to see this video clip. Thank you for uploading....
Congratulations to Sir Stephen Hough
Finally I see the wonders of Stephen Hough's playing on CZcams. Thank you so much for sharing this!
SR
Ashkenazy played Rachmaninov incredibly. He can't help spreading the chords because he has small hands.He spreads the chords with good taste. The general interpretation and his neat technique make up for all!
" In order to live a full life, you have to burn about something ... "
Yes! And another quote: "To live a meaningful life..."
No matter how many times I listen to this concerto, it gets me every time.
What a magnificent few moments! What a gift! Thank you so much for posting!
Love his recording with the Dallas Symphony.
Dear Stephen; What wonderful insights you just gave me... even though this was done 15 years ago.
My god, I'm dying to get to see Ashkenazy performing Rach 2.. I love all his recordings of the piece, with Previn, Haitink and Kondrashin..I'd die to see the video..
I have to agree, I recommend Ashkenazy interpretation of the 3rd concerto too. Always giving me goose bumps, so much pain in cadenza, to tears.
Ashkenazy has one of the deepest interpretations of Rachmaninov. He has a true understanding of the music.I met people who heard him play this piece live and they said he was fabulous.
All pianists seem to have their own way of playing those opening chords which for all but the biggest hands are awkward; many splitting or arpeggioing them. Hough, 2:13, is the only one I've seen who plays the low F by crossing over his right hand.
It is the greatest piano concerto ever written in my view. The 2nd movement especially.
I have played full-time professionally in orchestras for most of my life.I have played in orchesta with many very great pianists and indeed many were playing Rachmaninov.I mentioned Vladimir Ashkenazy as I have heard him many times as soloist.I was genuinely thrilled by his performances live every time I heard him.I was also thrilled when I heard Rubinstein in about 1970 in London. I love listening to many pianists including recordings of Horowitz and Richter.
800 stars! Must-see for pianists and classical listeners alike.
Excellent video, thanks so much.
it's wonderful to see so many of you who tear up as I do with this, the 3rd movement of the 2nd Symphony, the vocalise, etc.
Lets face it...Rachmaninoff was a melody master, and an incredible orchestrator. His counter melodies in the 2nd Concerto are worth the price of admission.
Wonderfull-& what a great Person and Musician-one of my favorite pianists working at the momment.
Bravissimo, Stephen!!!
Very good video. Very inspiring! Thanks for posting. It's a pitty nobody posted Hough's complete performance.
With modern technology the piano doesn't have to be so subtle in the first two minutes, especially when recorded. Of course there is no other piano concert that moves me as much as this one! Ah but to only spend a few minutes talking to Rachmaninoff, what a dream. Mr Hough you know how to bring life into the gift of Rachmaninoff in deed!
Stephen is so very good!
I have found few pianist's interpretation of this work can ever come close to matching the legendary Svjatoslav Richter with the Warsaw Philharmonic ca. 1957(?) on Deutsche Grammophone.
This recording was my first introduction to classical music and it sent chills up my 7-year old spine.
I still get the same sensation 48 years later!
Try Earl Wild with the Royal philharmonic.
@dreamerpiano the very first time i listened to hough was when he played the tchaik piano concerto no. 2 at a live concert. as soon as the first few chords of the piano sounded, i thought to myself, wow, i like this guy already. his sensitivity to musical phrases and colouring just got me straightaway.
BTW, if you are genuinely unable to recognise the countless aspects in which Horowitz and Rachmaninoff share stylistic background (different as their playing may be) then it's no surprise that you cannot recognise what is missing from Ashkenazy's Rachmaninoff.
I thought you might be interested. I heard a live performance of Andrei Gavrilov playing Rachmaninov No.3 Concerto in Dublin a few weeks ago.Truly he played it like a great master. I was sitting above him in the balcony.He played incredibly deeply musically and with amazing technique when wanted.People gave him a screaming standing ovation.
I actually have all the concertos and many other recordings all with Rachmaninov playing. I love his playing.
You are the best musician, the best pianist!!!!
This laid back concerto that the composer himself treated with disdain later so captivated a lady, that after a concert she asked the composer what inspired him to write such a piece containing "beautiful,wonderful, wonderful melodies ." He replied nonchalantly: "Twenty-five roubles." sd goh (malaysia)
Thank you so much for such warm and understandable words about music♥️
Just saw him in Connecticut! Sensational performance!
'Amazing' would seem like understatement, though I share your sentiment.
Richter was a perfectionist and his Rach #2 is flawless and, given the technology of that era, a superb recording.
Please try to listen Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto by the interpretation of Alexei Sultanov! Thank you!
I wouldn't suggest any of R's recordings suggest a huge tone, merely well contrasted balance (not volume!) giving clarity. Hough bring out details similarly. He also understands the need to open out hugely at times when taking such a moving tempo and then snap right back to the pulse. This is what characterises Rs playing of the 2nd subject. It's true that you hear little of the piano when the orchestra begins. That's what it's like live in a hall.
Amongst Vladimir Ashkenazy's best recordings,are his first recording of Rach3 in 1963 with Fistoulary ( just after winning the Tchaikovsky Competition).I read he did it all without retakes.Wonderful effect leading up to the shorter cadenza on that occasion. I also like his Rhapsody on a theme by Paganinni with Previn.Very neat and virtuoso etc.
Thank you cziffra1980. I will continue to admire the very great Vladimir Ashkenazy and many other very great pianists and conductors.
Warsaw Philharmonic with Stanislav Wislocki conducting - amazing rendition.
Believe me when it comes to Rachmaninov Ashkenazy knows the heck of a lot.He has recorded the No.3 Concerto five times. The Variations on a Theme by Pagannini, the second and fourth concertos all three times. Many people loved his exquisite performances.He is the President of the Rachmaninov Society etc etc.
Not me certainly. I never said that. I said that Ashkenazy does not appreciate the broad parameters of the Rachmaninoff style, especially in the third concerto. Horowitz was NOT removed from Rachmaninoff's style. He had the same appreciation of vocal cantabile, legato and similar ability to project vital inner lines without banging them. The list could go on and on...
I don't dispute any of those things. My argument is based on the way the composer played and those whose playing he admired. Leslie Howard is president of the Liszt society, I believe, but his playing could hardly have less in common with the Lisztian style is documented in recordings of Liszt's pupils.
Thank you cziffra1980. I will continue to admire Vladimir Ashkenazy. I also have great respect for many famous pianists.
Wonderful!
If only we could take all great pianists’ interpretations of this magnificent piano concerto which we know so well, love so much and indeed wish we could play as well as these top-flight pianists going back as far as the greatest pianist who ever played it, namely Rachmaninoff himself to Rubinstein, to Horowitz, to Argerich, to Kissin, to Lang Lang, and now to the upcoming young pianists in the name of Malofeev, and every unnamed pianist woven in and out and through these named pianists and put them into a computer and come out with the one and only interpretation that equals or even bests Rachmaninoff’s itself, we would have the one and only one that everyone would emulate. But that is not what it’s all about. What we humans love is hearing all the interpretations these great pianists have developed not for themselves but for out listening pleasure. We will die arguing who plays Rach 2 the best and that is how it should be. For me it’s Kissin. For others it’s, well.…
I am just glad Rachmaninoff took the time to compose this beautiful PC and that we can not only hear it played but see it played in great halls around the world thanks to CZcams.
cziffra1980 did mention about Rachmaninov conducting and playing. I have Kusevisky and Ormandy conducting all the Rachmaninov concertos and the Variations on a Theme by Paganini.It's excellent too.
"In order to live a full life, you have to burn about something." Stephen Hough
Brilliant 💜💜💜
Great video....thanks for posting!
does anyone know where i can find the video footage of Vladimir Ashkenazy playing Rach 2, as in the very beginning of this video... i cant find his video performance anywhere. any help would be lovely
That is your opinion cziffra1980. I know Rachmaninov's approach and I do have true respect for him. I love Horowitz's playing. With Sir John Barbirolli he played with tremendous speed but still plenty of musical depth.Rachmaninov loved his playing,yet he played it very differently.Anyway we could argue endlessly about great players.Lets show them all respect.
Sorry but please may I beg to differ? cziffra1980. Horowitz was an absolute genius at the piano. He had incredible drive ( particularly in the Sir John Barbarolli performance in 1941)and he played that live performance with amazing speed.Also in the Sonata 2 he played an incredible technical display and wonderful romance in the tunes.Rachmaninov was incredibly different in character.Also truly wonderful.
Why? Have you ever criticised a film? What right do you have to do so if you are not a widely recorded film director? Well, you have every right. Even if I couldn't play a note on the piano, that wouldn't make me unable to understand music or judge performers.
If qualifications are your basis for judging the right to make a judgement then what are your qualifications for judging me to be unqualified?
Stephen hough♡
Really some great masterful moments. I like Hough very much. I still prefer Svyatoslav's krazy tempo changes, and Alexis Weissenberg's huge slow sonorities. My very old Rubenstein/Reiner tape also possessed great merit
You think I crave 'admiration' from random people reading comments on the internet? No, I just think it's a pity that Rachmaninoff's music is so widely misrepresented, by rigid, noisy performances. Thank God that Stephen Hough is around, to help destroy some of the misconceptions that prevail around Rachmaninoff's music and recapture the style of that era.
There is a body of thought that says the first big chords should be played the same speed as the rest of the movement not so slowly as a lot of soloists do. ??!!
Also, achieving a real sense of melodic smoothness and continuity is most certainly NOT a mere 'technical aspect' (although it is indeed technically difficult to achieve- far more so than pounding everything out percussively). Vocally inspired continuity and legato is the foundation of most of Rachmaninoff's music- especially this particular work.
My opinion is if you can't find the beauty in this song, you haven't lived long enough, nor are you mature enough to understand this piece. This isn't meant to offend anyone, it just means you haven't reached a point in your life to fully understand it. But given enough time, you will.
That's an exaggeration, but I agree that it's very unusual to play them even faster than Rachmaninoff and it doesn't exactly come off. However, listen to the rest. He understands how Rachmaninoff played, in more depth than anyone around today.
I have a big problem with this popular term 'sentimental'- which means 'with feeling'. It has become this odd code-word for something else. Rachmaninoff's playing is full of emotion and sentiment. None of Rachmaninoff's recordings suggest his tone to be big in the Horowitz sense, merely very clear and projected (rather like Hough I think). The nerves thing is possible. He wasn't a regular concert pianist at this time.
i'm sure there are many modern composers out there. but thesedays it is difficult to become a well-known composer because classical music simply isn't as popular as it used to be. as well as this, the general public are often not willing to let in new things. it is easier to like the old greats who everybody knows, because they are well-established and loved all around the world. people don't want anything new because they know that what we already have is incredible and too difficult to beat.
Very enlightening video...
I hate the way Ashknezay spreads those chords, but Kissin's tone quality is probably even more objectionable. Hough is excellent.
Who ever said you had to play the piece exactly like Rachmaninov. Horowitz's playing was incredible and in the Concerto3 Rachmaninov loved Horowitz's playing even though he was so far removed from Rachmaninov's style. He also gave him free rain for the ending of the second sonata. I absolutely adore Horowitz's best playing and I love Rachmaninovs playing. It's just a fummy world at times. I'm not making fun of you in any way cziffra1980 please understand that.
somebody knows the link of the Ashkenazy's interpretation.??
i think it is. now, if only i had the rest of it...
Très intéressant.
Merci
Jackylen57
Leslie Howard has recorded the COMPLETE works of Liszt, but comparison with recordings by Liszt's students doesn't exactly suggest him to be a stylistic authority on that composer.
I have studied R's recordings of the concertos (and many other works) in detail as well as various historical performances by great pianists of the past. I have also performed the 2nd a few times and like Hough attempted to simulate aspects of how the composer played it (inner voices, melodic flow etc.). I don't think Ashkenazy pays adequate respect to the hallmarks of Rachmaninoff's style (most notably 'flow'). Perhaps your admiration for Ashkenazy is rather more 'rash' than my dislike.
cziffra1980. Please play at least one whole movement of the Rachmaninov No.2 Concerto [ hopefully the first or last movement)and put it on your site. We will then be very impressed.
This is beautiful! Does anyone know if a live recording of Ashkenazy's performance of this concerto can be purchased?
Why? I performed it twice a few years ago, if you must know. That has nothing to do with what we are currently discussing though.
Some others are far more superficialthan Vladimir Ashkenazy and use the music as a show piece. In the number3 concerto by Rachmaninov I actually love Horowitz. He may have had showy technique earlier on; but he had real musical depth. Everyone to their own taste and with due respect, I definitely think Ashkenazy is very deep with interpretation when it comes to Rachmaninov.Mouzovsky said too much romantism killed it and he was right.
With due respect, everyone is entitled to their own individual opinion. Thank goodness these great players actually play the piece differently.
cziffra1980. I just want to genuinely apologise to you for using those horrible words.I honestly don't know what got into me.I am not usually like that. Please forgive me.
This is a wonderful site and I do respect it.I also of course know you are a good pianist.
His complete recordings also include the third symphony, vocalise and Isle of the dead conducted by him. Get hold of the cheap box if you want to get used to the flowing sense of direction than he always favoured. I'm no fan of Ashkenazy's plodding conducting of the symphonies either. The 2nd concerto (two recordings) and Paganini Rhaposdy are with Stokowksi, not Koussevitsky.
Your opinion!!
That's fine and you have every right to your own view too. However, when it comes to "tuneman" who calls my argument 'illogical' and refutes it without giving a valid reason for disagreement, I think it's a diferent matter.
cziffra1980 I have two famous conductors conducting Rachmaninov. Why did you say conducting as well as playing about Rachmaninov's performances?
No, you don't have to roll the chords. Byron Janis takes the first note (F#, I think) as a grace note and plays the rest as a chord. I don't think the rolled chords are convincing, and having small hands means there are simply pieces you shouldn't play if they require larger ones.
jre58591. I genuinely really like this sellection of videos. I find it extremely interesting and informative. Thank you very much for sharing.
He is getting more and more into my list of favourite and most convincing pianists of all time. and I am really picky..
You can admire Ashkenazy if you like, but he does not understand the romantic style in the way Hough does. Hough demonstrates how much room there is for individuality, within the parameters of that style. Ironically there is far more room for variety than within the modern approach to Rachmaninoff, that is exemplified by Ashkenazy. Nobody has to copy anything.
So you know what he wanted the piece to 'mean' and Ashkenazy gets that? And you called my argument 'illogical'....
He did.
Where did this suddenly come from anyway? I explained the meaning quite clearly ages ago. You don't have to 'copy' Rachmaninoff to show respect for his style and understanding of his language, as Horowitz exemplifies. Why are you suddenly bringing this up again?
I didn't say you have to play it 'like' Rachmaninoff. I said that Ashkenazy does not achieve the spirit of Rachmaninoff's era. What do you think I pretending exactly? I just think that Ashkenazy is a poor Rachmaninoff player who is among the many that have tarnished people's impressions of the composers music. If you can't handle that then tough.
Well fair enough if you like him, but I have listened in depth to the recordings of Rachmaninoff. That's my basis for saying that Ashkenazy fails to capture the most vital qualities in the music. Certainly not a 'rash' opinion.
When is Rachmaninov conducting his concertos?
If you can't hear ANY of the qualities that Hough shares with Rachmaninoff (hardly craftmanship) then I'd say you certainly should listen again to Rachmaninoff's recordings. I don't agree with these opening chords, but I can't believe anyone intimately acquainted with the details of Rachmaninoff's playing would fail to recognise the spirit.
Stephen Hough is the God damn BOSS.
Yuja Wang
Rachmaninoff's performances were all based on smooth flowing lines of a vocal nature. Ashkenazy's heavy, percussive approach is nowhere to be found. In what way exactly do you suggest Ashkenazy gets what Rachmaninoff was after? I explained my reasons but you haven't made any effort to define WHAT you feel he 'gets'. Don't question my 'logic' please, when you haven't even tried to define a basis for your argument.
Totally agree this man knows how to play.
Goodness, I know every performer has to put his own stamp on a piece - while also respecting the composer, which Hough says he does. But did Rachmaninov take it this FAST??? I am a great admirer of Stephen Hough but to me the peremptory way he despatches those sweeping themes and in particular the first tragic chords reduces Rachmaninov's whole epic journey to a farce.
This was just a rehearsal :)
He did play it extremely fast on some recordings at least, they're on CZcams so you can check for yourself. But it's reasonable to assume that this was this was at least in part because of the limited recording technology, since his 3rd concerto recording also includes numerous cuts.