Alexander Malofeev -- S.Rachmaninoff. Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor, Op.30 

Malofeev is a genius, pure and simple.

Playing this tremendous concerto at such a young age, and with such a deep expression and stylistic adequacy, is totally stunning, exciting, confounding, staggering...

His music is absolutely stunning. It has such depth especially in the third movement. That’s a true Rachmaninoff player

I've watched this performance over 100 times. He's so out of this world. Cute, humble, skillful.

Look at his face... His mimics....he feels every single note. Massive piece. Piano is sometimes so gently sometimes is wild animal

I love to hear and watch Malofeev play Rachmaninoff.

Frankly saying I am not a classical music lover. My habitat is rock. Unfortunately I heard Alexander in Rach 3. And now I am overwhelmed and lost. It’s other universum. I am drowned, immersed and not being able to return to normal music.

Can you imagine how Mr.Malofeev’s teachers feel watching him! I’d be standing TALL!

Russian passion: only these guys can perform this stuff well. This young man is brilliant.

This young man, Alexander Malofeev, understands Rachmaninoff's passion so well, so deeply, he inspires the entire orchestra to excellence. Congratulations to each of you.

Such an absolutely masterful performance by Alexander, no less, at just 17 years old! Also to be lauded are the orchestra members-how is this a YOUTH orchestra? My goodness! The conductor was also fabulous. It's been a complete privilege to watch Alexander here on RU-vid for the last few years. I cannot wait until I can hear him perform live!

Something so addictive about Alexander Malofeev! Cant get enough!

Tears in my eyes!!!! In the other size of the world!! I am a old man from Brazil. Thank you Mr.Malofeev, thank you!!

11:30 12:27 13:30 15:00 - 15:30 17:25 27:05 40:10 This boy is not human, absolutely incredible. Congratulations to the all orchestra. AMAZING!

It doesn't matter how many times I listen to this piece, it brings a tear to my eye.

My family and I are thinking of you and praying for you in this emotionally trying time for you. We can only imagine what this is like for you right now and wish you all the best.

In twenty years of listening, learning, and understanding this piece, I didn't think I would ever find a performance that would replace that "I love the first version I heard" feeling. Maybe until now. This was a total slaughterfest, in the best way. . . He hit notes I didn't even know were there. . .

Rachmaninov is smiling from above while enjoying his performance.

Alexander, God was very, VERY generous to you. This was a joy to behold and to listen.

Alexander is always so kind to want to show off the conductor at the end of the performance. So polite! Amazing performance by all, orchestra, conductor and soloist!

First time I ever heard this kid. I took 10 years of private piano. I am an amateur compared to this piano genius. I found myself intertwined into his every movement, an emotional experience to watch and listen. I wanted to shout, scream and cry all at the same time! PHENOMENAL!!!

I genuinely did not think I would be this impressed by "another" Rach 3 interpretation. But I was in for a monstrous surprise

These young people play Rachmaninoffs third piano concert in a way that makes it the benchmark-performance to me. Must have heard it a 1000 times now.

The emotions on his face demonstrate that he is so totally in command of the work that he can afford to relax into his own reactions to its beauty.

If you really need to cough during a performance at least i) Cough on beat ii) Cough in a loud part Thank you and goodbye

Ничего добавить не могу. Всё что нужно, здесь сказали. Остается пожелать Саше здоровья на долгие годы, беречь руки, не перетрудить их на радостях, не сжечь себя раньше времени от напряженной учебы и работы, уберечься от возрастных соблазнов и дальнейших успехов.

Александр- красивый человек, гениальный музыкант! Смотреть на него интересно и слушать бесконечно!Здоровья Вам и храни Вас Всевышний!

I cried. This is from another world, from universe.

Phenomenal. With a conductor like Dimitris Botinis you feel safe. Orchestra produces amazing sound.Outstanding musicians and burning passion.Bravo.

Rachmaninov used to say that Horowitz was the greatest exponent of this work and that he played it better than the composer himself. But Rachmaninov never heard Alexander Malofeev!!!. I listened to Alexander play and was left awestruck. So, just for the record I went back and listened to a recording of Horowitz. Horowitz is wonderful and you wonder if ANYTHING could be better, he is absolutely breath taking!. Alexander actually stops you breathing just in case you may miss some of the beauty and sensuality of this performance. His interpretation is superb and befits a maestro of greater years than his tender 17 when he played here.. it really is very very beautiful and emotional. Looking forward to watching this talent develop

Alexander was barely 17 yo when he performed this, which means he was actively pursuing this masterpiece when he was just 16 yo, plus all the other performances of great masterpieces he was already performing at age 14, 15 and 16. It's just amazing to me. What a blessing he is to all of us that are following his wonderful career in music.

I am in tears throughout.What a devastatingly beautiful work, in the hands of a very great young pianist. And such a wonderful Russian youth orchestra under a great conductor, Dimitris Botinis.

This particular Concerto was never one of my favorites....Until I heard Alexander Malofeev's performance of it. I love the venerability he portrays as well his excitement, it is well structured where it needs to be and loose in the right places. It makes me wish I didn't drop out of my music degree.

Это конечно феноменально,что человек в этом возрасте исполняет это произведение. Я лично в первые такое вижу и слышу.

Браво пианист Александр Малафеев! Браво дирижор и оркестр! Браво композитор Сергей Васильевич Рахманинов! Спасибо!

There are so many great pianists - more than ever before maybe, but this young man is something different - he is that once in a generation gift from the universe. Every time I hear him play I am glad to be alive to hear something so profound. And this youth orchestra is phenomenal.

This performance will most certainly remain as the gold standard for Rachmaninoff's Concerto #3 for a long time to come; BRAVO 👏👏

Oh My God!!!!😲😲😲😲😲 You sound like the original Rachmaninov! At first I couldn't believe it was you playing this masterpiece! Wow! PURE BRILLIANCE! BRAVO! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙌💖💫

His voicing is incredible. I heard notes I have never heard before!

An angel. Music, beauty, the only reasons to hope in this decadent world

At first I was scared for him. Nervous he’d falter. Then I forgot all about that. His stillness, mastery, passion...wow.

Can hardly believe someone so young can play this monstrous concerto so beautifully! Just barely 17 yo....amazing!

Whoever you are, Alexander, god or simple mortal, I love you.

He couldn’t stop at being a great pianist, he had to be handsome too.

One in a generation. I can't stop listening to this performance. He defies logic, how is it possible that a child of this age could be this accomplished and have such musical depth?!? And he's playing a Yamaha, not a Steinway. Absolutely drop dead stunning performance.

17 years old, wow. I try to remember what I had accomplished when I was 17 :D

The most expressive Rach 3 I've heard.

I have heard this performance now for at least 60 times; AND IT STILL IS MAGNIFICENT!

As a Rachmaninov fanatic, I have probably listened to well over a 100 performances of both the Concerto No.2 and No.3 by performers of varied nationalities and ethnicities. Before commenting on Master Malofeev's performance, I have to say that I am incredibly impressed with the performance of the orchestra. Mr. Botinis is a superb conductor, and the orchestral accompaniment stands in stark comparison to most adult orchestras since this is a Youth Symphony. In their own right, they delivered a world class performance in this presentation of one of the most difficult works in the entire piano concerto repertoire. Seventeen.......seventeen years old!!!!! Before today, the only other performance given by a teenager I'd heard was from Stephen Bennett, and his interpretation does not hold a candle to what I just heard. Most people listening to this performance have probably never heard of or watched Jorge Bolet's Masterclass on the Rach 3, where he advises a group of six up and coming concert pianists on the intricacies and nuances buried deep in the score of this behemoth of notes. Malofeev exposes a formidable technique for a 17 year old, no doubt a child prodigy in his time, and he must have had some phenomenal training at the Gnessin Academy in Moscow. While he does attack this piece with the youthful exuberance you might expect from a 17 year old, he does not attack it with the reckless abandon the likes of a Yefim Bronfman (circa November 2004), or in a clown performance the likes of Lang Lang (commonly referred to as Bang Bang). I LOVE the way he just let loose with controlled fury at the end of the 2nd movement. That 4-note chord in each hand scale down the keyboard is supposed to be bombastic....and he didn't disappoint. The Meno Mosso C major portion of the 3rd movement is one of the areas I listen to intently in judging performances of this work. A lot of pianists will perform that section at the same dynamic without any rise and fall which is marked in the score. He gave me exactly what I wanted to hear. There are some areas that are a bit rushed that I would have liked to have heard slower, but that's probably to be expected from such a youthful performer. However, there are also some sections where most pianists just blend notes together without any clear distinction, so I was pleased to hear him draw out distinctive points in some of these passages. This performance rivals some of the greats. Malofeev has all the makings of the next Horowitz or Volodos....and this is a performance I will definitely be listening to over and over again in the future to come.

I'm still listening and I keep getting more blown away by his playing, it's.... I'm speechless 😢❤❤

Bonjour Sacha! les artistes russes ne doivent pas être interdits en France , ils n'ont pas à payer la haine des médias et des sanctions stupides envers eux ! Ils ne sont pas responsables des conflits entre les états ! la musique est innocente, je continuerai de vous écouter et viendrai vous applaudir en France quand vous reviendrez ! Merci, de ne pas nous en vouloir et de continuer votre magnifique parcours avec vos doight magiques

I love Alexander Malofeev.

Boy playing Rah 3 ! OUTSTANDING! Wish you all the best in your love young man.

I listen to Alexander everyday. After listening I want to do my very best the whole day. Hard to put into words. Every emotion, every nuance, explodes off the keyboard. He’s a national treasure!

This is the most beautiful thing my ears have ever heard

What an extraordinary young pianist! Very promising!

Alexander doesn't PLAY the symphony, it FLOWS from him. Bravo.

THAT ENDING ON THE 3RD MOVEMENT GETS ME EVERY TIME!

The miracle is not just in the genius of Malofeevs playing but also that we were alive to hear him! I’m forever humbled!!!

I don't want to give a. comment.....it couldn't express how much I adore this

Malofeev is telling us about other worlds, other universes, that we've never heard about before.

Une interprétation PHÉNOMÉNALE. À réécouter sans modération! Tout y est absolument extraordinaire. Mille bravos Alexander MALOFEEV pour cette merveilleuse prestation et à l'orchestre et son chef ainsi qu'à l'équipe qui a fait la prise de son et les images. Le grand Sergueï RACHMANINOFF et son opus. 30 n'ont à mon avis jamais aussi bien été servi que dans ce magnifique concert! Merci de tout cœur pour ce magnifique cadeau!

This is still my favorite interpretation of Rachmaninoff's 3rd piano concerto. Thank you, Alexander, for hours of pleasure listening to you and your colleagues play :)

Master Alexander Malofeev, you're unbelievably talented, your outstanding performance made me feel both excited and deeply moved. You're absolutely brilliant... wishing you the very best !!!!!

This brings tears to my eyes -- if only the world could concentrate on creating and appreciating such incredible beauty, talent, and effort. We would be so much better off.

Спасибо родителям за гения! Потрясающе!

There is something magical to this performance. Even though having heard this concert now for several hundred times it still is as beautiful as the first time. Very near perfection.

Incredible performance. Totally amazing. The composer would have loved this. The Ossia cadenza is perfect. There is something divine in this young pianist. The far best interpretation of this maybe the most beautiful piano concerto ever composed.

I imagine Rachmaninoff is listening with a big smile on his face!

Рахманинов может быть спокойным. Есть достойный его таланта соотечественик! Великое искусство. Храни Бог.

Насколько надо внутренне выоасти, чтобы в таком юном возрасте так зрело чувствовать гений музыки и так т мастерски талантливо исполнять. Восторг. Браво. Храни Вас Бог, Александр Малофеев.

Wow, this boy is amazing and beautiful.

This is the first time I actually cried tears of joy while watching a performance... absolutely incredible. The performance of the orchestra, the conductor and master malofeev is was beyond amazing. I'm a pianist just starting to learn Rachmaninoff pieces (Preludes for now) and I hope I can someday be even close to as virtuosic as he is. You're a role model to many aspiring pianists, Alexander Malofeev.

OMG, unbelievable. What a talent.The Ossia was extraordinary.

I have listened to this concerto all my life but have never been so moved as by this superlative performance. The passion, emotion, sensitivity and artistry displayed by Sasha is phenominal. Bravissimo! Большое спасибо! It's also wonderful to have close-ups of the orchestra and conductor all young and talented but outshone by a seventeen year-old prodigy. I wept with joy throughout. Longing to see him in Scotland.

In these months of sickness, death and distancing, Mr. Malofeev, the orchestra, conductor and the MUSIC can reach out and make contact with every one of us. I'm a teacher, a getting-old teacher, and whenever I see a young person accomplish something extraordinary, like Hanyu on the ice, Biles on the balance beam, David Hogg and others speaking on TV after the shootings at their school, I am emotionally overwhelmed. Had I been in the concert hall for this performance, I would have been sobbing for joy at the end for fifteen minutes and everyone who saw me out on the street in front of the hall would have thought I was nuts. I'm very good at what I do, which has nothing to do with music, but it's been, so far, a 47-year career I can be proud of, not one particular moment. The only time I ever felt like I accomplished something in an inspired moment was when I sang Orff's _Carmina Burana_ in the last concert I took part in with my high school glee club. By any standard it was a very good performance. Our conductor always exploded at any comment like, "It was very good for a high school glee club." It was either good or mediocre or bad, regardless of who was performing. The dress rehearsal had been awful, but that night we somehow all became part of the music. Our audience went wild as I had never seen it do before when the immense sound of the last note was replaced by silence. It sounded like we had just won a basketball game with a 3-point buzzer-beater as time ran out. It was almost too much heart-pounding emotion for a shy 17-year old. I cannot imagine creating such intensity as Mr. Malofeev does and inspiring an audience to that kind of emotional peak over and over again by the age of 17. Bravo to him for his unique talent and hard work that enable him to do so and enrich us all, even at a distance.

From the heart to the heart. Thank you so much, Alexander.

I'm an avid fan of alexander.he seems to be an angel playing for all of us who appreciate classical music.he is soooo great,wonderful full grown pianist in this century.keep up the good work Alexander,God bless you mightily with the talent he bestowed upon you💖

Imagine being a professional concert pianist at the young age of 17! Actually, at the age of 15 or younger...as Alexander has been performing since when...age 11 or 12? My word, how can this be?!! Plus he's still a student with all the studies that are entailed in that! Impressive!! God bless him and may he always be excited and enlightened with all his endeavors in music!!

Помимо неземного таланта, этот мальчик ещё и потрясающе красив. Браво. Глядя на таких людей, хочется верить в будущее нашей страны.

If you are feeling low or despairing, or looking for a source of joy and spiritual release - listen to this!

Alexander, as long as I live I will continue to listen to you play this concerto.

Гениально!!! Руки собраны, минимум движений, техника потрясающая, а уж музыка, Рахманинов-обожаю!!! Вот этого не хватает в жизни: прелести, чистоты, уникальных вещей и людей!!!

When I stumbled upon this performance of the Rachmaninoff 3rd, I wasn't expecting much beyond technique. How wrong can one be? It was immediately clear that I was witnessing an utterly stunning phenomenon. Not only does the then 17 year old Alexander Malofeev show how it should be done, it is with supreme musicianship, confidence and maturity. The orchestra too is quite superb. It was only five weeks ago that I discovered this wonderful video; since which I've listened to it at least twenty times, and I still get the chills every time I do. I will watch the progress of this astounding young pianist with great interest, but something tells me that he may well end up as the most revered of all. A simple thank-you seems so inadequate, but to Alexander, the superb orchestra, the conductor and RU-vid.....thank you all. The audience reaction says it all, better than I.

My goodness, he is something special

Sensational and at such a young age

Не считала, сколько уже раз переслушала это триумфальное исполнение 3 концерта Рахманинова. Понимаю теперь, почему так много восторгов именно от этой записи. Просто уникальный баланс ф-но и оркестра. Как единый живой организм. Никто не перетягивает одеяло на себя. На первом плане гениальная музыка Рахманинова. И второе - это такие яркие искренние эмоции и душа исполнителей. Без этого не может существовать музыка. И никогда не проникнет в душу слушателей, не тронет ее. Солисту, дирижеру и оркестру спасибо огромное за это маленькое чудо! ❤

OMG Alexander...Interpretation far beyond your years...what talentwhatgenius....it just gets better and better. The emotion! Not only shows on his face...but comes through clearly in his touch on the keyboard...You Alexander are indeed blessed by the Absolute.

This is a big concerto, for a big pianist. And this young man is a big pianist! Bravo 😍😎

He plays on the edge. The urge is so strong verging the reckless, yet he never crashes and burns. Wow. I come from the world of opera and there singers who performed the same way, of course Callas, Del Monaco, Rysanek to name a few - I heard them all - and this young phenomenon has me holding my breath with excitement and awe through his journey through Rachmaninov’s passionate music. His depth is impressive too. Treasure this precious young man. Wow!

Right from the first notes AM took command of his role in this wonderful concerto. I really like the way he just keeps these complex Russian works rolling; doesn't drag them out of shape. Good orchestral backing. A memorable performance. Thanks to all concerned.

This is the best version. I spent about 19 hours looking through roughly 28 versions of the Rach 3 all day today while working (artwork; I don't sleep much). The version with Rachmaninoff himself playing was excellent (obviously, since it's Rachmaninoff), but the sound quality aged terribly, making this the best. The tempos are correct, the beginning (most important part to get right, imo) is perfectly executed (not too soft or loud), and there isn't overt emotional lag. This kid is the best at playing this piece. The best.

One of the greatest Rachmaninov performances I have ever heard. amazing !

I was there!!! Incredible!

Ничего более прекрасного, не слышал никогда. Столь проникновенное исполнение в юном возрасте, просто не верится, что такое возможно. Александр, Спасибо большое за великолепное исполнение. Труд, титанический...

I am in absolute AWE at the utterly magnificent playing of this 17-year-old wunderkind and the equally awesome performance of the wonderful Youth Orchestra led by Maestro Botinis. Unforgettable and overwhelming!!

11:11 sat in total suspense during the entire Ossia Cadenza!! Then I cried in excitement😂 Oh. My. God!! He is the best pianist I’ve ever heard. Passion, total connection to the music, to the piano, focused, sensitive, strong, he is unbelievable. I think even Rachmaninoff would tremble during that Cadenza!! You are perfection Alexander👏

Спасибо , Саша, за Рахманинова! И моему любимому дирижёру Димитрису Ботинису с оркестром- восхищение! Имела счастье быть на том концерте.

After this, I can no longer listen to this masterpiece performed by any pianist other than Alexander Malofeev. For the rest of my life, Mr Malofeev's "Rach 3" will be the definitive interpretation.

This performance is musical history in the making. Every time I watch this video I discover something new to marvel at. Like hearing the music for the first time.