My thoughts exactly! On every word. Other composers are amazing but they don’t speak to my soul like Rachmaninoff. I’m almost 71 years old and started taking piano lessons again since Jr. High school age, at USU. I have immersed myself with playing Rachmaninoff. His piano concerto No. 2 is the most sublime and beautiful music ever composed. I love it!
OMG, I'm a senior now, been playing piano all my life, including professionally, but I cannot fathom how this masterpiece has been arranged for the solo piano. The pianist did a magnificent job of it beyond my wildest dreams!! Videos like these should be the ones to go viral, not some garbage contemporary music by some well-known artist of mediocre skills. I watched just about every note, and I'm left in amazement. I could only attempt to get this sheet music and begin to learn this incredible arrangement of my favorite piano concerto of all time. It would probably take me years, if I could even do this. BRAVO MAESTRO!!!!!!!!!!
The sheet music is available for free in the description of the video for each individual moment (all three of which are linked in the description of this video). I've just downloaded them all. It's been added straight to the list of pieces I'm going to attempt to tackle. (Just finished liebestraum no. 3, which was wonderful fun, and have also now started un sospiro, which is proving to be similarly enjoyable - then it's Italian polka (maybe - it seems like a different level of hard), and after that, it'll be this!). I can't wait to get working on it.
Your perspective on music, with its outdated and simplistic views, contributes to the limited popularity of classical music. Instead of appreciating the richness of classical compositions, you make condescending statements like, "Videos like these should be the ones to go viral, not some garbage contemporary music by some well-known artist of mediocre skills," which only serve to alienate people. It is possible to praise a pianist without demeaning others. Personally, I am currently learning Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, but I also find enjoyment in listening to contemporary music. These two preferences can coexist harmoniously. I hope that, over time, you develop a more nuanced understanding and appreciation for music.
After doing some decidedly average movie and games cover explain to me how you randomly managed to write a masterpiece of a solo piano transcription of this concerto, then recorded a very solid performance of it on your cheap digital piano, and to top it off, published a very decent scoring of it for free?? That's one of the most impressive things I've seen on youtube
The transcription isn't the hard part if you, at least, enjoy experimenting with composition and orchestration. The material is there, just choose what to add in and what to omit. Making it sound good, is a whole different story.
Rarely once in a while, I come across a monster. You blew me away. This accidental click led to your video and this blows me away. Geniuses are not conspicuous people. They are hidden. I am blessed to watch your genius. Thank you. I can go to bed happily. Tomorrow morning, I will watch this video and feel differently. I cannot wait. Thank you.
Thank you Sergi Rachmaninoff himself would be immensely grateful, proud and thankful for allowing pianists to play one or his greatest achievements of art without need of another instrument!!! BRAVO 👏 and thank you for a wonderful experience
I can't imagine how much time you must've spent on this arrangement. My deepest respect, you have achieved something extraordinary. This is beyond words.
This is not only very well played, but an achievement of dizzying height. This is something I could dream of at best. I’ve played piano for years and have many very difficult pieces under my belt, but the size of this piece, the complex interpretation, I can only imagine how it feels to play. Like reading a whole book aloud. So many complexities I feel I might get lost in if I tried! BRAVO MAESTRO!! (Homage to a fellow pianists comment)
I absolutely love the analogy you used, 'Like reading a whole book aloud.' perfect way to describe this achievement and it sends shivers down my spine!
This is a criminally underviewed arrangement and performance! Very nice control and voicing throughout the whole thing, and the third movement was hard enough on its own, but with this arrangement is now on par with at least some of the most difficult repertoire there is…
" He had arms of steel and a heart of gold" , " So aristocratic were his musical thoughts that he a-nobled everything that he played "...That was wonderful and inspiring!
I cannot thank you enough for this.❤ to play this without a band has been my dream when I first started to learn the piano when I was little😊😊 hopefully to see more concertos and other classical pieces from you! Your arrangements and playing has been an inspiration since the day I found your channel.❤❤
Taking on Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 as a solo piano arrangement requires immense skill and understanding of the piece, and this performance absolutely delivers. The raw emotion and technical prowess showcased here beautifully encapsulate the essence of the original composition. It's both a tribute to Rachmaninoff's genius and a testament to the performer's outstanding talent. Truly captivating from start to finish!
I could write you a long, long comment about how incredible this performance is, but I will refrain so that I can get my main point across as best as possible. Hearing you play the second movement made tears stream down my face. Usually when listening to music that touches me so deeply, my eyes can only water at most, but you have made tears run down my cheeks, so much so that half of the tears I've shed this year have been by you, just now in the span of the last 30 minutes. And this year hasn't been even close to being an easy year for me. You have my utmost respect for such an incredible performance of this amazing piece.
Please give this guy a grand piano for Xmas! So sad that he has to play such an awesome arrangement on such a limited, electrical piano. If you play this good, you deserve a real instrument with proper dynamics and sound 🙏🎅
To my brother: “I implore you to hear this version of Rach 2 I discovered about a week ago, arranged for solo piano, whenever you’re in the mood and are free … I’ve been playing it out loud on my speakers walking around NYC as I’m doing now, shocking and delighting many people I think … it’s unequivocally the best version of the concerto I’ve ever heard … most of all because the way the concerto is expressed and executed, with equal weight to emotion and precision like a recording by Gould, but also LARGELY because of the quality of the sound recording and the piano … I have no doubt as an audiophile you will delight in the RICHNESS of the sound and just how hard that bass hits throughout the piece 😮💨 Never has the counterpoint of this concerto rang so clear 😭❤️ And at the same time, never has the emotion and intention of this work been so vividly, richly expressed … Rachmaninov himself would be shaking his head in approval … you know I’ve heard so many versions of this concerto and I say both of these statements without a doubt in my mind …. at every moment this recording captures what I believe Rachmaninov meant in his heart of hearts with this work”
Hello! I read your bio and you seem to be a fascinating individual. I'm studying political science myself still undergrad not too far from Johns Hopkins actually. You have great taste in music
This is just so, so, so, so good. It really is. Astounding arrangement and playing that highlights everything we would want to be highlighted in the most impeccable manner. Thank you so much for giving us all this essential alternative interpretation of the most sublime piano concerto there will ever be.
Incredible. This is such a mesmerizing arrangement. This is fantastic to the point of tedium! Yet there's no way for me to be when I learn your arrangement. You deserve all the praise you receive.
its amazing how, althought there aren't any other instruments, you can hear the violins and all the other orchestral instuments in some parts... fantastic job
Thank you for this. I still tear up when i hear the 2nd movement.i downloaded and will make every attempt to learn this,....the most beautiful work, masterfully done. This and Chopin's e minor concerto are the 2 most beautiful pieces of music ever written❤️
Quiero poner tantas cosas buenas respecto a tu interpretación, pero simplemente me deja sin palabras. Lo mejor que he escuchado en mucho tiempo. Saludos desde Argentina
One of the craziest and best things I've seen on RU-vid. Ive listened to piano solo recordings of rach 2 by big name pianists and this is the cleanest and best one by far imo
Eu estou me perguntando por que o youtube nunca sugeriu este vídeo para mim, pois já ouvi e ouço tanto rachmaninoff e interpretação de pianistas e o concerto n2 é a minha composição preferida, realmente não entendo... O fato é que achei essa preciosidade sem sequer estar procurando, apenas apareceu, e surpreendentemente é um vídeo de 2022, realmente não tem como entender por que esse tesouro ficou tanto tempo escondido. Não tenho palavras para descrever a alegria que seu vídeo me trouxe, que talento, que interpretação, que arranjo magnífico, simplesmente parabéns, você realmente conseguiu fazer toda uma orquestra ser dispensável para sentir a plenitude dessa composição, parabéns, parabéns! Você vende esse arranjo? Tenho interesse em comprar! Obrigada por compartilhar seu talento e, mais uma vez, parabéns! Excelente! Bravo!
I was in awe of listening to the whole piano concerto that you so professionally played. I will save and cherish it and play it often. Thank you for sharing it. God bless Robert.
Absolutely phenomenal playing. Words cannot describe how impressive this is! I feel guilty that I got to watch this for free! You are truly a master of your craft and should feel immensely proud with how well you interpreted this! Bravo x 1,000,000!!! You are INCREDIBLE!!!! ❤❤❤
It's not that difficult. Not for a well trained pianist It sounds difficult but the way Rachmaninoff spreads it over the keys it is actually very thankful to play. I tried it with the sheet music, and while definately not sight read material in most places, the fingering basically does itself. You just have to have big hands, like Rachmaninoff himself.
@@Quotenwagnerianer I agree it’s not the most difficult piece, but to play it at the level this pianist is with the musically they play with is difficult and takes weeks of practise for a good pianist.
Amazing arrangement - so good I thought there had to be additional instruments or backing... but actually this arrangement is pure genius. I'm sure Rachmaninov would be happy with that!
I’ve had lengthy conversations with my brother lauding the quality of everything about this recording, hearing it on my speakers with him listening at the same time across the country. Just one among many comments: “Everything has to be applauded with this recording - the execution and expression of the performer, the unbelievable quality of the piano, the recording equipment, even the care with which it was uploaded …”
Absolutely wonderful in every way! This Concerto has become my favorite of all time. This transcription is genius. I love it so. Thank you LotusFlower so much.
I love your arrangement! This is my new play list! I can’t imagine how hard you practiced to make this video! I too make some piano videos for my channel but this is on a different level. Thanks for making this video!
Thank you for the arrangement, it is a wonderful interpretation that defies the saying the piano is half an orchestra. You made it sound like a whole damn orchestra! I'm learning the 2nd movement very slowly and your video helps a lot!
this is a unique treat, to hear and see the isolated piano of this iconic piece played with such beautiful emotion! Truly inspiring. Combining the orchestra with the piano in the finale of the 3rd movement was a perfect ending. I only wish the wonderful pianist stood up at the end and took a bow for us to see!
A composition that comes from a great inner suffering and that explodes through this immense musician that nature wanted to create to please our ears... and our hearts. Congratulations to the pianist
your sound control is insane ! we can always dinstincly hear the different meoldies as if they were played with different instruments as they are in the original piece this looks increadibly difficult to play lol, the original piece is already rly hard, i cant imagine with the orchestral part
Thank you for replying to my comment of your beautiful playing. Where can I purchase your lovely Rachmaninoffs piano concerto no 2 arrangements. I am so eager to learn them now .Thanks
Cosa dire,nessuna parola può descrivere così tanta emozione provata nell’ascoltarlo. Non lo cancellerò mai e poi mai, ho sofferto nota per nota. Esecuzione stravolgente. Sono musicista e non solo perché studio e suono musica da sempre e mai avrei creduto di poter ascoltare così tanta bellezza. Ho il cuore gonfio di emozioni plurime mai provate prima . Solo un GRAZIE SEMPRE E PER SEMPRE ❤❤❤❤❤
Bravo! If you have a solo piano concert of this Rachmaninoff with such great arrangement, it is worth flying anywhere around the world to join the audience😀
I have been playing the piano for 16 years and I can assure you that only pianists can really appreciate the extraordinary efforts you made to write and play this masterpiece. I am deeply impressed by your interpretation and really grateful for the sheet music. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. P.S. Also your Pokemon renditions are out of this world. Please never stop !
Este también es mi concierto de piano favorito, con diferencia(aunque también aprecio mucho el Emperador de Beethoven). No echo de menos a la orquesta. Cuando escucho estas interpretaciones comprendo por qué al piano se le llama “el instrumento rey”. Lo adoro. Gracias por esta genialidad!!!
