Whoa. It makes me cry as well. When I was a sad & lonely kid I used to sneak out of my bedroom after 11 pm to watch old b&w movies. The title card for the show was a constellation of Sagittarius (my sign) & the theme music was the 18th variation.
My favorite piece of music played by the best, Van Cliburn. Only he managed to bring out the intricate details and passion of the music. His interpretation transcends time.
I have listened to many artists play this piece, and this may be the most sensuous and deliberate of them all. While others seem much more frenetic at the end, Van Cliburn seems to savor the last 2 minutes of this piece.
Recently a reviewer of favourite Rachmaninov chose Van’s interpretation of this on the BBC. I can understand why. Yet another of Van Cliburn’s great recordings.
A Russian lady on the BBC has just reviewed this Rhapsody. She chose Daniel Trifonov as her ideal and it was lovely and there were other brilliant performers with just a snatch of Van Cliburn. I have tried to be impartial and listened to Van again and his version remains for me the one next to my heart. Quite beautiful.
This, the 2nd, and 3rd concerto, and the G minor prelude op. 23 no. 5…I could listen to just those pieces, on repeat, all day, and never grew tired of them…no one plays Rachmaninoff with the same beauty, strength, and passion, as Van. ❤️
Still, no doubt in my mind one if not the greatest pianist that every lived. When the Lord called him home, it was the darkest days in the world of music. He surely is missed.
I agree. Tried to get friend interested but failed. Tried to get BBC request for Van’s birthday and failed. Thank goodness still folk out there who do love Van, although I was a bit late finding him. This is quite splendid, especially 18th variation, beautifully done. So sorry he has gone.
@@charmainemorley2197 I know exactly what you mean…most people say “Van who?” when I mention his name. I even said his name to a gentleman who works in my local music store, and he had no clue who Van was…and this guy is a accomplished pianist too. I find it so sad that so many have forgotten him, but to those of us who love him, his beautiful soul will remain forever! ❤️
@@PersnicketyRed Thank you for lovely response. This is the glory of you tube. I had Van’s Rach 2 cd, then the books but really hit home when I saw the 1958 video of Moscow Rach 3. An overwhelming experience. I was captivated from then on in lockdown. Just don’t know how I missed out in record collecting. But seeing him, so youthful and intense and striking in appearance also set the seal as well as his great musical gifts. Not surprised he is loved by those who remember but sad for those missing out. I believe in keeping memories of people like Van Cliburn alive to next generation. You have obviously found out too, that this does not always happen. I think you have to see Van play as well as hear to get the total measure of this wonderful performer. Hope this is not too much like hyperbole as it isn’t! I can imagine, a beautiful soul indeed!
Ps. This is just a little note to say I messaged my friend with little story re Van Cliburn but was met with wall of silence. Not even an acknowledgement. Happens every time. I have now decided not to message again and to even refrain from online comments. I have made my contributions now but I think I will love Van Cliburn and what he did forever. It is all rather sad. I am commenting to you as you are a devoted admirer and have been probably much longer than myself. His playing is spine tingling and so much more. I will still look at the sites but I do possess a collection! Thank you and best wishes.
@@charmainemorley2197 thank you dear one! You’re sweet! I look forward to future conversations with you! Please do look me up on Instagram, if you are on there! My page is definitely loaded with photographs of Van, videos, and anecdotes! Yes, I have loved him for a long time, and shall love him forever! You must remind me to share a dream that I had about him one day…it was so lovely! 💗
I agree and so would all Vans visitors and guests at Fort Worth etc. I must explain I can type and was a local Govt Secretary but the iPad anticipates my wording and deletes it etc. I always have too much to say especially when there is injustice like above! I am amazed you have had time to read it with your busy life etc! Glad you have managed some! Some say Van was off by 1960, that was Mrs A, some say first five years were great. It goes on and on! I will never get Van played on radio, but we know what we know! I believe like you, our love fully justified. Thank goodness I can share this with you! Better leave you in peace. Nearly forgot to put chicken in oven, but this was more important, if unjustified!❤️
Interesting how Cliburn was rated by different people - from 'Greatest' to "Not a pianist at all'. For me, he's greatest. I'll take his renderings over anyone else's. He was also PRECISE. Comparing Cliburn with Kondrashin doing the Tchaikovsky No. ! with Entremont and Bernstein - in the first case Cliburn seemed to master the orchestra. In the second to me, Bernstein seemed to insist the orchestra be the master and the pianist subordinate. I don't inow of Cliburn ever recording with the NYPO. But perhaps the reality is that Kondrashin was fully aware that the No. 1 was ABOUT the piano and Bernstein may not have really recognized anything but himself. If you can, forgive the rant. (Oh, I DID very much enjoy Entremont - I am not dismissing either him or Bernstein!!)
Funny. I grew up listening to Van Cliburn's version & everyone else's including SVR's seems too fast. I was disappointed by the 1934 Rachmaninoff/Toscanini version & not because of sound quality.
