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Rachmaninov for beginners

Rachmaninov is a composer that I've tried to listen to on a few occasions but never been able to get into. I have this nagging feeling that I might not have started out with the right piece, but then again, it's also possible that his music is just not my cup of tea.

This morning while watching Sesame street with my daughter they featured a Chinese born pianist, whose name I think was something like Lang Lang or Ling Ling, and he played a beautiful piece of Rachmaninov music.

So now I'm thinking I should give it another try. I love piano music, and I prefer orchestral to chamber or solo (so think Piano concertos). I also like my classical music romantic .. Brahms, Schumann, some Beethoven, some Dvorak, some Mozart (Piano conc. no 20 in particular). I don't like overt displays of virtuosity ... the music comes first.

Are there Rachmaninov experts out there who could offer a suggestion for an introductory piece ?

Many thanks

Sean
seandtaylor99

Showing 2 responses by lousyreeds1

lousyreeds1
286 posts
 
As others have stated, the 'twos' are great: piano concerto and symphony. Ashkenazy is indeed an excellent choice for the concerto. There are many, many excellent performances of this piece out there.

If you like the Rach cello sonata, check out the Shostakovich. Rachmaninoff can be a gateway drug into the slightly more modern... I think YoYo Ma and Manny Ax have a CD with both.
lousyreeds1
286 posts
 
I don't see Schnittke as the next place to go after Prokofiev. I love them both, but I wouldn't 'prepare' someone for Schnittke with Prokofiev. Are you drawing a specific musical connection between the two?
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