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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
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
Rachmaninov was probably the last of the great romantic composers. His piano pieces are extremely virtuosic, but are extremely melodic and listenable. I would start you with his Rhapsodies on a Theme of Paganini, then his Second and Third Piano Concertos. My favorite pianist for Rachmaninov has always been Ashkenazy, and he has fine recordings on the Decca label from both his early and later years, although Martha Argerich's Third Concerto on Philips was a great live performance and should not be missed if you can get it. For the second there is an old Richter recording on DG, released as a DG Original, that is as idiosyncratic as they come when it comes to tempos but is still one of my favorites. And Lang Lang has fine recent recordings on Telarc of the Second and Third Concertos.
thedautch
329 posts
 
I have four copies of Piano Concerto #2, and 2 of #3. I know Lang Lang has performed both of these pieces, so you could be referring to either one (perhaps Lang Lang has performed other Rachmaninov as well).

I'd say #2 is slightly more engaging and less challenging to listen to than #3, so you may want to give that a try. Of course, reasonable minds may differ on my assessment.

It's all available on SACD as well, should that be a desirable option for you.
libor35
26 posts
 
You would also do well to try the Symphonic Dances (the marvelous Reference Recordings disc is a great choice, but there are several others that are worth getting). In addition, the Second Symphony is terrific - many great recordings of that work, including Previn (both Telarc and EMI), Termirkanov, Ormandy (RCA, but only in Japan now). One should not be without Horowitz in this music, especially the Third Concerto. The lousy sounding one with Barbirolli on APR is electrifying.
libor35
26 posts
 
Would also add that Symphonies 1 and 3 with Janssons are excellent, and the new Hough complete piano concertos on Hyperion is superb, if you are looking for a complete set.
robm321
932 posts
 
Seantaylor99,

It's funny you mention Mozart’s piano concerto 20. That's probably my favorite classical song of all time. I just connect with that peice more than any other. Even though Mozart had the talent to show off, he never did. He never seemed to add anything that wasn't necessary.

Anyway, I would give Rach's piano concerto #2 a try if you haven't already. I believe he goes a little overboard in virtuosity, but it is still musical. Just pick a time when you can listen to one movement and follow it all the way through, if you space out in the middle of the movement then forget it, it won't make any sense.

Hope this helps.

Rob
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