Rachmaninov, Moment Musicaux C Major, Bach-Siloti, Prelude b minor

[marik]

Two more encores from another recital in Russia this October.

[rachfan]

Hi marik,

Let me be the first to congratulate you here on your wonderful performance of the Moment Musical No. 6.  It's absolutely splendid!  Most attention usually goes to programming the Preludes and Etudes Tableaux.  The Moments Musicaux, from 1894, are early Rachmaninoff, but he also wrote some of his most beautiful works in that era such as these wonderful Moments, and you totally capture his ravishing romanticism in your playing.   

Your selection of tempo could not have been better.  I believe that for No. 6 there is a very narrow range for selecting tempo.  I have heard the piece played too fast as virtuosic display, which then harms the whole feeling of mestoso.  Your tempo seems perfect to capture the composer's intended mournful mood.  I also like how you voice and etch the melody and phrase it into a long line despite the difficult and demanding filigree constantly intertwined with it, including the accompaniment within the right hand.  Very magisterial playing indeed!  Thanks for posting it.

[arensky]

Bravo for both marik. I'm always impressed by the clarity of your playing, in these cases particularly the Rachmaninov which is often played muddily. The soft repetition in the Prelude was very beautiful, to play so softly and without losing the focus of the tone os no mean feat. Excellent.

[stringoverstrung]

Marik,

thank you for this great performance i hope you'll post some more recordings.

[PaulNaud]

As I told you before, Marik, your performances are marvellous. The result is dazzling. I might repeat myself but you're an outstanding pianist and I'm still  having doubts about your real identity. You have the right to do so!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Paul

[daniel patschan]

As I told you before, Marik, your performances are marvellous. The result is dazzling. I might repeat myself but you're an outstanding pianist and I'm still  having doubts about your real identity. You have the right to do so!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Paul

Yes, who are you ? 

[PaulNaud]

Yes, who are you ? 

He won't tell you!

[gerry]

I had never heard the Bach Siloti - superb - I just closed my eyes and basked in it. Thanks.

[minstrel]

The Rachmaninov is excellent, but I have one comment. Many of the chords are late rhythmically. I think this is ok to do in select places for extra effect, but to do it across the entire piece it can be a little tiresome, as many bars are slowing down to accomodate down-beat chords. To some extent perhaps this fits the maestoso, but again I think you need to be more selective. I think overall the playing is excellent, just needs a little more rhythmic intensity.

[PaulNaud]

The Rachmaninov is excellent, but I have one comment. Many of the chords are late rhythmically. I think this is ok to do in select places for extra effect, but to do it across the entire piece it can be a little tiresome, as many bars are slowing down to accomodate down-beat chords. To some extent perhaps this fits the maestoso, but again I think you need to be more selective. I think overall the playing is excellent, just needs a little more rhythmic intensity.

I don't agree with you. I don't hear these chords late rhythmically. I think that what you're talking about is more related to interpretation. You probably don't like a kind of rubato approach typical to romantic music. It is definitely played in the spirit of rachmaninov.

[gerry]

I agree with PaulNaud - I find this interpretation entirely consistent not only with the spirit of Rachmaninov but, in particular, with this and some of his other similar works (Preludes, Etudes Tableaux, etc.).

[minstrel]

I don't agree with you. I don't hear these chords late rhythmically. I think that what you're talking about is more related to interpretation. You probably don't like a kind of rubato approach typical to romantic music. It is definitely played in the spirit of rachmaninov.

Well just about every bar, there is extra time being taken to set up the chord for the beginning of the next bar, so they are rhythmically late.

I actually do enjoy rubato.. I stated that in my post. But to slow down near every bar is excessive in my opinion. Rubato is great, but it can't undermine the rhythmic integrity as a whole in my opinion. It should add dimension to the current rhythm, not undermine it. In this respect, the performance, while very good overall, feels tentative, and almost to the point of tediousness, because we are often waiting that extra time for certain important notes. And to be honest, when we are in mid-phrase that is entirely inappropriate, even for a rubato-oriented interpretation, which I don't even think this is, but regardless. It needs more shape, and slow downs a little less predictable and more judicious, then I think it would be world class.

As for the spirit of Rachmaninov, have you ever heard his actual recordings? They are much closer to austere and classical, than being romantic in an overblown way if that is what you are suggesting.

[marik]

The Rachmaninov is excellent, but I have one comment. Many of the chords are late rhythmically. I think this is ok to do in select places for extra effect, but to do it across the entire piece it can be a little tiresome, as many bars are slowing down to accomodate down-beat chords. To some extent perhaps this fits the maestoso, but again I think you need to be more selective. I think overall the playing is excellent, just needs a little more rhythmic intensity.

I think it is a very good observation.
You know, very often we take things for granted and once get used to them don't even pay attention to the flaws.
That's the reason I always like to play for somebody I trust before the concerts. It happened this piece was completely brand new and that was only a second time on stage.

Listening back, I start understanding what has happened, as now I can clearly see a discrepancy between the 1/32nds motorics, the flow of 1/8s and their melodic rhythm, and tempo of long Maestoso chords in general and their line. Somehow all those just did not click together or did not get into some resonance. 

I will need to touch it with my hands to see what's going on and maybe find some other ways. Most likely the "truth" will be somewhere in the middle, but I appreciate your comment and thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Best, M

[thierry13]

I think the moment musical was genius. That was intensely and very beautifuly played. I liked the way you phrased everything and the way you bring out the harmonic progressions, and the way you wave trough the chromaticism. Do you play the complete moments musicaux? I'm looking forward to more of your recordings!

[paulpiano]

I think the moment musical was genius. That was intensely and very beautifuly played. I liked the way you phrased everything and the way you bring out the harmonic progressions, and the way you wave trough the chromaticism. Do you play the complete moments musicaux? I'm looking forward to more of your recordings!

What a performance!
This is of your own artistic view and a very convincing one!

[paulpiano]

By the way, compare with this performance:
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=cXZMSMAGB2g&feature=related

[paulpiano]

Definitely Marik's performance is the best!

[thierry13]

By the way, compare with this performance:
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=cXZMSMAGB2g&feature=related

That other performance is definitely very good and I would not deem it inferior in quality to Marik's one, at least not significantly! ... you have to consider the fact that Marik's record has far better sound quality, also.

[tds]

i listened to the rach. good job, marik.