Rach 1

[ravelmaniac]

What do you guys think of Rachmaninoff's First Concerto first movement for a concerto competition? It seems to be rarely played in high school concerto competitions. 

[musicsdarkangel]

My friend is playing the Rach 1.


The 1st movement is great, and would kick @ss for a highschool compitition.

[ravelmaniac]

How difficult is it considered? Let's say, for example, compared to Chopin 2 and Tchaik. 1? Thanks. 

[musicsdarkangel]

How difficult is it considered? Let's say, for example, compared to Chopin 2 and Tchaik. 1? Thanks. 

The first movement of the Rach 1 is harder than any movement of Chopin

But it is easy than the Tchaik 1st movement.  The Tchaik is pretty ridiculous.

However, the Rach 1 1st movement cadenza is as hard as piano gets.......so be aware.

[shasta]

My friend won her university concerto competition with the Rach1.

[pseudopianist]

Rach 1 is probaly my favourit concerto. His influence of Griegs A minor is quite noticable in the first movement.

[happyface94]

The first movement of the Rach 1 is harder than any movement of Chopin

But it is easy than the Tchaik 1st movement.  The Tchaik is pretty ridiculous.

However, the Rach 1 1st movement cadenza is as hard as piano gets.......so be aware.

Wrong, both Chopin are harder than the first mouvement of the Rach 1. (From my teacher's point of view). But I disagree with her just by viewing the cadenza. However, both Chopin are extremely hard even if they don't sound as impressive. (don't understimate them)

The Rach1 isn't popular so you have chances that judges wont like it even if you give a stellar performances, which is why the rach 2 is much more popular because you cant really mess it up.

[steinwayguy]

I agree with happyface.

[pita bread]

which is why the rach 2 is much more popular because you cant really mess it up.

That is debatable.

[steinwayguy]

The Rach1 isn't popular so you have chances that judges wont like it even if you give a stellar performances, which is why the rach 2 is much more popular because you cant really mess it up.

Alright well I sure as hell don't agree with that. In competitions, the Rach 2 shows absolutely nothing soloistically. Nearly the entire concerto is just accompaniment of the orchestra, and on two pianos = horrid. The Rach 1 is a better competition concerto than the Rach 2.


P.S. You sure as hell can mess the Rach 2 up. In case you haven't heard Lang Lang's recent recording...

[viking]

Sure, some judges dont like the rach 1, and it may be a little risky, but honestly there isnt many judges that dont respect an amazing performance of the 1st movement.  For a highschool competition this is an excellent choice. 
SAM

[happyface94]

Let me reword : It is much easier to give a good rach 2 performance than a good rach 1 performance.