rach 2nd sonata

[martin_s]

What's the deal?? Anyone play this?
1st or 2nd version?? Is there any other differences between them than length??
I heard that Rachmaninov told Horowitz to make his own mixture between the two versions. Is that a good idea or what??

[sary2106]

I'm playing Rachmaninoff's sonata no. 2, Op. 36 for a couple of competitions this fall and spring. I decided to play the 1931 version, because it's played more frequently at competitions. I also imagine that Rachmaninoff liked his second version better, although I don't know that for a fact.

I wouldn't recommend that you make your own "version" of the sonata unless you're another Horowitz. Unless you're just doing it for your own pleasure and not for a jury. I don't know how a judge would take that.

Have fun with the sonata!

[robert_henry]

If I knew something was played frequently at competitions, that would be precisely the reason I wouldn't play it.

Improvisations at a competitions?  Hell, I do it.  I think the more sophisticated the jury, the more they are receptive to hearing some improvisation  (that's SOME improvisation.)  It's the mediocre talents in the jury that I think have problems with creativity.  They don't understand it - therefore, it is wrong.  I don't care though.  I do it anyway.

I play the original (1913) because I think the writing is more orchestral, with fuller chords and more counterpoint.  It's just bigger.  The revised version seems like it is missing some testosterone.  I absolutely adore the second movement.  I recorded it for my wedding, and my wife walked down the aisle to it.  Yeah, it sounds corny, but it was elegant. :p

Robert Henry

[sary2106]

Hi again! Could I clarify my position please? I am just entering the competition "world" and am rather unsure of myself. I guess that I prefer to be careful rather than wish later that I had been. So maybe improv is cool for martin_s, but wouldn't be for me. The whole thing is to present yourself in a confident manner. I think if you willing to stay true to what you think his musical idea was, then you will develop the right thing. The whole key is what his musical intention was. Anyway, just wanted to say that so I didn't sound like I was "in a box" or something like that.

sary2106

[rachfan]

I don't play the sonata, but if I ever take the plunge, I would choose the 1913 version.  It's textures are far richer.  It's too bad that Rachmaninoff got onto his simplification kick. For example, his similarly revised Melodie, Op. 3 is a mere shadow of the lush, ultra-romantic and filagreed original version that he himself played in recitals.  Although the 1931 sonata and the later Melodie must be considered "official", I still prefer the originals!

[oklagija]

I LOVE 2nd SONATA!!!!

[jlh]

So what's the consensus?  I don't have the scores for either versions, but am thinking of learning it for a graduate recital next year.  Some people have told me that the 2nd version is the best and most "accepted" version.  How long are both versions?  Is the original really a lot more difficult than the revision?  Has anyone here studied both versions?

[kriskicksass]

Rachmaninoff cut a lot of the meat out of the 1931 version, and it's equally acceptable to play either. The edition my teacher learned it from even lists the measure numbers to put together to make the Horowitz version, if that's your style. In my opinion, the only positive revision Rachmaninoff made was of the F-sharp minor Concerto, so I would play the original.

[tompilk]

go for the first sonata instead
If u really want to do the 2nd, do the first version - much more defined sections i feel... listen to f kempf's version... extremely good...
Tom

[mikey6]

Raachmaninoff was always worried about the audience falling asleep during his own works - the famous story of the Corelli variations!
This may have been a reason, but I think he was worried about his hands and actually simplified the second version.  There's quite a few section's cut from the 1st version and simplified in the 2nd.
The 2 recordings I have are of the 1st so I dunno which version you should choose for a competition.

[burstroman]

Play the first sonata!!!!!