Rachmaninoff's first sonata

[pianowolfi]

I practise the first Rachmaninoff sonata d-minor op. 28. I've never personally met another pianist who plays that piece except Konstantin Scherbakov. Does anyone here play that piece too? I'd like to exchange experiences.

[panic]

I love this sonata. I'm interested in learning it a few, maybe six or seven years down the road. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Allegro molto wasn't the insane colossus I thought it was pianistically - difficult, yes, but doable. The Lento is something I'd like to transcribe for a small string group.
Is the Allegro moderato harder than the Allegro molto? That's what it looks like. Also, what publication do you use? All I have is the Dover reprint.

[kreso]

I practise the first Rachmaninoff sonata d-minor op. 28. I've never personally met another pianist who plays that piece except Konstantin Scherbakov. Does anyone here play that piece too? I'd like to exchange experiences.

I don't know that sonata, but I think I think that Boris Berezovsky recorded it for Teldec-I heard that it is best performance of it, and he also got some awards for that cd

[pianowolfi]

Is the Allegro moderato harder than the Allegro molto? That's what it looks like. Also, what publication do you use? All I have is the Dover reprint.

I find the Allegro moderato technically harder. For me the most difficult thing is the first fast unisono run at the beginning. Nevertheless it took me more time to learn the Allegro molto because of the loads of notes you're supposed to memorize and get into your fingers. I use the Boosey&Hawkes reprint of 1908. But listening to the Beresovsky recording I found several differences to my copy, that I'd like to compare one day

I don't know that sonata, but I think I think that Boris Berezovsky recorded it for Teldec-I heard that it is best performance of it, and he also got some awards for that cd

I have that recording (I just meant "personally" I don't know any pianist who plays it).

I could not yet find a recording that convinces me totally. Berezovsky takes many liberties with the rhythm that I don't like so much. For instance in the meno mosso theme (Bar 15-16) that returns many times during the whole sonata, the half note is not long enough. I find that very disturbing.

For me it is a very unique experience to play that sonata. I practise it for more than three years now (with breaks). And still when I play it I discover new worlds.

[kreso]

And still when I play it I discover new worlds.

It's always the case with Rachmaninov..

[Motrax]

Wonderful choice of repertoire!

I have two recording, by Santiago Rodriguez and Howard Shelley. I like Shelley's, but it's somehow forgettable. Rodriguez blisters through the piece as though he has an airplane to catch. However, although his mad dash through the piece inevitably leaves a number of details left in the dust, I do think it's a very good recording. The outer movements are very exciting, and is middle movement is very lyrical.

I plan on playing the piece at some point, but I don't think I'm up to it just yet.

I use International Edition, by the way.

[minor9th]

Weissenberg made a good recording of it, but I think it's out of print.

[I Love Xenakis]

I just listened to the Berezovsky and found it slow.


The Weissenberg is definitely the best.

[rob47]

For me the most difficult thing is the first fast unisono run at the beginning.

i've been working on this piece for about 3 months in total and  completely agree about that run. i kind of have it but i'll miss it about half the time.

other things include these 4 measures:


for whatever reason, although it seems to be coming together, the right hand is just super hard compared to the quasi-tremolo figurations that come before it; the black note/white note combination is what does it i think, as the others two are one just black notes and just white notes.

Such an awesome piece though I'll post a recording of my reckless abandon in a couple weeks hopefully.

[pianowolfi]

The Weissenberg is definitely the best.

Now I've got the Weissenberg from a dasdc guy and listened to it. I definitely prefer Berezowsky. His Interpretation is more musical and dramatic. For me Weissenberg during most parts reduces it to a finger exercise. He dos'nt treat that piece with much care and sensitivity. And I badly miss some existencial middle voices in some parts that he just dos'nt seem to notice.

[liszmaninopin]

While it's probably hard to come by any more, my favorite recording is one done by John Ogdon on an old LP.  You might find it in a used record shop, or on the internet.

I've played the piece.  It's structurally imperfect, but I love it to death.

[anda]

i've recently started working on this too, but i don't have any recording of it. could someone send me one please? thanks.

[musicsdarkangel]

Weissenberg - much MUCH better than the Shelly

[superstition2]

Idil Biret recorded it for Naxos. There's a free online performance by Mi Jung Im.

[donjuan]

There's a free online performance by Mi Jung Im.

yep, here it is:

https://www.webconcerthall.com/archive/artist/mijung/index.htm

I like her playing the most, even though she changes a section in the 3rd movement.  When I listened to Weissenberg, it sounded like he was trying to end it really quickly so he could go pee or something..

I tried this piece, but my teacher wasnt as enthusiastic, so the idea fizzled out over a period of a couple months.  Contrary to what he and many experts say about this sonata, I am still utterly obsessed with it -regardless of taste-.

[pianowolfi]

When I listened to Weissenberg, it sounded like he was trying to end it really quickly so he could go pee or something..

that's exactly what I felt.

I am still utterly obsessed with it -regardless of taste-.

So I'm not the only one. Your taste is good. This sonata maybe underrated by its difficulty and complexity. Furthermore there is a sort of program in it that has to do with Goethes Faust and its very dramatic and tragic story line. For Dr. Faust struggles not only with himself but also with Mephisto and the hell and god and everything
 To serious stuff for some people

[superstition2]

I like her playing the most, even though she changes a section in the 3rd movement.

I think her third movement is bad, but I like the other two.

[houseofblackleaves]

I went to go see this peice performed by a professional, who actually won second place in the Van Cliebern (Sp?) and specializes in Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff.

It.  Was.  Amazing.


He also played the seasons, but I prefer the first sonata.