Symphonic Dances op.45

[schnabels_grandson]

Has anybody heard this extremely exciting Rachmaninoff piece?  My god, it is so awesome.  I'm wondering if anyone has performed the 2 piano arrangement.  If someone out there has, please give your comments and feelings about it, as I'm thinking of buying it.  I think the first part- non allegro I guess- is very life-affirming.  When I hear the second theme, endless shivers run down my back.  Does anybody else experience this or a similar feeling when listening to certain peices?  If so, which ones?  

[Rach3]

Shivers up and down the back? That's the point!

One of my favorite orchestral pieces... where did you find the 2 piano arrangement? I might be interested. I'm assuming you've already listened to the complete Rach for piano and orchestra?

Oh and what recordings/performances? I've seen a live performance, under Mickelthwate (greatest conducting genius in the history of 21st century Georgia [the state]). Ten times as shivery live.

[schnabels_grandson]

I bought a 2 cd set called "Essential Rachmaninoff" and it has the 1st movement, non allegro.  the credit goes to Concertgebouw Orchestra with Vladimir Askenazy.  I haven't heard the entire thing yet  .  I found the two piano arrangement on sheetmusicplus.com.  Here is a link to the product page:https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?sku=WB.F02314&cart=3248735182771228&searchtitle=Sheet%20Music

[eddie92099]

I have the two piano arrangement score - don't expect it to be easy,
Ed

[schnabels_grandson]

You do? Have you played it or attempted it yet?  Does the arrangement do it justice?  

[eddie92099]

The arrangement is surprisingly good. I have not learnt it properly,
Ed

[Rach3]

Emanuel Ax/Bronfman is arriving in mail very soon.

No not the pianists, the recording of Symphonic dances.

It is very annoying not to single-handedly be able to play symphonies and stuff, I think I should like to conduct a major orchestra.

[Rach3]

By the way, the St. Louis recording under Slatkin is superb.

[Rach3]

What am I saying? Don't listen to St. Louis, listen to the Sewanee Symphony under Mickelthwate, it's the best!

[thracozaag]

Emanuel Ax/Bronfman is arriving in mail very soon.

No not the pianists, the recording of Symphonic dances.

It is very annoying not to single-handedly be able to play symphonies and stuff, I think I should like to conduct a major orchestra.

A VERY disappointing performance, especially the 1st suite.  

[pianomaestro88]

Oh and what recordings/performances? I've seen a live performance, under Mickelthwate (greatest conducting genius in the history of 21st century Georgia [the state]). Ten times as shivery live.

Hmm...I seem to recall studying with Mickelthwate. Excellent experiences.

The Symphonic Dances is/are one/some of the most incredibly passionate orchestral piece(s) I know of. The intensity is grand. I also heard that performance and most, if not all, of the rehersals and it was extremely invigorating and passionate; those Germans, they sure are passionate musicians, eh Rach3? (I refer of course to Mickelthwate and not the composer).

[Rach3]

WOW! You studied with Mickelthwate?  

[pianomaestro88]

Yes, I studied with Mickelthwate! You know he plays the cello and conducts and plays the piano--quite a talent, eh?  

[pianomaestro88]

Oh, and Rach3 did you hear the recording?

[Rach3]

Am getting it later this month, along with Tristan and the Engima variations.  

Currently I have only Slatkin.

[pianomaestro88]

Ooo! I do hope you can hear the exhausting stomps and buzzes of the great Flummerfelt!  
Let me know how the Rachmaninoff sounds, though.

[Rach3]

Yes, Flummy WAS great!  

A VERY disappointing performance, especially the 1st suite.

I'm sorry you found it dissapointing. Having just listened to it, I can attest to its incredible vivacity and accuracteness, thanks to the GENIUS of Mr. Ax. The first suite was ESPECIALLY good (the second was the weaker, imho). Perhaps they could afford to pick up the tempo a bit here and there... (I want Argerich...) but the symphonic colors extracted from the piano were marvelous. A very compelling performance.

Listen carefully at about 6:35 of the first suite and you can hear Bronfman humming!

Not quite Flummerfelt but...

Ok, I plan to get Argerich too, what's she like with this? Who does she record with? I expect she's fast, this is just the kind of piece she could use to flametorch audiences speechless.

I also need a new score, my current one has been "BORROWED".  

[thracozaag]

Yes, Flummy WAS great!  


I'm sorry you found it dissapointing. Having just listened to it, I can attest to its incredible vivacity and accuracteness, thanks to the GENIUS of Mr. Ax. The first suite was ESPECIALLY good (the second was the weaker, imho). Perhaps they could afford to pick up the tempo a bit here and there... (I want Argerich...) but the symphonic colors extracted from the piano were marvelous. A very compelling performance.

Listen carefully at about 6:35 of the first suite and you can hear Bronfman humming!

Not quite Flummerfelt but...

Ok, I plan to get Argerich too, what's she like with this? Who does she record with? I expect she's fast, this is just the kind of piece she could use to flametorch audiences speechless.

I also need a new score, my current one has been "BORROWED".  

 I guess if you attest to the "vivacity and accuratness", we have quite different views on what makes up a great performance.