Which concerto movement do you prefer?

[verywellmister]

Tchaikovsky No.1 III. Allegro con fuoco
Rachmaninoff No.2 I. Moderato

Just wondering which you think is the better/more fun to learn or play/more challenging/more crowd-pleasing one of the two.

One is fiery and cool, while the other has this awesome melody.

[phil13]

Considering that most people (not classical fans) who have heard the Tchaikovsky 1 1st mvt. don't even know that the concerto even has 3 mvts, I would say that it's certainly the underdog. It's a great piece, though.

But, Rach 2 mvt.1 is a genius work. Period.

Phil

[quantum]

They are both beautiful.  If I had to choose to play one it would be the Tchaikovsky 3rd mvt.  It can be a great crowd pleaser. 

The Rach 1st mvt I feel has deeper substance. 

[thalbergmad]

I detest the Tchaikovsky, so it would have to be Rach.

Neither comes close to the First movement of Bortkiewicz 1.

Thal

[phil13]

I detest the Tchaikovsky, so it would have to be Rach.

Neither comes close to the First movement of Bortkiewicz 1.

Thal

Absolutely in agreement. The Bortkiewicz 1 is unbelievable.

Phil

[dnephi]

Absolutely in agreement. The Bortkiewicz 1 is unbelievable.

Phil

Can you PM me a recording of it?

Dan

[houseofblackleaves]

Can you PM me a recording of it?

Dan

Yeah, me too?

What bothers me about the first mov. of the Tchaikovsky concerto no.1 is that the first theme (the most famous) wasn't reused at all in the movement, even though it was far more substantial than the other theme(s).

The first movement of the Rach.2 is genius, but I feel a greater connection to the third movement and it's absolutely incredible theme... the coda is so simple yet so satisfying.

Hm... My favorite first movement is probobly the Prok. 2, NOT just because of the amazing cadenza, but the main theme...  the fourth movement's theme actually affects me stronger, but the first movement is just so striking.

Truely one of Prokofiev's most unique peices.

But hey, that has nothing to do with the subject.

Rach 2 is a much "better" peice in my opinion, learn the whole concerto.

[soliloquy]

I'd take Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto Number Two over either of those.


Best Piano Concerto:  Ginastera 2

[jre58591]

I'd take Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto Number Two over either of those.


Best Piano Concerto:  Ginastera 2

heartily seconded to the first point. the second point is a bit too absolute (dont get me wrong, i  love ginastera 2).

[acha114]

Tchaikovsky No.1 III. Allegro con fuoco
Rachmaninoff No.2 I. Moderato

Just wondering which you think is the better/more fun to learn or play/more challenging/more crowd-pleasing one of the two.

One is fiery and cool, while the other has this awesome melody.

Both are great IMHO. But I much prefer Tchaikovsky No 1 Allegro con fuoco over Rachmaninov No 2 Moderato. The finale of the Tchaikovsky, where the whole orchestra plays, is absolutely stunning.

[nicco]

Absolutely in agreement. The Bortkiewicz 1 is unbelievable.

Phil

Thirded! Absolutely amazing composition. Here's the 1st mvmt.

https://www.megaupload.com/?d=DVMZ70ZQ

[phil13]

Thirded! Absolutely amazing composition. Here's the 1st mvmt.

https://www.megaupload.com/?d=DVMZ70ZQ

Thank you for uploading that, Nicco. I would have earlier but the Bortkiewicz is not in my archives at the moment, and I loaned the CD to a friend.

Phil

[thalbergmad]

I'd take Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto Number Two over either of those.

Indeed, i completely agree.

In my humble opinion it is a squillion times better than the 1st.

Thal

[brewtality]

I detest the Tchaikovsky, so it would have to be Rach.

Neither comes close to the First movement of Bortkiewicz 1.

Thal

well I don't agree with that. The rach 2 just flows so nicely. Actually I think the Bort 1 can't compare to the Bort 2 for the Left hand. That piece I would take over Tchaikovsky first any day. The Bort 3 is nice too.

[opus10no2]

Bort 2 is tha BOMB.

[jre58591]

i second the bort 2 motion.

[dnephi]

I propose, instead, the Liszt Totentanz, in either solo or concerto form.  It is very pianistic, yet extracts amazing power from the keyboard.  The material from which it is derived is very simple, but its development is exceptionally skillful and effective.  Besides, it's just awesome. 

I particularly like its fugal development's transition back into monophonic playing, followed by a stupendous climax and a gigantic cadenza.

Furthermore, it is an excellent example of the fact that Liszt say D Minor as the key of death and damnation.