Rachmaninoff #2 (How difficult?)

[gingerale]

Hello everybody!

I know that a lot of people think that Rachmaninoff #2 is an overrated piece because so many people have played and recorded it. But the thing is... I never played it!

So, I would like to know your feedback about what you think is the best way to study this piece in a way to get it ready in 3 months. (any methods for difficult technique slots, ways to subdivide the piece in order to study by bites, or anything you could suggest in a way to help me, etc).

I already played the Paganini Rhapsody, and a lot of etudes and preludes so, I am familiar with this style. But still, 2#concerto brings new challenges.

Any ideas or suggestions will be welcomed and very appreciated!

best,

[dan101]

Three months seems a short span to learn this particular work. I tackled the fast passages first (like the one just before the second subject is introduced). They gave me more trouble than the chordal sctions.

Although this concerto is a bit easier than #3, I would allow more time than you think for it. It takes a while for it to sparkle.

[gingerale]

thanks for your reply!

I know that 3 months is a short time to learn this. But I still have 2 extra months to continue working on the concerto.
So, my idea is to have it ready and playable in a shortest time. Just that. Then I can polish it and sparkle(?) it.

Is it that impossible?
I'm already working on it and already identified the "cancerous" spots.

Still, if you guys have any idea, feel free to let me know!

best,

[franz_]

I prefer not to open a new topic for it.

May I ask the people who played it what the most difficult spots are in this concerto??
Any advices?? Thanks

[cmg]

If you do Paganini Variations, this presents no new challenges.  As mentioned above, fast passage before 2nd subject in 1st mvt.  I also found the development tricky, so check that out.  Chordal passages are not a problem anywhere.

Second mvt:  I thought the "scherzo" section was a real pain to get up to tempo.

Last mvt.:  opening cadenza sounds fierce, but is very pianistic.  It's what comes right after it, first subject.  Emmanuel Ax, no less, felt this was one of the hardest spots in the concerto literature.  It is VERY  taxing for me.  The rest is sheer fun!!!

You probably can do it in three months.  Best of luck to you!!

[the89thkey]

One of the hardest parts of the first movement is the end of the opening section right before the second theme. Also the cadenza opening the third movement.

[franz_]

Thanks for the answers.

I've asked this question to some people and most tell me: difficult spots are in second movement the C# section. Last movement, the first theme, and to get that movement up to tempo.

How would you compare this concerto pure technicaly to Tchaikovsky 1?

[iansinclair]

In terms of pure technical difficulty -- others have hit the high points, and if you can do the Pagannini you should be able to do it.  And get it technically correct on your schedule.

That's not the hard part.  The hard part is to get it to really and truly sing.  Well played, with excellent rapport with the conductor and orchestra, it is truly glorious.  Some of the "greats" who have recorded it have managed that.  Most of them haven't.

Good luck!