Rachmaninov II Sonata (first version-1913)

[tornado]

Me playing Rachm. Sorry for quality,it's only recording from concert,without mastering.

Regards.

[rachfan]

Bravo!  This is one of the most effective performances of the sonata that I've ever heard.  I'm glad you chose to use the 1913 version, as it's a richer score than the 1931 revision.  In later life, Rachmaninoff, in his quest to simplify, unfortunately did violence to some of his scores including this sonata.  Your playing here is at the pinnacle of musicianship and artistry, and you give a wonderfully fresh reading of the composer's fiery and lyrical poetry in this great masterwork. Congratulations on a superb performance!

Let me also welcome you to Piano Street!  It's a great pleasure hearing you play.

[franz_]

Very nice playing! I also listened to your etude Op. 39 No. 6, which I liked a lot! How long did it take you to master it, and why did you choose this version? What can you say about Gililov as a teacher?    Succes, and regards.

[tornado]

thank YOu very much for warm words.Thats very kind of YOu.As for Gililov-I must say,that I've worked with a lot of the most famous piano teacher.It was during the master classes or private lessons.But I must say that Gililov is the best teacher in my life.Many of teachers dont treat You like a human.This is because they aren't human enough.Gililov is a big MASTER,but above all he is a big HUMAN.He works mainly on singing tone,long phraze,legato,music form,the consciousness by reading the text-then You don't have technicall problems:)And I must say that he is amazing-no matter whether You bring RAchm.3rd,whether Prokofiev 2nd,whether Kreisleriana,or Chopin/LIszt etudes-he simply sit down and play it in his own way,so You could put the microphone and start to record him.Yeah-he doesn't need to practise,just like other big musicians.He changed my life.And what is so rare-he is one of the best teachers,he is amazing musician,and he is still very warm person.At the same time other good teacher treat You like a assfool.They are very proud,rude and...empty.once again thanks for warm words!!

[tornado]

Sorry,but maybe I've misunderstood-maybe You asked me about his bio?He studied (both with Sokolov) with Moshe Khalfin in St.Petersburg.It's quite other school than Moscow.Late Moscow school is (apart from Neuhaus) in some way a "kitchen",Petersburg is rather focused on music.

[franz_]

No no, it was exactly my questoin Thank you for the answer.
Could you also tell me why you choose the first version of the sonata of Rachmaninov?

[tornado]

cause  there is much more beauty harmony,melody,polyphony,and the "echo" of the first thema is very clear noticeable in 2nd and 3rd Part. Second version isn't the same piece.Factural changes makes also sonoristic changes.And-above all- I don't think (like Rachmaninov) that there is too much of notes.If You play it too fast -there is too much of notes,indeed.But if You don't treat this piece as "hiroshima bomb"-then everything became very deep,clear,beauty.The deepest root of music is between the notes.