general advice on rachmaninov piano concerto n.2 1st mvt

[cosz]

I am performing this mvt ( for 2 pianos not with orchestra ) in 2 months and i would like to here from everyone any advice on details that will make my performance brilliant .

I play this mvt very well but there's always room for improvements!! right??

( I would like to receive advice on the interpretation aspect of this movement
I am ok with the technique!!)

[pianist7]

I also desire to master this piece. I recommend that you work on the melodies and perfect your interpretation, besides incredible amounts of practise. Good luck! Listen to recordings (good recordings), they can teach you so much, but don't copy their interpretation. Make it your own.

[cosz]

your absolutely right.. i need to listen more !
thanks for reminding me that!!
i found this performance on youtube

by Alexis Weissenberg and Herbert von Karajan

what's your opinion? I think its one of the best interpretations !!

[avguste]

Could you post a recording of you practicing that movement?

I just performed the Rach 2nd with orchestra a couple of weeks ago.
There are quite a few difficult passages, technical, musical and ensemble.
Obviously without hearing you, not much I can advise you on, however, a few points:

-beginning to rehearsal 3, make sure that the first bass note comes out, while still remembering that the orchestra has the lead in that passage
-8 measures after rehearsal 3, do not rush be steady. And let the orchestra do the accel leading to tempo 1
-make sure that your first melodic entrance is like singing. Romantic, rubato, but be careful, not too much
-17 after rehearsal 6, do not rush, be steady.
-make sure rehearsal 7 is as clear as possible
-rehearsal 9, the orchestra has the melody
-9 after rehearsal 9, I would keep it steady and wait till the Allegro to accelerate
-pay attention to the trumpet entrance at rehearsal 10
-at rehearsal 11, very romantic, sing it.
-23 after 13, make sure the eight notes come out.Not too much, but still clear and steady.

I hope the above helps you.
Obviously if I hear you,especially live, it would be easier to help you.
I am available on Skype if you are interested.

[pianist7]

Yes, I do like that one, too. Very cinematographic. Avguste has some very useful advice, also.

[gyzzzmo]

Funny that somebody who gets an invitation to play a rach concert, needs advice from a forum how to play it

[cosz]

Who said anything about an invitation ??

I will perform the 1st mvt of the concerto for my college exams!

and anw...i dont think asking for advise is funny ( even if i was a pro )

[gyzzzmo]

Who said anything about an invitation ??

I will perform the 1st mvt of the concerto for my college exams!

and anw...i dont think asking for advise is funny ( even if i was a pro )

If its for college, i find it also funny you ask for advice here

[cosz]

Yes.. because in a college they are all perfect.. and they know everything!
 I would ask for an advise everywhere !!!
Its funny for you ... its important for me !

[gyzzzmo]

Yes.. because in a college they are all perfect.. and they know everything!
 I would ask for an advise everywhere !!!
Its funny for you ... its important for me !

Okay, maybe you're right and i'm just abit too harsh to people with threads like this since there have been so many kids around here.

But on the other hand, what do you expect us to answer to a general question like that? For technical questions you have your teachers, and you shouldnt really have 'insolvable' technical questions anymore if youre at a level where you can start a piece like this.
For musical advices, your questions is A) Way too vague, and B) it depends alot on the orchestra + conductor how it is going to be performed.

Hence my doubtful reply. Maybe if you were abit more specific we can give some advice.

Gyzzzmo

[cosz]

ok ... you have a point ...i will be more specific the next time ...
!!

 

[pianist7]

How is asking for help funny?

[liordavid]

in the opening after the chords, anylize the arpeggio-like patterns and always remember to lyricise them. try to make a melody out of them.

[gyzzzmo]

How is asking for help funny?

'help, anybody got some advice on how to become president of China?'

[avguste]

Okay, maybe you're right and i'm just abit too harsh to people with threads like this since there have been so many kids around here.

But on the other hand, what do you expect us to answer to a general question like that? For technical questions you have your teachers, and you shouldnt really have 'insolvable' technical questions anymore if youre at a level where you can start a piece like this.
For musical advices, your questions is A) Way too vague, and B) it depends alot on the orchestra + conductor how it is going to be performed.

Hence my doubtful reply. Maybe if you were abit more specific we can give some advice.

Gyzzzmo

Some of us here are concert pianists, so we can for sure help.

The question was vague enough to warrant a detailed response, like what I did.
And the performance depends on the pianist. The pianist needs to know what he wants to do and when.

Concerning the beginning of the movement, the important is the bass note. The best description of the concerto was given by Hough

[aslanov]

If you're looking for good recordings to have a listen; I'd recommend zimerman, and stephen hough

[gyzzzmo]

Some of us here are concert pianists, so we can for sure help.

The question was vague enough to warrant a detailed response, like what I did.
And the performance depends on the pianist. The pianist needs to know what he wants to do and when.

Concerning the beginning of the movement, the important is the bass note. The best description of the concerto was given by Hough

I have performed this piece myself with orchestra, so i know how silly it is to try giving answers to questions like this There is no such thing as 'general advice' on pieces like a Rachmaninov Pianoconcert. If somebody needs general advice for playing the piano, his level is far from anything near something like this.