Piano Forum

Rhapsody in Blue – A Piece of American History at 100!
The centennial celebration of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has taken place with a bang and noise around the world. The renowned work of American classical music has become synonymous with the jazz age in America over the past century. Piano Street provides a quick overview of the acclaimed composition, including recommended performances and additional resources for reading and listening from global media outlets and radio. Read more >>

Pages: [1] Go Down

Topic: "Easiest" concerto of Rachmaninoff? (Read 10580 times)

poiuytrewq11zc

PS Silver Member
Jr. Member
Posts: 27

"Easiest" concerto of Rachmaninoff?

on: May 16, 2011, 01:04:43 PM

Rachmaninoff was known for writing very demanding music, and it is often displayed in his 4 concerti, as well as his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Out of all his music written for piano and orchestra, which would be considered the least difficult to play?

Logged

franz_

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 817

Re: "Easiest" concerto of Rachmaninoff?

Reply #1 on: May 16, 2011, 02:06:03 PM

Id din't play any of them, but I think 1st or Paganini.

Logged

Currently learing:
- Chopin: Ballade No.3
- Scriabin: Etude Op. 8 No. 2
- Rachmaninoff: Etude Op. 33 No. 6
- Bach: P&F No 21 WTC I

freddychopin

PS Silver Member
Jr. Member
Posts: 57

Re: "Easiest" concerto of Rachmaninoff?

Reply #2 on: May 17, 2011, 11:33:00 AM

It's not necessary to say what's the easiest concerto. All 4 and the Paganini Rhapsody are extremely demanding. Some people think his second is the easiest and some say the second is the most difficult. They all get the highest grade available. If you are a great pianist choose the one you like the most.

Logged

chopinaninoff

PS Silver Member
Jr. Member
Posts: 53

Re: "Easiest" concerto of Rachmaninoff?

Reply #3 on: May 17, 2011, 07:11:08 PM

Its funny, Rachmaninoff himself said the third was easier than the second because the third "lay under his fingers more naturally"....
The first (in MY opinion) is harder than the second and fourth because thef irst and third movements are played in a very vivace rapid tempo...The first is one of Rachmaninoff's "young" works...Full of energy and youth. The second piano concerto is tricky in all movements...even the second one has a lot going on in there, where as the first concerto and fourth concerto 2nd movements, are relatively easier in comparison to the second and third. You can forget about the third piano concerto as being labeled as "easy"...
The fourth however, is very underplayed, and I do not think that it is TOOOOO technically demanding, I think its on the same level as the second. However, it has a lot of jazzy rhythms and harmonies, especially in the second movement...
Richard

Logged

Sign-up to post reply

Pages: [1] Go Up

For more information about this topic, click search below!