Rachmaninoff - Etude-Tableau in a minor, op.39 no.2

[andhow04]

the haunting and original second etude from the opus 39 set.  this etude was also arranged by respighi for orchestra and called "The Sea and the Seagulls."  it's characterized by the ostinato accompaniment underneath wide intervals of open fourths and fifths in the treble; also ingenious counterpoint, as intensity builds more lines are added, most of them fragmentary and intense.
one of my favorite rachmaninoff pieces..

[pianowolfi]

Yes! It's one of my favorites too! One of those pieces who struck me like an electric shock when I heard them the first time. Very intense and sensitive playing! Something sounds a bit weird in the recording but it's for sure not your playing, maybe it's some added reverb or so, I can't say.

[rachfan]

Hi Andhow,

I too love this piece and never tire of hearing it.  You bring out its beautiful lyricism very well along with the big surges at the climax.  When it comes to codas, as in this piece, Rachmaninoff never disappoints, and you give him his due there too.  Fine playing!

   

[andhow04]

Yes! It's one of my favorites too! One of those pieces who struck me like an electric shock when I heard them the first time. Very intense and sensitive playing! Something sounds a bit weird in the recording but it's for sure not your playing, maybe it's some added reverb or so, I can't say.

tanks for lsitening.  that's odd, i don't really notice.. there was no editing on this except to snip at the beginning and at the end so theres noe xtra reverbs added.  it was recorded on a moderately junky piano in a small hall that was all wood-paneled, with a stone floor, and a peak ceiling. maybe there is something strange about all the wood and stone.

[pianowolfi]

Hi Andhow, now I'm sorry that I even mentioned that, actually. I was rather just thinking, I really didn't mean it as a critique. I have listened again and now I'm rather grateful to the special live acoustics