Question about Liebesleid (Kreisler-Rachmaninoff)

[justanamateur]

Hi! Today, while searching for flashy virtuosic showpieces (because those performances are really fun to watch), I found the recording 'Virtuoso!' by Rosen. It was not live and there was no video, but instead of watching Kissin, Argerich or Lang Lang play at breakneck speed, I got to listen to a collection of pleasant, expressive pieces!   My favourite was Rach's transcription Liebesleid by Kreisler. I've always liked the original Lievesleid, but Rach's transcription makes it... something else, something else I love soooo much. Inevitably, I want to play it.

The only problem is that it's labelled 'virtuoso', which is the most off-putting word for any horrible pianist (like me). My question is this: How hard is this, in terms of ABRSM grades? Is it only around Grade 8 or DipABRSM, or more like LRSM? Also, is the part before the uber-fast scales difficult? How far (approximately) should I have advanced in Czerny to play the piece? Thanks in advance.

Edited out those typos. All those i-before-e exceptions messed with my brain majorly!

[j_menz]

Depends on what Rach you've played before. It's 8+, thoug parts of it don't look too bad (for Rach).

Here's the man himself playing it:

There's alink to the score on the YT page

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGmILVnE_dg

Though I can't vouch for it's copyright status.

Have a look and see for yourself. If you can't tell from a listen and a look, it's probably too hard for you.

[justanamateur]

Thanks for the score! The Rosen recording on YouTube I saw actually showed the score on the screen, and I thought it looked pretty simple (around Liebestraum level). Now with the full score, I still don't find it too hard (the first seven pages actually look like Amy Beach, but I know looks can deceive. I also know that I've never played any Rach before... What preparation pieces do you suggest before I tackle this one? Thanks

(Regarding copyright status, Kresiler just entered the public domain in my jurisdiction last year, so I know I can legally download it. )

[j_menz]

(Regarding copyright status, Kresiler just entered the public domain in my jurisdiction last year, so I know I can legally download it. )

But Rachmaninoff hasn't.

For starters, just start with that and see how you go. Then, if you have problems with particular bits you can narrow down what to do as prep.

[justanamateur]

But Rachmaninoff hasn't.

For starters, just start with that and see how you go. Then, if you have problems with particular bits you can narrow down what to do as prep.

Actually, Rach has been public domain since 1993.  Life + 50 years rules!

I've started on the first two pages and they're very sight-readable with common-sense fingerings and the worst stretches arppegiated. I'll come back when I face a difficulty. Thanks!