Rachmaninoff is going to KILL ME! (Prelude in C# minor)

[innov8music]

Okay, so I know that his Prelude in C Sharp minor is one of the most hackneyed piece in classical music. However, when you really put things into perspective, 99.7% of the population does not even know he exists.

I made an interesting connection between an awful rap song (Double platinum with over 50 million views) called "Rack City." Rack City has greatly influenced the youth with lyrics like: Rack city bi*** rack city bi***, ten ten twenties on your ti**ies bi*** (and thats just the chorus). The versus are even worse. Anyways the instrumental uses the same introductory motif that Rach wrote over a hundred years ago. I doubt it was intentional, however the connection stands.

I'd like to open up some discussion on the lack of change from the classical music industry in regards to these "Masterpieces," which we as pianist should not touch. I decided to shorten Rach's prelude and connected it to this rap song so when young people search for "Rack City" - some will find "Rack City vs. Rachmaninoff." Somewhat of a red herring, I am hoping that my project opens up the door for other (much better) musicians to adopt a similar marketing technique which enables people who most likely will never get the chance to experience classical music - to experience classical music via mainstream connections. Now I shortened it because the attention spans of the youth are abysmal - from experience I doubt any young kid is going to listen through a 4-5 minute prelude. Which is a shame because that agitato section is remarkably inspiring - regardless how many times I hear it.

It was actually that section of music which inspired me to start playing piano 3 years ago, when I was losing my mind in undergrad as a biology major. Anyways, I am really looking for your feedback - I know my voicing, phrasing, and overall playing needs much work - but I hope you can find some sympathy in regards to how long I have been playing - and rather focus on the concept and how we can bring this idea to more classical musicians.

Another quick example is just doing covers of popular music on your channel which consists of classical music. We need to start adapting to the current times or I believe all hope will be lost.

Rack City vs. Rachmaninoff

P.S Rachmaninoff already had a certain distaste for this piece because of its unusual popularity - however, I believe that if he heard Rack City and this other crap that is on the radio - he would be glad that at least somewhere out there his music is still being heard...

Thoughts, comments, criticisms are much appreciated as your time is.

Thank you,
Daniel
www.Danielinnovate.com

[j_menz]

I like the film clip. I also like the idea of actually having a film clip.  I mean, that's pretty much all that sells a lot of stuff these days (including Rack City if my appreciation of it is anything to go by (doubtful)).

Don't really like the "trick 'em into listening" approach.

And while Rachmaninoff may speak to the timeless, if you are going to show that "classical" music is still relevant perhaps you should try something that speaks specifically to the now.

[jjjessee]

Very Clever, and Congrats on the Rach with just 3 years under your belt. Not bad at all.


I freely confess that Valentina Lisitsa (long blonde hair, satin dress, hot Ukrainian accent and exquisite, yes exquisite Chopin) with her generous YouTube offerings re-kindled my interest in classical music.

[innov8music]

Hey thanks so much for checking it out and sharing your thoughts. I feel that most kids are tricked into watching and appreciating all this superficial bleh (why I ripped my chain off) - So I figured to play their game.

And yes I have completed a project that speaks to "now," which was actually a few months ago. A classical infusing to the JayZ album that was released. But I tend to just stick to what projects inspire me at the moment. I will continue on my journey and thank you again sincerely for your time and thoughts.

I like the film clip. I also like the idea of actually having a film clip.  I mean, that's pretty much all that sells a lot of stuff these days (including Rack City if my appreciation of it is anything to go by (doubtful)).

Don't really like the "trick 'em into listening" approach.

And while Rachmaninoff may speak to the timeless, if you are going to show that "classical" music is still relevant perhaps you should try something that speaks specifically to the now.

[innov8music]

Hey, just wanted to thank you for checking it out and your kind words. I literally sacrificed almost everything to play piano these last 3 years. So it's nice to get positive encouragement here and there.

Regardless I know how much work I have to do, in order to become a great pianist (if that is even possible at this point). Anyways I digress, thanks again.

Valentina is obviously a gift to mankind, but I will always have a more special place in my heart and soul for Lola Astanova. It was actually her fantasie impromptu that initial stirred up my fascination for classical music.

Again, thank you for your time. 

Very Clever, and Congrats on the Rach with just 3 years under your belt. Not bad at all.


I freely confess that Valentina Lisitsa (long blonde hair, satin dress, hot Ukrainian accent and exquisite, yes exquisite Chopin) with her generous YouTube offerings re-kindled my interest in classical music.