Rachmaninov concerto 1

[ewalker1]

Hello all,

What is the general opinion of Rachmaninov's first concerto?
It seems to be less popular than the second and third concerti...but it is an immediately attractive piece and would appeal to audiences well.

How typical would it be for orchestras to seek out soloists for this work?

Thanks

[michael_sayers]

I am quite fond of the Rachmaninoff 1st piano concerto.


Mvh,
Michael

[j_menz]

How typical would it be for orchestras to seek out soloists for this work?

Almost unheard of, I would have thought.

Orchestras seeking out pianists are usually much less adventurous (and it truly pains me to call this that).

[stevensk]

I love Rachmaninov concerto 1!

My guess:
It is less popular among people than the second and third concerto because (almost) no pianists play it. And (almost) no pianists will play it because its less popular than the second and third concerto among people.

[ewalker1]

I love it too!

Unless you're a "big name soloist", you're pretty much limited to Beethoven, Tchaikovsky 1, Schumann, Grieg etc...

[michael_sayers]

If I were ever asked to perform a Rachmaninoff piano concerto, the no. 1 is the one I would choose.  Definitely not 2 or 3.


Mvh,
Michael

[perfect_pitch]

Hate to say, but I'd disagree... the 2nd and 3rd piano concerti by Rachmaninoff seem more cohesive with their thematic material and their transitions - however the 1st piano concerto to me seems to be cobbled together... with duct tape.

Granted, it was written in his late teens, which is impressive as it is, but compared to the later works, it's just a semi-decent work.

[visitor]

If I were ever asked to perform a Rachmaninoff piano concerto, the no. 1 is the one I would choose.  Definitely not 2 or 3.


Mvh,
Michael

were it me and i had the ability and opportunity,
i'd do no 5
    

[stevensk]

were it me and i had the ability and opportunity,
i'd do no 5
 

-No no no, not that discussion again! 

[visitor]

-No no no, not that discussion again! 

lol it beats starting another rand these chopin pieces in difficulty, or , pick my next repertoire/am i good enough to play x.....
 

[michael_sayers]

were it me and i had the ability and opportunity,
i'd do no 5
    

All you need is the opportunity.


Mvh,
Michael