Rachmaninov Concerto No. 2 mvt. 2 Adagio Sostenuto

[petrovianov]

Hi there, this is one of my first posts on this forum, maybe the first on this page. Before I start, I want to make a full disclaimer that it is not my intention to make this another 'how hard is this piece' or another 'i'm starting chopin etudes after playing for a year only'. That is never my intention and I hope you don't take this post as another silly non-professional post as this is one of my heart's desires

I am a first year university student and at the end of the year, I have to pick an orchestral piece to play as part of a collaborative venture between musicians and also my end of year recital piece. One of my life's goals is to play the Rachmaninov's Second Concerto in it's entirety. However, I am aware of my limitations as part of being a pianist is recognising your own limitations. I have been self taught, and I primarily play by ear, and I know this sounds extremely stupid, but I have attempted Romantic Pieces by ear, and they have taken my technique and musicality farther than I have ever imagined.

Regarding this, I know I cannot even begin to attempt the 1st or 3rd movements, but I knew I could do it when I heard the 2nd.

So my questions to the professionals, whose time and gratitude I will admire greatly. I have a timespan of around 3 months to learn the movement.

- For a pianist who has been playing since 3-4 years, is it possible, technically and musically even
- My Hand-Span is only an Octave. Considering it's Rachmaninov, can I still do it
- The 2nd half of the movement consists of technically demanding elements. How do I tackle these
- I've never played with an orchestra so to those who have, I kindly ask your experiences and how I should myself, prepare to play.
- I know 3 months is most definitely not enough to develop my own interpretation and letting it sink in so, at what time should I have the notes under my hands confidently and at what time should I start orchestral rehearsals
- (cheeky bonus question) Can i learn the entire concerto in 2 years, learn all the notes, make it my own, as I'm planning to make it my final major work, which has to be a 40 minute recital.

A list of my romantic repertoire and my recorded pieces of that repertoire are below. Please let me know if you'd like to hear the audio of the remainder, as I haven't yet recorded all.


Sergei Rachmaninov Preludes Op 23 & 32
No. 5 in G Minor (Op. 23), No. 5 in G Major (Op. 32), No 10 in B Minor (Op. 32)

(Op. 23 No. 5)

Frederic Chopin Etudes Op. 25
No. 1 in A Flat Major, No. 12 in C Minor

(Op. 25 No. 12)

I am aware 3 months maybe a short time to prepare this movement, but with time and dedication and putting my heart into it, I know I can do it, because I have done it before. Your feedback and guidance is valued very greatly, and I appreciate it with all my heart  

Warm Regards,

[mjames]

just do it it's not even hard anyways
and jesus christ only an octave what are you a hobbit

[outin]

and jesus christ only an octave what are you a hobbit

We are coming for you...

[rachmaninoff_forever]

If you have to ask the question then no

[petrovianov]

I'm sorry if I annoyed you guys with this.

My apologies

[outin]

You didn't! There's nothing wrong with asking... unfortunately I cannot help you and those who can won't post that regularly.

[mjames]

Some people can be really insecure/scared about their ability to the point of misjudging it, so I understand if you have some reservations about the work. Don't worry judging by your videos you are more than capable to play the second movement, beyond ready. Be courageous and just start practicing already!

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I'm sorry if I annoyed you guys with this.

My apologies

Naw dude I don't have a problem with you asking but if you really were ready then you'd just do it without asking other people.

We barely know you from only two recordings you so the only person who can truly answer that question is yourself