pletnev - rachmaninov, rhapsody on a theme of paganini: ii

[chocoturtles]

At 6:38, is that a trumpet? Why is it sideways? O__o

[jacobflaschen]

How does he play so fast?

[kaiseroda]

como pueden haber 10 no me gusta??!! ignorantes!!!

[pianonine]

lots of eye candy here boys and girls, but the music is marvellous too!

Pletnev plays with a great mix of authority and sensitivity.

[paulbrink6]

pletnev rules

[gigatabatadze]

who is dirigent?

wer ist kappelmeister?

кто дирижирует так бессовестно?

[herisauer]

@gigatabatadze Claudio Abbado

[Axotrotl]

@herisauer :DDD Abbado is one of living conductor legends and that guy says who does dare to conduct so unconscionably?....anyway Pletnev is doiing well here,briliant interpretation and genius work from rachmanninov.

[imrandomjen]

i just saw what you guys were talking about for daniel radcliff and once i saw it i literally said out loud "oh my god!" im not just seeing things... yay

[imrandomjen]

i love how everyone thinks a certain player is a famous person... its amusing. this music is very pretty. :)

[jahigh1]

The 16th variation is so beautiful.

[MoontouchedOwlBeast]

One of the Violinists looks like Abe Lincoln

[Tsusho1]

Wow, the pianist, that guy looks like Mikhail Pletnev or something. Oh wait..

[Tsusho1]

@1donpizarro It was a play on kokolo76's comment about Daniel Radcliffe, I know. :)

[1donpizarro]

@Tsusho1 You're right, that's him!

[flylooper]

Just a great reading of this classic piece. Tempos were perfect. Pletnev is a wonderful pianist. Orch. was great. Anyone know who the conductor is? I don't recognize him.

[IssidaSwallow]

@flylooper The conductor is Claudio Abbado.

[flylooper]

@IssidaSwallow

Hah! Wouldn't you know it! I really Like Abbado. He does Mahler wondefully, too.

[RunnerSean]

Who is the Principal Clarinetist?

[spactick]

where was this performed at?

[Mozart3150]

Who's the horn player at 1:34?? He looks like Stefan Dohr.

[maumalina]

Excelente interpretação! Pletnev mostra como a escola russa é sólida e sempre nos proporciona o prazer de uma linda música tocada por um intérprete de alta técnica! Agora, comentar que o flautista parece com Harry Potter ao invés de sentir a profundidade e beleza da música é muita pobreza!!!

[maumalina]

Excelente interpretação! Pletnev mostra como a escola russa é sólida e sempre nos proporciona o prazer de uma linda música tocada por um intérprete de alta técnica!

[heelrunner]

The harpist, so pretty!

[1donpizarro]

@heelrunner Woaw!

[fisherman186]

2:26-2:55 are so intense! 

[paulostroff99]

Awesome playing. TY ttag for posting

[M1sT3rM4n]

Where's part 3

[PawelWysocki]

@M1sT3rM4n found it yet?

[MrJooniejoon]

my favorite part of this piece is actually from here 3:37 -4:43

beautiful melody line by the strings in the back, and going back and forth with awesome, technical piano part... ending with the most beautifully sounding soft chord at the end. what a fantastic piano playing.

[dernettep]

I don't know what's going on in his private life, and frankly why does it matter? I'm interested in what he does on stage, cos that is how the overwhelming majority of people know him.and what they got to know of him is nothing short of astounding.so all you people branding him as a criminal: your view on a lot of the russian repertoire would be poorer without this man. he is and always has been an excellent musician. none of you know him in person so be grateful he has given ulots of good music

[heyheyet]

@dernettep well said. i, too, thank him for all the wonderful music.

[bodyguardik]

God Bless Russia for birth of so many geniuses like Mikhail. Amen.

[galendewagen]

Dear people.

For those, who don't like him for his Thailand case - don't go on his concerts and don't listen him.Will be more space for the people who want to go. Personally, I will go and listen. He is greatest musician at a modern time, and I don't care what's going on in his personal life.

[cafity]

@galendewagen Bravo!!! I totally agree!!

[TTakach999]

@galendewagen so you would support someone who has raped (sexually harassed is the polite way of saying it in Canada because were too nice) a child. the artist and the personal life aren't as separate as you think...so would would be supporting the same person

[shadowknight132]

@TTakach999

Although you may find what he said stupid. There are a lot of people who like him who like a musician despite his lifestyle. For example, Paganini, who was known as being pompous.

[agreatgeat]

@shadowknight132 Being pompous and being a rapist is extremely different. By being pompous, you're not breaking the law or the human rights.

[galendewagen]

@TTakach999 The case is not finished yet, so you shouldn't make any conclusions yet. But it doesn't really matter what the decision will be. Again, just don't do on his concerts and don't listen him.

I will go. I personally can't find anybody even close in terms of talent to Pletnev.

[panopticonartist]

As profoundly grateful as I am for the posting of pletnev's performance, I must protest the particularly spellbinding passage abruptly in the midst of which it's partitioned ;)

[Grisostomo06]

@panopticonartist

I agree. Absolutely the worst place to divide this piece.

[fusionfig]

sublime

[Flylikenaigel1]

This is sublime. I am a huge fan ofThe First Symphony in my humble opinion is ranks as one of the finest symphonies of all for its

[misspeckpeck]

Which orchestra was this? BPO?

[fitzgerald1337x]

@misspeckpeck yes

[1donpizarro]

@misspeckpeck It is, indeed!

[linguistmuz]

Incredibly topical comments... but wonderful playing.

[bomberchicken]

:O I didn'y know Harry Potter played the flute!

[pdotnis]

the guy on the right at 5:00 is having a little bit too much fun with that flute

[larryglass61]

@pdotnis LOL HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dmytropiano]

Pletnev is Great as usual

[purplevictory]

Haha - around 1:20 the guy on the piano looks like he is falling asleep!

[webgeek111]

He is. He is tired of being on youtube and wants to go home.

[mdoub]

haha funny comment.

[1donpizarro]

@purplevictory Oh, don't worry about Pletnev! He seems, but keeps awake on every note!!

[tobestar1966]

From 6:27 is so hauntingly beautiful it makes my hair stand up on the back of my neck. If the 18th is overrated, I think this part is underrated. It is so perfectly composed. Up to the crescendo at 7:26 and then again at 7:50 when it is so calm and soothing yet at the same time, eerily haunting. Leading into of course the 18th. Musical perfection.

[LARSE42]

LO SIENTO weiko79 PERO LA FLAUTISTA QUE SALE A LOS 0:58 SEGUNDOS DEL VIDEO ES CASADA Y DIVORCIADA 4 VECES Y TIENE 8 HIJOS , ASI QUE NI SE HAGA I LUSIONES . APARTE MAGNIFICO PIANISTA, LO ANTERIOR FUE EN BROMA , EXCELENTE INTERPRETACION

[raca25051986]

Samo rus moze da svira ovako Rahmanjinova!

[TheSaxyBandGeek]

It's amazing what Rachmaninoff could do with this one theme :O

[billyguns2]

I've come to believe that Pletnev is the best living pianist and certainly the most intriguing musician who plays the piano today; he always draws me in and makes me listen to old favorites in a new way. Bravo! Bravo also to Maestro Abbado and the superb orchestra!

[sagalat]

Wait til u hear Pogorelich play Brahms 118/2

[greg19670]

I love this piece. It's so strong and agressive until the piano solo. And all the sudden it becomes comfortable and embracing.

[ignisfatuus67]

Wow, how beautiful is the solo of the concertmaster at 5:29

[tobestar1966]

Yep, one of my favourite partsof the entire piece.

[NorwegianViolinist]

Yes, it's really wonderful! Kolja Blacher (concertmaster) is one of the greatest violinists today as an highly active soloist, concertmaster, conductor, teacher etc. He also was the 1. concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic for several years. No wonder Abbado chose him for his orchestra :D

[mauricioD]

At one with his instrument, not unlike Byron Janis, with Abbado and the orchestra in closest rapport.

[weikko79]

That harp player at 0:58 is definitely cute. wish they would show her more!

[demosj]

@weikko79 She looks really funny. Look at that massive forehead.

[kokolo76]

wow the flautist, that guy looks like Daniel Radcliff in Harry Potter

[turidoth]

@kokolo76 (2:44)

[hoiningt]

@kokolo76 he's more handsome than Daniel Redcliff..xD

[theamateurear]

Why does Variation 1:14 - 2:24 remind me of the second movement of Schubert's Piano Sonata in A 959?

[rage702]

2:02 is that oboe i hear come in?

It sounds gorgeous!

[conductorrrr]

yes, it is! :)))

[esmeraldieva]

la escuela rusa es y seguira siendo la mejor ¡¡¡¡¡

[4gznos]

such a fun piece :D

[HiyaHolaHey]

Love Rachmaninoff, my eternal love!!!

[Medguy83]

Pletnev is simply outstanding.

[DarkRaimundo]

Rachmaninoff shurely was a genious.

[ipublica]

Thanks so much for this contribution! Sublime sound quality, and Pletnev is a master of the old school. The tempi are well-chosen, not too fast, so as to give more power to the diction.

[principecalaf]

Pletnev and Volodos, the best living pianists!

[stedama]

Aggiungerei anche Sokolov

[principecalaf]

Sokolov proprio no, l'ho ascoltato per la terza volta dal vivo un mese fa ed e' stata una delusione. Sokolov e' solo fumo, suona tutto nello stesso modo, lezioso e privo di suono. In terza fila non si sentiva niente. Per non parlare di tutte le note che sbaglia nei passaggi difficili.

[BUBUHSKA]

I don't think so. How about...ahm, for example Kissin?

[9622123]

Не is Genius!!

[homeroriveramty]

I think the best part is...

When the woman with the harp appears *grin*

[mdoub]

he is a brilliant performer

[LolipopScream]

INVERSION!

[afthefragile]

And it has quite an ending!!!!

[p10nker100]

That Cool Dude on the piano is playing the whole thing from memory!

[bbj2captain]

Amazing indeed. But very common among Concert Pianists.

[KearneyPiano]

what is common exactly? the piece?

[salabertian]

Pretty standard.

[pianomed]

I agree to masonbarge, not only this is a greatly played version both by soloist and orchestra, but video and sound recording quality have a lot to do in the high scores of this video.

[Haeronthegreat]

I love the minuet variation.

[Domuu]

This piece sounds like it incorporates aspects of Jazz within it.  This is a good thing but something I personally don't think of when I think of Rachmaninov. Anyway the playing is none the less, top-notch.

[masonbarge]

It's my favorite Rachmaninov orchestral work. Parts remind me of Strauss and Saint-Saens. Abbado and orchestra (Berlin?) are awesome. Also the video is gorgeous.

[beethovenop68]

I think he could take a bit more time in the fast parts, particularly in the cadenza at 3:40. I think Shelly and Ashkenazy play it the best; I wish I could play any of it at all in the first place.

[FredilYupigo]

Ashkenazy's performance is better than this one, but this one is still incredible. I've never heard Shelly's, is it on YouTube?

[MinkyMead]

does he have down syndrome?

[annatique]

He does not. You most probably do.

[TheFirmament]

Priceless.

[carlsjoseph13]

you are such a LOOSER!!!

[rossariffin]

Pletnev's performance if nothing short of amazing! amazing interpretation and amazing technique!! ..and ontop if it all, hes showing such coolness and extreme calm:-) this piece is horrendously difficult!

[shalloee]

if i could listen rachmaninovs music all the time, i would think that world isn't that bad

[acrabadra]

damn...that harpist was showing a lot of cleavage.

[davidweiner23]

what point in the video is that? I'd like to see it.

Anyway, Phillipe Entremont's interpretation of this is much better. Pletnev plays it a little

too "ethnic"

[pianomanjeremy]

Ha ha ha, I love the faces he makes at about 1:20! This guy is good, and the piece is played well. He knows when to add flair- not in the places where it would be risky.

[asorescu]

Well, KlassikF, you are quite determined to post this Byron Janis everywhere on Pletnev's pages... you think probably Byrons gets more hits on his video. Otherwise, you must be kidding...

[asorescu]

Indeed Pletnev's Scarlatti sonatas are of sublime mastery... Different interpretation than Horowitz, but equally transposing. Whatever Pletnev plays takes the listener into a priviledged space of enrichment.

[prga422]

Pletnev is great.You should hear him playing Scarlatti sonatas.Thank you for the Rachmaninov.Magnificent.

[davidweiner23]

finally, i get to see the great pletnev

[museee999]

this is so good ! amazing !!!

[akhnaten1234]

excellent!

thanks for posting such a great video1

[tvb93]

hay vai~ !! cool video

[thelmaandlouse]

Excellent piece, I found free sheet music for it on SheetMusicFox DOT com and absolutely love it!

[nikolaimedtner]

those two chords he plays between 01:20 and 01:24 are not from this world....

[house1976]

This couldn't end at a worse time, just as the piece is about to reach its peak. I've heard better versions with more lyricism and less staccato. It's alright but that's about it.

[shadybarkis]

Pletnov has his pecularities but he's spot on here. Thanks for posting.

[gojewla]

I agree. Some of his performances of Chopin are not my favorite, but his use of color in this performance is truly amazing

[FFRPianist]

Most amazing performance

[gianpaga11]

La grande tradizione del pianismo russo: grande Pletnev e grande Rachmaninov. Splendida esecuzione.

Grande orchestra i Berliner Philarmoniker con il gramde Maestro Claudio Abbado.

Ascoltando Pletnev un pensiero a Gilels e a Richter.

Grande musica!! Adoro questa Rapsodia del grande

Rachmaninov: che momenti sublimi che ci doni!

[vnsn72]

Ciao ti sei dimenticato di ricordare un'altro pilastro del pianismo russo, ucraino.....Horowitz pietra miliare........

Cordialmente

[VikingBerserker]

who are the people behind the orchestra that are all dressed in white?

[nubletcake]

choir.

probably from a different performance? Rach's Vesper's?

[lumx2]

he plays with such ease and feather like touch..

[parule]

oh yes!This is very great!But who is better?Kocsis or Pletnev?Who knows...

[julesdarwich]

i like to meet him one day, when i played concerto haydn 1st mvt, i was inspired by him, thank you for posting,

[Nissor]

Pletnev is all time best for me

[BubblesMcBibbles]

i lvoe this. it gets me very very happy!

[rhapsodypianist]

It is my favourite song but it more interesting while pletnev's play .... thank's for sharing

[Meridion81]

Why put the 18th variarion in a diferent file than the 12-17th? The 12th-17th are a whole lead up to the 18th!!  Thanks for puting this on here though, just an amazing performance.

[kha1t]

IMHO the 18th is a rather overrated in comparison with the other parts.

[FredilYupigo]

The 18th is possibly the most overrated piece in classical music. So many people (including me, at one point) know only it without appreciating the deeper beauty and emotion of the entire piece.

[Haeronthegreat]

I don't think it's overrated, I think it's wonderful - it's just that it's popular because it sounds much nicer than the rest of it to many people, even though the rest is a truly brilliant example of the romantic approach to variation form and a stellar example of compositional technique.

[forrestisnotmoody]

I agree that it's overrated and overused, but Rachmaninov was still a genius for writing it. it's actually the theme the 24th Caprice, but flipped upside down.

[damildlyshreddah]

Brilliant! And since this video starts at the best variation this gets an extra point

[cattleman6420012000]

Pletnev is an incredible pianist. Remember he was the winner of the first prize and gold medal of the Tchaikovsky Competition.

[bulboflight]

YOu need sine lang lang =D

[kukusso]

Lang lang's rhapsody is nothing nar this... very olain and predictable. A very light soud far from what Rachmaninov should sound like. He es a great pianist though, and has a huge technique but is not as convincing.

[Meridion81]

I've seen Lang Lang's Rhapsody, it doesnt even come close to this. He comes off looking like an amateur compated to Pletnev.

[nubletcake]

poo poo on lang lang

[nolubay]

Wow get a load of that Harp player-The director did several times.Oh by the way Nice peformance.I'm not a big fan of Pletnev on disc any way-to laid back like he's Bored-not enough Fire.But here he's wonderfull.

[weikko79]

Yeah, too bad Rachmaninoff didn't write other noticeable parts for the harp in this Rhapsody - I would've gladly had a second look at that harpist instead looking at Pletnev's boring mug all the time. But as for his playing I agree - it's terrific and perhaps unsurpassed by everyone except the Maestro himself.