Rachmaninoff Etude-Tableau Op.39 #1 in C minor performed by Stephen Cook

[RidleySS18]

I notice the excellent technique especially at 2:52 where he throws his whole body weight into his left hand, right from the shoulder. I think this is an extremely original performance, perfect!

[wborgstro]

Perfect in every way. Timing and buildup is magnificent. Exciting. I saved this one to Favs.

[smb12321]

Anyone who thinks this is great (and it is) needs to listent to Van Cliburn's version. It is, in many ways, more poetic. The difficulties are not as apparent (one can really hear how firghteningly hard the work is in this recording) and the piece is "seamless" in a way this is not.

Before you ask, "Do you think you can do better?" I'll answer now - No way, Jose. This is on the level of the gods.

[SilverstoneXL]

@smb12321 you are right Van Cliburn is fantastic with this etude (not only that). But try Schmitt-Leonardy's live-performance here on youtube. For me the best....as far as I can judge....BTW this performance is very interesting, too. Very powerful

[smb12321]

@SilverstoneXL I just heard Schmitt-Leonardy (on his site) with the live performance. It was, in a word, simply incredible (that's two words - sorry) - a virtuoso tour de force is there ever was one. He managed to bring out those inner melodies and rhythms that I think is essential for understanding Rach's music. Van Cliburn's ultimate was the Etude-Tableaux Op 39 #5 - the one performed in Moscow that got almost as much praise as the Tchaikovsky.

[classicalPiano1]

This was a fantastic performance. Perfect speed and virtuoso use of the pedal.

Just excellent!

[dawggonecrazee]

From 1.30 I felt you were no longer performing in front of an audience,you were in the music,I was spell bound.The last minute was superb.Thankyou for all your hard work !

[horatiodreamt]

Excellent performance! You bring out the contrasts and colors very well. I haven't heard such a balanced interpretation since that long-ago recording of Juilliard professor Beveridge Webster's recording of the entire two sets of the Etudes-Tableaux.

Bravo to you and I wish you success with your career!

[robcat2075]

Wonderful playing. You should get the video unsquished somehow, it gives you a rather gnomish appearance. ;-) Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Rusalka1975]

Your playing is very powerful and passionate. Your hands are very strong. But are you sure of complete use of your elbows and shoulders force? In 2.52 instead of the leg you should involve your body for better strike. I like your playing, excuse me if you don't like my frank comment

[vm21sjchoi]

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mfuller63]

Steve, I missed your performance but was happy to see these. Terrific playing. Where are the others in the set?

Mark

[PSearPianist]

I enjoyed your performance - where and when was it given?

[sbcpianist]

Hello,

Thank you for your interest. It was performed at Katzin Concert Hall in Tempe, Arizona on Oct. 20th. I sent you a message with more detailed info.

Thanks again,

Stephen

[zkool5]

Very interesting ideas. I like your secco style of the 1st theme and its recurrences. Also your sonority matches very well with your laid-back tempo.

[snaaptaker]

Sensitivity--'Scuse me, I play better than I can type.

Hope to hear more of you soon.--S.

[snaaptaker]

Bravo!!! You have left me practically speechless! Rarely have I heard such wonderful playing in this music. You have everything-- technique, intense musicality and logic, passion, and sensativity. And you sound even better (much) on your MySpace page.

I am an old Juilliard alumnus and a professional pianist, and I know whereof I speak.

Keep at it and God bless.--Stuart