Sergei Rachmaninoff plays Schumann "Carnaval" Op. 9

[darkkerrigan]

He was an incredible composer but a terrible pianist imo

[truecrypt]

Would be interesting to know if other students/graduates of the Manhattan School of Music share your "opinion"... If piano teacher considers Rachmaninoff a "terrible pianist", I have nothing but pity for your students...

[trojanlol]

@darkkerrigan I wouldn't say that. Actually, he makes me think of Syd Barrett's guitar playing (solo albums). I don't know if you know syd barrett, and I'm not sure you'll get me. I just mean he plays his way and even though it may sound a bit messy, it isn't really, because it's just his own way to play. Sorry if you don't get me xD

[Democratura]

@darkkerrigan In my opinion he is an incredible pianist but a terrible composer:)

[BMX90]

@Democratura I accept that you don't like his music, but you can't say he was a terrible composer when his compositional skills were incredible!

[jero13595]

A superb combination of poetry, power and whimsicality from gradual accelerandi - characteristics of performance which so many pianists since the past century lack!

[zamyrabyrd]

What poetry and excitement together!! Finally one can see the forest through the trees in the Davidsbuendler--with Rachmininoff the overall line is never obscured. Being able to play the latter at an almost superhuman tempo might have something to do with its being somewhat less difficult than his own 3rd concerto. I don't think we shall see his like again.

[ignaz1882]

@zamyrabyrd Well put. And not to mention his killer accents and wonderful sense of humor.  What a giant! You are so right - we shall never see his like again.