Rachmaninoff Sonata #1 Part 3

[NickjamesC]

Valentina, I think it is very cool that you, a world-renowned concert pianist, chooses to reply to peoples' comments on youtube. Respect. =)

[richterkleiber]

Dear Valentina, Thank you so much for dedicating yourself to this magnificent and under-appreciated work. It is a formidable undertaking, probably a daunting task even for the most experienced performers. Discovering this work gives such new and fresh insight to the many sides of Rachmaninov's music. I hope you can perform this piece many more times and share it with audiences. I look forward to following your performances of this and other works, with many thanks, Zsolt Bognar

[Laudan08]

Wow, while i was hearing this i got high... and i went down...

[TomPField]

how the shite did you do that live?

[MrStrav81]

@7:13 is my favorite part of the movement. The last time it does this is the most moving for me.

[palmerplantagenet]

Ms. Lisitsa's comments are often intriguing. It's good to see such physical freedom in hands, wrists and forearms - it recalls for me the teaching of Sergei Tarnowsky. This sonata is one of the few which moves forward like a great orchestra. Its middle movement is prime Rachmaninoff, so beautifully inspiring. Fiorentino also did an excellent performance. One must guard against wildness tinging into a bit of vulgarity. Rhythm can then make the listener feel harried.

[tonybrian92]

this sonata gives me the expression that rachmaninoff was excentric. just listen to the music! To me it sounds completely random, yet brilliant!

[RenanGarciaMoura]

Perfect sonata + the most perfect pianist of 21 century= Happy fans :)

[gnomkannibal]

how can it have only 22k views? ive watched this about 10k times

[youcannotremember]

Just wonderful.

[ValentinaLisitsa]

@classicalmusic29 The 3rd movement is a beast. Mind you that this sonata is a twin brother of 3rd cocnerto. There is a lot of idomatic material shared between this movement and finale of concerto. While we don't know how master himself would played this piece we have a recording of his #3 - and it is faaaaaaast!!!! Funny that people people complain that he is playing his own music too fast !

[ValentinaLisitsa]

@RefletdOmbres Yes, there is Dies Irae - definitely. Another curious thing at the last page - B Flat chords are exactly copying the opening chords of Hammerklavier B Flat ( that faithful jump off the cliff ). I used to play the recital as follows : Shostakovich D minor Prelude and Fugue , Hammerklavier, break, Schubert impromptu B Flat and Rach #1( just D minor and B flat Maj.)

[classicalmusic29]

@RefletdOmbres I haven't listened to Liszt's sonata in a while, so I'll check that out, but no! You're definitely not the only one who hears the Dies Irae in here! It's one of my favorite parts / climaxes of the piece! :)

[Daminickname]

Valentina, why at the minute 3:00 you don't play the D flat acute?

(I prefer your version, but I'm still curious =P)

However Beautiful performance!!! =)

[ValentinaLisitsa]

@Daminickname It doesnt repeat the other time - and I was vaccilating between using and not using it . Some days I like it more with D :-) Now that I listened to it I am sort of missin git LOL

[Daminickname]

@ValentinaLisitsa but this is a your change, or you have two different score? I am too curious =D

(sorry but I can't write well in English, I'm italian)

[ValentinaLisitsa]

@Daminickname Anyways , this is just a Youtube version - one of my first attempts on the whole piece. I recorded it later for a CD and I left enough notes for producer to decide which version he likes most :-)

Don't blame me LOL

[Daminickname]

@ValentinaLisitsa ok thanks for the fast answer! When the CD goes on sale? =)

[tjtheplay]

This video was posted on my birthday! This was also the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much Valentina.

[teakbridge101]

All these comments about speed versus Valentina's amazing technique remind me very much of the discussion between Horowitz and Rachmaninoff over the former's tempos and interpretations of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto Cadenza. Though I fear that I, too, feel the interpretation of the third movement here was a bit...rapide...I would encourage you to be true to yourself more than please the desires of others.

[Juungske]

I saw and heared you this morning on the Dutch TV.

Now 1 1/2 ours later I can-t stop listening. Rachmaninoff, Liszt transcibtions Schubert, Bach..... I don't hear a piano : only MUSIC,MUSIC,MUSIC. You touched my heart and my soul. I never was touched so deeply since Yuri Egorov. Thanks, thanks, thanks......

Jos

[chpnlzt]

VALENTINA - HOW CAN AN ARTIST OF YOUR CALIBER RECORD ON THIS CRAP PIANO ??? CAN YOU NOT HEAR IT IS BADLY OUT OF TUNE ??? THE UPPER REGISTER IS ESPECIALLY PAINFUL TO LISTEN TO - HOPE THIS PIANO AND THIS RECORDING ISN'T ON THE DVD - SOMEONE TELL ME THE STORY ON THIS PIANO, IS IT THE ANTIQUE THAT RACHMANINOFF WROTE THIS PIECE ON OR SOMETHING - I HATE VINTAGE PIANOS THEY SOUND LIKE SHIT - BUT VALENTINA, YOU STILL PLAY PRETTY GOOD FOR A GIRL....

[musicfanBRA]

@chpnlzt - She's not a "girl", she's a lady and she's a great artist. More respect, please. Your condescending remarks and macho mentality have no place in classical music. Just listen to Jacqueline Du Pré on the cello or Janine Jansen, Anne-Sophie Mutter on the violin and many other great woman players.

[chpnlzt]

@musicfanBRA -

YOU WOULD PUSH A BUTTON (IF YOU COULD) TO HAVE ME ELIMINATED FROM EARTH FOR GIVING MY OPINION - WE ARE ALL SO QUICK TO KILL EACH OTHER - THE BROAD HAS MY RESPECT - SHE IS THE BEST GIRL PIANO PLAYER IN THE WORLD - SHE IS NOT WORSHIPPED BY ME TO GET SPECIAL TREATMENT - GENIUS IS 99% HARD WORK.....THAT I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT.........

[chpnlzt]

@musicfanBRA -

I KNOW MOST PEOPLE IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES HAVEN'T MADE IT QUITE ALL THE WAY TO SARCASM YET - BUT WHEN SOMEONE SAYS "YOU PLAY LIKE A GIRL" THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SOME HUMOR INVOLVED OR INTENDED - OH GREAT AND POWERFUL ARBITRATOR OF WHAT CLASSICAL MUSIC ENCOMPASSES - WITH THE ITCHY TRIGGER FINGER.....

[gwozdezzz]

I'm sorry. respect for the technique, but this recording is just bad. The 2 movement is playes like chopin, without any legato. and the 3d movement is just... .... you guys didn't noticed the 2nd theme at 1:15 is missing? What happened to this "song" and the chords after? It is JUST FAST, nothing else.

[felipilloo1984]

@gwozdezzz I am sorry for you buddy!

[timuth]

C'est dommage qu'il n'y a pas d'enregistrement de Rachmaninov jouant cette pièce...

[timuth]

Je ne trouve pas cela vite, bien au contraire, je trouve que cette vitesse est tout à fait l'idéal pour jouer cette pièce. J'ai écouté les autres pianistes joués cette sonate, il y a certaines parties que j'aime beaucoup dans cette pièce 1:23 - 1:33 et 3:53 - 4:10 et je suis souvent déçu par l'interprétation trop lente des autres pianistes. C'est peut-être parce que c'est la première interprète que j'ai entendu jouer cette pièce et première fois que j'écoutais la pièce.

[88alan8800]

I think valentina could probably make a much better recording of this if she played it not quite so fast - I feel as though she is making the piece seem like speed is the main element.

[Widiar]

I have this deeply rooted chauvinism what comes to piano music, for reason unknown. It goes especially with Beethoven. I heard your interpretation of Apassionata and I was shocked how much I liked it. First 3 minutes I sat there waiting for something to spoil it, but it never came. I'm busy to leave for my work (as a dj, how ironic) but I listened several of your pieces.

I totally agree and understand your ideas of this piece as well, just awesome work.

Thank you so much for sharing.

[steve40004]

I like it just the way you play it.

[tomazvital1986]

Great Rachmaninoff´s masturbation!!!

[G0NZAL0666]

que aburrido rachmaninoff ._.

[gouloum2222]

gosh, this is awesome....

[feldkhon]

Listening to this piece, a neighbour of mine came to my flat and yelled "throw that piano!". Ignorance is limitless.

And what to say about Valentina's playing... pure brilliance.

[ApparitionFVT]

Wow! Beautiful piece and beautifully played! Brava!

[anupaum]

I listen to this sonata whenever I'm feeling down. While it's amazing that a piece of music can elevate the soul to the extent that this one does, you play with such passion and technical excellence, your playing ITSELF fills me with a sense of wonder. Thank you for sharing your gift with us! Bless you!

[889michael1]

Could Rachmaninoff have been possessed?!

[IBlackRockI]

total amount of wrong notes in half an hour of stunning music: 0

this was simply perfect. thank you, Val.

[OlafBrulinski]

Mrs Valentina please recorde Elegy e# minor by Rachmaninoff... :) You're my idol, my GOD!!! Regards! :)

[ilpianista89]

this video captures me.. the image is perfect, the sound divine... Brava Valentina!

[richclayderman]

Have you seen the video where she says "hELLO"? She looks like an angel!

[Adrianoci]

Bravaaaaa VALENTINAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

[samuray06]

Hmm, maybe it's my speaker, but often the piano sounds out of tune.. Video quality is very good though..

[DJG44F]

Melody is brought out so well in this third Part. That is wonderful. Thank you very much.

[ValentinaFan]

Feeling rather depressed this afternoon (about factors governing "who" makes it big in this arena) I turned to Valentina, to this, and the depression has been lifted and replaced by :) :) :) !!!

[dawidmysle]

her technique is so beautiful! I want her hands!!

[odmoa]

To all those complaining about the fast tempo; this is how it's supposed to be. If you haven't heard it this fast before, it's because the pianist you were listening to wasn't able to play it at the speed which Rachmaninoff intended.

[OpethCommodore]

@odmoa It's just like La Campanella by Liszt...sooooo many artists play it wrong, be it on piano or violin. She does it flawlessly at the proper tempo. Whoever says that she "is obsessed with tempo" breaks my heart. She is obviously SUPER passionate, you can just tell.

[mahpyua]

finally a great recording of this sonata

[musicpiano14]

too fast, this women likes fast tempos more than music, really. Any way, wonderfull hands. love them.

[pianofan2010]

When Valentina plays, there's nothing left to say because she has just said it all for me through her music. Not a thought, feeling, or word left out so I am here speechless and in perfect harmony. God bless this artist forever!

[edmellomag]

É uma raridade, nos tempos,hoje, encontramos instrumentistas que subordinam sua técnica à arte. Valentina é uma jóia preciosa que nos faz contemplar as menores inflexões expressivas de uma obra musical com o que vem lá do fundo de seu belo espírito de artista.

Artista única.

É muito belo o que você faz, Valentina!

[CoolWJL]

What an adrenaline rush! Little too quick though.

[timuth]

J'ai vu Berezovsky l'a jouer... et vraiment je prefere mieux Valentina. BRAVO =D !!

[NOSEhow2LIV]

Oui, moi aussi, je la prefere visuellement, mais pas pour la musique!

[lithiumw]

Marvelous !

Only 3000 views, I can't believe it....

[exanovaa]

cette technique incroyablement intelligente te donne vraiment une endurance énorme ! Tu a vraiment tout compris à la technique pianistique !!! je m'inspire beaucoup de tes mouvements pour mon apprentissage du piano, merci encore :)

[leszange]

Valentina est une très très grande Pianiste...

Quand on aura fini de le dire, on aura pas encore tout dit...

Bravo...et Merci, Valentina...!

[pianolistenerk]

i wonder how much she practices.

[moh1666]

i love valentina, for me you are the best..

[mrcpawlus]

Rachmaninov would be saying from his grave; "At last, someone playing this to tempo!"

BRAVA!

[Hervinbalfour]

My god you hit the nail on the head! So many people stay away from this peice because it is VERY VERY difficult to play at full and constant speed. We are talking 35 minutes of hell. lol This is more demanding than the second. Just my opinion.

[PieterdeRooijHolland]

What an amazing and brilliant performance of this wonderful sonata! The clarity of your phrasing, the articulation of evry single note, it's stunning! Rachmaninoff is all yours, Valentina! :)

[agrandb]

you must come to chile

in southamerica

[gbrn373]

She played in Santiago two nights ago (June 25) with Hilary Hahn.

[agrandb]

so you must come again becuse i lose a huge oportunity

[oneloneful]

I agree!!

[mozart888]

Does anyone know where this was recorded? The piano is fantastic. The artist, well, I'm truly at a loss.... what's better than incredible? :)

[StefanoGuarascio]

Oh, my God! So many notes... Really wonderful! :)

[147258saku]

VALENTINA IS A FUTURE LEGEND *0*

[kempff95]

very restrained tempo bravo!

you plays with energy and with presence !

GREAT job...

[loves2listen]

i don't know how long i waited for a recording of this sonata that has all this expression in it!! and here it is! even if many will disagree, for me this is like Rachmaninoff thought about it.

[loves2listen]

its like a constant firework in my head! thanks!

[ilovetcpjg]

Just marvelous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<3 Valentina

[kowoyoshi]

OMG! Great!

Would you accept me as a pupil?

[aaa1232123]

I've been waiting so long to see you record the whole thing!!

This is my favorite sonata. Interesting rhythms, and the ending is so explosive!

[ChrisWatch]

Amazing :)!

[kristof23]

too too Fast !!!!!!

it is not a race!

[ValentinaLisitsa]

Yes you are right - this is not a race! - It is Satan galloping on a black horse and witches flying.

[kristof23]

it is too fast by moments Valentina!

It is not satan etc.. it is a young man in love running and smiling in Spring somewhere in Russia :)

[ValentinaLisitsa]

HAHAHA! This movement is called "Mephistophel"!

[kristof23]

yes you're right Valentina!

Love is a Devil ;-)

I'm not ;-)

[mrmolinodelahoz]

Incredible genius.

One of the fabulous musicians of all time.

Unbelievable musicality, Everything.......

[TomPField]

@ValentinaLisitsa haha genius comeback ;)

[12Hadise12]

@ValentinaLisitsa Valentina,did you play this song after or before Sonata Hammerklavier,where you broke a chord?? :)

[Hervinbalfour]

Do you have the score for this piece? If so have you seen the metronome markings for each movement? She is playing at the speed Rachmaninoff intended.

[mrcpawlus]

Yes I do and the history is replete with him encouraging Horowitz and the Philadelphia during rehearsals. "Faster, Faster!"

I think Rachmaninoff rewrote the coda for Horowitz in that period.

[andibonnington]

@kristof23

I think the composer shows through this beautiful work, another aspect of evil, while at Lizst's Mephisto I find this kind of sadness and loneliness aspect of the evil, I see here his furious power: In fact, the Ego at his best.

That's the beauty of music, and the challenge of a great pianist such as Lisitsa, being capable to lead the audience to unespected levels of imagination, to the composer's mind itself.

My opinion.

[1992seppel]

@kristof23 laughable :D

[1992seppel]

@kristof23 laughable :D

[iLoveChopin]

breath taking performance val. thanks for sharing.

p.s. when are you coming to Australia?

[PhiloSocolov]

amazing interpretation a liked it soooo much!!!!!

[Raffpio]

stupenda, come sempre!!!

[chacoteris]

A wonderful interpretation! Bravo and thank you!