Rachmaninov plays Rachmaninov Prelude in C sharp minor

[Petrokwstas]

Virtuoso...!!!

[grafdu77tck]

"our day will come " B.O. directed by Romain Gavras

[MrBirdy7]

Seriously, why would I want to listen to anyone else's interpretation when the Master is on here playing it! not that I'm not open to listening to anyone else'sversion, Rubinsteins is quite interesting.

[utadnowa]

I like how unnuanced he plays it compared to other performers. And I mean that in the best way, it gives a chilling and deprived feeling to the piece that really suits it.

[famousvim26]

this piece gives me the chills... firstly because of the greatness of the piece itself, secondly because just can't seize that what I'm hearing is actually Rachmaninov himself! Amazing...

[Isabel1063]

This brings me back to the recital where I played this over 45 years ago. I'd like to think that I 'did him proud'.

[sirinitii]

this is so insane... i'm playing this for a music festival next month T-T

[dkbballl]

My least favorite thing about this song is that it ends.

[swingballbros]

So great to have the video back - thanks a lot pal!

[bigeasy171717]

Its certainly better then Kesha's perennial classic "Tik Tok"

[7893ful]

@bigeasy171717

Of course it is...

how can you even dare to compare?!

Kesha is today's era... you know, pop? Dance? that genre.

This is different all together.

dumbass...

[bigeasy171717]

@7893ful it was a fucking joke ass hole

[shinesinpines]

@bigeasy171717 what kind of tard takes that serious!

[bradtiscali]

Try listening to Rach's own 1938 transcription of this for 2 pianos at /watch?v=EL2t8gk4Y_c&feature=c­hannel

[pimpampum14]

it's easier to play it than i thought it would be...

[MrBirdy7]

Just Amazing, so powerful, makes one's hair stand on end.

[KingofKnots]

he really is a master of playing the piano... this fenomenal speed and accuracy... wow.

[GuinnevereB]

Wow. I am so in love with Rachmaninov's music. So is most of the world, judging by how many times his compositions have been featured in movies, on radio and TV. I think I read that he was only 19 when he composed this prelude. What a talent.

[O1Tshawytscha]

Incredible. I am amazed by how articulate the chords are at 2:20. On all the recordings I have heard except this one, that passage sounds like a blur. With this recording, you can actually hear the chords. Is the very end slightly different?

[pianoboypiano]

i dont want to sound ignorant but why is the beginning different from what modern pianists play... it isnt even on sheet music?

[MonkeyOfGG]

@pianoboypiano Acvtually yes it is. This is played exactly how I found the sheet music. This is the original.

[pianoboypiano]

@MonkeyOfGG hahaha sorry about that... i must have had to recordings playing at about 1 sec after the3 other so it sounded funny... yes, this IS the original...

[Szeicheng]

@pianoboypiano

It's on my sheet music...

[pianoboypiano]

@Szeicheng my bad... had two different recordings going on at the same time...

[The55555SSSSS]

2 people were drunk while listening to this masterpiece.

[vladimirpejic]

breathtaking... but isn't he spelled rachmaninoff?

[openmindspace]

@vladimirpejic it can be spelled either way, i usually spell it Rachmaninov, its like how some people spell Scriabin Skrijabin. :P

[pixielucym]

this is breathtaking!!! probs my fave piano piece of all time :)

[mahler151]

Moscow's bells are tolling....

[wdm2112]

It's so great to hear the composer playing. It's the biggest advantage modern music has over many of the classical pieces.

[mingcunhu]

@wdm2112 I agree, to hear the composer himself interpreting the music in his own way is just magical.

[CloudTT]

@wdm2112 yes buts its incredible to hear a classical pianist play their own music and it be recorded. classical by def means pretty darn old...

[pianoprog]

this is beyond its time ... kind of avant garde ... very expressive ...

[NuovoCurioso]

Rachmaninoff...suona il suo preludio in C sharp minor.....

[Rinnnna]

I love it.

[Classical83]

thansk for posting this piece! it's an amazing piece. what a composer.

[Lrdvltr]

This song displays the typical Russian depression through its tone.

[atemlos2585]

@Lrdvltr

Agree, this is what I like most in Russian literature and music, the sense of depression and hopelessness.I absolutely adore Russian literature and music,so many masterpieces in one nation.

[BassicStorm]

Love that acceleration ;) its real honor to hear Rachmaninoff plays this Masterpiece

[JustWatchAndComment]

this song actually potrays the hunger in russia at the time and expresses the anger at the soviet party

[BassicStorm]

@JustWatchAndComment how u know? im curious now ;p

[JustWatchAndComment]

@BassicStorm i had took a course on music theory and we played this song

[JustWatchAndComment]

@JustWatchAndComment just kidding though i had someone who did tell me that

[rodebusyy]

love this one! I imagine some sort of waves crashing into a cliff and getting higher and stronger each time.

[SchugOo]

That's the music you should listen to while you're reading Dostojewski

[ODcush]

genius. 

[tdavidray]

SOOO glad you pulled this!

[dcarroll74]

@utadnowa

Sorry, my mistake. What I meant to say was, the way that Rachmaninoff AND Chopin can capture the listener, grab them by the collar, wring out every emotion from them with their music, let them go, and leave them; knowing that the listener will have felt every note and bar, from their compositions.

[MrBirdy7]

Amazing! sombre yet exciting!

[popshuvitskater]

im listening to that one again!!

[nanfran2011]

I think this piece was inspired by one of Edgar Allan Poe's Story, which is why it's other name was to do with Death. But i love it, very dramatic.

[bcbit01]

If you mean the standard grade 1-8+ system, I'd rate it at a strong 7 if not 8. It takes tremendous expressive technique to play parts A and A2 and, Although not as complex as the Goldbergs, requires the limits of my dexterity to play part B this way (if this truly is Rachmaninoff playing). I've always heard part B played slower but more skittishly (as befits the "Anxious" notation on the score).  This recording is impressive but I prefer it my way (maybe arrogant, but so be it).

[bassman7890]

@bcbit01 that is the beauty of music my friend, it can be something different to everyone who listens!

[genomos90]

when was this recorded`?

i guess it's remastered but when was it recorded originally? is it really rachmaninov playing?

[TheThomsonEffect]

@genomos90 it is him, its called a 'piano roll'. look it up its pretty cool how they do it

[wolfenstein11x]

I mean it was all right

[dcarroll74]

It is a stunning piece. I first heard it from my music teacher back in the late 1960's. It has the "nickname" Dead Man In A Grave. Listening to the piece, you can almost hear the analogy. The buriel, the fingers scraping at the coffin lid, then the eventual resignation. A horrible thought, yet, such a wonderful Prelude. Matches Chopin brilliantly.

[utadnowa]

@dcarroll74

LoL, I assume you meant Rachmaninoff? I was reading your comment and nodding along and all of a sudden: matches Chopin brilliantly<-huh?

[5hawnK3lly]

mmm 2:10 is soooo sexy

[maxikin]

seriously how did 2 people miss the like button?

[Vesivian]

what grade is this song

[theoden001]

Thank You!!

[Vesivian]

The best part was obviously from 0:00 - 3:48

[hellomate639]

Rachmaninov performed this piece at the age of 19, launching him into fame. What a freak of nature to be able to write something this good at that age. Where is that kind of talent now?

[ShemsuHor1403]

@hellomate639

In every children in the world i guess.

[dfairbanks06]

this is my tragic world domination music

[pandawan26]

Amazing, of course. I'm surprised by the quality of the recording, 'cause it must be very old, isn't it ?

[SHAuriscope]

@jokeistman Can't you say that about any song? Whatever your favorite song is can be broken down and called boring in the same way.

[steveharley0345]

@jokeistman

You're obviously not one to admire such delicacy and beauty. I suggest you don't listen to any of this and stroll on back to your usual Lady Gaga and Eminem routine.

[worldsnap]

This is a beautiful interpretation, but it's not disrespectful to think he is not the best interpretor of his own work. He himself thought Horowitz was the best interpretor of his concertos. Is a play-write the best actor in his own plays? Is an automotive engineer the best driver? How many famous song writers are there that were made famous by other people singing their songs?

[MrSuperPhun]

I want sheets!

[ikedaspike77]

BOOGADEE BOOGADEE

[chowderandspoon]

i think people regard this song more as "creepy" rather than fury, passion, and anger. Maybe that's why it's so much slower.

[LoftyProduction]

@chowderandspoon The reason why this "piece" is so creepy, is because it was written after the composer had a dream about being burried alive. I interpret the fast section as a realization as to what is happening, panic sets in and then it's gets faster and more furious which I see as kicking and screaming to be let out.

[LoftyProduction]

@LoftyProduction oh and course the finale at the end, the very slow fading out suggests the helplessness of the situation.

[lesliefrancs]

His interpretation of his own piece is VERY different from what most people interpret it as today

[nnzhdnv]

how dare people dislike this? though some think rachmaninoff may not be the best interpreter of his music, the piece itself is beautiful. shame on you two.

[sophiastillhere]

The man was a gift from the DIVINE REALMS and I feel blessed to still be able to find this and listen again! The EMOTIONS are raging and only barely controlled.

Enervating to listen to.

[logman135]

I don't know why anyone would say that Rachmaninoff was not the best interpreter of his own music.

[TheF1PinkVoltaDream]

@logman135 because either composers sometimes dont have the skills to properly play their compositions or they themselves prefer the versions of other performers, just like rachmaninoff prefered horowitz.

[persianprincess96]

Dear god, I'm learning this.

[UniqueGirlXliving]

@persianprincess96 Good luck!

[ichalz]

I have 3 Russian Vinyls of Rachmaninov performing (or conducting in some instances) his own pieces. It really is amazing to see how much different modern interpretation of some pieces have become in comparison to hearing them directly from the source.

[C3P0meetsData]

Who the hell are the two morons who disliked this???

[MajorKermit]

@C3P0meetsData whoever it is, they are probably not gifted with true vision of music.

[miepdetruus]

@C3P0meetsData Yeah, let's equip ourselves with flametrowers en hunt them down!!! :P

[PhunkyPhil72]

Anyone who knows piano composition knows Rach rules, another fav of mine is Liszt. They are the heavies. thanks for this post. as for who played it best, id say vladmir horowitz.

[Fernandgem]

@PhunkyPhil72 don't forget Prokofiev he is also great

[ichalz]

@PhunkyPhil72

Personally, I'd say Rachmaninov played it best...but that's just me. Perhaps I'm biased because, well, because he wrote it. lol

[karazh]

@ichalz i think hes rushing threw it and actually plays it to robotic. you have to keep in mind , that he was a very nervous peformer and hated recordings because he was scared about what the next generations will think about his playing and that it isnt perfect. and in addition to that he hated this piece which is obvious why because it acutally is to simple and banal! and he maybe peformed it a million times, because every only wnated to hear that piece! so my opinion why hes not hebestinit!=)

[BassicStorm]

So many Masterpieces are wrote in this Lovely minor key, my favorites are: Moonlight Sonata, Chopins Waltz Op.64, Fantasie impromptu and this, I love this Prelude :) Ty Rachmaninoff!!!

[gogolplex74]

ending really sounds like beginning of 2nd piano concerto

[bowenbombastic]

Why Have SOOO many people missed the like button??? AMAZING! I just started practising this...... It is just IMPOSSIBLE

[konetch27]

@bowenbombastic really?? how long have you been playing piano. I learned it a couple years ago but stopped playing it ( unfortunetly ) I wish I hadn't I'll have to relearn it some time

[bowenbombastic]

@konetch27 I have been playing for nigh on 8 years now........ I'm 15, so I am currently trying to struggle my way past the terrifying bit in the middle - Horrible! but well worth learning for the immensity and power of the piece

[coolio1467]

@bowenbombastic

Try the Moonlight Sonata's 3rd Movement, if you're at that level. I'm 16 and have been playing for about 6 years and although I find it tough, it is a universally renowned piece. It is more calculated and precise in contrast to Rach's passion and vigor.

[ichalz]

@bowenbombastic

It's one of the parts where you really just have to commit it to muscle memory. And don't expect to play it quite as fast as this recording. Rachmaninov had a bit of an edge over anyone else who learns this song.

[eliasbadager]

esta grabacion del gran rachmaninov es un tesoro,ojola hubiera de franz liszt.

[Andrew1071993]

Обожаю эту прелюдию!

Я её даже играл в первом семестре на первом курсе в колледже.

[AliceG0]

No thats not a song, its way better than that, it's a MASTERPIECE.

[musicvirtuoso84]

I agree with Nibenay3000. I performed this piece without ever hearing this recording adding my own interpretation (which I found may have been influenced by some more recent performances). Given Rachmaninov's technical proficiency and his tendency to flaunt that, I guess it does make sense that this recording be that much faster. Although (being a little partial and defensive), I don't necessarily think that the more recent interpretations are "wrong".

[C3P0meetsData]

Church bells

[BmGeoBm]

i absolutely love this! i've trying to play this on my guitar....i can't properly play the part at 2:00-2-25

[BmGeoBm]

@BmGeoBm *i've been trying

[christopherm2k]

This absolutely fabulous piece was performed by the composer when he was only 19! (Прелюдия) My favorite part is the Agidato. The progressive pace presented is lovely. I am not a musician, but I do appreciate fine music and this is certainly one of the best piano pieces of all time.

[googenshlagen]

@christopherm2k

Not only was it performed, it was WRITTEN when he 19!!!

[googenshlagen]

@christopherm2k

Not only did he perform it! But he wrote it when he was 19!

[Musicislife4991]

Everytime i listen to this piece i get goosbumps especially when it goes up high and then crashes down like an avalanche...so awesome!

[randomuserguy]

Straight from the man himself, what a beastly interpretation, and I mean that in every positive way!

[butterbeatsmargarin]

of course rachmaninoff wrote with fury and emotional impact , he wrote what he sensed which was utter isolation even though he was surrounded by so many people ,yet his soul was slowly dying, nothing could replace his love for russia.

i guess in a way he was facing the fact that he would never see his country again because of the revolution.

[deadbabyeater]

Damnit, I wish my jaw would quit hitting the floor EVERY TIME I LISTEN TO THIS!!! Sergei Rachmaninoff... You my good man, are a beast.

[2pacsrevenge]

@deadbabyeater You make it sound like he just executed a bodyslam or something.

[deadbabyeater]

@2pacsrevenge He did. An incredible musical bodyslam

[sponger516]

this is one of the few pieces I think should be played straight. minimal tempo changes, minimal dynamics....the beauty and power of this piece is in the chord progression, not the sound, and there is little any artist has done so far that Ive heard that can help bring out whats in the notes themselves. just my call.

[puremorning27]

Wow. this is incredible! I know this piece by memory...and I do not play it that way haha.

maybe I should start changing up my dynamics...because this is so beautiful.

[tadacais]

orgasmico!

[Nighterror5980]

i don't know why, but this song is just to freaky. But still it's really awesome.

[Rix1111]

@Nighterror5980 song??

[killingppl]

@Nighterror5980 It is not a song. People sing in songs there isn't any singing here.

[Natalie1broadway]

@killingppl Uh, yeah. There doesn't have to be singers for it to be a song.

[Lity10]

@Natalie1broadway ehm........ yes.

[C3P0meetsData]

@Natalie1broadway Technically killingppl is right. This is a piece, Not a song. But whatever it's the same difference, YouTube is really not the place to be discussing something so trivial.

[utadnowa]

@Natalie1broadway

lol... just... lol...

[Sixxtysix]

@utadnowa The word song really hasn't stuck to its traditional meaning, so she is correct. The definition of a song has come to refer to any musical piece, including instrumentals like this.

And if your really wanted to be technical on musical definition though this piece is considered a ternary composition.

[tunglour]

@Nighterror5980 Lol, that's why I like it.

[lavaflu]

@Nighterror5980 I think that picture of Rachmaninov doesn't really help lower the level of freakiness either. (I know that's not a word.)

[genericbotface]

Wow, it's SO different from all the later versions I've heard. Really great, though. I can't believe what I was missing out on.

[mediumstars]

brilliant!

[yurtzenika]

i like this not just because it's himself playing it but also all the interpretations of him now are A LOT slower and it seems to take ages to move to the next chord

[benihime1212]

well the reason he plays the chords so fast is because his hands were humongous. not all people who play this song can make the giant jumps from the bottom of the piano to the top playing 4 note chords with both hands.

[Nibenay3000]

Stunning.

Absolutely stunning. I had heard various other interpretations before getting a hold of some of Rachmaninov's recordings and was surprised at how much slower and melodramatic most interpretations were compared to the original. His has more fury and anger mixed with sadness.

[Jorbz150]

@Nibenay3000

It is well known that he was sick of playing this piece because he was requested to so often. That may be part of why it seems so harsh and more quick.

[tokamakv]

@Nibenay3000 Totally agree... he plays the dynamics so much better than anyone else... its painful to hear how other (even good) pianists miss these critical aspects of the piece.