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

A selection from pianist Stephen Cook's live performance of Rachmaninoff's 9 Etudes-Tableaux, Op.39.
For more info visit:
www.stephenbcook.com or www.myspace.com/stephenbcookpianist

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Rachmaninoff
• Rachmaninov
• Etude-Tableaux
• piano
• pianist
• stephen
• cook
• classical

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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 !