Interesting YouTube findings...

vagfilm

Sometimes we all stumble on interesting YouTube videos that may go unnoticed while being (potentially) useful to the Clackers... I thought of starting this series thread (along the lines of CG thread "what do we listen... Non classical", and I did not post there because it is classical...) after finding today something that mat be of interest to some: a solo piano transcription of Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 (1st and 2nd movs only) accompanied by free music sheet to download. I know that Rach himself has a transcription for 2 pianos, but this version is, in my opinion, a very good effort (better the 2nd mov than the 1st that lacks some power in a few places) and although it is way beyond my own skills, I think it is doable for many of the more talented Clackers out there, and may be worth the challenge.

https://youtu.be/qh0EO_YbKWU

Ralphiano

vagfilm after finding today something that mat be of interest to some: a solo piano transcription of Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 (1st and 2nd movs only) accompanied by free music sheet to download. I know that Rach himself has a transcription for 2 pianos, but this version is, in my opinion, a very good effort

So, is this a transcription that incorporates some of the orchestral parts into the piano soloist's piano part?

Or, a transcription of just the piano part that also simplifies the piano part?

Del Vento

Wow, really nice! Thanks for sharing. Certainly it's way beyond my skill level for a least 5 more years and possibly more….

vagfilm

Ralphiano
Yes, it incorporates the relevant harmonies and melodic lines of the orchestra (and I assume that because of that, the piano score ends up being simplified... On superficial analysis of the score, it does seem simpler than Rach's original).
For comparison, you can check some available YT versions of the solo piano part of the concerto... The difference is obvious in the first bars after the famous opening crescendo. Compare with this video:
https://youtu.be/ufb2TrR3UAo

johanibraaten

On the subject of YouTube findings I would like to share a finding that has brought me a lot of joy the last couple of years. It's the Wigmore Hall in London which regularly has incredibly high quality streamed concerts. It's chamber music in general and piano music in particular. The concerts are free of charge but it's possible make a contribution/donation if one wants to. It's stellar concerts with artists like András Schiff, Mitzuko Uchida, Stephen Hough and other top notch performers. The piano they have, a Steinway, also has a fabulous sound. Highly recommended🎶.

https://youtu.be/Xm0waR3L8hA

vagfilm

Thanks for the information, that I was not aware of... There is something special about live streaming in comparison with perfect studio recordings.
However, there is something in Schiff's playing that rubs me the wrong way and I fail to appreciate him (my fault...)... On the other hand, Hough is a lesser known pianist but that I appreciate immensely (his Debussy recording is phenomenal, and his Liszt's Benediction S173 is, for me, the best ever recorded).

[deleted]

vagfilm I completely agree with you - that his performance of Liszt's Benediction S173 is the best ever recorded

MacMacMac

Rocky 2 without strings just doesn't do it. Sorry.