Ekaterina Mechetina plays Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3

A treat for those who missed last week's electrifying performance of Rachmaninoff's Concerto No. 3 by the magnificent Ekaterina Mechetina at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, with Günter Neuhold conducting the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra.
More of her recordings can be found here:
/ katbizarre
Courtesy of the Moscow Philharmonic Society.

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

She is a tiger, and plays EVERY note written in the piano score, unlike many who leave some chordal notes out. Other than a wee memory slip at the start of the 2nd movement, she LEADS and asks the orchestra to follow. There were a few ragged orchestral moments, but there was no lack of committment. Her most beautiful moments were as stunning as you could ask, amidst all the bravura. The 1st movement cadenza beautifully thought out, the "waltz" sequence in the 2nd movement regal, delicate, and rhythmically defined. Her playing of the final statement of the final movement with orchestra is so perfect, the mini rubatos so musical, emotional yet with no loss of momentum. Those last pages were interpreted EXACTLY as I would have played them, were I HALF as gifted as she. I imagine Ms Mechetina must really have her way with the Rachmaninoff Etudes, and I hope, if she hasn't recorded them, she will. SOON. Thank you for posting this wonderful performance.

[@andiamos9630]

what happened at the passage 13:20 ? almost all notes are wrong ... total blackout.

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

Andi Amos , I believ e NOT a memory slip, just finger slips as she attempts to play EVERY note in those mammoth chords.

[@troleg1]

Фантастика. После Эмиля Гилельса ни одно исполнение этого сложнейшего произведения не вызывало у меня такого восторга. Браво, Екатерина ! Аплодировал стоя возле ноутбука.

[@positivetimeline2023]

The exceptional performance of Rachmaninov. Brilliantly rendered and precise.

[@marianoborgiani5227]

I'd like to know why the conductor didn't wait for her at the beginning

[@gustee1000]

I noticed the same... And she was fighting with the bench in parts of the first movement because of his unattendance. But she mahaged well. She is a stupendous pianist. Adore her. Gustee.

[@ediccartman7252]

Still they even hugged at the end, so I believe it wasn't deliberately. I don't understand , why she didn't tell him "Wait !" , maybe cz her English/German wasn't good enough ( I'll be happy to be wrong , but this is a common problem for Russians).

[@jeanclaudemasse913]

@@ediccartman7252 Vous êtes bien indulgent. A ce niveau, un chef d'orchestre vérifie que l'ensemble des musiciens soit prêt, qui plus est le soliste.

[@tonimontana5153]

Rach 3 is the best piano concerto ever! And she is playing it wonderfully! What a beauty!

[@pilouetmissiou]

first time i hear this pianist ! it is great another wonderfull interpretation....but....the conductor doesn't wait she is ok at the beginning and starts alone !! incredible..

[@johnpublic6865]

I IMMEDIATELY noticed the same thing. How inconsiderate of him. His other behaviors also indicated he might be a bit of an arrogant jerk. Hopefully it's just his style.

[@helgeevju]

+Mimi Prades That's quite a jolt to get when you have the most toweringly difficult concerto ahead of you! But the pianist takes it in her stride, hats off!

[@john.7256]

Her solo in the end of the 1rst part. Wow! It's incredible!

[@johndean3930]

Beautifully plaid. Bravo. And elegance has returned in dress and manner. Cheers, John (Australia)

[@JanetESmith-er8sk]

What a chilly atmosphere. The conductor not waiting for her is an absolute transgression. This pianist pulled it through in spite of the lousy conducting. Pianist. Well done! Conductor. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SOLOIST!!!!

[@mariorocci9624]

Una musicista di questo livello è patrimonio dell'Umanità. Grazie Ekaterina!

[@user-ff6gd9uc2w]

PHENOMENAL🙏

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

This is the third very attractive woman in a row that I've never even heard of to play the socks of this piece. They even made a movie about the crazy guy obsessed with this "impossible" piece. If this Covid thing ever lifts, I'm going to every concert I can. The talent out there is amazing. Its like sports--the level is higher than ever.

[@alwatsonpianist]

It is almost impossible for me to put into words the magnificence of this performance!!! Dynamic control, exciting climaxes. gorgeous tonal quality and color, emotional depth and dazzling virtuosity!!!! Bravissima!!

[@franzchubert3808]

The sound take helps as well, perfect mix. Hats off to the sound engineer.

[@byronw3242]

Amazing performance and my favorite piano concerto of all time, it makes me cry every time though in the second movement

[@vladimirkamaev267]

The russian pianist,s traditions....... Superb!

[@marque22ful]

Fantastic. She does deserve that many bouquets of flowers.

[@kenw.simpson1007]

Superb playing by Ekaterina Mechetina, of to my mind, the most beautiful and rhapsodic of all Rachmaninoff's great piano concertos, No. 3.

[@settembrini2]

Großartige, tiefgründige Interpretation - phantastisches, geradezu "überirdisches" Klavierspiel, bravissimo 😮...

[@Bulbophile]

Warmed up by 3rd mvt. What I admire most is the fluidity -- effortlessness from beginning to end. brava

[@albertmachaj7540]

Ekaterina Wow! Fascinating I Dearly Love Your Playing!

[@albertmachaj7540]

And So Fitting, She Plays Her Commrade's Sergio Rachmaninoff's Masterpiece Concerto No.3 What A joy!

[@jasperchan6825]

Wow... that is my most favourite version now. I am sure Rachmaninoff would be pleased to hear this in heaven.

[@paoloprao4083]

I love the precision of every single note

[@mariuszkorycki8042]

Very admirable performance

[@Desireyso58]

Bravo!!! Ekaterina! Excelente! De lo mejor que hay por aquí en Rachmaninoff 3!!!

[@davewalker9926]

I love this artist's execution. Everything is completely perfect. Perfect! And I love the passionate nuances such as the emphasis she gives to the last of the 2nd set of quadruple double-chords at around 41:02 of this recording. Well done! Just wonderful.

[@kerawelt2008]

Impressing ! Fabulous.

[@iPhonedo]

That was amazing!

[@bernhardjohn1183]

there is no communication between conductor and the Pianist !! hi startet alone witout her incredible!

[@TheVaughan5]

I know the 2nd is more popular but my preference is for the 3rd.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

I think everyone first falls in love with the 2nd, and after they've played it and Rhapsody a hundred times, they explore and find the 3rd and find it more exciting and complicated. My favorite piece of his are the Symphonic Dances.

[@joelspiegelman7942]

Замечательно . Превосходно.

[@xinyiyang7534]

Bravo, absolutely brilliant!!

[@rummi72]

Наверно, именно так и представлял себе исполнение этого произведения пианисткой (безотносительно). Некоторое время назад фирмой "Мелодия" был выпущен диск Екатерины Мечетиной с произведениями Чайковского, Рахманинова и Мусоргского. Весьма интересный, на мой взгляд.

[@user-zf4hy6zw2y]

На со роковой минуте напряжение и накал в моих руках был таким, что чуть свой гаджет пополам не сломала... Это фантастика!...)) Браво!!!

[@Rx-mn5fv]

Excellent pacing and phrasing as well as sensitive control of dynamics. A thoroughly enjoyable performance. Thank you for the video featuring this skillful pianist who was previously unknown to me I am sad to say.

[@mc-ch3ho]

25:09 I never heard this passage played like this, I really love its melancholy mood that I think nobody gives

[@kevinhamp5024]

Wow! She keeps the musical line blazing forward even amid the most technical sections. Most of the performances on KZbin I have heard so far let the music go on standby during Rach's crazy runs.

[@gustee1000]

Who shall remember this animal of conductor in this concerto... But we all WILL remember the immortal rendition of Ekaterina, she was THE ONE there, the conductor is eventually optional.

[@user-gz3rs1zc8d]

Восхитительно! Браво!!!!

[@luisfrodrimaz]

Una maravilla. Katia está impresionante, magnífica. Fuerza y expresividad. Un gran talento.

[@luisfrodrimaz]

@Frank Skoda-Simmons . Hello. Excuse me, the name is Ekaterina, yes, but in colloquial conversation she is often called Katya. Greetings.

[@garymahon1955]

Bravo! What a very difficult work and so excellently done!!

[@musicoscope]

Wonderfull!!

[@antonioluciosana8684]

Wonderful playing!

[@vladimirvb9934]

Екатерина Мечетина это просто раскрученный бренд. Спасибо радио Орфей. Вас бы и так ни кто не узнал.

[@michiharuikawa7631]

Beautiful !!!

[@tbutt1956]

I am no expert but Olga Kern's performance of this is absolutely the best.

[@romainmialon9251]

Olga Kern and Mastuev !

[@copleysq]

@@romainmialon9251 Kern has no understanding of music.

[@edwardferdon2161]

i have listened to a lot of performances of rach3 on youtube (olga kern, horowitz, argerich at a younger age, yuja wang, et al) and with the exception of the great yefim bronfman this is the best i have heard.

[@Julien5030]

A couple of years ago I went for Olga Kern as my favorite Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 3 performance. Then came Bronfman as the best in my opinion and now, sharing the best No.1 interpretation I know of....: lovely and electrfying E. Mechetina. This is breathtaking.

[@99Grigor]

Some spectacular playing. My only comment really would be that I could have wished for a bit slower tempi in the lyical sections. Technically, this is up there with the very best. I wonder why she is not better known outside of Europe. Quite outstanding Rach3.

[@deperonnet]

Great artist and professor so easy in classic as with accordionist Youri Shishkine.

[@tommeggle9966]

Exceptional pianist - it is my favorite concerto and her play ranks in the absolute top - unfortunately the maestro did not have his best day

[@kawabiker2655]

Awsome !

[@horatiodreamt]

Excellent performance. Other posters mentioned other great artists performance of this concerto, but what about the great Byron Janis/Kiril Kondrashin/Moscow Philharmonic recording in the early 1960s?

[@Desireyso58]

Wonderful Rendition! She must have so much more likes! Anyway, Ekaterina Stands Out on Rach 3 Concert, there's a Flawless performance!!!

[@kenw.simpson1007]

Ekaterina Mechetina is undoubtedly the finest interpreter of Rachmaninoff's piano concertos, She plays such with passion, and an unsurpassed technical supremacy. In this excellent video she plays with the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gunter Neuhold.

[@fairly75]

not so at all. Listen Pletnev, please, and Lugansky, and even yuang Masleev better then she. Her very middle klass.

[@jeongwookim9514]

0:30

[@RogerEydSabbaghDiscBYR1967]

Excellente interprétation de Ekaterina avec Günter en parfaite harmonie

[@giobannearanmena5000]

Ekaterina, Magnífica!!!

[@LuisHoracioTomassini]

Hete aqui una verdadera ARTISTA , en la cima... junto al gran Rachmaninoff

[@edwardferdon2161]

she is spectacular plain and simple!

[@gbrinch]

Stunning and devoted!

[@fabiorossano8803]

Фантастика!

[@FFnopal]

Parece que algunos quisieran que todos los pianistas tocaran exactamente igual. Bueno, sería como escuchar a uno solo una y otra vez. Agradezcamos que hay diferentes pianistas, diferentes estilos y diferentes formas de expresión. Es lo mejor de lo mejor cuando hay diversidad. Últimamente han salido varias mujeres pianistas que son increíblemente buenas, rusas todas. Los rusos parecen tener un gen de talento especial para el piano.

[@FFnopal]

Primera vez que escucho a Ekaterina. Cuando escucho diferente interpretaciones de este concierto trato siempre de encontrar la característica que hace diferente a la expresión de cada pianista. Me parece que Ekaterina tiene un particular estilo de tocar, con decisión y con energía. Me gustó.

[@betochon]

how many years of practice does this lady had to put in her life to perform this magnifico concerto?

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

She looks to be 25...20?🤷‍♂️

[@ediccartman7252]

@@nicholasschroeder3678 she's 42-43 now ( was born in 1978)

[@SergioCerdaUIC]

2:50 ... Directooor!

[@john.7256]

Невероятная, уникальная Екатерина Мечетина. 😮

[@john.7256]

Ekaterina, come to Eketerinburg, city of your name!

[@789armstrong]

An outstanding performace. I have 45 recordings of this Concerto and this performance ranks among the best.If Ekaterina would record this music she would probably win the Gramophone Award.Her playing is filled with expressive insights combined with a staggering technique.Absolutely stunning performance.Gunther Neuhold is usually an excellent conductor, perhaps they needed a few more rehearsals.

[@hansdekorver7365]

Is Thibaudet / Ashkenazy also among the best ?

[@bt10ant]

Always good to hear the ossia cadenza.

[@00000000647]

이렇게 긴 피아노 콘서트 협주곡을 어떻게 작곡할수 있을까.... 대단한 능력이다.

[@copleysq]

She is the female bolet...bolet being my favorite 20th century pianist.

[@byronbyron5007]

Good

[@alexforbes1000]

Bravo! 👏👏👏Magnificent!

[@annamakarova-harp1438]

❤

[@E266PD]

Красотка!👍😊

[@user-hj7pq4wz2t]

Desearía Ms E Mec 34:20 34:21 34:23 hetina que pudiese comprender absolutamente , el bien que proporciona a la humanidad con su dedicación a la música . Me pareció una reencarnación femenina del compositor . Lamento no tener las palabras ajustadas para expresar mi admiración i gratitud . Que Dios nos la proteja .

[@davewalker9926]

Cadenza: 11:02 Finale: 39:40

[@alexandrelouis5547]

Hallucinant le chef d'orchestre n'a même pas attendu qu'elle ajuste son banc. Elle a dû le faire par la suite en plein morceau (vers 3 mn40).

[@corinofunicorn]

Probably my favorite version behind Olga Kern's. I'm not sure why, but women always seem to do better with the Rach concertos... maybe that's just me?

[@user-yk8hj1ix2r]

В каком городе это выступление? И кто дирижёр!??

[@mauricioidb]

Rachmaninov - Piano concerto no.2 - 2015 (video) groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/videosandmp3/conversations/messages/7

[@ethansaltmere]

why is her tone so thin?

[@odeholon4590]

Maybe mic placement btw. Yeah i agree. She is also not a deep tember pianist, but who knows

[@nrhnrh-dx5ye]

very good performance.some might say that there are better.please don't compare with Horowitz. but very close to the best.besides she is still young.

[@nickthegreek142857]

Bravo! Reminiscent of Horowitz at some points.

[@rocco7131]

Al llegar a este estado de una carrera instrumentista, todos sabemos que la técnica es eficaz, pero se ser un pianista o cualquier otro solista, con esta sensibilidad no se llega. Una interpretación superflua, olvidable. No considero que mi comentario sea machista, creo que el Rach 3 es un concierto para hombres. Salvo excepciones, Martha Argerich, Olga Kern y alguna otra. Pasión casi salvaje y poco refinamiento para ejecutar este concierto dificilísimo que necesita de una fuerza interior y física nada despreciable, y un gran compromiso con el alma rusa. La orquesta, una del montón con un director disperso y poco eficaz. Cambio y fuera, escucharé otra cosa.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Kinda sucks when you're this great performer and there's always someone around pulling out a 78 and sneering, "Yeah, but you're not as good as this guy was." Guess it goes with the turf.

[@rainguynw]

Look at the members of the orchestra! They are somber and unemotional with such a marvelous performance. What is wrong with these people?

[@fairly75]

because of they understand that she is middle...

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

It's there job

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Can't beat the Russians at chess or tragic music. They own them.

[@quyduong6789]

That orchestra is terrible! She deserves a better orchestra

[@TheVaughan5]

+Pham Duong Yes there is some bad intonation. Supposedly one of Russia's best orchestras but from what I've heard the Philharmonic are much better.

[@roymayhew9462]

Hard work , love and passion of an artist are blessed, by GOD AND LORD CHRIST. And love of an artist, will shine like ETERNAL light.

[@jeanclaudemasse913]

Le chef commence avant qu'elle ne soit installée.

[@NyNNyXXX]

Finally!!!. Martha , Olga and now Ekaterina, funny how it is allways women who master this. Liked very much indeed,even it was bit too feminine ( delicate) version for me.

[@pilouetmissiou]

NyNNyXXX delicate version ? what do you mean ?

[@NyNNyXXX]

It's a strong piece. It should feel like she is telling the story of her life, and now it feels more of a story she has seen or heard!Rach is all about the wide golden meadows and stormy seas. " I Guess" as being a finn and a fan of Sibelius.

[@iguanaamphibioustruck7352]

I would hire that orchestra for a funeral.

[@rosendosolesainz5059]

Of the your brain?😮

[@ludovicogiammarioli5900]

Per il tuo 🚮😂😂😂

[@789armstrong]

Conductor Gunter Neuhold is as great as Gergiev in Rachmaninoff's music and in my opinion rivals Eugene Ormandy's unsurpassed accompaniment with the composer.

[@simonwong2738]

Sounds more like a sonata for piano and chamber orchestra, this is no concerto.

[@--076]

really good, but Martha Argerich is the beast with the Rach 3.

[@sasha42196]

Such annoying errors from the woodwinds...

[@oreganooreganok283]

We were at her concert at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow, she played the same concert of S.V. Rachmaninov. No, she didn’t play - she hammered, hammered the keys into the piano. It was terrible! Deafening! We listen to a lot of classical music at concerts, but we have never heard such a battle that stuns our ears. Never again. Poor raped grand piano, our poor ears! Emasculated technician.

[@coosoorlog]

The conductor is not up to the task here. As for the soloist, it's a great and passionate performance despite some minor flaws.

[@korglove]

don't forget ladies and gentlemen, this is very physical and difficult concerto. no offense to ladies, but i'm sure rachmaninoff had only men in mind of playing it including of coarse himself. rachmaninoff was almost 7 feet tall, had gigantic hands and really wrote that concerto according to his physical abilities. So please don't be to critical of any brave female trying to conquer this particular concerto. this concerto is a workout. nothing less than that. yes, she hits some wrong notes here and there, but come on, give her a break. she is already a hero and some other ladies who took on this monster of a concerto! btw, that conductor should be whooped silly for not waiting for ekaterina to get comfortable. he probably was nervous himself as hell. you can really hear it by the way the orchestra was playing.......

[@muhwu6332]

I would argue that there are brave women who have conquered this concerto to a satisfactory degree, although I do get what you're saying. Can't exactly comment on this particular one yet as I just started listening it (Argerich & Kern come to mind, Yuja Wang also did a pretty good job although the sound quality in that recording could use some work). This concerto is my all-time favorite thing in the world and I've listened to quite a few renditions.

[@FFnopal]

Try listening this piano concert palyed by Olga Kern and/or Valentina Lisitsa and I am sure you will change your mind

[@muhwu6332]

Ohh I meant the concerto is my all-time favorite, not this rendition. I also mentioned Kern in my op. There is also and amazing one that i recently heard from the Queen Elizabeth competition. Cant remember the name of the pianist but "queen elizabeth rachmaninoff 3" should find it on youtube. I have probably heard 20+ pianists play it and that one ranks quite high. Denis Matsuev and Martha Argerich also do a great job. The only recording i have heard from yuja is the outdoors one and sound quality and piano tuning leave something to be hoped for. That being said I listen to her work a lot.

[@rigel48]

Rachmaninoff dedicated this concerto to Josef Hofmann (his favorite pianist) who was short with small hands.

[@herol64700]

sorry, not even close to Olga Kern's performance

[@anguswong2333]

+Ed Herold Not even close but her performance is far better than Olga's. You go and hear Olga's with your clearest mind and ear, and you will surely hear a large number of wrong notes and even a shitty glissando, a slow tempo seems she didn't practise well. But the performance of Ekaterina Mechetina is precise and concise, emotional. Don't blindly criticise if you don't know how to

[@herol64700]

+Angus Wong I find it too mechanical. almost like she's using a player piano