Lugansky - Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 (1909)
Nikolai Lugansky, soloist
Alexander Vedernikov conducting Russian National Orchestra, 2014
Moscow Philharmonic Society
I.
[0:00] Expos. - Theme 1 (Allegro ma non tanto)
[3:28] Expos. - Theme 2 (Moderato)
[4:03] Expos. - Theme 2 (espressivo)
[6:54] Dev. - Theme 1 (Tempo I)
[10:37] Cadenza - Theme 1 (Allegro molto)
[13:14] Cadenza - Theme 2 (Moderato)
[15:04] Recap. - (Tempo I)
II.
[16:59] Intermezzo. Theme (Adagio)
[19:33] Var. 1 (a tempo)
[20:44]. Var. 2 (a tempo, più mosso)
[21:41] Episode (Più vivo - Adagio)
[22:42] Var. 3 (a tempo, più mosso - maestoso)
[24:55] Episode (Poco più mosso - 3/8 waltz)
[26:08] Theme Reprise (Meno mosso)
III.
[28:04] Finale. Theme 1 (Alla breve)
[29:29] Theme 2 (Più mosso - Meno mosso)
Mid Section - developing mvt. 1 theme 2, & some mvt. 3 themes:
[31:27] Var. 1 (Scherzando - Più vivo)
[33:17] Var. 2 (Meno mosso)
[34:48] Var. 3 (Lento)
[35:51] Var. 4 (or Var.3a. a tempo come prima)
[36:59] Reprise - Theme 1 (Tempo I)
[38:28] Reprise - Theme 2 (Più mosso - Più vivo)
[39:45] Coda - Theme 1 (Vivace)
[40:46] Coda - Theme 2 (Vivacissimo - Presto)
"[…] Chronologically the Third Piano Concerto belongs to the period described in Russia as the Silver Age. However, as a counterbalance to the centrifugal tendencies of this artistic period, the main creative thrust in Rachmaninov’s work is centripetal and the centre is in fact the Russian person, with all the spiritual and emotional attributes and intrinsic elements of that symbolic person. In the Third Piano Concerto, national traits are enveloped in a European virtuoso style but this style is interpreted in a more Russian way which is particularly effective. When we combine this with the deep personal nature of his musical expression, we can see that this work reflects not simply the power of the Russian style but also the lyricism of personal emotion. “
- Leonid Gakkel

[@anthonyharalambopoulos4445]

Saw him perform Rach 3 a couple weeks ago, the crowd went absolutely mental with the finale. We gave him a standing ovation, and he came out for 2 encores after that. One of the best experiences of my life.

[@alexeyrodionov7743]

Поверьте человеку русскому. Николай играет так, как играл сам Сергей Рахманинов. Исполнение гениальное

[@BuzziMuzzi]

Where did you see him?

[@OmnivorousOtter101]

@@BuzziMuzzi not OP but propably Greece

[@alhfgsp]

Lugansky has given a whole new meaning to the beauty of this piece. He is an incredible pianist.

[@correasilvio2010]

I agree! The Best Rachmanonov interpretation!

[@burrenmagic]

I love the body that male pianists like him, Matsuev and Trifonov infuse into the works. They sound so much more full of depth and emotion and truth.

[@user-se9kg1ix5f]

@@burrenmagic, к глубочайшему сожалению, Денис Леонидович очень часто и много мажет... Поэтому, я бы не стал его приравнивать к таким пианиста, как Николай Львович.

[@JohnSmith-xw2dw]

Wow, he is very exact in his approach to the notes. Every chord sounds like he is hitting the keys in the middle. Outstanding

[@duggiefresh8170]

As close to perfection as a human can get. Love that he did the original cadenza.

[@fergusfletcher9697]

I'm not 100% sure, but I'm pretty sure this is actually the 2nd variation of the cadenza Rachmaninov wrote for the 1st movement. What is now labeled as "ossia" was the original, but after coming to the realisation that it was a bit too intense for a cadenza in the 1st movement he re wrote it into what many people now call the "original cadenza". That's why the musical ideas are very similar, culminating in the same chordal passage at the end. I remember hearing this somewhere but can't remember where sorry

[@bobschaaf2549]

@@fergusfletcher9697 Yes, 100% correct. In terms of thematic content, the two are identical, as they are with the final stretto of the finale. This is pretty much hidden the the flurry of the rewrite, and explicit in the brooding original, to my mind the proper cadenza.

[@alexwhitewood6480]

​@@fergusfletcher9697Yeah brother you're absolutely correct. I would've loved this performance even more if it had the original Ossia cadenza.

[@dka5631]

​@@alexwhitewood6480 Lugansky has stated in an interview why he doesn't play the ossia. It makes 100% sense

[@dr.kenmahood4917]

After listening to many others, I must concur with my colleagues, Lugansky performs Rachmaninov with greater facility than I have heard in any other performer.

[@klaus_vans]

Today I had the privilege to attend to a concert by Lugansky playing this very concerto by Rachmaninoff in Naples at the San Carlo theater. Now I have seen many concerts by great artists but the concert by Lugansky will remain impressed in my memory for the rest of my life. He is not only a sublime pianist but also a wonderful human being ! ❤

[@1trschaefer78]

I've heard so many pianists performing the Rach 3. Lugansky's playing is so clean & crystalline, that many more of the nuances of this magnificent piece are exposed. Just beautiful!!

[@elviralovemusic2020]

Исполнение Николаем Луганским " жемчужины" русской музыки - 3-го концерта С. В. Рахманинова, - выдержано в лучших традициях русской исполнительской фортепианной школы и раскрывает всю полноту, красоту и драматизм русской души! БРАВО!

[@milicamiljkovic4340]

Jes... Bravo

[@margotmargot2234]

Lugansky is undoubtedly the greatest current interpreter of Rachmaninov. He plays this concerto a lot and always beautifully well. But here he is so much more generous, free and sincere. I think that the conductor in concertos is so important that the performance masterpiece can reach its highest point.

[@davidsimpson9647]

@@cmcom893 RIP

[@anandsamuel1978]

I don't agree. I think Arthur Rubinstein, Anna Federova and Daniil Trifonov are the best interpreters of Rachmaninoff!

[@maratom34]

You should hear him play chop-sticks.

[@JakeMDavey]

I take your Lugansky Rach 3 and raise you Zimerman’s Rach 2.

[@aleksPval]

@@anandsamuel1978 Trifonov interpretations? You jokeman ting

[@lindsaysmith3970]

Truly a magnificent performance. Lugansky brings both warmth and precision, understanding and refinement, a true aristocrat of the keyboard.

[@user-st7fb2ty3u]

I'm a Lugansky fan. He is an outstanding pianist.Especially, he is good at Rachmaninoff. I am very happy and thankful to see a good video.

[@justinbarrett632]

Hmmm... every time I listen to Rach 3 I feel like I need to listen to more Rach 3. Can anyone explain?

[@DariusSarrafi]

I can never get enough rach music!

[@andreamyob9458]

It's like returning to a loved one. You wonder why you were away so long and never want to leave again

[@asb3pe]

We in the west were cheated out of admiring our russian brothers and sisters for our entire lives (Cold War babies)... so for myself, it feels like a re-discovering of a family I never really knew I had. :-) Russia has a richness that we were always assured did not exist, that they were nothing but a cold-hearted, unemotional, calculating people... what rubbish we were fed, eh?. The richness of all the old russian architecture is astounding... as is the richness of russia's musical heritage, the musicians from russia never cease to amaze and impress me now that we're actually free to listen to them share their talents with the whole world. May God bless all musical souls, music is truly the universal language that brings us all together in peace and harmony!!

[@DariusSarrafi]

@@asb3pe Everything from Russia has always been available to those who were seeking: art, literature, and music. Let's not forget that Horowitz, Ashkenazy, and Richter were Russian pianists who lived and/or toured the rest of the world during the cold war!

[@anandsamuel1978]

Because the music of Rachmaninoff is Splendor in all it's Glory! His mastery has hypnotized me to the extent I can never get tired of hearing the genius of Rachmaninoff a hundred times over!!

[@ahmetozanylmaz8098]

I think lugansky has a part of Rachmaninoff's soul inside

[@joellepodwysocki9558]

Vous avez entièrement raison, je suis d'accord avec vous .quel bonheur de l'écouter jouer .

[@ahmetozanylmaz8098]

@@joellepodwysocki9558 yes I totally agree with you someday I hope to be able to listen him in a concert.

[@joellepodwysocki9558]

@@ahmetozanylmaz8098 I too would like to listen to it in concert

[@saltlakecityhousingmarkets5879]

You are not wrong... They are from the same soul family...

[@catherinejones9396]

Yes he is great, but he and Yunchan Lim both play this work far better than Rachmaninoff and Horowitz did.

[@dominichebler5515]

1:01 - it is so nice to hear that section clean.

[@danielbelsky8836]

31:41 The conductor is priceless

[@Teeholeify]

I’ve watched hundreds of amazing pianists play this piece and I have to say, this performance is the closest to perfection I’ve experienced. Amazing job during the intermezzo portion.. absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

[@PrinceValiance]

DEFINITELY one of THE best performances of this piece. His clarity and voice is phenomenal. There's nothing lacking.

[@user-uc3ck6yy5z]

Wow! What a crisp and precise execution of Rach 3. Flawless performance!

[@Rachmanfan4life]

Lugansky is first class. One of the best pianist of our time. Search wonderful interpretation here

[@pauswing]

One of the best versions I have ever heard. Thx Nikolai !!

[@Exosolaris]

At 39.11 he brings out some amazing notes I've not heard (descending in left hand). Marvellous.

[@user-ls8zx7no6n]

Да да! Интересно показал кусочек, выделил

[@galinamelnikova9855]

Как говорил товарищ Ленин:"Нечеловеческая музыка"!Любимый концерт Рахманинова и в таком замечательном исполнении! До чего же Николай Луганский тонкий исполнитель!Спасибо и оркестр у и Луганскому!

[@deborahphillips8342]

I have heard many capable pianists play the big R, but with Lugansky it is almost organic, and orgasmic, and quite another thing. God, I love him!

[@JC-qb1ir]

This performance is truly a shining example of how this piece was meant to be... a real gem.

[@herobrine1847]

Each chord has so much crispness and depth to it

[@papanton311]

Three weeks to the day that I'll see him perform this live for the second time in my life. I'm counting the hours...

[@pjbpiano]

One week more!

[@realityproof_0891]

How was it ?

[@papanton311]

@@realityproof_0891 he was perfect, although I had the feeling that he's kind of fed up playing the same thing again and again

[@glennglazier4046]

Simply pure MAGIC!! So sublime, such beautiful music played so perfectly!

[@johnfawcett4260]

Lugansky's individual clarity of each note, along with the phrasing that incessantly continues, gives this piece and an entire new meaning. Awesome performance

[@michelekett8450]

ABC FM just had a week of celebration for Rachmaninov’s 150th anniversary. Listening to this extraordinary interpretation is wonderful.

[@jinwoobae7555]

I love this channel . Thank you the enchanted Wanderer!!!

[@TwelfthRoot2]

I'd love to sit down and talk with Lugansky about music and know what is going on inside of his mind. He is on a different level.

[@alexanderh9569]

Isn't 14:01 to 14:34 just such a cool moment? It's like that amazing 2nd theme just completely flies up and away, only to seamlessly end up in that single B flat that ends the whole flourish, which is ironically so grounded, as if it just flew into a new dimension or something for the recap of the main theme to take place in.

[@pauldong]

Can we talk about how beautiful the trumpet sounds at 41:45 along with everything else

[@user-wm3wm6vd2z]

Thanks for posting all these performances from my favourite pianist Mr Lugansky!

[@rahkmaninov9692]

Congratulations on this great musical event played by a great musician! Cheers to the symphonic soloists and conductor! This recording brought a new depth of musical understanding of this piece for me and of music in general. It also made me realize for the first time how extraordinary a pianist/musician Mr Lugansky is. If I may ad, many thanks maestro Lugansky for playing the longer cadenza!! I hate to say it but always feel cheated when I hear the shorter version (same reaction every time I hear the shorter Rahk Sonata no. 2. ; wish I could have commented without sounding so judgemental). . Cheers.

[@tatummacsquezzy2803]

WOW! Stunning.

[@blackzealot80]

Сильнейшее исполнение сильнейшей вещи! Фантастика! Одного "лайка" абсолютно, до обиды, недостаточно!

[@jeanandorf847]

I think this performance is (one of) his best - so musical, so perfect that it makes me cry !

[@peterstachacz3645]

I know,why you want to listen that concerto again ,again and again....This concerto is awesome, only for those who love classical music...

[@mosheknoll1603]

A great pianist playing a great masterpiece! This video is simply incredible!

[@yanochkayakimaha]

I am so grateful for this channel! ❤️🙏

[@jinwoobae7555]

LEGENDARY

[@timward276]

3rd movement's motto: "In case you didn't think that 1st movement cadenza was hard enough..."

[@user-zd1pt8gy9l]

Absolute masterpiece with bright and passionate energy, striking in its unique beauty, one of those unique and wonderful works of art that fills you with emotions, and stays within your memory forever. . .

[@user-dg3qq6qt3f]

Невероятно! Огромная благодарность Николаю Луганскому за минуты счастья.

[@tianda81]

Great performance matched by nice camera work! Bravo Mr. Lugansky!

[@nicoangel690]

7 thumbs down ? I shall never understand this civilization I was born in. Never !

[@pianistegolfeur]

Merci, Nikolaï ! Vois êtes de plus en plus superbe dans vos interprétations ! Votre Interprétation de la Coda du Finale est réellement sublime !

[@user-eu3bt4ji4k]

Прекрасно, гениально, возвышенно, спасибо вам, гениальный солист и замечательный гениальный оркестр. ♥️

[@user-fr4zk7ue3f]

ラフマニノフ作品のピアノ奏者でルガンスキーさんが最も心に届きます。

[@joellepodwysocki9558]

Sublime, merci Monsieur Lugansky vous êtes un génie, merci au chef d'orchestre aux musiciens. Un bonheur immense. It's sublime, Thank you Mr. Lugansky you are a genius, Thank you to the conductor to the musicians. An immense happiness.

[@waseliks748]

I always love lugansky interpretation of Rach.

[@michaelross9970]

It’s truly an honor to follow the technical and artistic progression of this concerto’s performers, and just when after remembering all the favorites throughout the years, along comes a new # 1!

[@gratiaDei777]

What a refreshingly crisp take I'd give my left arm to play like this guy

[@johnbanach3875]

But then you wouldn't be able to play with your right arm only!

[@user-jd4uc1vi9n]

Маэстро Александр Ведерников - Светлая Память 🙏🙏🙏 Выдающийся Музыкант .

[@carmenmorel3203]

I’ve listening Rach 3 always with dif soloists , si difficult specially 3 re Mov. !!!! Like Sokolov , Yefim and NOW LUGANSKI’s he’s GRATE!! Thanks !!!!

[@iamudtelevision7441]

I already knew Lugansky style, but didn't heared before his rendition of this concert. I was listening in the last couple of days many execution from other great pianists of this, but everyone was missing one thing that I never liked from other, thank I checked for Lugasnky remembering how he play Rachmaninoff and I already knew that if there was someone able to do that think the way I would to hear it was him. And here it comes, striking perfectly the glissato ad 28:40

[@meowmeowcat6013]

Same!!! The glissando to the top C is a major problem I had with other performers, because they often decresc. from it, or execute the glissando sloppily (Andsnes was very clean, but he did this exactly same thing lol). I also really love his tempo choices across the entire concerto, everything is clean and in control, yet still had enough fire and excitement, and was not "slow". I don't care what others said Lugansky's performance sounds too perfect and other performers are more spontaneous etc, I just want a more structurally informed, introspective, yet also exciting enough performance, and Lugansky gave me that.

[@user-pv6rt1mu9m]

Одно из лучших исполнений 3 концерта за всю историю. Спасибо, Николай!

[@peterectasy2957]

that nasty COVID caused Alexander Vedernikov pased away, pity. Lugasnky - as ussual - excelent performance of this rach 3 concerto

[@wangxinghan9913]

How could someone dislike this?

[@colliesmos6597]

such a great honour that i live exactly same era and i can watch him performing on youtube but also in the concert hall. i am not going to forget the magical time i saw him playing the piano and had a small talk after the concert in la roque, 2018. i wish i could go back to the moment.

[@hospitalller]

Up until now for me the golden standard was Berman with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Abbado but this is very close to becoming the new benchmark....and on a side note, lets face it, concert pianists can't be human 😬

[@MichaelConwayBaker]

Wow, does he ever know how to perform this concerto. Fantastic. Also kudos to the very complicated orchestral accompaniment. All in all a stunning performance.

[@DariusSarrafi]

Excellent pianist. Excellent rendition. Way to keep the tempi correct. Often times the main theme lags in other performances! Excellent recording. Loved the oboist!

[@user-xx6hb7lm4k]

ПОТРЯСАЮЩЕЕ ИСПОЛНЕНИЕ КОНЦЕРТА !!!ПОЛНОЕ ПРОНИКНОВЕНИЕ В МУЗЫКУ РАХМАНИНОВА, НЕТ ОТСЕБЯТИНЫ , КАК У КИСИНА , И НАРОЧИТЫХ ТЕМПОВ,КОТОРЫЕ УБИВАЮТ МУЗЫКУ И СМЫСЛ СОЧИНЕНИЯ !!ЭТО МУЗЫКА О РОССИИ, О ДУШЕ РУССКОГО НАРОДА, ПРИРОДЫ ! ИЗУМИТЕЛЬНАЯ ОТТОЧЕННАЯ ТЕХНИКА, А КАКИЕ НАПРЯЖЕННЫЕ ЭМОЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ КУЛЬМИНАЦИИ !!!ВСЕ НА СВОЕМ МЕСТЕ , ПРОСТО СКУЛЬПТУРНАЯ РАБОТА МАСТЕРА ФОРМЫ И ЗВУКОВОГО ПРОСТРАНСТВА!!!ВСЕ ДЫШИТ ЖИЗНЬЮ, БОРЬБОЙ, И ТОРЖЕСТВОМ ИДЕИ ДОБРА !!! ПОТРЯСАЮЩЕЕ ИСПОЛНЕНИЕ ,ВСЯ КРАСОТА МЕЛОДИЗМА В ПАССАЖАХ , ЕЕ НАПЕВНОСТЬ , ГАРМОНИЯ ТЕМПА И ОБРАЗА !!!ВЫДАЮЩЕЕСЯ ИСПОЛНЕНИЕ!!СЕРГЕЙ ВАСИЛЬЕВИЧ САМ БЫ КРИКНУЛ ИСПОЛНИТЕЛЮ ,, БРАВИССИМО " !!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤Да,-- Николай Луганский поистину великий пианист русской фортепианной школы!!Огромного Вам здоровья, счастья и новых покорений вершин ф- пианных сочинений!!!

[@yanochkayakimaha]

Как же правильно Вы все написали! Я бы так не смогла! Но Вы выразили мои чувства. Благодарю за прекрасный комментарий! ❤

[@patmajor4840]

Thank you for this! Absolutely magnificent

[@justarandomboywholikesmusi9888]

INCREDIBLE FINALE!

[@jeroenvandenberg5750]

What exuberant mastery

[@luvenasusanto6938]

Can't get enough of this concerto

[@capitancello]

Bravissiomo, one of the my greatest dream to watch and listen Lugansky live. After this pandemic hope a great opportunity to all musicians

[@johnrowland8375]

A great performance by pianist and orchestra with the conductor being central to its overall success by keeping everybody, so to speak, on the same page.

[@marinatimofeeva4832]

Гениальное исполнение! Спасибо, маэстро!

[@pharaoh1374]

Посоветуйте мне какой нибудь шедевр послушать

[@user-dg5ou5ot1j]

@@pharaoh1374 зимняя дорога Свиридова шедевр

[@istvanbalogh8254]

I truly wonder who would place a thumbs down on this Great Musician? It just amazes me at where some people are coming from! Sad indeed--

[@margotmargot2234]

Спасибо !!! 🙏🏻❤️

[@istvanbalogh8254]

Напоминает мне великого Владимира Горовица. Величайший пианист всех времен!

[@fabiodemarchi570]

Tecnica formidabile senza strafare. Suono pulito e interpretazione romantica. Straordinario interprete di Rachmaninov.

[@konovalova_elena]

Это что-то непостижимо удивительное! ❤️

[@margarethirsche126]

Lugansky played this concerto by Rachmaninoff with his soul I cry when he plays it

[@rachmaninoffli1197]

What a king

[@oalfernandes]

Wow! Lugansky makes all musics look easy, including Rach 3. This is awesome!

[@paolofranceschi6874]

Great composer, great piece, great pianist. Great performance. ❤

[@shaneshine007]

Amazing

[@yusouph2002]

Lugansky said in the interview, that when he was seventeen, his teacher offered him to play this concerto in a concert one month later. He didn't know it, so he learned it in 3 days. In the end, this place was given to another pianist, but that's how the story goes.

[@rigel48]

in 3 days or in 3 weeks ?

[@yusouph2002]

@@rigel48 3 days, that's the point xd

[@huh8338]

That's sound impossible for only 3 day, atleast he already listen of this concerto thousand of time and already learn about rachmaninof since long time ago considered he is a Russian

[@jolindo6724]

Beautiful touch, like silk. Like the master himself

[@fudeusilva]

4:39 and 34:51 this melody is heaven...

[@borisjaulmes5773]

Unbelievably clean and crystal pure. Though I miss the Ossia Cadenza so bad. With it, this interpretation would have been a complete masterpiece.

[@shaunhermans]

Fantastic view of his hands in the reflection of the piano!

[@ianng5812]

I commend your detailed-ness and your dedication to the one and only Lugsy

[@6AnAsianGuy9]

Anyone else came here from that one video of lugansky 12 years ago practicing this?

[@gustavol_]

Incredible clarity with an amplified piano. Sounds like being next to it.

[@MarkFarago]

Outstanding...A special thanks to him for playing the "lighter" cadenza, which is much better.

[@iordanoglouanastasia8480]

I listen to his performance 1 week ago in Athens (Greece) and I was astonish. He was more than perfect. I adored him!!!

[@claudiaochoacruz]

So beautiful!! Thank you!

[@dickdenteneer8413]

Breathless

[@liabarnabishvili282]

потрясающий пианист.

[@istvanbalogh8254]

Напоминает мне великого Владимира Горовица. Величайший пианист всех времен!

[@ME-lf7by]

Pure perfection.. what a performance!

[@user-od5yv9mh3p]

the best

[@user-lf8lf3ft3x]

bravissimo.¨!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@huh8338]

i really love this performance lugansky could Made the first movement sing like no others

[@hyejinchang8566]

I love his interpretation on the score.. technically perfect with good expression..

[@djacta6301]

lugansky playing both the piano with young luganskty playing the clarinet in the orchestra...impressive