Lugansky - Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (1900-1901)
Nikolai Lugansky, soloist
Antoni Wit conducting Orchestre Philharmonique de Varsovie
Festival de la Roque d’Anthéron, 2011
I.
[0:00] Expos. - Theme 1 (Moderato - 2:15 espressivo)
[2:48] Expos. - Theme 2 (Tempo I)
[5:20] Dev. (Moto precedente - Più vivo - Allegro)
[7:05] Recap. - Theme 1 (Maestoso. Alla marcia. - 7:37 Meno mosso)
[8:50] Recap. - Theme 2 (Moderato)
[10:40] Coda (Meno mosso)
II.
[11:35] Adagio sostenuto
[15:21] Un poco più animato
[17:27] Quasi-cadenza (Più animato - Più mosso)
[19:38] Tempo I
[21:14] Coda
III.
[22:34] A (Allegro scherzando)
[24:29] B (Moderato)
[26:34] A' (Allegro scherzando - Presto - 27:27 fugato episode)
[28:56] B' (Moderato)
[31:13] A'' (Allegro scherzando - Alla breve. Agitato - Presto - Cadenza)
[32:51] B'' (Maestoso)
[33:45] Coda (Più mosso - Risoluto)
“He had always wanted to write music, and he could give no other identity to the thing he sought. If you want to know what it is, he told himself, listen to the first phrases of Tchaikovsky’s First Concerto--or the last movement of Rachmaninoff’s Second. Men have not found the words for it, nor the deed nor the thought, but they have found the music. Let me see that in one single act of man on earth. Let me see it made real. Let me see the answer to the promise of that music. Not servants nor those served; not altars and immolations; but the final, the fulfilled, innocent of pain. Don’t help me or serve me, but let me see it once, because I need it. Don’t work for my happiness, my brothers--show me yours--show me that it is possible--show me your achievement--and the knowledge will give me courage for mine.”
― Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, Part 4 - Howard Roark

[@joannabusinessaccount7293]

I’m not sure whom to thank, Rach, or Lugansky, KZbin, Steinway, my parents, for this magnificent music. My eyes are just everywhere and my ears and brain are having trouble believe this

[@truettneathery4358]

Thank all of them !!

[@ernesthemingway9469]

thank yourself

[@Mike82ARP]

Don’t forget the recording engineers who did a great job capturing this performance.

[@truettneathery4358]

I've also heard some recordings by Sergei himself - I wonder how those were done, considering the advances in electronics in the interim ??

[@MrMoman7]

@@truettneathery4358 I think with "piano rolls", a noted performance that can be replayed/copied with modern equipment.

[@789armstrong]

I quit buying CDs for 3 years until I heard this magnificent performance. Lugansky knows Rachmaninoffs musical language.

[@johncourtright1632]

30:04 I love Antoni Wit's smile during this part. Such mutual admiration and respect! Beautiful!

[@laiyinquan8355]

Yes, that delightful smile made me leap in sheer joy just from the aura it emits.

[@jjaus]

This has to be in the top 10 of the most beautiful music ever recorded.

[@blinkkeebs]

It actually is! No doubt!!

"Most beautifullest," as Lugansky would say :)

[@meggyeich9400]

Ich stimme zu, es ist einfach ein Genuss.

[@carpedei_]

Definitely in my top 150!

[@emil_brtd3]

Definitely top 3 for me

[@klaus_vans]

Lugansky is not only one of the most brilliant pianists in the world but also an immensely beautiful person, rich in culture and spirit! I had the honour to meet him and I have been impressed by his humanity ❤🙏🏻

[@fernandomariacavaller5575]

Lugansky is a great pianist who has not only tecnical perfection but an amazing talent of interpretation and musicality. And he is a master on Rachmaninoff. I think today he is the best russian pianist, a "rara avis".

[@user-sn2tq9ge6p]

Да, это так и есть. И Сергей Васильевич Рахманинов, и Николай Львович Луганский - величайшие души, открывающие высочайшие духовные сферы. Yes, it is. Both Sergei Rachmaninoff and Nikolai Lugansky are the greatest souls who discover the highest spiritual spheres.

[@UaM17]

Please, don't forget the young Alexander Malofeev !... and of course the great Maestro Ivo Pogorelich. Thank U

[@lazza1160]

@@UaM17 and matsuev

[@nadezhdabondarenko1138]

Полностью с вами согласна.Неоднокрвтно слушала его концерты в живую -неизгладимое эмоциональное впечатление -гениальный исполнитель Рахманинова!

[@correasilvio2010]

@@lazza1160 lugansky is most clear!

[@republiccooper]

Everything Lugansky does is of a certain standard and characterised by musical integrity. It's seems faithful to the composer's intent.

[@jazz4asahel]

Yes, Lugansky seems faithful to the composition and does not grandstand.

[@republiccooper]

@@jazz4asahel I want to be like him when I grow up. As a person and a musician.

[@paulmayerpiano]

He does seem to give that impression, possessed of a diligent mind and a pure heart.

[@thisisaname42]

11:21 that guy that shushed the clappers is my inspiration

[@gdkabsbdkwkwm4187]

LoL :)))))

[@carlus6432]

Krzysztof Bańkowski

[@ashermay6513]

Must've been so frustrating to be there.

[@janglad9136]

@@ashermay6513 hot take but clapping in between movements is overhated IMO, altho I get that it can take away from the immersion. As a side node, if I recall correctly people used to even clap during performances during the baroque era and performers would sometimes repeat sections based on reception.

[@arubaga]

Etiquette has ruined wholehearted enjoyment. 👏

[@werneraumann894]

Какое счастье ,что на нашей многострадальной земле есть эти прекрасные моменты ,ради этого стоит родиться,Бог даёт и гениев для этого ,чтобы немного согреть наши души.

[@user-xn7uh5ch2z]

21:04 this coda always gives me goosebumps... Feels like I'm floating in an endless universe between stars. What a genius Rach

[@goscott444]

Fabulous performance! Anybody who does not cry may not be drinking enough of the good stuff! GOD bless Mr. Lugansky and Orchestre Philharmonique de Varsovie in the name of Jesus!😇

[@willyj3321]

I love how he plays 29:51 piano instead of mezzo forte, as most interpretations do. (In fact one of the few that I know that also plays piano at that part is Rachmaninoff’s when he performed it live.) It works so much better!

[@PianistShaman]

You're absolutely right! I literally admire Lugansky's interpretation of this place. In my opinion, this place should sound like this

[@nuficuma]

No interpretation made me goose bumps as he did... those first solo piano chords are just amazing.

[@neversayneveragain3748]

The most beautiful playing of Rachmaninoff no 2 since Sviatoslav Richter

[@dr.kenmahood4917]

As a pianist myself, I performed this work many years ago, but believe Lugansky's performance is one of the best, altho I still believe Artur Rubinstein's was the finest I've heard live in New York many years ago. Lugansky remains my favourite current performer. Rachmaninoff was a most remarkable composer and his life was filled with incredible difficulties. His music demonstrates the highest form of passion as only he could write. He remains my favourite composer.

[@rakpongchaisuparakul6273]

Would also like to hear your comments on Rach 2 played by Richter, Sokolov and Bromsman. Thank you.

[@ashermay6513]

@@rakpongchaisuparakul6273 I knew someone would mention Richter, and rightfully so.

[@danielvalente7332]

I agree. Rubinstein was the very best..!!!

[@alextiganik]

Луганский великий пианист...моё мнение, возможно, субъективное, но концерты Рахманинова так, как исполняет он, не исполняет никто больше. Так спокойно, вальяжно... у меня всегда мурашки по коже...

[@user-cf6km2my3g]

Николай Луганский - не знаю, кто может так трепетно и такой любовью относиться к С. Рахманинову. Он сейчас, пожалуй, лучший исполнитель его произведений в мире. А манера исполнения : внешне сдержанная без аффектации, напоминает выдающихся исполнителей прошлого. Он замечателен!

[@brigittefourcaut8127]

Il y a aussi grigori solokov

[@werneraumann894]

Я согласна с Вами ,Луганский не сравним ни с кем,Он родился для Рахманинова.

[@user-cc2qo7hy6v]

Луганский+Рахманинов=❤️ космическое исполнение, просто блеск 👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹

[@toparbitr0923]

Что Вы космического услышали? Очень даже земное.

[@mariarosagomez4385]

Absolutamente❤❤❤

[@meteylmaz3044]

Идеально! Немногие знают рождение этого концерта! По эмоциям-100% попадание! Браво! Плакала! Когда то сама его играла, в 15 лет, но понимаю сейчас, что было рано! Нужно пережить это разочарование! Только Русские могут ТАК понимать и исполнять Рахманинова🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏

[@louisross5997]

The most sober facial expression, the most intense musical expression!

[@chrisli5904]

True

[@PA28Ace]

Thank God Sergei's parents met each other

[@restonnova6745]

The incomparable Lugansky!

[@lmzz180]

C'est comparable

[@domenicoantonioborsella]

Quelle mani che volano sulla tastiera sembrano gabbiani sul mare... Questo Lugansky non sta suonando solo un pianoforte ma è assorbito totalmente dalla musica di Rachmaninov e la trasforma un qualcosa di sublime trametendola a noi... che ne restiamo estasiati...

[@user-bp9yt4vr3w]

Луганский замечательный, поэтичный, страстный! Чудо! Спасибо оркестру и дирижёру! Браво!

[@hyejinchang8566]

Oh my god .. I love his everything on the score. . great interpretation and technically perfect !

[@philmaloney264]

This guy is a Rach star! Have recently taken in videos of the maestros and newer stars. Lugansky’s hands fly across the Steinway. Often wonder what it would be like to be able to play like that! ❤👏👏👏👏👍

[@user-sb1ui2lp6m]

So so so so beautiful! Rachmaninoff is (was) a pure genius. And Lugansky is a very good interpretar of 21 st.

[@jimmyradcliffe6588]

The piece and its mood can change, but the conclusion is always the same : I love Rachmaninov...

[@eulaliallarguesinonell6909]

No em canso mai d'escoltar Lugansky. Rachmaninoff és fabulós i ell l' interpreta d'una forma exquisida. Grràcies, mestre!

[@jeffparis2419]

Un Moment de Grâce, Merci 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@brigittefourcaut8127]

Tout est magnifique l’orchestre le chef d’orchestre et bien évidemment le pianiste qui m’a fait pleurer quelle maitrise

[@Irenam_art_yn]

Marvelous performance! As always amazing Nikolai Lugansky in cooperation with the great Antoni Wit 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@name4301]

This is the Rachmaninoff 2nd piano concerto that I always wanted to hear. Absolutely amazing!

[@aryanmehta9576]

This man has a piece of Rach's soul in him!

[@Richard-vu7kh]

So beautiful….the second movement is devastating - heart wrenching. Thank you for this sojourn to Heaven.

[@PhilipZilfo]

thanks for finding the right words… devastating and heart wrenching.. absolutely

[@mirtozafiropoulou]

My most preferable pianist of the young generation and his performances, specially in Rach, are fantastic.

[@dwacheopus]

Lugansky and Martha Argerich are the best pianists on Earth

[@valeriysakov1410]

Браво Луганский! Браво дирижор и оркестр! Браво композитор Сергей Рахманинов концерт 2! Спасибо!

[@elzbietajedrysik2605]

There is nothing...more beautiful...... nothing.........❤

[@davidallennereeves3619]

Thank you Mr Lugansky 🌷

[@Maira-zk2hn5pl4n]

Потрясающий, Гениальный Рахманинов С.В., слушая его музыку что то происходит с организмом, как будто попадаешь в третье измерение- и на нашу действительность становится глубоко начихать…..🤔🤔🤔👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@yanochkayakimaha]

Полностью согласна! Рахманинов-это какое-то чудо. Благодарна Богу и ему за то, что эта музыка помогает мне пережить развод после 16 лет совместной жизни. Слушаю и взлетаю, как будто крылья за спиной несмотря на то, что в принципе должна страдать от того, что по большому счету меня бросили. И предали в невообразимых масштабах. Благодарю, Сергей Васильевич! Слава Богу за Ваш талант!

[@mariarosagomez4385]

Cuando escucho esta obra de este gran maestro, bien sea por el propio Rachmaninoff o excelentemente interpretada como este joven, agradezco a Dios el privilegio de poder escucharlo muchas veces y disfrutarlo con toda mi alma

[@mariewei8947]

I have heard many interpretations of this masterpiece, but Lugansky's recording has captured the innermost part of my heart for some reason 🥹❤ thank you so much for sharing this absolutely beautiful recording!

[@tatarasulova6446]

Да, браво, господин Луганский❤

[@burrenmagic]

Beautiful body and depth to his playing esp the all important opening chords.

[@essengeebee]

I really appreciate that each movement or tempo marking is noted as a chapter. Big thanks to the uploader for doing that. I'm a big fan of Lugansky but did anyone else think he and the orchestra sounded a bit disjunct in the first movement? There were a few parts in big moments where they seemed to be slightly out of sync.

[@danielalaura5973]

Sve sto Luganski svira ,volim...Njegova izvodjenja su mocna i tehnicki i tonski...Bravo maestro!❤️💐👏

[@Julia-ei2wf]

Superb! Mulțumesc pentru postare!🌹

[@MsJaci99]

This performance was exquisite in every detail. Tears from start to finish. So happy to have found this today!

[@f.b.m967]

J y étais. Juillet 2011. Un grand moment.

[@user-cr7wr6ty3h]

Великолепное произведение Рахманинова, достойное исполнение, БРАВИССИМО!!!🍃🌹🍃

[@elzbietajedrysik2605]

I Thank for this music God ....and his angels ...and all above .Ługański is one of my favourite Pianist and Trifonow and Sokolow ...they are an Opus Dei...a miracle of his hands ... .Thank you all ...

[@user-rr3ff6yj9b]

Я обожаю этого музыканта. Знаю, что Рахманинов его любимый композитор. Спасибо за просмотр!

[@marinatimofeeva4832]

Исполняет, как дышит. Спасибо огромное!

[@av398]

Rachmaninoff, Lugansky and Wit, thank you for the very best ever piece of music...you have made it heavenly...I pray as I listen to this composition that you have given us...God bless you.

[@XX-sj7hz]

Una música maravillosa interpretada por un genio de la interpretación

[@tianda81]

great performance by my favorite pianist!

[@antonimorro4220]

Uno nunca se cansa de escucharlo...

[@nergisboran9501]

The first episode is like an emotional roller coaster. In the second part, it's like the storm has passed and everything is clear in your mind

[@rosernabona9364]

Lugansky , excellent , piano concert , very , very Good ❤

[@katalincsekei9570]

A zongorista fantasztikus,a zene, csodálatos, ezért érdemes volt megszületni.

[@art7695]

I am a fan of Yuja Wang and when I hear Rachmaninoff or Prokofieff played by her or Lugansky I think it's difficult to say who is the best, but in Rach 2 I have to recognize that the pathos by Lugansky is stronger. From play ability both they are wonderful. At the present time I think that they are at the top amid their generation.

[@user-zv1ty1nc9m]

Можно слушать до бесконечности это величие!

[@beardedskyrim8652]

An incredible performance.. original and truly poetic

[@ninarubcova7348]

Кого только слушала, ни переслушала. Но на недосягаемой высоте был и остаётся СУЛТАНОВ!!!

[@user-tu3lw2pv2p]

Я, из Москвы,,, Н. Луганского!!! Давно не слушала!? Слушая С. Рахманинова! В его исполнении! На одном дыхании! БРАВИССИМО! Великому Рахманинову!!!🙏🙏🙏, и исполнителю! Н. Луганскому! 🙏🙏🙏.

[@happgirlfly8190]

Согласна, а 2 концерт с конкурса Ван Клиберна самое лучшее на мой взгляд исполнение в мире.

[@watchbywatch]

​Thanks for bringing Sultanov to my attention He's on KZbin with a version of this Concerto and others

[@praxishealing-gnosejunguia9176]

Stunning. I'm sure it's didactic, it's a performance show. Lugansky my favorite by far. Magnificent. The Maestro led this mature orchestra with sound and balance. The balance of the mix is proverbial in this edition - we hear everything in the details. A treat. Excuse my poor English.💗 Deslumbrante. Estou certo de que é didático, é um show de interpretação. Lugansky meu favorito de longe. Magnífico. O Maestro conduziu com uma magnífica sonoridade e equilíbrio esta orquestra madura. O equilíbrio da mixagem é proverbial nesta edição - ouvimos tudo nos seus detalhes. Um deleite.

[@nylah3768]

Just beautiful

[@dorotheabuch7256]

Quelle magnifique Performance

[@johnmoyer4745]

What an awesome, incredible pianist. Never heard him play before today. The concerto and Mr. Lugansky are brilliant. Bravo!

[@JeromeMainguet]

Superbe ! Magnifique; Merci !

[@briancurtin1216]

This version has more timing, note clarity, and melodic nuance than Rachmaninoff played himself. Although it must be said Rachmaninoff was only recorded on inferior sound reproductions.

[@pablos5463]

De las cosas más hermosas que escuché en mi vida

[@Vladfmir]

Великолепный звук, отличное исполнение!

[@Professor694]

Шикарно!

[@calao3]

J'en pleure tellement c'est beau!

[@stanisawkoziarski5929]

Luganksy is a truly genius…

[@pedrobonnin9369]

Un verdadero genio para mí la escuela rusa es la mejor

[@layna8924]

INCREDIBLY GIFTED...LIGHT ON THE FINGERS & DRAMATIC WHERE NEEDED...TRULY A CUT ABOVE...AND RATHER NICE LOOKING IN ADDITION...🙏;)

[@anton_ctn30]

23:23 this camera work gives me massive Alfred Hitchcock Vibes

[@katiesethna]

My favourite on many counts ! For years !

[@potatopotato0715]

The way the clappers were shushed 😂😭

[@giampieroaudino7318]

Magnifico , perfetto, insuperabile Luganski!!!

[@luisdeleon9819]

A great interpretation of a great piece of music. Great hands. Great everything!!

[@jJPyLfGpLKetwBam]

this part is great 28:44

[@weavethehawk]

Not very familiar with the work of Nikolai Lugansky, but this and the other performances I've heard tell me all I need to know when I hear a great pianist.

[@Petter_GM]

1:23 and 7:38 are the same theme. First time in the orchestra, second time in the piano. Such a beautiful use of the theme

[@bertorrrr]

this happens a lot if u listen a lot more :)

[@iordanoglouanastasia8480]

Lugansky touches the heart of Rachmaninoff

[@willedwards4760]

20:20 is my favourite part of this piece (you don’t need to like, this is just for me) 😌

[@81933]

Thank you for sharing. It made my day.

[@noemiserra3366]

El meu preferit. És un dels seus concerts de Rakhmaninoff que m'agraden més. I Nikolai...fabulós!

[@daianavonrunstedtrunstedt3446]

Wonderfull this concerto played Lugansky !

[@philippecartondetournai5546]

Peut- être l'interprète plus proche de l'auteur depuis HOROWITZ?

[@user-rs9gb2jf6m]

오케랑 피아노랑 지휘자랑 세합이 진짜진짜 잘맞는다....

[@codythedoggo7671]

Probably the best piano concerto

[@k16cuslav]

The cinematography is excellent as well. Great camera transitions around 6:30.

[@user-jd4uc1vi9n]

Гениально 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@pccalcio]

sono convinto che per scrivere una composizione del genere, e anche per suonarla e dirigerla, bisogna essere un po' fisici, vedere le onde sonore e come si propagano, capolavoro

[@joellepodwysocki9558]

Sublime.💝

[@user-iq3ku1wn2k]

Изумительно, прекрасная музыка, превосходное исполнение. Звук сняли классно. Видео - по-дурацки.

[@katalincsekei9570]

Ez a zene, szavakkal,ki sem lehet fejezni olyan gyönyörű.Arra kértem a rokonaimat, hogy erről a felvételről a 2. tételt játszak le majd a temetésen ,ha meghalok, búcsúzoul!

[@aknightofcamelot]

Fabulous. Bravo!

[@dw6600]

That look at 0:04 "Yeah, I got this..."

[@brianfarrawell3312]

Амаzing i will enjoy over and over and over thank you

[@izabelassuncao7187]

Maravilhoso! Quase alcançou Sviatoslav RIchter.