Lugansky - Rachmaninoff "The sea and the seagulls" (Étude-Tableau Op. 39, No. 2)

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Études-Tableaux, Op. 39 (1916-1917)
No. 2 in A minor. Lento assai
Nikolai Lugansky, 2021
Mariinsky Theatre
"The sea and the gulls" - in these words Rachmaninov referred to the second study of the cycle. It closely resembles the symphonic poem "The Isle of the Dead" and the torpor only interrupted by the vision of the stormy sea, the very image of which is so significant in the poem as well as in Böcklin's painting that inspired it.
Lugansky

[@thegreatballplayer1]

I never heard it called the sea and seagulls. But the first impression I had from listening to it was a cloudy dreary day near the ocean so it makes sense to me!

[@timward276]

This piece sounds *lonely* to me. Grey sky, and grey water lapping against an empty shore, with seagulls calling off somewhere in the distance. Beautiful performance by Lugansky; the way he slightly lags the tempo in the outer sections really adds to the mournful feel of the piece and his voicing and tone are perfect.

[@robdeman4921]

An extraordinary beautiful Etude from Rachmaninoff. Maybe his best one. Full of melancholy and mystery. In a perfect performance by Lugansky.

[@smb123211]

I've played this a long time and imagined the "melody" as church bells particularly towards the end. It is one of those beguiling pieces that appear "easy" yet the cross-overs, poly rhythms and constant flow (not to mention the great middle part) make it difficult. Love Lugansky's incredible interpretation - so flowing.

[@kelownapianoconsult5354]

What I REALLY love, besides Lugansky being the greatest Rachmaninoff player I've encountered, is the SONIC QUALITY of these recordings which only serve to highlight Lugansky's command of the whole tonal spectrum! Thank you!

[@ruthblackburn6915]

Masterful artistic performance of an amazing etude. The incessant dies irae motif, the rhythmic tension, the hollow fifths, a dark, turbulant middle section followed by melodies of intense longings (regrets, remorse?)--makes me wonder what the seagulls witnessed.

[@duncansims2129]

of course your name is ruth

[@Patricia-wf2via]

Un verdadero crítico de arte...

[@robdeman4921]

Schitterende muziek. Waanzinnig mooi gespeeld door Luganski. Wat een kanjer!

[@andreamyob9458]

perfect color and perfect phrase. There is nobody better than Lugansky.

[@ericleung4313]

indeed and i guess he could stretch 2 octave

[@peterbroekhuizen]

Genieten: mijn favoriete pianist speelt mijn favoriete muziek van mijn favoriete componist!

[@sarazainab5097]

Closed my eyes and imagined sitting by the sea as i listened, its magical :D

[@charliezhang2679]

@enchanted wanderer I'm not sure how to msg you, but since this is a recent video, hopefully you'll read this comment. I just want to say how much I appreciate your channel. Although I only discovered your channel in the past couple of months, your channel might be my favorite. Your channel has music from all my favorite composers, and Luganksy is a great pianist.

[@EnchantedWanderer]

Thanks for the comment - I am glad!

[@한영자-b2x]

Although it is a short piece, I like this piece, because all of Rachmaninoff's abilities and delicate techniques are well expressed.

[@artmynk8999]

this piece is 7 minutes long. Its very much for an impatient man like me not a short piece! Usual piece lengths are 3 minutes long for me

[@한영자-b2x]

@@artmynk8999 Now that i listen to it again, it's not a short piece. I think it's my hasty judgment.

[@simonvanprooijen]

This is the best etude of Rachmaninov in my opinion. What are the odds of my favourite pianist uploading his interpretation of this piece :)

[@didierfilbing8848]

Should not Nikolaï Lugansky be your favorite pianist ?

[@ForeverFall]

the odds? quite high

[@maxiromero789]

Chords at 00:06:13....my god!

[@jimholder6656]

Beyond beautiful and masterful!

[@MsIrinaN]

Bravo!!! 🌹

[@janicelake6600]

I agree!

[@karenkucharz8302]

Wow! Such expression.

[@coffeealma]

Beautiful

[@larrykoebelen8212]

👏🏻👏🏻Bravo👏🏻👏🏻

[@peterbrenton410]

Is he related to Will Ferrell ?

[@MoreThanMidi]

sounds like Eren Yeager