Sergey Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 1 - Krystian Zimerman

Enjoy one of the best recordings of the Rachmaninoff's first Piano Concerto, played by Krystian Zimerman and the Boston Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Seiji Ozawa. Ozawa's flawless arrangement and excellent conduction along with Zimerman's deeply emotional execution make this concert a truly rewarding experience.

[@BillyWhizzle]

The man's articulation is so sharp, it could cut glass

[@uyghurfilmproduction]

Zimerman picked the BEST conductor for these concertos. Seiji Ozawa. Ozawa is INSANELY perfect, and has very very very high standards. Ridiculously sharp ears. And that’s one of the reasons why they sound perfect together.

[@claradiaz3147]

He's conducting a heavenly orchestra now.

[@wonjuwilliamna7020]

I honestly don’t understand why this concerto is underrated.

[@СергейДолгих-з6ч]

It's harder for average listener to understand and quickly remember this concerto if you compare it to 2nd or 3rd. But 4th is even more complicated.

[@caseysheehan8437]

Honestly, the 3rd Rachmaninov Concerto in D Minor is my least favorite. For me, I would rank them 2, 4,1,3.

[@nyaunt1796]

Exactly!

[@criticalhippo4294]

Me neither. I think it has the same universal appeal as No. 2(don't get me wrong, No.2 is my favourite piece ever and I adore this too) but I find can fall out of the music much faster with 3 and 4. I think that No.1 is the most-Rachmaninoff Rachmaninoff piece, all his hallmarks are here.

[@caseysheehan8437]

@@criticalhippo4294 I feel like 3 is the only one that is unorganized an all over the place. It doesn't seem well thought out. I think 2, 1, and 4 are incredible though! 🎹🎼🎵🎶

[@waves_.]

해석이 너무 좋음 그냥 내가 여태껏 들어온 곡들중 단연 최고라 할 수 있겠다 짐머만 연주는 전설이야

[@joonheelee1299]

알렉산더 말로페예프를 한 번 들어보세요!

[@yeetdoy3066]

That cadenza is simply mind-blowing

[@lucasdelliosiv7493]

The only negative thing that I can say about this recording is that it makes all the other recordings seem so stale and boring.

[@inraid]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ramoo2CapNNpe5I

[@bachopinbee5991]

Mine too

[@jormaple]

Listen to Ashkenazy.

[@goktugblack]

That build up from 10:21... This concerto is criminally underrated.

[@ritabustamante8447]

Göktuğ Kaya It is true but I don’t know why because is so beautiful like 2 and 3.

[@goktugblack]

@@ritabustamante8447 I think this concerto is more suited for piano aficionados like us than the general public. Both 2nd and 3rd were used in movies and these have both less abstract themes

[@Ummm6126]

@@goktugblack totally agree to that

[@ahmadshokry5945]

it's actually my favorite part ... just ingenious

[@erinmalloy9297]

totally agree

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

This really is gorgeous recording in every way. Ozawa is just so musical. Mr Zimmerman can play ANYTHING at the highest level. Yes, incredible Chopin, etc, but his Rachmaninoff is full bodied, passionate and idiomatic. Bravo!Wonderful sonics through Sennheiser HD650 headphones.

[@scriabinist434]

I concur, I can't wait for Zimerman to record Bach one day. I know he will.

[@RandyKimBrigs5]

@@scriabinist434 While Zimerman hasn't officially recorded any Bach albums, there are unofficial recordings of him from concerts. Here's three that I found so far: Bach-Brahms Chaconne Transcription (for the Left Hand): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGGUoWh8hdGJg5o Bach Partita No. 1 BWV 825: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqOcZ6h7ad6jg5I Bach Passacaglia and Fugue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKakiqFvrMuKq9E

[@Scottlp2]

Great performance. Would you happen to know if he recorded the Rachmaninoff 3rd PC? Thanks.

[@connorrichardson368]

Scottlp2 he did!

[@tunatuna6723]

@@connorrichardson368 Where can you find it? I've been looking all over!

[@tastenschlager1673]

Zimerman ist mit Abstand der beste Pianist aller Zeiten!Bei ihm stimmt einfach alles:Technik,Temperament, Geschmack, Stilistik und die unnachahmliche Qualität des Klanges.Es gibt sehr gute Pianisten, es gibt geniale Pianisten, aber es gibt nur einen Krystian Zimerman!🙏

[@criticalhippo4294]

He wrote this when he was 18. What I am even doing fml....

[@flyingpenandpaper6119]

@Mr Kitrid I had no idea the 1891 version was still around! Thank you.

[@Paulofibonelli]

@Mr Kitrid thank you for the tip-off

[@LiamDunne-nl6ps]

The allegro moderato at 10:35 is beyond beautiful. The scales in the left hand at 10:51 and 10:58 are so perfect. This piece is such a masterpiece.

[@jonathanburroughs9380]

I have heard dozens of interpretations of this wonderful and underrated concerto. This may be the finest interpretation of them all.

[@scottmiller6495]

The ending is awesome !!!!!

[@thepianocornertpc]

Tamas Vasary. Zimerman is fantastic.

[@jormaple]

Ashkenazy/Previn

[@BernardVillaume66]

Probably the best recording of this concerto. Ever. What an immense and rare joy to hear an orchestra and pianist melting together on this devine level. Outstanding.

[@BernardVillaume66]

Ah, just read a number of similar comments, haha. Happy that I am not alone having multiple musical orgasms when listening to this recording.

[@SvetoslavAtanasov]

Other than Rachmaninoff’s own recording to which this is very similar in style!

[@1fattyfatman]

Earl Wild!

[@hyseo1121]

A golden pianist. Best of the best

[@brunftbert3381]

The 1st movement is a monster...

[@carlospacheco7282]

Yes,it is.

[@claradiaz3147]

The second movement is otherworldly beautiful... among the best written among any composers.

[@yucatron76]

Honestly in my top 10 favorite pieces ever

[@brunftbert3381]

@@yucatron76 And I think it is a very interesting question what would have happened with the COMPOSER Rachmaninow without the disaster of his 1st symphony and without hard depression.

[@multistanmd9554]

Krystian Zimerman is the best, and he looks so damn fine, too. 😍

[@ESilva-qv1uv]

No doubt.

[@guillermobadell6]

You should have seen him when he was young, he looked like a prince.try to find a video where he plays the 4 chopin Ballades...

[@jayhillz3705]

Gay...

[@LegomansClassics]

JayHillz82: Please, try to keep this nice and polite comment section free of bigotry.

[@paltagay4485]

@@jayhillz3705 why do u even comment it was a compliment for a great master. Dont be a bigot

[@mansourahmednegadi6884]

Obi-Wan Kenobi in an another life ... May the music be with you

[@jayhillz3705]

May the Forte be with you

[@sirchoppy1810]

​@@jayhillz3705 OH MY GOSH, you a legend my guy! :) lol "ffff"

[@danielhowe7362]

This is a wonderful performance and recording! Full of soul and direction! The 2nd movement of this shockingly neglected masterpiece is one of the most beautiful movements ever composed by any European musician!

[@JohannesBruhms]

Mov.1: 0:01 / 6:04 , Cadenza: 9:21 Mov.2: 12:14 / 16:50 Mov.3: 18:56 / 25:25

[@Paulofibonelli]

Thank you

[@PeterLunowPL]

breathtaking! I consider Zimerman one of the truly great pianists of his generation

[@ImvN8Lex]

I'd say of all time.

[@Jeremy73950]

@@ImvN8Lex He would be the best of all time imo if not for that one man, Sviatoslav Richter.

[@ImvN8Lex]

@@Jeremy73950 Personal preference. But they both are indeed some of the best ever.

[@shlomostate1623]

What about Rachmaninoff himself? he probably played it best.

[@Pamela-dv7gb]

Horowitz too or Arthur Rubinstein great the only problem is the fact generally the audio quality low so I prefer zimmerman for many chopin pieces but for all nocturne it’s better Arthur Rubinstein but for ballades I can’t ear to another one than zimmerman

[@cristianpopa3866]

THE BEST ORCHESTRA SOUNDS AND INTERPRETATION EVER RECORDED.THE BEST PIANO PLAYER AND INTERPRATATION EVER❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pianohq999]

Most beautiful parts by my opinion, even every part of this phenomenal composition is beautiful ! 5:22 😍 8:33 😍 8:43 😍 16:50 😍 18:04 😍 21:02 😍

[@pianohq999]

@Mr Kitrid But 16:50 is soooooo outstanding 😍😍😍😍😍😍 !

[@caphaddock1126]

16:50 I die

[@musicclasical]

I agree 16:50 is an orgasmic passage

[@jwilliams8210]

08:33 (and 08:43 with the near-perfect vibrato from the violin) could be my favorite as well, though it is a recapitulation of 02:38 in a different key with 02:49 being 08:43's analog). I think I was mesmerized by the original statement of this theme (i.e., 02:38).

[@jwilliams8210]

@@pianohq999 So true!

[@winkgm5057]

11:24 brace for impact!!!

[@MegaMawnadger]

Thank you for reuploading this

[@shlomostate1623]

My favorite recording ever! Why why why is this piece so underrated?? Its my favorite of all time!

[@tavidemea6363]

Check Zoltan s performance, but it is probably the best, indeed:))

[@junelucchesi5434]

Fantastic, notes so delicate and then profound. Have loved him forever I first heard...jjune

[@KaisarAnvar]

People disregarded Zimerman's technical ability in the past by saying "he never plays any Rachmaninoff or Liszt" etc etc... this is more than just an answer. His Chopin and Schubert is enough to prove that his technique is BEYOND reach...

[@olivierdemones]

Cette interprétation est tout simplement admirable incomparable et rend ce concertos c Parmi les plus beaux de la musique romantique. Version de référence absolue en tous les cas une des plus belles que j'ai écoutées.

[@dcjak1]

This is so beautiful , it hurts

[@scottmiller6495]

This is by far the best interpretation of this great piano concerto i have ever heard! The ending is powerful and satisfying Bravo !!!!!

[@tonytalks9070]

I swear he has beautiful sections in all of his music, the rhapsody on a theme of Paganini 18th variation and this one at 20:55.

[@sophiapoon3268]

The best of Rachmaninoff No.1 in my mind, others cannot interpret like this

[@goktugblack]

Sviatoslav Richter can...

[@yareklipinski]

@@goktugblack I do not think so

[@jormaple]

Ashkenazy

[@rafaelubal]

I swear, if you pay attention, there are parts where you can hear Zimerman humming the melody slightly, like he can't help it 😂

[@dylansun9473]

1 mvt: 0:00 2 mvt: 12:16 3 mvt: 18:56

[@ilovemycatrussell9298]

Thank you. A self-esteem destroying cadenza at 9:21.

[@dragonfooz]

Love that second movement

[@nothinggmuch8642]

9:20 for cadenza lovers

[@JoshuavanderVeen]

Heck yea!!! Love it!!! 😎😎😎

[@ilovemycatrussell9298]

It makes me realize I have zero talent tho.

[@yeetdoy3066]

It’s a monster piece, extremely difficult to play right

[@rafjeevarafjeeva5952]

@@ilovemycatrussell9298 when I compose something and I find what I did successful, I listen to this cadenza, and I remember that I am nothing compared to this monstrosity

[@GottaloveLudvig]

Wow!!!! what an outstanding recording! I was sitting in front of my computer and stood to bow in respect! thank you so much por posting it!

[@LegomansClassics]

Thank you very much for your kind comment! Rachmaninoff is, well, Rachmaninoff and one has no words to describe how outstanding is this performance by Krystian Zimmerman.

[@jackkoh6229]

3:26 has to be one of the most intense moments in the piano repertoire, I mean, just listen to it go (buildup from 3:15) Probably one of the most underrated parts of this concerto.

[@claradiaz3147]

As underrated a concerto as the Rach 1 is, Zimerman has to be the most underrated pianist ever, performing at the level of Horowitz, Rubinstein, et al., maybe beyond.

[@timlaze1149]

Beyond Horowitz withouth a doubt. Rubinstein too in my opinion.

[@bigcedock]

Absolutely breathtaking performance - BSO sounds “lean and mean” and Ozawa’s accompaniment is damn-near flawless. Zimerman - what to say? - out of this world brilliant. By the way - anyone know what year this was recorded?

[@yeetzus8282]

2003 I believe

[@bigcedock]

@@yeetzus8282 Thanks!

[@lololyoo5091]

From 26:10 the timpanist changed the notes from C#3 to F#3 and finally F#2 for the final tonic. A very subtle modification but it strengthens the tonic rather than the dominant at the grand finale, making the ending more satisfying to me!

[@leongunnyli6059]

13:39 zimmerman phrased the last note with a sober touch, tear-dropping. The is the version contains the most sorrow 2nd movement.

[@doragrizelj]

the best performance ever😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️

[@wonjuwilliamna7020]

8:43 that Violin part is stunningly beautiful!

[@jwilliams8210]

You are correct. The vibrato is just about perfect. I also love the recapitulated theme by the piano (different key and variation in the rhythm than the first time). Rachmaninov was an absolute genius....

[@VOAZOH]

I agree 100%

[@Paulofibonelli]

Indeed

[@pendarmpc]

Breathtaking composition, outstanding performance !

[@quentblast5049]

its such a small detail, but I love how you put the text on the screen on the first piano chord. So cool.

[@LegomansClassics]

It's so great you noticed this! :) I love putting those little details into the video.

[@soundtrackdude9995]

The french horn part at 24:43 with its culmination at 25:10 is incredible

[@claradiaz3147]

The passage from 18:05 to 18:15 has to be some of the most beautiful music of any kind ever.

[@matthewcoldicutt5951]

Whenever the talking stops and Krystian Zimerman starts playing, any criticism there might be simply dissolves. This pianist has such a technique and deep musical understanding, and quite rightly has been at the top of his game for well over thirty years. I haven't read Gramophone for some years, but imagine recordings he made in the early days with DG are still regarded as some of the best. The crispness and speed of his playing here ( so soulful at other times too) in this work show he has lost nothing to time

[@dawsonrasmussen1362]

the section starting at 8:33 gets me everytime… and the solo starting at 8:43 is so warm and rich.

[@isisconcepcion13]

Infinitely grateful❤

[@alexandergonzalezevans2686]

I cannot get over Zimerman's and Ozawas recordings of 1&2, I don't know why.

[@skrutten_]

16:51 is my favorite moment in the piece-the sound of being in love

[@peterkovacs9951]

otherworldly

[@tutiomanoloyfamilia]

Me too

[@허준서-n3z]

Absolutely the best

[@teresaloureiro2525]

BEAUTIFUL , MY DEAR KRYSTIAN ...

[@xris9593]

Such an early work, composed when SR was 18 years old, yet one can already hear his unique sonic thumbprints. Early hints (in the sharply rhythmic orchestral punctuation, in the harmonic changes) of the Symphonic Dances, not to arrive for 49 years--SR's last major symphonic work. Remarkable. Lovely collaboration in this performance by Ozawa and ZImmerman.

[@Mezzotenor]

Points well taken, but note this from Wikipedia: "Sergei Rachmaninoff composed his Piano Concerto No. 1 in F♯ minor, Op. 1, in 1891, at age 18. He dedicated the work to Alexander Siloti. He revised the work thoroughly in 1917." It's possible that some of the sophistication you astutely appreciate is a product of the composer in his early 40s. And absolutely yes, these artists are pretty hard to beat.

[@johnbair4876]

I beg to differ with a number of commenters that this is the best interpretation. It is one of the best, for sure, but it lacks the flow and dynamic of Byron Janis's performance with Fritz Reiner. His sense of phrasing without erratic changes of tempo and rhythm do justice to Rachmaninoff's much-underrated concerto. The second movement is to die for!

[@theresechristiansen9769]

i agree wholeheartedly

[@guillermobadell6]

The second movement is so beautiful !!!!

[@timlaze1149]

My hands are shaking

[@겨울나무-k6y]

his performances are so dynamic and beautiful at the same time.. that is why many people are crazy about him... im definitely one of them... thanks for this great performance

[@roberthamlin5665]

I have just recently discovered in the Zimmerman and I do not understand how I missed him and his Exquisite performances! Brilliant, just brilliant!

[@Jim341046]

This is beautiful and I don’t care if it’s unpopular but I’ll never mock popular classical music or how else would I have discovered this?!

[@napoleon-sk5oc]

I made a tape cassette of this in 70 and played it a million times

[@fakeallen3833]

Thanks for uploading. I was very upset because of the previous recording deleteted, so once again thank you.

[@peterbonser]

Fake Allen Rachmaninov piano concerto no.4

[@ikarii_]

11:24 just a time stamp for myself

[@veralicebruin4478]

Só introspective!! Sometimes atonal! They would not understand! His music is not for palaces . It is for the soul.

[@nancylee8061]

So beautiful ♥♥♥♥ Thank you.

[@pianistaccompanistconducto5894]

연주도 최고고 곡도 2 번 못지 않게 너무 멋있네요 어릴적에 들었던 느낌과 또 다르네요 Thank you

[@pianist-moko]

Emotional and beautiful✨💍✨ I love this music🎵

[@Coolbardie]

The recording I have is Ashkenazy and Previn and it's good, but this is way better! How can two performances of the same piece be so different. So glad to have KZbin, especially since this performance is conducted by Seiji Ozawa who died in February this year. RIP Seiji, thank you for all the beautiful music you gave the world. ❤

[@claradiaz3147]

Best performance and soloist of Rach 1 around.

[@joannaucja144]

The part from 16:26 is pure magic...

[@dr.miranda7364]

I think thay until krystian zimmerman are stil a live is the best pianist player in that time ❤

[@agilgamink]

10:21 22:04

[@olivierdemones]

Zimerman et Ozawa sont de tels musiciens qu'ils ont fait de ce concerto une des plus belles oeuvres de Rachmaninov. A écouter absolument, c'est admirable !

[@theosingh-piano992]

He has the best rendition on this concerto, even when compared to Rachmaninoff himself!

[@herrbrucvald6376]

Prefer Ashkenazy's version in the complete concerti collection. There's much more mystery for me. Ole' ZIm goes to fast in mvt 1, for example.

[@graysonwertz1065]

I love how suddenly the orchestra comes back in at the end of the cadenza, it catches me by surprise every listen

[@ZbygniewNajmrodzki]

*i jak tam ,,Koniu" rozczytałeś ten numer ?*

[@Amourtendresse]

Époustouflant ❣️ Composé à seulement 18 ans? Waouh ! Il était furieux, et déjà extrêmement sensible à l'injustice, et quel talent pour exprimer tout son ressenti ! Et ce pianiste a tout le talent pour se mettre au service de ce compositeur exceptionnel ! 🙏👏🎶❤️🎶✨✨

[@yvonneross6522]

Bravo ! This is my favourite pieces !!

[@ilsachang9027]

I got emotional every time I heard this second movement. What a performance!

[@jackylen57]

Magnifique !! Merveilleux !!! J'adore ce concerto et ce pianiste est formidable !!! Bravo et Merci !!!

[@이병서-x1o]

Beautiful...

[@insert7058]

11:23 fav part

[@rafjeevarafjeeva5952]

When I compose something and I find what I did successful, I listen the cadenza of 1st movement and I remember that I am nothing compared to this monstrosity Rachmaninoff was really a god

[@gabrielbustos2706]

And to think that he wrote that at 18…

[@costeroid]

Only HE (Rachmaninov) can set up such thing - piano is playing in major, orchestra is playing in minor key, wow.

[@claradiaz3147]

You noticed, too?

[@ruexcited2WholeHearted]

This is the one!

[@pianohq999]

This is not one of the best interpretations of this concerto because this one is best ! 😍

[@ulfwernernielsen6708]

Piano HQ What about Byron Janis?? What about Rachmaninov himself ??

[@chrisreinhart6421]

Ashkenazy would beg to differ

[@pianohq999]

Even if you are a composer of a piece and you know it better than any other man, still doesn't mean that you need to perform your composition way better than some of other musicians !

[@ritabustamante8447]

Piano HQ agree with you example I prefer Martha Argerich instead of Rachmaninoff playing concert number 3 but I am sure that Zimmerman is the best Rachmaninoff number 1 concert that I heard.

[@vulkanosaure]

I feel like those statements are made a bit fast without really considering a lot of other interpretations

[@Tren-g7jt]

3악장의 다채로운 색감은 라흐마니노프의 유쾌한 모습이 느껴진다

[@liberte5847]

Greatest ever. Merci beaucoup from Paris France 👍 👍 👍.

[@jwilliams8210]

19:05-19:12

[@charliezandieh8946]

16:50

[@eliaschmidt9035]

YES

[@pianohq999]

Very, very beautiful part 😍 Rachmaninoff is so misterious and beautiful !

[@lucioi8482]

overwhelming, wonderful, irresistible

[@riversidefan2]

Yes

[@ritabustamante8447]

Thanks Zimmerman to play this concert.It is one of the least heard concerts of Rachmaninoff but it is so beautiful and hard to play like number 2 and 3.When Rachmaninov composed it he was very depressed because it wasn't accepted but when composed number two it was rotund exit.I wonder where people had his ears because it is so beautiful that I can't stop to hear it and the performance magistral.Thanks again Zimmerman.

[@LegomansClassics]

Your comments are always appreciated!

[@ritabustamante8447]

Thank you

[@thingiezz]

Wasn't it Rachmaninoffs first symphony that sent him into a depression? He might have been depressed before that, but between symphony 1 and piano concerto 2 it was at its worst, because he barely composed anything

[@MegaMawnadger]

It was the first symphony who sent him into depression. The first concerto was initially a homework for the conservatory and was a success (he wrote the concerto very quickly). Later the concerto was revised (which is the version that you can hear here).

[@dhalsimflood]

too fast, i prefer Fedorova, what do you guys think? is it too fast? or because I listen too much Fedorova?

[@claradiaz3147]

Since you asked... not too fast.

[@comaecentral940]

Ordered by hierarchy: Rach 3 - Rach 1 - Rach 2- Rach 4

[@gyeongbaemin3128]

기승전결 끝판왕 카덴짜는 들을때마다 가슴이 웅장해진다

[@francescosoligno5856]

EXTRAORDINARIO RACHMANINOFF / ZIMERMAN. BELLíSIMO.

[@cassiecat7038]

Second movement, Andante, exquisite.

[@thethikboy]

Sooooo romantic - makes sense it was written by a teenager - a Russian genius

[@김정주-r5k]

10:30