Rachmaninov: Prelude in G minor - Evgeny Kissin at the Proms

At the First Night of the 2000 Promenade Concerts in London's Royal Albert Hall, Evgeny Kissin played Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto and followed it with this stunning encore, the same composer's Prelude in G minor. It is No. 5 in Rachmaninov's Opus 23 set of 10 Preludes, dating from 1901. Please see additional note below.
In view of the numerous comments about Kissin's tempo, I'd like to repeat what I said in another reply here two years ago. This encore came at the end of a first half of a concert in which Kissin had just played the Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto. Before that, the orchestra had played Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" and Stokowski's arrangement of the Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor. It was a hot July evening and the Royal Albert Hall was packed with a 5,000-strong audience. In addition, the BBC was televising it 'live' as well broadcasting it on the radio. Doubtless Kissin had the broadcasting schedules at the back of his mind, as well as the fact that the bars were now open for the interval and the audience were ready to get to them! ... Still, they wouldn't let him go, so he gave them some more music. I just think that the circumstances of the evening, plus the adrenaline of a "First Night of the Proms," helped to dictate his tempo and that it shouldn't necessarily be compared to a recorded studio performance.

[@kwakker3961]

Guys he has reached day 4 of Simply Piano...

[@viren4053]

This made me lol

[@KEES0436803]

Hahaha

[@davienng7859]

XD

[@chelseachen7732]

LMAO

[@daviepaige1352]

ahahahahaahah

[@davideluciano6119]

"Rachmaninoff... A PPPRRFFRRHHEELUDDE!!......"

[@mrpankau]

LOL

[@alphonsusdeodatus5522]

That's what it sounds like at half speed......

[@cureangelz]

I heard egg prfhelude lmao

[@clairdelune25]

I disagree with everyone who dislikes or makes comments about it being too fast. This is brilliant, genius, virtuoso playing. Unmatched, superb technique and musicality at its highest, ( I could see in the end his face looked like he was having a hard time coming out of the magic this masterpiece brings you into), which is very hard to do in a piece like this...and mind you, after having played a whole Rachmaninoff No. 2 concerto. Bravooooo!!!!

[@insearchofpeace2151]

Nikolai Lugansky has the perfect tempo for this piece.

[@erezsolomon3838]

@@insearchofpeace2151 no, Rachmaninoff has the perfect tempo

[@frutiboy1]

Too fast:) But he's great anyways...

[@nenabuenaflor7046]

@@insearchofpeace2151 I

[@7James77]

To be able to play at that tempo, with that percision, volume control, the emotion being seayed as he wished it, is remarkeable

[@richardfeynman4315]

How can 253 people not like this. The man is one of the best in the world.

[@georgebui7532]

I would prefer it to be played a bit more slowly, and a bit less intensive. Kissin is still a legend thogh.

[@claudiobonechi7533]

@@georgebui7532 Then listen to Giles performance!

[@milkymaru4950]

Because maybe he’s a very good pianist but this speed just destroys this piece.

[@tienthuy7376]

Those are people who are dying in happiness that can’t see the like button🤔

[@davienng7859]

Milkymaru not in my opinion.... if ur old in real life, u like slow music, my observation

[@adam28xx]

I think it's worth pointing out to those who don't know about the Proms that the Albert Hall holds about 5,000 people and from about 2 minutes in you see a shot of the audience. Immediately in front of the platform are all the the Promenaders who stand, not sit, throughout the entire concert. It was a hot July evening and this Prelude was an encore, having been preceded in the first half by Copland's "Fanfare to the Common Man," Stokowski's orchestration of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor and Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto. It's possible that Kissin was aware that as the concert was being transmitted live on TV and he had a schedule to consider, and that as the audience was probably anxious to get to the bars or toilets in the interval, he duly took the piece at a rattling pace. However, Rachmaninov himself in his own performances was no slouch, so under the circumstances I think Kissin deserves the nearly 9 thousand "thumbs ups" he's so far received!

[@TheCaithleen]

Rachmaninov would himself be proud of this delivery

[@rachmaninow6606]

Yes, I am.

[@cfilgueira]

@@ludovicocarli3572 fuck, whos the real one

[@strnvii]

@@cfilgueira idk

[@davienng7859]

@@jerzychmiel848 he can play music, you music level just sucks too much to understand it. On the other hand, Lang Lang was just banging on the piano for Rachmaninoff, also Lang Lang had some great achievements he played this song terribly.

[@davienng7859]

@@jerzychmiel848 I meant that you suck at understanding the true art behind music

[@bernhardhoedjes5219]

I´m happy and proud that I was there and will NEVER EVER forget the joy and entlightment of that evening. Thank you Kisin

[@insight827]

Wow. That must have been amazing.

[@SymphonyBrahms]

Brilliant! Evgeny Kissin is the greatest pianist in the world.

[@Queomyx]

oui

[@dedpoptart]

Near it not counting talent that didn't have thousands in bank backing him. Once saw a homeless guy play this piece in Ybor for 5 bucks, only highlighting the disparities between perceived talent and those with backing.

[@bird9172]

Yea ikr. Imagine all the kissin he gets-

[@anthonyfernandez956]

This is honestly the best and will always be the best performance of Prelude in G Minor. Evgeny Kissin has never disappointed me. All of his performances are always so perfect.

[@dwacheopus]

Agreed. Kissin plays every piece as i would've played it

[@nancybaldoni1756]

He played this amazing prelude at his May 20th performance at Carnegie Hall; it was electrifying. We couldn't jump to our feet right after it because it was one of nine other preludes he played, but as soon as he finished the last one, the audience couldn't shout, whistle, and clap enough to show how thrilled we were. There was a standing ovation after every piece. And, he played his fantastic toccata as one of the encores. He will be at Carnegie Hall again in May 2019; tickets go on sale in August.

[@Jipzorowns]

I'm excited, I'm going the 17th in Amsterdam!

[@fridagarbati5383]

I was at Carnegie Hall last May. It was a dream come true to see Kissin playing Debussy! And one of the encores was Gollywogg Cake Walk! It was worth flying from Brazil for this unique moment! Thank you Evgeny Kissin for such a wonderful evening!

[@santadagger]

Oh my God... So it's true... Adolf Hitler is playing on Trombone, just check man in the middle 1:10

[@denmasxe]

Hahahaha! Nice one.

[@graceguo5949]

+denmasxe very nice one

[@venomoussloth5092]

Lol

[@smileybrotherslawncare9599]

hahaha.

[@عبداللهالادلبي-ق3ي]

yes sir

[@ourlordlrh69]

I love his interpretation. His loud dynamics at the beginning allow him to perfectly contrast the middle, softer, section, and makes the transition to the end of the piece so much better.

[@dude7597]

The hair is the best part

[@chichay6745]

Oh, yes, correct. The hair (of Evgeny Kissin, classical artist of the 21st century) reminds me of the hair of the 18th century Mozart, Chopin, and most especially Schubert.

[@youngpaderewski3668]

Elsa N I beg to differ with you. I think his coiffure is more reminiscent of the great Jan Ignace Paderewski.

[@ELANSYLVESTER]

Young Paderewski oh fr? Thats cool

[@oliverthomson3843]

baliko2007 idiot

[@theolysek7873]

Absolutely brilliant!!!!! I have been working on this piece for over a year now and I can't play it anywhere close to that level. I have watched this performance sooooo many times, and it is shocking every time every little detail is spot on, every note is crystal clear despite the superhuman tempo. I need to go practice :)

[@joannabose7299]

Kissin is a master. The variety and sensitivity of his playing and adherence to the perfection of each note makes the music a rush of adrenaline for listener! Amazing!

[@gamon9715]

40 hours a day!

[@tudornicolae5114]

His true talent consists in making us feeling like he will soon brake that piano into pieces! Great interpretation and great movements! Spectacular!

[@jalbiindolcheey2049]

It's like hearing diamonds. He cares about every sound. I can't express what he does.

[@magnuscroify]

Kissin's tonal clarity is so astounding.

[@jakedogears8397]

I personally don't like the fast tempo on this piece of music. But, Kissen made the defference here. With all his techniques, And the most important thing in music, He expresses his feelings through this masterpiece perfectly. So glorious. Bravo.

[@isola5738]

Totally agree. Kissin is one of the most serious musicians, his unsurpassable techniques including chosen of tempos are merely to serve his musical ideas, which are deep and grande. Of certain pieces his tempos are slower than most, for example his Chopin nocturne Op.32 No. 2, but under his fingers, it makes so much sense, sounds all the more sublime.

[@jakedogears8397]

Isola Yeah, Just listen to his dynamic control. So maestro. You are right. It's not about his choice of tempo anymore. His magic is how he expresses his feeling through the music. And he can do it very well.

[@anauraine]

.listen to Rachmaninoff play it. Even faster but not as crisp or beautiful middle section

[@TURTLELE]

People saying this is too fast, I say nah, this is quite my tempo

[@DaGhost141]

It's too fast because the tempo in the sheet music is 104/quarter which is a bit slower. I'd say this is more like 110-120

[@yuumory7375]

@@DaGhost141 tempo in the video is better than the sheet music

[@slingzy7157]

@@DaGhost141 Nah rachmaninoff played it at this tempo more or less

[@zhouryan6960]

yuh and rach himself played at a similar tempo that's faster than the labeled one

[@vladimiryuditsky6509]

Actually, it is not too fast. Other recordings on youtube of pianists are just playing it to slow. Rachmaninov wrote the tempo as Alla Marca quarter note is 108. The way others are playing is more like tempo 85. Therefore Kissin the one playing it the RIGHT tempo.

[@vladimiryuditsky6509]

Check out my version of this piece. I do play it slower however.

[@pimghlag]

Vladimir Yuditsky, for future reference of people looking at this comment, the piece should only be played at 108 if and only of you can keep the musicality. I prefer 90-100 but Evgeny blew it away on this performance.

[@pimghlag]

Also, a main reason for fast tempo was because classical music was on radio back then and a touch of speed was very much appreciated. Artists back then and tempo are not always hand in hand.

[@7James77]

They play it slow because of the difficulty.

[@tpiskor]

Amazing. This piece is so difficult. Very humbling to hear him play it with such command.

[@jameswood9641]

The rest of the orchestra always look so jealous when watching the piano solos...

[@jameswood9641]

Sergei Rachmaninov Smiling with embarrassment and jealousy as they know they have very little talent in comparison to the pianists...

[@Suppenfischeintopf]

+James Wood That arrogance... impressing

[@jameswood9641]

+Suppenfischeintopf *impressive not "impressing"

[@Suppenfischeintopf]

+James Wood *VERY impressing

[@jameswood9641]

+Suppenfischeintopf You haven't corrected your grammatical error you bell end

[@norahdealmeida5847]

How touched feels our heart with the extremely roundness of the middle part. Little by little comes the first tempo: mysterious staccatos, preserved pedal and fantastic octaves.

[@dw6600]

This music describes me trying to find my keys when I have to leave the house

[@gamon9715]

Sounds epic

[@pianistNorganist]

😂 It's like the 5 stages of grief

[@惡意躺平]

Not only the keys, but also the cell phone

[@bluetv6386]

Me too, 88 of them...

[@aldoringo439]

I swear this is the most underrated difficult piece. I can play it quite easily, it's just the rhythm and dynamics are so ridiculously advanced and complicated, even in the first 20 seconds

[@elijahkoenig729]

Aldo Ringo make a vid of you playing it.

[@emilkuss9046]

tbh im already struggling with hitting all the right chords in the entire piece, even though i got pretty big hands

[@elijahkoenig729]

Emil Kuss it’s really just about memorizing the position of your hands. I can get up to measure 8 but after that the sheets look like madness

[@emilkuss9046]

@@elijahkoenig729 im praticing this piece for my final exams, its getting better now and i hit most of the times... But jesus im going through hell lmao. I hope its worth it in the end

[@elijahkoenig729]

Emil Kuss Jeez bro good luck. 👍 I’m a first year student lol

[@sebastianbaynes9452]

The middle section is one of my all time favourite piano melodies. So effortlessly beautiful and powerful, especially in this performance

[@chriskaklamanis]

The best performance I have ever heard!!!Bravissimo!!

[@adam28xx]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robins7730]

Impressive that he can play it this fast and still make it sound musical.

[@numnum11111]

I actually like it at this speed, it feels just right. Perfectly Russian!

[@yoon_DDing_DDong]

numnum 1111 russian passion

[@christo6765]

Excellent interpretation. Im not a fan of a lot of pedal but Evgeny has such perfect control over it. It adds so much more character and emotion over the staccato versions. And most importantly, he brings out the inner melody on the repeat in the middle section so perfectly. I get a sense of him actually sailing upon the harmonic rhythm throughout. And check out that beautiful diminuendo at 3:05! So touching. He did mess in one tiny moment but Im not saying....

[@missadeline8179]

Agreed! Perfect play!!

[@ПавелВаров-з5р]

Absolutely brilliant performance. Sharp, precise, powerful, focused. Bravo!!!

[@shannonsadler8038]

I can't stop watching his hair

[@Caroline1261]

Best interpretation of this magnificent prelude from Rachmaninov. Mr. Kissin, phenomenal pianist, the best in my opinion. What a performance! I would have given a lot to see that live. Thank you for posting it.

[@victorlayly5706]

In my opinion, the best interpretation was the old one by Richter, in the sixties, with a much lower tempo and a greater profundness. I was young at this time. Maybe we were less impressed by the performance and more attracted to what music can offer. Apologies for my poor English

[@Caroline1261]

@@victorlayly5706 I went and listened to Richter's interpretation of the piece. You are right, it is very profound and he plays it very well. Slower and very beautiful. But I still love Evgeny Kissin the best :) have a good day!

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Kissin has been my favorite pianist of his generation. With that said, you must listen to Daniil Trifonov. I saw him in concert here in Scottsdale last spring and he was so magnificent, and playing such difficult music, that I have to say that he was THE most exciting pianist I have ever seen or heard...and in years past I attended several Horowitz, Pollini, and Lazar Berman recitals. Of course, at his best, it would be very difficult to top Horowitz! By the way, slow doesn't necessarily equate to profound...as some believe. Yes, Kissin did take this prelude at a rather fast pace...but it worked. Moreover, the lyrical middle part was just right. ;)

[@Caroline1261]

@@jeffreythaw3333 Thank you! Yes, I know and heard (not live) Mr. Daniil Trifonov and think he is brilliant too! Specially love his Chopin interpretation! You are so lucky to have attended all of these amazing concert, with these amazing pianists!

[@cosmic_gate476]

Kissin nailed it, but to me Lisitsa has the best modrrn interpretation

[@cureangelz]

No matter how many times i watch this, it seriously horrifies me like it's giving me nightmares but at the same it's so good and beautiful. Kissin is a crazy man.

[@BB-dy2ln]

I love your profile pic XD

[@Genshin_suit]

practice and you can play the piece maybe 🙂

[@victorgustavojarajorquera1226]

Genio!!!!, tuve la oportunidad de verlo en Chile....alucinè!!!!

[@claudiaroa5862]

Victor Gustavo Jara Jorquera yo también lo vi! estaba en primera fila, podía escuchar su respiración!!!!! fue maravilloso

[@JulianOfCaesar]

Playing the piano is about interpretation, creativity and emotion and fun, stop judging

[@christo6765]

music is a selfish act. we play for ourselves first, then the audience.

[@photo161]

Yes, the piece can certainly be played more beautifully, more lyrically such as to reveal a deeper expressive quality, but the relentlessly aggressive physicality, the speed, and force of Kissin's playing are undoubtedly thrilling at times.

[@luvir965]

Fast but very clear sound. I love his play

[@wbiro]

Pianists should put a big picture of the composer up on the piano (facing the audience) while performing (preferably scowling) - just for the heightened effect (and to feel a closer partnership with the composer)...

[@nabeelhussainn]

Rachmaninov's pieces have no speed people, they can be played as fast as you want and they'll still sound amazing.

[@adam28xx]

I'd like to repeat what I think I said in another reply here. This encore came at the end of a first half of a concert in which Kissin had just played the Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto. Before that, the orchestra had played Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" and Stokowski's arrangement of the Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor. It was a hot July evening and the Royal Albert Hall was packed with a 5,000-strong audience. In addition, the BBC was televising it 'live' as well broadcasting it on the radio. Doubtless Kissin had the broadcasting schedules at the back of his mind, as well as the fact that the bars were now open for the interval and the audience were ready to get to them! Still, they wouldn't let him go, so he gave them some more music. I just think that the circumstances of the evening, plus the adrenalin of a "First Night of the Proms," helped to dictate his tempo and that it shouldn't necessarily be compared to a recorded studio performance.

[@amandaflegar8567]

adam28xx great light shed on the tempo perspective - thank you! I agree.

[@mrpankau]

That hair. Love Kissin.

[@russellthompson9271]

Max Pankau Why? Because of his hair?!

[@mrpankau]

Yes. I love him because of His hair only. His superior musicianship and unbelievable piano skills have nothing to do with it. Kissin's hair is my life.

[@russellthompson9271]

Max Pankau Kissin's hair needs cutting.

[@NydusO]

+Russell Thompson some say his hair is the source of his genius abilities

[@russellthompson9271]

+Nydus0 Until some bitch comes along and cut's it off. Then he becomes weak. Like an ordinary guy.

[@francisrfawkes142]

I believe that this is the fastest I have heard it being played by anybody. He is truly a master technically as well as artistically. Notice his technical wizardry never interferes the musicality of the work. A phenomenal performance indeed.

[@叫爸爸-u6x]

yeah totally agree. i admire him mostly because he never sacrifices musicality for the sake of showmanship. He is the true musician, a purist

[@noponn8007]

Day 30 of watching this video every day, still going strong

[@fakerating]

I get it...

[@viren4053]

fakerating Can you explain because i dont

[@dikisinger5585]

Evgeny Kissin's musical genius is Beyond Magnificent....! Those of you who leave negative comments, I ask you this: can you play better than he? And if so, please do and let the audience be your judge.

[@starshipwhite]

don't cry baby, don't cry. Very few people can give an opinion on his playing, anyway. all I can say, is that I like EK very much.

[@noponn8007]

I have stopped keeping count of how many times I have watched this video. I think it is close to 200 now. I like this piece and Kissin

[@Jen103143]

I loved it so much!!! Love the tempo!❤

[@alberteats]

Extremely difficult piece to play, especially at that tempo. This song has very high risk for error given the low single notes and jumps. Absolutely magical. He does get tired at the end a bit, which is expected. My forearms are exhausted when even attempting this song.

[@studiobianconi]

probably you use too much your arms...

[@richardroberts6902]

This is the best performance of this piece that I have ever heard. Amazing ! With both speed and subtlety... Just great.

[@lisitsavalentino4034]

richard roberts speed but no control

[@Alissa_21]

Wow it’s been 9 years since this video is released and comments are still flooding in

[@adam28xx]

You never know what people are going to watch on KZbin and so far, over 2 million KZbinrs have looked at this!

[@unbornify1185]

@@adam28xx yessir

[@skang7353]

My NO.1 pianist for over 20 years. Fortunately, I could have seen his concert twice times in my life. Hope to see the third one soon.

[@ЕвгенияСерая-ь4ю]

Была на его концерте в 2009 в Москве. Впечатления на всю жизнь - в непростой музыке Прокофьева для меня наступил транс, как будто меня взяли за руку и провели в прекрасный мир любви и гармонии. Это волшебство на всю мою жизнь со мной. По этой планке теперь и слушаю музыкантов. Для меня Евгений Кисин - гений, абсолютная величина.

[@gordonshure5766]

Absolutely magnificent, he proceeds through it with gusto always keeping it on a tight leash, the epitome of flawless culture, the benchmark for me.

[@conscience580]

Contrary to what some may think about it being too fast, I think it was played at an excellent tempo.

[@wpoon1]

Both Rachmaninov and Kissin are the remarkable Russian pianists.

[@linglong3285]

Rachmaninov admitted that others were more capable in their playing, but he was a _very_ good composer, yes

[@tennisblood]

First it's the right tempo. Because Rachmaninoff also played it in the similar tempo. Second of all, tempo is open to his interpretation. Todays' life is in much higher tempo than 100 years ago. But what puts Kissin apart is how well he plays the slow part of this Prelude... And what a nice tone, soft and mellos comes out of his slow portion. That's the real class. I've heard many chinese virtuosos play this tune and noone has come close to producing soft and mellow tone like this. Reminiscent of the great Rubinstein and Horowitz play.

[@SS-ci8jk]

No....actually, he played it with much more speed and strength changes, some parts are slower and weaker but some are stronger and faster.

[@SS-ci8jk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXa4p4WCaal7g80

[@kenkarapetian4905]

What a great comment...

[@levim.3505]

One word: No.

[@arrau08]

Ah... mind boggling. Makes one completely and emotionally immersed in the music.

[@asmith8815]

It is not important how fast he plays but how meaningful it is.

[@Zula_The_Squid]

You know it's magnificent when it was played at the proms

[@BeKindToBirds]

You know it is magnificent when it is Mr. Kissin

[@Zula_The_Squid]

@@BeKindToBirds It feels like his interpretations are Kissin my ears

[@Kim-fv5bn]

그는 연타에 뛰어난 감각을 지닌듯...무겁지도 가볍지도 않은 탁월한 탄성이 느껴집니다~~~ 우아wow..전반적 곡해석, 전개, 완급조절... 👍

[@adam28xx]

Google Translate from the Korean ... "He seems to have an excellent sense of hitting ... He has excellent elasticity that is neither heavy nor light~~~ Elegant overall interpretation, development, and quick adjustment."

[@zonzi9275]

Whether it’s technically correct or not, I feel immensely privileged that via youtube we get to listen to some of the greatest classical songs ever interpreted through Evgeny’s brain. What a marvel.

[@RC-qf3mp]

There is no “technically correct.” He showed everybody there who’s boss. Art can dominate. And that’s what he did.

[@adam28xx]

I use 'Google Translate' to convert foreign language comments to English to make sure they are not libelous, rude or even downright nasty. If they are, then I delete them. Just letting you know!

[@noponn8007]

ok good

[@tuxedomoon]

Genius , simply , he plays it fast but he supports it to the end!

[@j.a.8992]

I play this piece, but I don't play whatever he just played. Amazing!

[@AnastasiaHronis]

The best performance of this piece that I've heard!

[@sergeivasilievichrachmanin8106]

To all those people who say this was too fast, have a message from the composer of this piece: This is the best interpretation, and it was meant to be fast. Also, if anyone insults Kissin's hair again, I will find them.

[@SymphonyBrahms]

Kissin is brilliant. He is the greatest pianist in the world.

[@astro11223]

The Afro enhances his powers

[@skatonio]

This is absolutely the best interpretation by far.

[@rodrigocamacho8834]

most definitely!

[@O-sa-car]

it's really good but Van Cliburn's is my fave

[@konstantin1943]

Listen to Richter

[@thorlabs2588]

Never heard a better interpretation than this.

[@rahang4126]

Have a listen to this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoKlaKidf9N7ndU

[@Ирина-н3ц1с]

Боже, как было тяжело написать такое сложное произведение, а так же его блестяще сыграть! Браво Кисину и низкий поклон великому Рахманинову

[@adam28xx]

Google translate: "God, how hard it was to write such a complex piece, as well as play it brilliantly! Bravo Kissin and a deep bow to the great Rachmaninov."

[@LucasPianoSalon]

@@adam28xx Please post the whole video, including the concerto, other prelude, and interview. Thank you.

[@adam28xx]

@@LucasPianoSalon ... Most of it has already been posted here by someone else! ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqWpZICsqLySZpY

[@LucasPianoSalon]

@@adam28xx But the video is very blur and has an annoying buzzing noise. Please repost it in HD without the buzzing noise

[@adam28xx]

@@LucasPianoSalon ... I don't hear any buzzing noise. Anyway, try this one as well ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGSndWWmbt6KhNE ... I no longer have the complete performance. It was recorded on a VHS video and as these have now become obsolete, I have thrown them all out!

[@marvingamasmanuel4889]

What I like with his interpretation the most was the inner voicing how he accented it sounding like out of bass and treble

[@sallysanton3168]

I could listen to you all day. I absolutely adore your playing.

[@xiaolingeng8639]

I'm going to perform in the royal Albert Hall soon

[@justinphilipose2257]

• kawaii4ever • good luck bro

[@martamariotto1181]

Wow... What are you going to play.... That is such a great accomplishment.....

[@danielhankes6879]

Did you do it? How did it go?

[@jimc1466]

Rachmaninov would have been thrilled

[@こなな-c7d]

緩急がはっきりしていて素敵です。ここまで迫力のある5番を初めて聴きました。

[@iGavinProductions]

Too fast my ass. Kissin's interpretation of the piece is fantastic.

[@mrpankau]

Agreed. This piece is meant to be played fast, anyway. Not a wise thing to criticize Kissin's interpretation of anything Russian, unless you yourself can provide a comparable alternative.

[@sergeirachmaninoff4076]

Easy.

[@murtonmusic3053]

Sure

[@tomh0304]

@@murtonmusic3053 read the name of the person who commented it. It’s a joke

[@murtonmusic3053]

Yeah I know

[@noponn8007]

wow, the tempo he plays this at is unbelievable

[@paulzeng6211]

played this for one year and it's still very sweet to my ear.

[@edwardchio9247]

Paul Zeng so

[@ibuprofen303]

It took you a year to play it? You must have been playing it very slowly :D

[@ibuprofen303]

:D

[@ibuprofen303]

I'm here all week. I also play a great Hotel Lobby lounge music on an electric piano setting.

[@raymondgood2359]

the greatest pianist of our age.

[@marinas5114]

Талант от Бога... любимый Женя Кисин, гордость советской школы...

[@НикитаТутов-с3ж]

НЕТ НЕ КАКОЙ СОВЕТСКОЙ ШКОЛЫ. ЕСТЬ ОДНА ВЕЛИКАЯ РУССКАЯ ШКОЛА

[@розамимоза-у9ш]

Почему ? Именно в Советское время открылись музыкальные школы, во всем мире нет ничего похожего. Музыкальное образование было доступно для всех одаренных детей, а не только для тугих кошельков. Это замечательно, что великая русская школа жива и сейчас. Столько много великолепных исполнителей : Иван Бессонов, Александр Малофеев, Александра Довгань ...много ..один Елисей Мысин чего стоит.

[@virginiaconde1670]

Even though one of my favourite versions of this piece is not by him, I really, really like his interpretation of it. I don't think that the speed of the first section takes anything off from it... what a beautiful contrast between the very intense, fast sections and the mellow ones! It's full of nuances. But then again, if one's ear is accustomed to a specific tempo when listening to a piece, anything different from that will sound off.

[@Mickthetechnerd]

My favourite Rachmaninov piano prelude!!!

[@sayo-momo-coco-suzuhirorin3236]

キーシンのアンコールはいつも楽しみなのですがこの演奏を聴けた方達は本当に幸せでしたね。聴きたかった‼️。

[@shizukahayashi5023]

聞きたい

[@gabolton116]

Great performance. I'm undecided about the speed. Professionals always play pieces faster than I do, of course, but that fast speed does bring together the phrases and movements into a beautiful whole. On the other hand I like a slightly slower pace because I can hear the interesting details better which are not enjoyed as much when they are zipped past.

[@jaydenv8557]

gabolton116 I agree entirely

[@rayfan9876]

I absolutely love the pace at which he took the middle section, but there are a couple select parts I find rushed. The four chords at 1:09 for instance, when I play it I include a sharp dramatic slowdown because it seems totally sensible to me that there'd be one there. 2:55 is another one - I love lingering on the D for a moment, then accelerating the repeated Gm until you're back up to the original speed by the end of the phrase. Honestly though, his technique and interpretation are great, I just really wish more performers took their time on specific parts of the piece I think deserve more attention than they're given.

[@lucieh6210]

Definitely the best version of this prelude!!

[@gingerhottie3902]

I think this version is my favourite.

[@adam28xx]

To those who complain about his tempo I suggest they listen to Rachmaninov's own recording. Evgeny's tempo is virtually identical ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fF7dfIqdn9eCo6s

[@pauldong]

people say it's too fast because they can't make it fast with the insane technique, so it's the best in his temple.

[@mistermozartx9414]

Rhinosaur playing fast doesent mean you Can Play ist good...

[@Miksu__]

@@mistermozartx9414 Here he played it fast and well

[@RC-qf3mp]

The piano walked home sore after this.

[@brynjarhoff-lr6hw]

Please let this pianist play in our world in 2023.. Brynjar Hoff

[@konstantinkosanovich7333]

I wish i could meet him!One of the greatest pianists!:)

[@andy85s71]

My favourite interpretation! Just perfect! The right tempo!

[@jaehyuncho9641]

THE BEST Prelude in G minor Performance!!!!

[@LanziBen]

Lol check Berezovsky

[@jaehyuncho9641]

Kissin > Berezovsky, no offence though; really a personal opinion

[@LanziBen]

Jaehyun Cho no no I don't disagree with you at all. Kissin is a fucking legend. I just don't understand why he feels the need to play A MARCH at such a fast tempo

[@jaehyuncho9641]

Well, an interesting interpretation though. I personally prefer his interpretation than the original tempo. Probably because I listened to this before any other recordings XD

[@esterleng860]

Great performance, great hair

[@cattleman6420012000]

This was an encore. There was incredible excitement. I love this playing. when he played in Dublin he got at least seven curtain calls. His Stravinsky was unbelievably great and brilliant. He played wonderfully soft sensitive pieces as well. He is incredibly great !!

[@jasongoodin]

Humans are absolutely amazing beings. Even if you don't believe in a higher being.....this is proof you should.

[@RIB0S0ME]

that's exactly how I would want to play it - if I could. I love the restlessness that drives the piece.

[@exomin4309]

for all of you who think it’s too fast: this is a robust and exciting piece. It’s almost like an etude (considering all of the octave jumps and such). Would you like to have a slow, peaceful piece from this intentionally exciting piece? “Prelude” means almost nothing. Take Chopins etude op 10 no 6. That’s not an “etude”.

[@rampgamercracka4258]

Actually, Chopin's Etude no 6 from the Opus 10 is an etude in the execution of legato. If you had played it, you would recognize it's difficulty. Personally, after having played the 12 Etudes Opus 10 in a competition, I would say that No. 6 wouldn't be the easiest on of all. In fact, I would say that Nos. 5, 9, and 3 are all easier to perform correctly than no. 6

[@naail1267]

good point

[@smileybrotherslawncare9599]

so great evgeny! great speed and timing!