The Art Tatum Variation in Rachmaninoff's Paganini Rhapsody (ft. Jackie Parker)

[@Sincebrassnorstone]

The former principal flute of the Pittsburgh symphony, Bernard Goldberg, told me he heard Art Tatum live once. In between sets, he was playing a prelude and fugue from Bachs Well Tempered Clavier but it was in thr wrong key! Bernie went up and asked about this. Tatum replied that he could play them in all the keys🤯🙏❤

[@hands4516]

Thank you for that fascinating information. There is a similar story where Art was playing at a club. A woman brought Art a piece of classical music. She asked Art to he play it for her. Art held the music close to his functioning eye for a few minutes. Art was almost completely blind; however, he was known to have a phenomenal memory. Art then handed the music back to the lady and asked: "Which key [would you like me to play it in] ?". This story is reminiscent of Liszt who could also transpose pieces on sight. Just amazing individuals...

[@kevinkay-bradley2253]

Wow!!

[@donnamealy4877]

Sounds like Mr. Tatum had the same piano proficiency prof as I! Wish I could play half as well. 😊

[@MrTang-qo9wm]

Tatum was also playing in a club in Manhattan where people were talking while he was playing, and he stopped and shouted, "Shut up, you m******f*****s!"

[@stephenbrown3653]

This is how jazz musicians are taught to practice. All songs, phrases, etc. in all 12 keys. Tatum is a 🐐

[@marquamfurniture]

What a great conversation. As a non-musician, it told me much how music is made....how pianists play and interact with an orchestra. Mr. Parker has a wonderful explanatory style!

[@andywright8803]

Not just with an orchestra. I started my musical career in a rock band in '75 and even though I was just the percussionist, it was clear that the 'solo' stuff was a sometimes long conversation between Piano and lead guitar with occasional interjections by myself or bass. We had full control over what we played as long as it was part of a conversation the audience, when we played was so involved with this conversation, after a performance, I could overhear stuff like "the pianist really won that argument ". I was only 10 and just beginning my musical career in a rock band that was heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin, the Doors and Santana. If only I could go back

[@marquamfurniture]

@@andywright8803 You weren't "just a percussionist," you were the salt and pepper that made it happen.

[@dianecourtney2724]

@@andywright8803 White Queen. Freddie Mercury’s piano and Brian May’s guitar singing to each other ✌🏼

[@harvardkarbodie]

I just want to give a shout out to whomever is doing the video editing of this and other tonebase videos. The cuts between explanations and actual performance are very helpful in their own right and downright poetic.

[@tkldr]

Agree! J cuts are the perfect choice to immerse the viewer.

[@jimkelseymusiccjh]

I love Parker's analyzation of the motive! Rachmaninoff was overlooked by the classical (atonal) elites for so many years. It is nice to see he is finally getting recognized for his fantastic compositional skills.

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

Why didn't you include the oh-so-popular word "UNDERRATED"??...lol

[@AshTownsend]

Analyzation??! No doubt you're afraid of being burglarized.

[@KevinFitzMauriceEverett]

Have always loved Art Tatum, and he always amazes people when I introduce them to him.

[@cdavham]

This lesson helps me hear the music in this collection of notes. ✨

[@downpatmusic]

The difference between 4:20 and Art Tatum is the fact that Art is separating each note like a string of pearls. By "detaching" each note/key he creates infinite headroom in tempo/speed never completely tapping that space between the notes. You hear each note starting and ending. Where others get into trouble is trying to do what Tatum did BUT by using even the slightest finger legato, defined by the overlapping of each note by holding the previous note down. NO, Tatum did not do this, listen at half speed and you will hear it. The mind appreciates the difference in technique as this alone enables relaxation and increases speed without tension. This also allows for a better swing, groove.

[@HermanIngram]

Word salad.

[@peev2]

@@HermanIngram for those Thant don’t understand it might seem like one.

[@faithhopecharity2843]

@@HermanIngram What OP meant is Tatum made the vibration time of each note very short, thus less mixed noise. But perhaps the key is in in the pedal. Dont press the sustain pedal at all. If this is still a word salad to you, please reconsider going back to school.

[@HermanIngram]

If Rachmaninov was black and Tatum was white, you woke clowns would praise Rachmaninov and condemn Tatum. Tatum had a fine technique, but Rachmaninov was one of the great musical figures of all time. There is a huge difference between compositional art and silly noodling, no matter how virtuosic that noodling might be.

[@HermanIngram]

@Lunar Orbit What I say is a fact. The fact that the truth bothers you is not my problem.

[@patriciagraham222]

This piece is absolute magic - I so admire all the performers doing their 'bit' - Rachmaninoff - blows the mind! Great Lesson Art Tatum - wonderful pianist.

[@michaelpisani5962]

He is a true Maestro. He is so clear on explaining nuances and performing. Wow.

[@konstantin1943]

Mr. Parker is so adorable person, love him very much! ♥️ Rachmaninoff is my all time favourite with the russian and american style combined

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

I may be totally adrift on this, but watching that music performed on piano is 1000x better than just hearing it from disc or spotify.

[@eggizgud]

Always so much to discover in Rach's pieces.

[@mikestrickland]

Excellent Presentation. Parker's articulate prowess pianistically and verbally shines. So insightful. I'm in my 63rd year playing. 52 years professionally. Constantly learning still. That's the beauty of music. Kudos to all involved in putting this out.

[@FreshAirRules]

That was so well explained AND demonstrated. Jackie always had such powerful technique, even from a very young age. But here he demonstrates delicacy and such purity in the notes. Truly on another level.

[@OE1FEU]

The very moment I saw JKP play this chromatic passage with alternating inner and outer finger I immediately thought of the physiognomy behind it - and I was truly happy that he addressed this as "I need wrist rotation for this." The analogy to this passage, albeit in a monumentally larger scale, is Chopin Op.25 No.11 - and if you do this without wrist rotation, just with the fingers it will a) not be loud enough and b) your forearm, pinky and thumb muscles will hurt. I strongly recommend the specific section on wrist rotation in György Sandór's "On Piano Playing" book, which translates music written for piano into movements that uses a pianist's arm, wrist, fingers in the most efficient way to actually play it without tiring.

[@louise_rose]

Maurice Ravel was a fan of 1920s jazz too, you can sense it in his joyful, nostalgic piano concerto, written in the early 1930s.

[@romanieo]

I came for the "Tatum" and stayed because of Parker's channeling Leonard Bernstein in his exposition. Great video. Glad I subscribed a few months ago.

[@dkant4511]

Whether the quote about Art Tatum is factually attributed to Horowitz or Rachmaninoff is besides the point. It's true! Tatum was the real wonder of the 20th century

[@nathanreiber6819]

many wonders of the 20th century...

[@bluedutch01]

He was surely amazing at what he did.... but no, not all the 'real wonder'.

[@ABbeachbum]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@michaelfoxbrass]

A wonder for sure. His technique came from inside his mind, not from the schools of various teachers. Sheer will and creativity drove him.

[@stillnessflowing9480]

Andre Previn said publicly in a discussion with Oscar Peterson on stage before an audience that he heard Horowitz make the claim about Tatum.

[@acuriousergeorge]

I've read elsewhere that Rachmaninoff had trouble with the ending of the 24th variation and worried about playing it correctly for the premiere. Benno Moiseiwitsch told him to have a drink before the played to steady his nerves. Rachmaninoff chose creme de menthe. The first performance went well, so Rachmaninoff continued the practice and referred to it as the creme de menthe variation. Outstanding presentation. It was nice to hear Parker play again. I had not heard of him for a while, but it seems that some really great pianists tire of traveling and performing and prefer academia. That's the path Ralph Votapek (winner of the first Van Cliburn) took. Look for some of his recent recordings - he's still a master.

[@tonebasePiano]

Parker tells the creme de menthe story in his extended lesson on the piece (but he doesn't recommend it to pianists working on the piece! :)

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

**WOW!!** From now on, the 24th will be the *CDM* variation for me. 'Way to go, Rach!...(ROFL)

[@WakadooPlaypen]

Brilliant, thank you. As a TV composer for 35yrs, I was asked many times to reference this piece. This deep dive was invaluable.

[@evifnoskcaj]

Out of curiousity, who are you? I can't find the music publishing company you have listed anywhere.

[@lt_johnmcclane]

@@evifnoskcajI guess they didn’t wanna dox themselves to satisfy your curiosity

[@shawnchristopherwhite3271]

I've performed the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini many times since the age of 16. I'm 50 now - and variation 15 (I always called it the "jazz variation" is my FAVOURITE variation of the whole work - it is gorgeous!).

[@JK-pd7jf]

I enjoyed this lesson and would welcome more like this. I didn't realise that Rach was fusing a bit of jazz with this, which makes him even more my favourite composer. So he was not old fashioned after all! Please provide more educational videos like this especially for Rach's 150th anniversary. Many thanks.

[@daveluttinen2547]

Rachmaninoff loved playing jazz improvisation. An acquaintance heard him play variations on the tune "Sing Halleluah" from "Hit the Deck" and he brought the party to a halt. This clinic is wonderful and brought a much needed smile to my face.

[@ejourneys]

Thank you for this. Rachmaninoff had been my father's favorite composer, and about 99 percent of the albums of my childhood were of classical music. The remaining one percent included "The Complete Art Tatum Piano Discoveries" from 1961. I had never connected the two, and never learned whether my father had (though I wouldn't be surprised if he did). Now, of course, it seems entirely obvious.

[@filmscorefreak]

I did a report many years ago about Tatum, which included his influence on Rach and this variation. Great vid.

[@Steve_K2]

Mr Parker's name wasn't new to this non-musician, but the video surprises me with his skill in both playing and teaching. We seem to be living in a golden age of pianists. (Khatia and Yuja especially.)

[@wesdo77]

What a wonderful presentation!

[@username7497]

Genius also I need to listen to more Art Tatum!

[@mikedaniels3009]

Jon Kimura Parker is da man, at last a classical sheet music turbo pianist who is a MUSICIAN in his own right and the proper sense of the term, who can play by ear, go ad-lib off-road into jazz & improvisation. Cheers, great video.

[@ltravail]

His remark at 2:55 to Tatum's closing on "Yesterdays"..."Classical pianists can't do that"...gave me a chuckle. That's similar to what everybody who saw Art Tatum in his hey day would say. Tatum's approach to jazz piano was so heavily influenced by the 19th century European piano virtuosos that it's sometimes difficult to conceive of Tatum as a "jazz" pianist at all. Of course, a musician of Tatum's remarkable musical imagination and incomparable mastery of the instrument would have died a slow death had he been restricted solely to the classical idiom. In fact, Tatum - like other musicians of the jazz form such as Ellington and even Miles Davis - did not like to be referred to as a "jazz" musician. The late great jazz educator and pianist, Barry Harris, always asserted that jazz is the American extension of the European classical idiom...that jazz musicians are indeed "classical" musicians. Tatum also always resisted hoping on the bandwagon of popular developments in jazz in his day...musical trends such as bebop. Instead, he brilliantly synthesized elements of the European classical idiom with those of American blues, ragtime-stride, and popular music of the "Great American Song Book." This (and his incomparable technique) made Tatum such an interesting, challenging and complex subject of study (technical study in particular). So it's no wonder he is iconic in the halls of conservatories around the world...more so than, say, a strictly bebop jazz great like Bud Powell.

[@marktilley7222]

Great insight.

[@joechindamo1948]

I agree entirely.

[@susanbryant6516]

@@joechindamo1948 star struck seeing you comment here. Looking forward seeing you perform at Brunswick Beethoven Festival.

[@paxwallace8324]

Yes but regardless Powell's police bestowed concussion didn't help his situation. Also the fact that Jazz great Jazz in fact is perfectly possible without virtuosity. Certainly not the sort that classical musicians would recognize.

[@ltravail]

@@paxwallace8324 "Jazz in fact is perfectly possible without virtuosity." True. So is any music, including classical. Virtuosity is something a musician aspires to, but only a few are ever considered to have achieved it. In jazz, Tatum made it one of those things to aspire to...as Mel Powell once noted. And musicians like Charlie Parker stood on Tatum's shoulders in that regard. In both classical and jazz you have to be well-trained, but training alone doesn't make a virtuoso. That's a capability only a few are born with and develop.

[@flexaeterna]

I am hearing this in a totally new dimension now thanks to this.

[@eugenephillips481]

This was a beautiful lesson.

[@johnhaines6768]

Your videos are fun, informative, educational, and focus on things we really want to know as pianists. Fabulous! Thank you!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

I just had a marvelous lesson with a master! I am embarrassed by my ignorance of his name. But exhilarating it was-- humbly I thank him.

[@brucecampbell2171]

friends call him 'Jackie' Parker.

[@hansvanniekerk768]

@@brucecampbell2171 You mean like that clip of 'If I fell' with Henry Mancini with the Beatles? Paul introduces Henry Mancini, and says that 'friends call him 'HANK'. Then Paul turns to him, and asks: "Ready, Henry ?" To which Henry responds with: "Ready ... JOHN !"

[@tesmith47]

Yeah, cultural / racial segregation in america

[@danmalic6688]

On the topic of jazz and Rachmaninoff. A famous local jazz band was playing in Royal York Imperial Room in Toronto. It does not get better than that. At the end of a set a gentleman walked to the band stand, took off hat and deeply bowed to the shocked and speechless band members. He then quickly left the room. The gentlemen was Rachmaninoff. The story was told by the band leader who added that he felt like never playing again, as he had reached the apex his talent allowed him. Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!🎼

[@WPM_in_ATL]

May I ask when this took place? I have only been to the Royal York Imperial Room once...that was to see Ella Fitzgerald perform. Forgot to bring a tie & sport jacket...had to race to a NW suburb of Toronto and rip them off a buddy at work (movie theater manager) and race back downtown for the show. For Ella, it was well worth the trouble.

[@WPM_in_ATL]

Oh, BTW, was that "famous local jazz band" Rob McConnell's (or one of the offshoots)?

[@spinedoc18]

Fascinating! When I took classical piano lessons as a kid I had a natural predilection to syncopate what I was playing. My dad, a music major and amateur composer and my little brother with perfect pitch, gave me grief over this. This overlap and influence of classical and jazz on each other helps give me validation so many years later. Thanks.

[@martinbecklen6486]

Exceptional video, in so many ways. I've never heard of Mr. Parker, but, what a talent!!! Thanks to all who created this video. So moving.

[@jadeowenhamblyn4405]

Jon Kimura Parker - what a great teacher. I play guitar, have never attempted Rachmaninoff of any kind. I learned a lot :)

[@adamblock5141]

Keep these videos coming! Great work 👏🎶

[@Peter-oh3hc]

That humans can create and play at this level amazes me

[@miltonmoore8369]

God, the "DIVINE ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE AND CREATOR OF ALL THINGS" is the amazing, miraculous and incomprehensible force responsible for this. "I OWE TO GOD THE GIFTS GIVEN TO ME, TO GOD ALONE. WITHOUT HIM, I AM NOTHING." Sergei Vasilievitch Rachmaninoff

[@ajpr3404]

Thank you so much. How many of Art Tatum's contemporaries were aware that they were witnessing historical moments that humanity would remember for as long as humans have existed?

[@jangtheconqueror]

I remember the first time I heard Art Tatum, in high school. I regret to say that it kind of discouraged me from pursuing jazz piano any further, cause I would never be that good. But I do still enjoy him and Oscar Peterson's music anyway

[@twoshedsful]

Apparently Tatum said to Peterson “If you have to hate me, that’s OK.”

[@mjcs6399]

Music and artistry like this makes me truly treasure life. No kidding. And I love this discussion and video. Thank you!

[@donstone7103]

Great, educational presentation. The pianist instructor is amazingly gifted.

[@danielgloverpiano7693]

I can relate to the terror you feel the first time you perform this work. I was so afraid of Var 15 that I literally dreamt it the whole night before the performance. It was on continuous loop like a nightmare. It didn’t help that the conductor told me at the dress rehearsal that the last time he did it the pianist had a memory slip in that variation and it fell apart. Great!! I got through it OK, but it probably sounded like a frantic mess. After the first experience, I relaxed and it didn’t freak me out so much on subsequent performances. I have a feeling every pianist feels the same as I did the first time.

[@TedHopp]

This reminds me of another comment about Art Tatum, attributed to Fats Waller: "Ladies and gentlemen, God is in the house tonight. May I introduce Art Tatum."

[@daveharrison648]

Reportedly, Ray Charles said, “I learned a little about the piano, but I was never qualified to carry Art Tatum’s sh*t bucket.”

[@drjjpdc]

@@daveharrison648 Another story that Les Paul related was that he was playing Jazz piano and when he heard Tatum, he switched to guitar.

[@dlabr8088]

Oscar Peterson said he quit for a little while after hearing Tatum for the first time. "...Tatum was generous with younger players, but his extraordinary technical brilliance often devastated them. No less a talent than Oscar Peterson remembers that after first hearing Tatum, "I gave up the piano for two solid months, and I had crying fits at night."

[@tylerbuck9347]

I need to tell you something of critcal importance! I care about you as a person, and ( just know that you are listening to a hypocrite telling you these things I'm about to tell you; I don't honor them always as I should ) I very much urge you to listen to this to the finish: The scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ died for people's sins- I speak for all who are children of God through faith in Jesus the Christ and His gospel, which can be thought of as being the story of Jesus's life, His purposes for being sent, and what He accomplished to win our salvation: now receive the knowledge of this truth: that our nature is sinful and that we have transgressed God and owe Him a debt of justice to be repaid; ( being hell; just forget your human logic behind justice ); we all are sinners and by default are due for the judgement of our sin, but with God's remarkable free gift of justification and forgiveness, with the work of Christ's life, the death+punishment and resurrection from the dead, being the "means" you could say, for this salvation of ours (the believers) to be won for us: whoever will have their faith ( and, according to my interpretation that this is not just a hearing of the facts, and claiming to yourself or to others "I believe it" with your mouth, and doesn't cause you to live according to the life Christ set out for us; but this rather is a faith that cries out to God "have MERCY on me!" and depends on Him ( Jesus and His finished work ) as your only hope for forgiveness and being saved, that through Him, you'll be pardoned from the Judgement of your Sins by God, because of His finished work, in what He came into this life to do, and you be reborn, ( a change of heart about your life and reality with your new knowledge of the truth, the truth that sets you free ) and be saved! Now, being a believer is not wearing a cross chain or putting a cross bumper sticker on your car or reposting some Christian meme on your phone; in fact there's so many people who *think* they're Christian, but they're living a lie, and that's scary. Faith without works is dead, and although we are saved by faith alone, the faith that SAVES is NEVER alone; thats like claiming you trust someone to catch you, but you won't do the trust fall to let them catch you; now if you believe Jesus, live according to the life he set out for us. ( we won't be perfect at it though ). Upon believing, once God marks you as His Own with the presence of the Holy Spirit ( the Spirit and power of God) in your heart, which will dwell within you!, this will bring about a life, bearing fruits for God! And you will be reborn as a new creature! With a renewed heart, no longer being a slave to your own sin but now walking by the Spirit ( described by the Bible as being a Comforter, Teacher, and Convictor of your sin to your conscience ) and not by the flesh (the will of your sinful self, and passions contrary to the things of God). Basically in simpler terms that with being born again, with the Holy Spirit entering you forever, the Holy Spirit will influence your conscience/heart, prompting you away from walking in the deadness of the ways of your sin ( albeit, we won't be perfectly successful at it in this life; the Bible says that the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak; the Spirit and the flesh do battle against each other in the being of a person; we won't go on to be sinless, but surely we will sin - LESS, because Christ came not only to save us from the consequence of sin, but also from the power and influence of sin as we live out our lives ); repent your sins! Repent. Turn away from your sins ( again, I am hypocritical for saying this because I can always be better at honoring all these things I'm saying ), but dont take lightly the knowledge of the things of God and the chance you have to be saved in this life! Repent and believe in Christ and Christ's Gospel! Amen, i hope all who read this have a heart to hear; eternity is ETERNITY, and this life is NOT eternity; it's like a vapor in the wind; and again, the whole overall theme of everything I'm saying is GOOD NEWS- that's literally what "gospel" means, good news! We HAVE a savior! The Son of God Jesus Christ! What a glorious thing! And a strong hope for eternal life! There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus; they have passed from death ( and hell ) to life! My prayers and best wishes to you all who read this, Grace and Peace from the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father be with you!! ❤

[@andrewbarrett1537]

This is masterful analysis and performance! And having listened to Art Tatum’s recordings for probably 20 years now, I definitely, unequivocally, hear the influence. And Mr Tatum himself listed his two favorite pianists as Lee Sims and Fats Waller, so there might be a bit of them in there, plus everyone else he heard (since he had absolute pitch).

[@Rt-uu4yo]

Amazing lesson. This is the difference between performances extraordinary and the ones that put you to sleep.

[@1900intz]

Fantastic! Thank you. LOVE Rachmaninoff

[@williammitchell1804]

Art Tatum was born with an eye disease that blinded him for most of his life. I have a collections of his music and it is beyond amazing.

[@doctorpatient519]

an insight as to Tatum's style put forth by Dr Billy Taylor, a maestro in his own right, is that because of his vision problem (not being able to see the keyboard clearly) he "visited" many other notes in between where he was an where he wanted to go Tatum's genius, of course, was in how he figured out which notes to use as he traveled from musical "place to place" FWiW, I recall a wonderful series on PBS with Taylor and various pianists discussing styles and experiences and one particular episode featured Andre Watts, who dazzled with some extraordinary playing, but whose jaw could be seen literally dropping during some exquisite improvising by Dr Taylor, even stopping him -- loudly -- in the middle of a passage saying "Wait! Wait! What is that thing you're doing there?" with Taylor grinning, happy to oblige Watts to explain the ups and downs, the inversions and substitutions he could draw from in his vast musical experience

[@cadaverdog1424]

He was partially-sighted.

[@jayclarke5466]

Partially sighted …but could he read scores and visually learn all the voicing of Rach n Brahms? I doubt it…further underscoring his brilliance

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Well he reportedly had extremely acute absolute pitch, al although at one point he was sighted enough to study scores with his one better eye, he didn’t exactly need to, if he heard someone play it perfectly for him. He could play it back.

[@Jamestown-y9j]

@@jayclarke5466 all these world class pianist testify to Mr. Tatum 's brilliance and YOU, Jay Clarke pianist expert doubts his abilities List your music accomplishments and where can it be found so the masses can enjoy your talents.

[@autumnleaves2766]

Brilliant analysis, fascinating. Thanks for posting. I'm a huge fan of both Rachmaninov and Art Tatum.

[@robbes7rh]

Wonderful. Delightful. Insightful. Entertaining, and Inspiring. Jackie has such great economy of motion and elegant rapport with the instrument. I didn't know Rachmaninoff hung around NYC jazz venues in the 1930s and that he was as impressed with the artistry and technical facility of Art Tatum as I and so many others still are today. The World Wide Web was originally conceived so that people across the globe who desire high quality cultural content like this can experience it with a click of a mouse.

[@1389Chopin]

I have known of jon kimura for a long time - never knew he went by jackie parker. Respect to rice as a houstonian myself

[@brandonbergmusictheory3453]

And I remember being surprised when I found out that his name was actually Jon Kimura, not Jackie (which is what everybody called him back then--I thought it was a CFL reference, but that's what growing up in Edmonton will do). Wonderful discussion.

[@rayhutchinson640]

This was really pleasant! I clicked on it expecting to simply experience a performance but was fascinated by the educational journey on which it took me. Thank you!

[@leoinsf]

Best analysis of this amazing piece from a pianist who knows this piece from the inside. I remember Arthur Rubenstein's recording back in the 50's, but Jon Kimura's performance comes from a complete understanding of Rach's composition!!!

[@christianvennemann9008]

I was initially expecting this video to talk about the "big jazz band" moment right after the explicit Dies irae quotation in Variation 10, but I wasn't disappointed. Awesome video, as always!

[@deliusfan]

Ah, Larry, I miss him so much. He was an absolutely marvelous conductor to play under, I was happy to see the little tribute to him at the end of this. Parker’s manner here is excellent, he’s talking about things we all need to reflect on as a musician, playing notes simply as “fast” is a tendency in all of us we have to suppress. The poetry comes out when we finally acknowledge and follow the phrasing.

[@tunatuna6723]

I was fortunate enough to see him lead the RI Philharmonic in some memorable performances about 20 years ago. RIP

[@andremouss2536]

Jon Kimura Parker... Sorry I didn't hear about you before, you are a real discovery to me. Your approach in music, the philosophy which transcends your words is absolutely wonderful - and the sincerity of your plain arguments. Those students you teach are happy human beings, truly ! Keep on the good work, man!

[@cheri238]

Excellent as always. Thank you very much. 🙏❤️🌍🕊🎵🎶 Gould blew me away, also. Stravinsky!!! Bach, it always comes back to Bach. ❤️

[@DaveTexas]

This video just popped up in my feed on KZbin. I love it! The Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is in my top 10 favorite pieces of music ever written, so I always love learning more about it. Sadly, I’ve never been able to play it. It’s simply beyond my skill level. I am a classical-music professional, but I studied mainly theory and voice, with just enough piano to get by. What hooked me immediately into this video was the beard, though. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m always smitten by a perfect beard. Ben’s is beautiful!

[@markfischer3626]

Rachmaninoff gets my vote as the greatest composer of the 20th century. There is something about most of his music that just seems to fit my brain patterns in a way that never loses its fascination. There are so many wonderful performances of his major (and minor) works it is hard for me to pick favorites. However he was not my favorite composer of symphonies for the 20th century. (my favorite is Shostakovich 5 and my favorite performance is Stokowski conducting the Stadium Symphony Orchestra on Everest which is actually the New York Philharmonic but Columbia Records had a contract where only their recordings could carry that name.) I can see the clear connection between the Rhapsody and the jazz of Art Tatum. Very interesting. I'd never known that before. Thanks. As for the orchestra and soloist being in sync I'm sure you know the famous story about Glenn Gould and Leonard Bernstein who disagreed on the tempo of a concert piece where they performed together. At the concert they started together and that was the last time they were, each going at his own pace never in sync right through all of it. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Gould preferred to make recordings instead of give live performances.

[@leoinsf]

Rach's Second Symphony might not be a great work of symphonic dimension, but I always have an emotional breakdown when I listen to it. Rach is one of the great composers no matter how sentimental he writes!

[@JSB2500]

"never loses its fascination" 👍🙂

[@ProgettoMemoria]

Nice take! I could agree considering he mainly kept his epic 19th century romantic style together with Puccini. The greatest for me are Shostakovitch (every note and piece!) and Britten. But Ravel, Debbusy and Bartok are up there as well. So many different styles. To each his own...

[@accordiontv1]

The 18 variation is the theme in the major inverted

[@paulwhetstone0473]

Wow, that was some clean video editing of a master pianist interpreting a master composer.

[@georgenorris2657]

"then finally . . . . strum . . . ".! love this piece and wow he makes it all sound so effortless.

[@artysanmobile]

This interpretation, or should I call it portrayal, of Rachmaninoff’s composing in the solo sections is a revelation. It makes perfect sense of course despite our never hearing it that way in an orchestral performance, so much so I can’t unhear it ever. I’ll look forward to hearing Rachmaninoff in a new context after Jackie’s insight.

[@smallnad1]

I was in heaven. Thank you from Russia!

[@worrellrobinson4332]

Well done tonebase this was an enjoyable look into this variation of Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody with Jackie Parker. keep up the great work kind regards Mr Worrell Robinson.

[@liquiditey]

Imagine if they collaborated together on a piano piece for two pianos :0

[@ejb7969]

Just the thought of this makes my day!

[@ronl7131]

Chick Corea & Hiromi duets so very good….

[@BruceBoschek]

This was amazingly instructive and explanatory. Thank you very much, Mr. Parker.

[@mangomerkel2005]

Love the ending...this perfect F Major Chord! Well done in the end! 13:24 Every time, it almost makes me cry...

[@donhulbert1913]

Wonderfully illuminating! I enjoyed hearing him talk about his process.

[@seanhallahan14]

Thank you so much for this! This is such exquisite learning! Such a privilege. So grateful..

[@timthompson1603]

Wonderful commentary! Thank you for providing very practical performance insights. Also, always admire the musicianship and virtuosity of Art Tatum. Thanks for sharing the video of Mr. Tatum.

[@victorkonon]

Thank you for all your insights!

[@suzancwilson436]

I HAD NO IDEA RACHMONINOFF LOVED THE GIANT OF JAZZ.. ART TATUM!!! WOWWWWWEEE!! IT'S ALL INTERCONNECTED!! FASCINATING!! AS MR. SPOCK.. WOULD SAY!! YOUR A FANTASTIC PIANIST ALSO.. MR. PETERS!! PLAY ON!! BEAUTIFULLY!!! SUZZAN C WILSON❤❤❤💋

[@nivaldotavarespiano]

Wow, What a lesson!! It’s a very clear conversation about musical and technical possibilities. Wonderful, bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@_gilmusica]

Just thank you for this kind of videos! Please continue. It’s amazing and very interesting and I can’t believe it’s free!

[@interex956]

Thank you for this. Very insightful.

[@KarlSmith-p5r]

I know nothing at all about music theory but what is very clear to me from watching this video, especially the sections with Jackie Parker, is that words can't really explain what is communicated in music just as they can't truly describe the feelings in a painting. Painting and music are different languages that can express ideas that cannot be effectively put into words. That''s the point! Fascinating really!!

[@Mig29tvc]

Rachmaninov is unreal genius.

[@DavidBoycePiano]

Fascinating discussion, and great Yamaha CFX piano!

[@xanderblamey1172]

That transition at 7:15 was so clean

[@musical_lolu4811]

My most favorite variation really, the 18th being second. Nice to see it get some due attention.

[@Dbsabzbzb]

Another one of Rachmaninov’s pieces I love that sports a modern influence is his song “Daisies”, also and especially, the piano transcription, it’s lovely...

[@harvey364]

Even before Groundhog Day, I believe Somewhere in Time also made this song popular to moviegoers.

[@johnschlesinger2009]

Marvellous playing!

[@thorenjohn]

Fabulous production, content, and style. Thanks so much!

[@Wilkins_Micawber]

I’ve loved this music from hearing for the first time. I never tire of it. It reinvigorates me mentally.

[@robertdore9592]

I thank God that both Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson visited this earth. There hasn't been a player like either of them before or since,

[@Alex-oy6ss]

you mean jazz-pianist

[@TruthWhisperer1]

Tatum was so good that Peterson was afraid of him ( musically ).

[@robertjason6885]

Jon’s play here is brilliant.. and so musical.

[@stevenhaff7973]

Thank you so much Mr. Parker. I feel like we just had a very interesting conversation!

[@RichardASalisbury1]

Thanks for this wonderful video!-- though I'm a pianist in only the merest sense. My love of music ("classical") began before I was two. When I was two Mom turned me loose on our old Spindle phonograph. My first favorite piece was Rach's # 2--three or more 78-rpm platters--which I played so often I wonder she didn't go crazy. It is still one of my favorites. At age 19 I was introduced to jazz, my 2nd great musical love. I never liked Rach's 3 till a movie came out in 1997 about a pianist who played it; now I think it even finer than #2; #3 vies with Bartok's no. 2, IMO, for greatest piano concerto of 20th Century. But long before that I'd heard and loved the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and felt right away that therein Rach had moved at least a little into the 20th Century. I thought maybe I heard some echoes of Bartok and Stravinsky; it never occurred to me that Rach might have incorporated jazz elements, or that after he came to U.S. he learned to love jazz. I'll listen again soon to the Rhapsody, with new appreciation.

[@Lanierlaw37379]

Really amazing and helpful. I’m working of this Variation now. So incredibly beautiful.

[@thegoodgeneral]

Jackie is both a great orator and performer. So good.

[@nobbystyles4807]

super interesting this. as a kid i recall watching re runs of silent films with this kind of playing and it made no sense to me then. but a lifetime later with this new information it does. the call and response / resolve pattern was a hybrid between classic and modern piano styles. amazing.

[@synergyhowacquisition3821]

it's beyond criminal that Tatum isn't celebrated throughout the world for being the greatest musician of all times".... instead he rest shrouded in obscurity".....

[@synergyhowacquisition3821]

I'm going to emphasize that Art Tatum's nicknames, the he was called by his peers were "God & the magician"...... Art Tatum, when Tatum played the piano.... it sounded like there was @ least 3 pianist playing"..... and if he walked into a place where the greatest of the greatest pianist were taking turns @ playing the piano that was there! as soon as it was known that Tatum was in the place, everyone there would stop to show their reverence & respect Tatum..... by saying things like the God has entered the place/ room.... and if Tatum decided to play the piano that was there, know one moving forward would much the less look @ the piano that they were playing prior to Tatum getting there... let alone dare to play it after the great Art Tatum, had tickled the ivory, that's how phenomenal Tatum was"..... only ignoramuses & jokers would even attempt to say that he, Tatum wasn't the greatest musician of all times".....

[@synergyhowacquisition3821]

the great living legend Herbie Hancock/ child genius/ prodigy first played Carnegie hall @ either 8 or 9 years old..... back then he was a master of playing the great classical composers tune.... was once asked why is it that you've decided to change from playing classical piano music to playing jazz".... Herbie looked straight into the eyes of the questioner and retorted, jazz is were the greatest of the greatest musicians resides"..... that's why".....}

[@synergyhowacquisition3821]

lang lang the classical pianist idolizes the great Herbie Hancock".....

[@thepianocornertpc]

Wonderful video.Thank you.

[@barney6888]

This might sound snobby, but I don't mean to be. You can't learn to play like Tatum, you have to be it. This man played hotels, bars and eventually was recognized, but, he did nothing but play. He took tunes, played them... thousands of times over. He sometimes wasn't paid, or just given a bottle of cheap booze. Playing was all he was and all he had. The back steps of the dump he was playing in was where he lived half the time. That's what his music speaks of, the joy of life when he's on the piano where he is in his special place. If you want to play like Art Tatum, you have to pay that price. He played jazz because it was his culture. Now it's classic art. God bless Art Tatum's soul and may he be in everlasting peace and joy in God's kingdom.

[@comfyactor]

I've struggled with the 15th variation for years. This video really helped.

[@da__lang]

I agree with Norman Krieger. I've often noticed a trend of fast tempos taking priority over beautiful voicing and phrasing. I would love to see a reversal of that trend.

[@nickk8416]

I could not agree more!

[@anthonyhollis476]

Art was a genius!