The heart-melting cello melody you never knew about

Rachmaninoff's Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 19, 3rd movement.
I remember hearing this movement played in one of the practice rooms of my school and immediately gushing over its overwhelming melancholic beauty. I couldn't muster the courage to ask what piece it was but I was fairly certain it was Rachmaninov and sure enough he had a cello sonata which I hadn't heard of yet.
The opening introductory bars in the piano must be some of the most interesting in the repertoire, perhaps rather similar to Chopin's Op27 no1 in terms of chromaticism, as the chords seem to fluctuate between Eb minor and major but as you'll see, the F sharp simply acts as an appoggiatura.
Another interesting comparison would be Bruckner's 8th Adagio where he does something similar going from Db major to minor but that's just a side thought.
Recording (Yo-Yo Ma, Ax): • Rachmaninov：Cello Sona...

[@JohnSmith-py7ry]

I played this for a cello exam in high school. Before receiving the sheet music I had already heard recordings of this piece over radio a few years prior, as I was a big fan of Rachmaninov, but never actually bothered to play it as my mind was focused elsewhere with my schoolwork. The day my teacher gave me the sheet music I immediately started practicing it as soon as I got home. I remember getting a ball in my throat as I was practicing the piece without accompaniment, specifically at bar 15 and 16 (Timestamp: 1:22), but I somehow managed to suppress the overwhelming feeling of crying. Although I remember walking into the dining room after practicing and seeing my mom balling her eyes out. I asked her what the matter was and after composing herself she replied with, “That was beautiful.”. Eventually a week later I had a practice scheduled with my accompanist. The second she played the introduction I immediately got the urge to cry, but I again managed to suppress it until bar 15 and 16. By then she had realised that I wasn’t playing with her and so she stopped playing, she probably thought I had gotten lost, turned around to check up on me and was shocked to see me balling my eyes out. She also let one or two tears out, but we eventually made it to the end of the practice. Playing the piece with the accompaniment was completely different than without, it triggered something in my heart that just made me feel overwhelming bittersweet sadness. Eventually I played my exam without crying as by then I had ‘conditioned’ myself to the music, and I got a distinction. I will forever cherish the memories of playing this piece.

[@cufflink44]

What a wonderful story. Thank you. It's a testament to how great music can move us to our souls.

[@DanielKRui]

That bar 15,16... and to think the cello part that so moved you and your mother was only one half of the melody! The piano RH responding in turn to that beautiful cello melody is what pushes my emotions over the edge.

[@calebmarshall3157]

Every winter, when the first snow falls, I put on headphones, find a quiet spot in the yard, lay down and watch it fall while listening to this masterpiece. I always cry. And I never leave before it finishes, no matter how cold it feels. My mother loved the snow, and was one of the first people to encourage me to play the cello. Always makes me think of her. 🤍 Anyway, thanks for sharing this beautiful melody with us!

[@allanwernermusic]

That's a wonderful tradition, thank you for sharing this as well!

[@video_camera]

What performance in particular do you listen to?

[@gregorygiannakis4140]

I like that other people have a song they listen to when the first snow falls! A very special moment every year.

[@calebmarshall3157]

@@video_camera Lynn Harrell and Vladimir Ashkenazy on Decca Records 🙂

[@ramonalonso5288]

@@allanwernermusicbbbv

[@zephthezquirrellord]

This entire piece is one of the best ever written

[@philip.stigaard]

Is your profile pic Rachmaninoff as a girl😂

[@zephthezquirrellord]

@@philip.stigaard yes, cry about it Edit: my b everyone, I wasn't trying to be rude about this, when I wrote it originally I was rather tired and I'm used to people being judgy about the profile picture, so this was my instinctive response that I probably should've thought through more

[@MosesM514]

I'm not crying. ​@@zephthezquirrellord

[@youtune2819]

hahahahahah the profile is so cool

[@serhattaskesen3635]

​@@zephthezquirrellordwhy would he cry about this?

[@moiskithorn]

I love this piece. I play it whenever I need to "sort my head out." I had one such day yesterday and listened to this piece while on a 2+ hour train ride coming back home to Sydney. The subtle power of this piece, combined with the coastal scenery in the late afternoon sun - at times I had to catch my breath and not gush into tears. Thank you.

[@skylarlimex]

The V-iii progression at 1:12 is definitely one that Rachmaninov uses quite often - I've seen it in other works of his like the Adagio of his 2nd Symphony - though I'm not too aware of the same movement being used by other composers. My guess would be that Chopin has used it, perhaps Scriabin and even Mahler but I'm not too sure. In any case, Rach seems to have an affection for the mediant, often tonicising and modulating towards it.

[@nourytime9804]

Yeah it sounds a lot like Rachmaninov

[@colbykramer4861]

kinda funny because i feel like i've heard this progression in a lot of anime music, more than any other genre

[@skylarlimex]

⁠@@colbykramer4861definitely, it's called the royal road progression but you see it much less in classical music

[@Dylonely42]

You’re so good

[@user-wn1dd8ls2u]

@@skylarlimexI’d say this is kind of major circle of fifths progression originated from Baroque era, e. g. Bach used in in A minor fugue for organ

[@user-ph6yh4hs9z]

Thank you for sharing this lovely gem. Rachmaninoff always melts me to tears, piano and cello, oh my soul…the rapturous beauty…….

[@levyalexandre3714]

Okay! I just stumbled upon this today and after listening in for the first time, I quipped "of course, Rachmaninoff wrote this late in life, at 50+, which explains the breadth". And, after googling the year it was written, I failed. He wrote this when he was only 28!!! That should be illegal to reach that type of maturity before the age of 50.

[@shiv2033]

Please don’t stop uploading ever.

[@henry-wi4xk]

i heard this piece in jordan hall at NEC with professor radnofsky playing it on alto saxophone. best performance of the piece ive ever heard.

[@olliemartinelli4034]

The whole sonata is just outstanding

[@Hailey_Paige_1937]

I was just introduced to this piece yesterday, and then I see this video now. WHAT TIMING! Thank you!! 🤩 Rachmaninoff has such stunning pieces. ❤

[@sh_aspking]

rachmanigoat never fails to pull my heartstrings

[@hello-rq8kf]

THATS WHY HE'S THE GOAT. THE GOOOAAT ‼️‼️

[@worldmusictheory]

I would pay money for you to do a full analysis of this piece. The whole cello sonata is one my favs

[@pianopracticediary]

One of the very first pieces I loved when I started listening to classical music

[@MrFiddler1959]

Of all the pieces I have ever learned to play, this is my ultimate favorite.

[@Eric-jo8uh]

I have loved this piece of music for nearly 70 years, it gets better as I age.💕💕👍👍👍

[@glasseslikeabug]

oh i love this one, i used to listen to it on repeat, still one of my favorites and what really made me fall in love with the cello

[@vocalchords3609]

I am so grateful to have this super video of yours into my day. Utterly wonderful to have your annotations - really a joy and an enriching feature which this subscriber treasures. Thank you so much for putting these together - and sharing them.

[@skylarlimex]

Thank you so much!

[@breckon2684]

This was one of the first pieces of "real" cello rep that I learned, and I could not be more thankful for it. It's a beautiful piece, and ever so satisfying to play.

[@vibinsimon]

Your channel is great man! Keep up the content👍

[@skylarlimex]

Thanks so much!

[@user-qv9oo2co7t]

One of my favorite pieces of music, I don't have the musical training to appreciate the mechanics of how it's created, I'm just glad it was.

[@PrinceValiance]

As an avid Rachmaninoff listener I approve of this video, except for the part where it said I hadn't heard it. But I certainly fell in love with it again. Rachmaninoff was a true Romantic. The last of the Romantics. His subtle melody rivals Brahms.

[@braydenk.8348]

This was SO cool to listen to again with you adding guiding notes highlighting how the piano and cello are interacting with one another. I only took music theory lessons up to cantus firmi and such, so while I don't know how chord names and progressions work, this was really cool. Feels like I am hearing the song in a different way. Thanks!

[@dustinlaferney3160]

I love the real time analysis, never seen it done like this before. I'm subscribing!

[@aj9moon299]

I was lucky enough to hear this in person at a music camp. It was amazing

[@EricLeePiano]

I especially love Arcadi Volodos' solo piano arrangement of this piece, be sure to listen to it if you haven't already, its probably one of the most sublime musical pieces I've ever heard ❤️ And thank you for this annotated walkthrough of a short snippet of one of Rachmaninoff's most beautiful works 😊

[@skylarlimex]

I'm glad I stumbled upon it while looking for a recording, definitely one of the most sublime like you've said

[@musical_lolu4811]

I don't really like that one. I love the cello color being there.

[@MichaelClark-zc7ht]

I honestly don’t understand why this isn’t more known. I performed the third and fourth movement in college wirh a cellist friend. The entire thing is a huge masterpiece, especially that first and third movement. Omg.

[@zavilov]

Because it is an absolute beast for the pianist.

[@MichaelClark-zc7ht]

Yes, it's a nightmare lol@@zavilov

[@PianoMeSasha]

i love this side of rachmaninoff, which is did not hear till older when my g/f played me a prelude....i had only heard the very dramatic piano concertos....

[@DrMusicStarr]

Thank you for introducing me to this piece. Also appreciate the chords and comments you've added,

[@mariapap8962]

This is Rachmaninoff! Unforgettably beautiful melodies combined with rich, luscious harmonies. Simply unique! ❤

[@vaughn7910]

Rachmaninoff never disappoints! So beautiful

[@RasiRon]

It's so nice to hear clear articulation thank you

[@solarmax11]

I have Rach cd collection. This piece is one very very special favorite❤thank you for posting.

[@timothyruszala4973]

I wish this account existed when I was younger, scrounging youtube for any musical analysis videos I could find. Great job!

[@skylarlimex]

Thank you!

[@amnessie]

Thank you for this channel, it's an absolute treasure!

[@larryhagemann5548]

Sometimes words fail us to describe the beauty of it all.

[@SocraticSwansongs]

Thanks for highlighting this piece. It is wonderful

[@rominn2184]

This is beautiful, but the slow melody (as opposed to the fast theme) in the final movement is my personal favorite. At the height of the phrase, it is nothing less than pure love from the heart and expression. It makes me melt.

[@ngck]

After watching this, I listened to the whole thing on Tidal, and this movement is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard. "Heart-melting" is indeed appropriate to describe it.

[@WillowPatty]

Always a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing it here...

[@hanafayy]

I played this for my cello grade 8 and it always stuck with me, beautiful piece

[@ethans-d6105]

I've known this piece a long time - I greatly enjoy your analysis :)

[@GrotrianSeiler]

So emotional, so bittersweet. Lovely.

[@markwilliams3174]

Fantastic notes about notes. TY

[@Sam-zt2ur]

please keep making these videos!

[@skylarlimex]

I'll try my best!

[@Mazurking]

Thank you yet again for an amazingly informative video.

[@skylarlimex]

And thank you again for leaving such a kind comment :-)

[@bleupiano]

Very nice!!Bravo!

[@skylarlimex]

Thank you!

[@danielhoven570]

I did know about this, but it’s still beautiful

[@GIguy]

I’ve got tears in my eyes..aka, it’s absolutely beautiful ❤️

[@50Steaks68]

You should do the middle section of the fourth movement of this piece next!!!

[@-Deniz1117]

What an amazing piece!

[@DanutaBoron-wm1ju]

Delikatne. ,spokojne zamyślenie 🌻🌻

[@stevenbest6408]

Just beautiful.

[@danielgloverpiano7693]

I’ve always felt this is the best of Rachmaninoff’s three sonatas. I’ve performed all of them. This one has the best tunes, and also is well constructed. The other two piano sonatas have issues with their form. So I’ve learned the piano solo transcription of the entire sonata by Asiya Korepanova, it’s on my channel, if you want to hear it.

[@carlospenamartinez8357]

Steven Banks did this on bari sax, and its one of the best recordings out there

[@pianoconcertono2]

Hell yeah

[@sandrobisotti4645]

excellent idea the comment whith score and music!! All the best!

[@IMAHMS]

I need the full piece, brilliant interpretation

[@rowanus7159]

thank you for sharing :)

[@davikluglambrecht3714]

I LOVE E-FLAT MAJOR. well, seriously, almost every piece in Eb major just melts my heart, i can't even explain. Sibelius 5 1st mvt, Vivaldi winter 2nd mov are some of my favorites. Well, Eb major is my favorite tonality

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

I knew all about this melody, thank you very much.

[@juboo4451]

Thankyou!

[@Teabonesteak]

Keep sharing❤

[@danielmillardmusic]

Dang, I want more of the analysis!

[@sithuwin864]

There’s a solo piano arrangement of this piece by Volodos and it’s just as amazing!

[@skylarlimex]

Volodos' arrangements are always bangers...

[@Dylonely42]

Nice.

[@averylll17]

Haha I could literally tell what piece it was from the thumbnail

[@adekunleolaitan2329]

Deeply moving, arresting melody, pulls at the heartstrings, achingly bittersweet. Typical Rachmaninoff,albeit a more obscure piece.

[@eytonshalomsandiego]

Rach at his best...

[@charleshudson5330]

Love this entire piece, especially this movement. Romantic and mournful. Very Russian.

[@KarlRKaiser]

It pairs very nicely with the Debussy cello sonata.

[@ohmy5650]

💎

[@altoclef6688]

I knew he wrote a cello sonata but I never heard it (why?). Thanks!

[@rachm06]

the piano part reminds me the etude tableaux n.3 in c minor op. posth.

[@needtoknowbasis3499]

Never heard about? It’s Rachmaninov, honey, and he’s been a long-time tourist destination.

[@RhodesyYT]

Every single great cello sonata is in g minor another good example I can think of is chopins

[@skylarlimex]

Rach was influenced by Chopin's example!

[@samaritan29]

You must make a video about the chopin - perhaps a snippet from the adagio or the middle section from the scherzo!@@skylarlimex

[@user-sy9ph8pj7b]

Who are the performers in this audio? They are great!!

[@charlesbarber8166]

A recording for the ages: Horowitz and Rostropovich, live at Carnegie Hall on 18 May 1976. Of a time, and from a time, long passed. Perhaps unique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/in23qGqOqtWNfqM

[@kyaume21]

I knew about it. I played it.

[@musical_lolu4811]

Oh I know about this one alright! The version by Rostropovich and Horowitz is the best, absolutely sublime! ❤

[@jgbusquets]

Me: "Would be nice to try to learn playing music" I see this video explanation. Me: "Looks more difficult than I thought... let's leave it for another life" 🙂

[@robertmanno5749]

For me this is the greatest, deepest, most beautiful performance of this movement. The rubato, the hesitation, the gentle and subtle crescendi and decrescendi, the music between the notes. You know from the way Horowitz plays the opening that this performance will be iconic. So deep and soulful and passionate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWmtYp6Za9mjZ6c

[@jacobdennis2357]

Ah yes, the sonata for piano and bass continuo

[@davidquarles5965]

It doesn't work to call this a cello melody. It is a piano-cello melody. The two instruments are together.

[@marcovilla_EmphasisdeMarco]

Excuse me, beyond the excellent execution, if in the key signature I see 3 flats, I think of E flat major and the relative minor C minor, therefore, there is an error and I don't know if in the key signature or in the titling of the score. Please don't be offended.

[@terryjones573]

I guess it’s on me for expecting to actually be surprised as a cellist myself.

[@skylarlimex]

Sorry 🤣

[@karlpage9028]

More of a piano sonata with cello accompaniment. Why I never send my pianist the music, I don't want him to hate me

[@partituravid]

Ax is one of my favorites, and Ma, but I think they are too obvious. It has enough Romantic gush without underlining it.

[@juwonnnnn]

👍

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

It's almost but not quite as, tragically beautiful as the Chopin cello sonata melody...

[@eugenevlassis7231]

Who wee the performing musicians? I liked the cellist's interpretation.

[@skylarlimex]

It's in the description

[@shadmium3471]

could you please analyz mahler 10? any movement. preferably 1 or 4. Thanks!

[@sean-kb4wr]

can you do his 2nd trio

[@mrridikilis]

"you never knew about"?? it's one of the most famous pieces in the repertoire

[@ModusVivendiMedia]

My favorite recording of this movement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZuypGygeZV7jpo

[@Scrungge]

Wtf this is Rachmaninoff? My parents played this together often long ago.

[@kaluzasrevenge]

Chaushian and Sudbin

[@ramdav8950]

Please put the pieces name in description ❤

[@skylarlimex]

just did!

[@agucci]

This is the cello of Skylar! 😂

[@FueganTV]

I can't help but hear it as alternating Ebm/Eb. It just doesn't sound like an appoggiatura for me.

[@skylarlimex]

Well yeah, it's an appoggiatura that lasts for two entire beats so I see what you mean but imo one is able to hear the lean into F sharp and the resolution into G