Tiffany Poon - Rachmaninoff Sonata No.2, Op.36

[@sohamprasad6696]

For those who have forgotten what a world-class pianist and virtuoso tiffany is because of all her behind-the-scenes, unedited practice videos, this performance is a good reminder.

[@jimtownsend8010]

I feel like in doing that she has humanized and de-deified the whole thing, which I love. Man, she really tears this one up. This sonata grows on me each year I live

[@ninisky2706]

@Michael Davison no, they’re referring to the practice vlogs she frequently posts where she shows the process of her practice unedited

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

Hi :) Just in case someone asks and brings it up, I'm sorry I made the piano out of tune from warming up to record this 🙊

[@Hotdogbanana559]

Tiffany Poon It's fine u can almost not hear it and outstanding performance!

[@halevy36]

God i love you woman!

[@inraid]

You are in very good company! When Alexis Weissenberg performed the two Rachmaninov Sonatas at the Jerusalem Theatre in 1979 he broke several strings during the first sonata! During the intermission another instrument was swapped in. He broke several string again during the second sonata! ;-)

[@anthonyquate]

hi tiffany ur quit an amazing lady and ur puiano playing is amazing

[@Hotdogbanana559]

Johannes Ostenfeld-Rosenthal Lol its all good man everyone's allowed to have their own opinion on things and I might not agree with u but I respect your opinion

[@m.a.3322]

10:55 - 11:58 one of the most beautiful sections of music ever written

[@pornstudsim]

Beautiful performance, it made me subscribe to your channel.

[@TheAskald]

Rachmaninoff just had something with longing and tender melodies that is instantly recognizable. This is the exact same feeling I get from all four of his piano concertos. There is a lot of fireworks and virtuosic parts, but then a lyrical soaring melody hits you from nowhere.

[@jayspenceranderson]

Had me in tears.

[@paulgabriner3392]

​@@TheAskald

[@lt6jam]

Chills

[@csdrew22]

11:18 this passage is one of my favorite things ever

[@dejanromih7913]

Yeees 😍

[@wallie963]

almost made me cry omg

[@vishnuhalikere2151]

13:13-13:19 the way you played everything there and then just went to silence. Breathtaking

[@dihydrogenmonoxide5994]

Very mature interpretation, Tiffany! Rachmaninoff would be proud!

[@FighterFred]

It's fortunate that Steinway produces pianos that can survive anything.

[@天靈靈地靈靈-l2d]

amazing

[@Mukundanghri]

You are fantastic. You break my heart every time I hear you play because I know my own limitations. You are truly blessed.

[@angelab.5245]

Michael Buschmann same lol

[@therainforest4314]

That blessing came via huge amounts of energy, time, and dedication.

[@jazzstandardman]

@@therainforest4314 Still blessed with the mind to handle all of that.

[@alexanderpiano1506]

@@therainforest4314 Indeed, but not all input results in the same output. I'm willing to bet that if I worked the same amount of hours with the same teacher as Tiffany she'd still outclass me hand over fist. That's life... You work with what you get and bless the world around you. It's the only way forward :)

[@theharry801]

no one has limits, just some progress faster than others

[@adastraperespera1]

Hello, Tiffany. I have viewed this performance many times. Suppose there is an after-life. Then there must be many spirits in the room when you perform. They couldn't help stopping by. I can easily imagine Rachmaninoff standing beside you with his hand on your shoulder and with a dopey smile on his face. Face it, Tiffany: you Rock!

[@classicallover8153]

I have listened to this recording so many times it is still one of my favorite things to listen to ever. Truely the best interpretation ever.

[@igors6491]

Same. I always come back to it

[@stephthealmighty268]

Same

[@Galina-Angel-14]

А моими любимыми записями остаются 3 исполнения этой сонаты гениальным Алексеем Султановым. Как говорится, все познается в сравнении( каналы harmony 14447 ; Марина Ларичева, fur bru (ayдио, но какое !). Высочайшие энергии, транслируемые через Алексея, недосягаемы, как все Божественное. Разница в качестве звука огромная.Техника ошеломительная. А эта девица "долбит", + много педали и т.д...

[@Galina-Angel-14]

​@@igors6491Посмотрите эту сонату в исполнении Алексея Султанова( каналы harmony 14447, Марина Ларичева, fur bru.) Записи сделаны в Японии в 1996-97 гг.

[@rockyhill9965]

Agreed. The best interpretation.

[@rockyhill9965]

Tiffany tells the story here like no other. I have played the piano for many years since I was 5 years old. What gets to me the most here is Tiffany's clarity and careful velocity to each note played. I feel honored to be able to listen to Tiffany here and have her be available for discussion.

[@Mia-ck3nn]

every year i come back to this song. rarely music makes me cry; this piece does. my favorite piece of music of all time. thank you

[@mcmire]

I just ran across this - this is absolutely beautiful! I didn't realize how much I like Rachmaninoff. There are of course romantic aspects of this music (the fast runs and the bursts of dynamics) as well as impressionistic washes of sound, but I'm also noticing a pleasant preview of some twentieth century sonorities - nothing too shocking, it always resolves, but the flirting with dissonance is there. The part at 13:23 is especially wonderful and the resolution at the end of that section is very satisfying. Fantastic!

[@DavidMannMD]

A couple people asked what version this is. This is the revised 1931 version.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Which should be apparent by the length of the video. It is too short to be the 1913 version. ;)

[@viola308]

This recording is timeless, truly it transcends it. I like classical music a lot but I have never found better renditions of these pieces.

[@igors6491]

Same

[@rockyhill9965]

Agreed. Tiffany "tells the story" like no other.

[@harryandruschak2843]

Now *THIS* sort of performance is the reason I have already subscribed to this channel.

[@SS-ci8jk]

1st 0:01 2nd 8:31 3rd 14:59

[@sophiabratteson1662]

Thanks!

[@ministryofdressing]

oh my God i can't believe this performance is real ! it's so heavenly i am shaking ! This Sergei man is truly an exceptionnal talent, and our Tiffany is fantastic ! I hope you perfom this piece during a concert !

[@Stop_All_Vehicles]

I can say that I have listened to this version like, more than 20 times since 2019

[@alanjohnson5994]

The freshness of spirit, youthful exuberance and vitality which you bring to this Rachmaninoff sonata is very impressive indeed. Hold your head high Tiffany. That was a truly brilliant and outstanding performance.

[@catherinechung6482]

Best thing about your playing for me is how you tell stories (epics, really) with just your hands and facial expressions💙

[@e.hutchence-composer8203]

I went to a recital to listen Chopin’s Etudes op.25, a selection of Debussy’s preludes (I’m not that big on Debussy so I cant remember which ones) and this Rachmaninoff sonata. I had never heard it before and I was listening away, enjoying it, we were in the second movement, then all of a sudden the third movement started and actually made me jump because it was so quick, sudden and loud. I was so lost in the music, it was great.

[@edjpao]

The thing is that the higher level a pianist reaches the more daunting challenges he faces in all fronts. This Rach, the tone, phrasing, and holistic effect, etc. deserves a more thoughtful treatment. He's very strong but not clanky, pure but also reflective, sad but not sorrowful. I embrace Tiffany's bravery in tackling this difficult piece and hope she continues to be enriched with life experience as she practices...

[@luisgonzalez6196]

This young lady is incredible indeed. She has played a lot of master works and all of them in an amazing high level performance.

[@davidbutterworth5258]

Every note means something to her; her playing brings tears to the eyes it's so beautiful.

[@joyous_requiem7178]

I'm so glad that this is my introduction to this piece

[@NINOABSNABSN]

Rachmaninoff's spirit is fantastic, but what always impressed me was the massive arpeggios and the absurd phrasing of the left hand!

[@thepianocornertpc]

You're the living proof that one does not need the morphology of a Denis Matuec to invoke and generate tremendous energy. truly a magnificent performance. You've got a new fan here.

[@derinzehraerdem]

1:50 I think it's the most beautiful music in the world.

[@ashleycatch-em530]

The first time I heard 4:35-5:30 I really didn’t like it. I thought it sounded noisy. Something made me listen again and now I’m obsessed with it. If I had to choose a soundtrack for my life this would be it.

[@shadowfighter7820]

Wonder how would audience feel listening to this piece for the first time

[@nickk8416]

Isn't it great when that happens?

[@mmilrl5768]

I’ve had that same experience with so many pieces so I completely understand

[@josephbeninati3991]

The music you make transcends words. This entire Sonata is magnificent. The second movement transports me to a place of such melancholy and joy. Your interpretation is inspired. Love your Vlogs. Thank You!

[@davidbutterworth5258]

Her rendering of this work is reminiscent of the great Maura Lympany's 1975 BBC recording; such passion!

[@leongatha6]

Never thought I'd hear this played as well or better than Horowitz. This is stunning. Nice piano, great pianist, great interpretation.

[@rockyhill9965]

Truly. _"This is stunning. Nice piano, great pianist, great interpretation"_

[@Rhajastan]

such a beautiful rendition. thank you from my heart.

[@donstor1]

I thought the piece was played beautifully. thank you for recording this for us

[@ilikechopin8112]

I am thankful that I learned basic piano because this helps me appreciate miracle performances like yours! Divine!...

[@jesusislord4135]

+ILikeChopin Be careful what you say. A 'miracle', or a wonder, runs contrary to nature, using powers which do not properly belong to human beings. Even the most excellent achievements of human beings are not 'miracles'. Only God is divine. Do not blaspheme against God and embarrass this woman, or provoke her to pride, by misusing the word. One human being, and only one, has combined the attributes of humanity and divinity in one Person, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior of the world. Repent, believe in Him, and you will be saved.

[@MrBirzer]

@@jesusislord4135 When God separates the sheep from the goats we may be surprised when we see what group we are in. God's humbleness can be easily seen in this person's compliment while only arrogance can be seen in your words. 😉

[@jesusislord4135]

+Mr. Birzer You can say whatever you wish about my bad character, and I have no right to complain, sinner that I am. But upon re-reading what I said, I do not think that I was lying, speaking irreverently, or even speaking inappropriately---------considering the vocabulary used in the targeted comment. Also, I object to the notion that human flattery reflects 'God's humbleness.'

[@MrBirzer]

@@jesusislord4135 You spoke arrogantly with condescending words and tone which is never appropriate. As for your objecting to the notion that human flattery reflects God's humbleness, such a notion was never conveyed. God's humbleness can be easily seen in the person's compliment which consisted of the person's acknowledgement of their basic piano skills (humbleness) that allows them to appreciate Tiffany's beautiful perfection. Rather than seeing her "miracle performance" as meaning a gift from God you opted to see it as a competition with God which is a quite ludicrous interpretation of this person's words. And yet you continued with an arrogant condescending correction as if you thought this person was under the silly impression that Tiffany is some sort of goddess in competition with the one true God for our worship, which indicates you have not only misinterpreted this person's words but that you also have a very strange notion of God, as if the non-contingent being is in some kind of competition with His contingent creation. As of now you are 2 for 2 in misreading words, beginning with your misreading of the original commenter's compliment and ending with you're misreading of my words resulting in your unnecessarily correcting a very well worded compliment given quite nicely to Tiffany from an admiring fan, and additionally making a silly objection to a notion that was never even implied, having something to do with human flattery reflecting God's humbleness. In the future you might prevent your misreading words by assuming the best of others rather than the worst. If you still detect that correction is necessary, I suggest you ask for clarification before going into some correction unnecessarily as you appear to have done in this situation. For instance, in this case you could've merely asked the person to clarify what they meant exactly by miracle perfomance and divine. If your correction is not necessary then the commenter's response will magnify his compliment instead of tainting it with some weird unnecessary correction. If correction is necessary then please be more Christ-like by being more charitable in your correction rather than arrogant and condescending.

[@jesusislord4135]

+Mr. Birzer Your verbal fluency is indeed impressive. To think that such a worm as I was instrumental in inducing such a torrential display! Also your argument that I spoke out of ill will and misunderstanding sounds quite plausible, not that I had given it much thought. Unfortunately I am capable of both. 'If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.' I still think, in the light of that verse which I apply to myself, that 'assuming the best of others' would be a little rash. But a warning is received. Surely you aren't entirely serious, that I should ask for 'clarification' regarding the meaning of 'miracle' and 'divine'. Granted that those words were used poetically and not literally, they convey more than a whiff of art-idolatry and adulation for 'superior individuals'. Must one apologize for being in rebellion against those things, which saturate our corrupt culture? '.........and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.'

[@joaopedrolessa2242]

This got to be one of the best interpretations. Congratulations!!! You play with a lot of emotions and can pass exactly what Rachmaninov wanted when he composed this masterpiece!

[@lesliefigueras7708]

this must be one of the most difficult pieces of music to master, well done tiffany, you have got the midas touch

[@palexisdempster73]

the way that strand of hair flew up on the last chord.... perfecttttt. loved your performance

[@somaking77]

Wow! Bravo! This performance is mind blowing - with the perfect balance of extreme tenderness and melodic melancholy on one hand, and virtuosic panache on the other! I really cannot understate how much I enjoy hearing this performance and interpretation. In my view, some of the most beautiful writing for piano is contained in this sonata, and Tiffany brought it out so well - emotionally moving and immensely satisfying. I also love how close up and intimate this recording is! I must say that this is my favourite version to listen to on KZbin, and I enjoy listening to this as much as I do my treasured Ashkenazy recording on CD.

[@rockyhill9965]

Yes. I agree. . . . ."the perfect balance of extreme tenderness and melodic melancholy on one hand, and virtuosic panache on the other! . . . _" And it will also roar when called to.

[@789armstrong]

A tremendous performance. Filled with passion, countless expressive insights, and a dazzling virtuosity that is always at the service of the composer.

[@zoink5484]

spotted

[@DavidBigandt]

So nice to hear "different" classical music. Stuff that's not always on the FM stations

[@marcorotondi7613]

Maestro Poon è una delle massime Interpreti viventi. La seguo da quando era una bambina Prodigio. Ella a differenza di molti piccoli Mozart continua a crescere all'infinito...ogni anno, ogni giorno , ogni attimo sembra che la Sua Arte sempre si rinnovi . Che augurarLe? Infinite emozioni per i Suoi Fans! Marco Rotondi

[@georgiospartou5082]

Thank you so much for such a wonderfully evocative and intense performance of this sublime late Belle Epoque masterwork!! I'm now more than sufficiently inspired by you, to learn the piece for myself, in order to immerse myself completely in the soundworld that you have so ably demonstrated. My very best wishes for you and your future performances, Georgios.

[@adastraperespera1]

Watching you play is like watching magic, Tiffany.

[@maria89]

World class performance right through my tiny screen :)

[@FerventlyUnderstanding]

it felt like I held my breath for the 20 minutes amazing performance! and such passion

[@vishnuhalikere2151]

That ending had me speechless..... bravo!

[@martinsz441]

Yes!!! She plays FFF !!!!! Not afraid to break it! This is real expression. Life is not an endless smooth lullaby nocturne guys! Play it like metal when its required! Life is not smooth, its edgy and has thorns and if a piece requires energy and no fear, it should be played accordingly! I am so sad that so many interprets play pieces too soft because they got drilled to play softnote their entire childhood.

[@rockyhill9965]

Yes, When it is time to make the piano roar, Tiffany does just that when called for.

[@Pianistunckiran]

Dear tiffany, you are absolutely magnificent!

[@wallie963]

Recently found this piece out and oh my gosh, I think I'm gonna cry

[@bombadeer8231]

Wow. Just wow. And thank you. I am transported and transfixed when you play like that. I am swept away. When you stop I am suddenly back home sitting in front of my fireplace enjoying a lovely oak fire and holding my iPhone. Thank you again, Tiffany 💕

[@M.Alif-chess]

1:50 is such an exquisite melody

[@disienna]

It's so crazy to watch you play. I mean you seem like this sort of quiet/shy/not particularly maniacal person, but you play with incredible intensity, subtlety and passion that you can help but wonder "who is Tiffany Poon?", quiet, polite, helpful girl next-door, or borderline insane, impassioned artist. I don't care. Just keep being an inspiration.

[@andresgunther]

She is capable of playing Chopin with an intimate tone like Maria Joao Pires, and then go and play Liszt and Rachmaninoff like Rubinstein or Yuja Wang. Her elegance comes out in whatever she plays. One of my three top favorite pianists, that is sure!

[@r.i.p.volodya]

BRAVA! Hell of a piece to play! It was wonderful and very impressive to hear you really let-rip 😁

[@1sevillana]

I am from Instagram and this is above and beyond piano music!!👍

[@christopherstube9473]

How tempestuous! Very elemental. Sort of like a storm at sea in a small sailboat.

[@InvaderMixo]

You have an indisputably gorgeous musical quality. You deserve to hang onto that last note a bit longer with that stellar rendition.

[@rockfordrocker8971]

Good lord. I can't imagine the hours you spend practicing to have such command of the instrument. Bravo!

[@luffe2006]

Awesome and well done - it's a very difficult sonata both musically and technically. You are such a brilliant musician and pianist - it's obvious you have dedicated your life to music. Some music - like this sonata - I think needs time to mature in one self, before it comes a part of you. You are close ❤️

[@oldschool7207]

luffe2006 ......any closer and she will have passed it by! Perhaps you are ‘close’ to appreciating her musicality.

[@L.M1792]

If she celebrates Christmas I hope she has a wonderful festive celebration. God bless

[@tandinh23]

Your play of this work is so rich and intense, thank you for posting this.

[@Xbig74]

My favorite pianist of all times!

[@ffggddss]

This was amazing to watch & listen to! Thank you enormously! This is one piece I'll never even begin to attempt! Fred

[@LoCoZappers]

Good job, and glad to see people actually play Rachmaninoff's lesser-known piano works.

[@Rachmanfan4life]

Tiffany your virtuosity is amazing… But the passion is spectacular… Powerful where it needs to be and lyrical in unexpected places… A very fresh exciting performance… You are really something… A very unique performer.

[@jean-francois.chemila]

Incroyable....Si frêle, et tellement de force mentale.

[@mariannekaspersen1070]

This performance is so good!. Thank you Tiffany Poon.

[@TheLabecki]

Thank you so much for this performance!

[@NINOABSNABSN]

My congratulations for the originality of the reading and fundamentally for the approach.

[@Nostrum84]

my god i had tears in my eyes at the end, that was unbelievable

[@jenskluge7188]

O wow! That's a pretty hard piece of work. And you are even bringing out some relaxed jazz-like sounds. Definitely, I like this recording best among all I've heard so far.

[@busingyefavour9477]

I wish she would win chopin competition but even if she doesnt her career will be great. I cant wait to hear more from her

[@solbriller1]

Wonderfull and very Rachmaninoff like playing! Artistic and deep with all the nuances and imagination that in your beautyfull and dramatic way of interpretating, makes me really listen^^ Thank you! I need listening several times more, just to enjoy. Wow!

[@cmenb67]

Magical, sublime, Exquisite!

[@angelob.1089]

Such a solid sound with playing that really reaches some frenetic extremes. That final movement was just bursting at the seams with so much energy. Great performance! Best of luck in your studies although I doubt you’ll need it.

[@musket-hc1fc]

Is there or has there ever been or is it even possible that there ever could be a performance as great as this? I don't believe so.

[@kenlokmusic]

Check out Lugansky’s version!

[@rustyoldjoint]

Wow!!! Wonderful ... thank you so much for this.

[@paulmoon3347]

She is fantastic ❤

[@jean-raoulschopfer1538]

Oooioiooh you made my cry all along this interpretation !!!

[@tonomora6837]

Rachmaninoff is my favorite!!! Thank you Tiffany!!!

[@matthewagius3648]

Wow beautiful interpretation :D Can't wait to start studying this for my FTCL Exam :)

[@hastensavoir7782]

Didn’t notice that was a NY Steinway until I saw the edges. The High gloss finish and tone made it seem like a Hamburg.

[@Dimnishedsixth]

Allegro Agitato: 0:00 Non Allegro: 8:30 Allegro Molto: 15:24

[@ootamanabu]

NY Steinway !!!! wow cristal sound !!! so beautiful shes perform !!!!

[@misschocoholic82]

To be honest the piano is completely out of tune.

[@EvaTrianaMachadoUrquizaSPAPM]

I hope I can become like you done day, you’re amazing and inspiring ❤️

[@tokmind]

Excellent performance!!!

[@xano8684]

Playing this is a new life goal of mine from now on.

[@ardiprakoso2462]

Love you Tiffany .. you are so fantastic ....

[@domodepiano]

im late to this larty but this is the most xtra thing I'll see and hear all day. so xtra. as it should be. well done!

[@beng2617]

People say be kind to others and give to those who need in order to make it to heaven. Fuck that. I say become a talented musician. God needs people who can play music like this

[@johnely5050]

What a hoot. Great performance dear.

[@L.M1792]

Great passion is indeed wonderful to experience. Thank you 🙏 p.s. thanks for introduction to piece. It is elaborate and a-maze-ing-zing. Fabulous.

[@arnolemay2175]

Beautiful interpretation. Before seeing this version, my favorite one was the one from Kyohei Sorita and now it's this one.

[@sugarpacketchad]

Very Excellent! Your strength and passion are amazing!

[@rickthescapegoat74]

Well Tiffany am glad I am able to watch and hear your ability to play a piano... :) awesome

[@jevaispartout1271]

For this particular piece, I prefer your interpretation over many big names seen in KZbin. I can listen to yours again and again but not others. However, starting from 18:36 I seem to miss a few notes

[@sakiito7988]

Awesome… I've been studying this song since march,but I still can't finish reading score.(especially final movement)😭 I'll watch this video over and over again. Thank you from Japan❤︎

[@brtherjohn]

Certainly one of the very best renditions of this 1931 revised version I've ever heard. I hear a lot more natural phrasing than just about any other version! My only suggestion is to consider the original 1913 version. Perhaps incorporating some of the many great measures that Rachmaninoff unfortunately excised. I'm not saying to do exactly what Horowitz did, but to realize that you can play this basically 'complete' by incorporating the various passages in the 1913 and 1931 versions - as demonstrated with the Cliburn and Ashkenazy recorded performances, in particular.

[@3r7s]

i'm lost for words, Tiffany.. 🤍