WHY IS Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 so BEAUTIFUL? (Playing and talking)

The piece, premiered in 1901, has some of the most beautiful themes ever heard. Here Grammy-nominated pianist Duane Hulbert looks at three elements that make those themes even more sublime: Rachmaninoff's use of tenuto, legato line and harmonic tension. Hear examples of all three, and then listen to how the composer combined them as Duane plays one of the famous passages.
This concerto has been featured in David Lean's classic 1945 movie "Brief Encounter," as well as The Seven Year Itch starring Marilyn Monroe (1955) and Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter (2010). In 1945, it inspired the pop song Full Moon and Open Arms (sung by Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan and many more). The concerto's second movement inspired the song "All by Myself."
In 1983, Duane played Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Dallas Symphony. To listen to this performance, check out this video on Learn & Love Music: • Rachmaninoff Piano Con...
To hear another one of Rachmaninoff's most exquisite themes, check out our video: RACHMANINOFF'S Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, 18th Variation: the most SUBLIME theme ever written! • RACHMANINOFF'S Rhapsod...
To hear Dr. Hulbert talk about "Why I Love Rachmaninoff!"(a professional pianist gives 6 reasons) • "Why I Love Rachmanino...
Dr. Hulbert received his BA and MM from The Juilliard School of Music and his DMA from The Manhattan School of Music. Hulbert received the Gold Medal at the 1980 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, and also won prizes in the 1981 Leeds Competition and 1985 Carnegie Hall International American Music Competition. He has performed as a soloist with symphonies across the United States and has given recitals at Merkin Hall in New York, Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Benaroya Hall in Seattle. In 2002, his recording of the piano works of late-romantic Russian composer Alexander Glazunov was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Solo Instrumental Recording. David Hurwitz of ClassicsToday.com called the CD “a production that makes the best possible case for this really excellent but sadly neglected repertoire.” Dr. Hulbert taught at the university level for over thirty years.
Please subscribe (It's free and helps us grow!)
And like! (It makes us happy.)
And click the bell so you can be notified when we release our next video.
Thanks for watching!

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

This is the piece that got me hooked on classical music, decades ago, and I've spent the rest of my life, hoping to find another composer capable of writing music as moving as his. I have failed, because there simply isn't one! I once attended a performance of Rachmaninoff's Paganini Rhapsody, in Nashville. During the famous eighteenth variation, I observed half the audience wiping away tears, including myself. I've attended a lot of classical performances, and have never seen that kind of reaction, before or since. Rachmaninoff created the most emotional, complex, and intricate chord sequences ever. Sadly for us, he simply has no equal.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Rachmaninoff's 2nd Concerto has touched so many people in very deep ways. I never get tired of hearing this piece or playing it. Rachmaninoff had a genius for drawing listeners into his heart. I'm so glad you were introduced to classical music with this piece. Here are two other pieces that may touch your soul: Schubert's "Ständchen" D957 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2exm5pngaurfM0 (Learn and Love Music also did a three part series on Schubert) and Brahms's Intermezzo in A Major kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6mtq3ings2sqJY Thank you for your comment.

[@Hector-md8jv]

try chopin

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

@@Hector-md8jv I have a huge classical collection, including lots of Chopin, but no one touches me as deeply as Rachmaninoff.

[@YaelEylatTanaka]

Also Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. Gorgeous.

[@anotherdepressedmusician]

@@ExSkyCyclePilot If rachmaninov is the most complex to you in terms of chord sequence and emotional expression, you really haven't listened to enough composers. Maybe you indeed have heard a lot of music, but the only foreseeable reason none of it moves you as much is because you simply haven't given the same time and appreciation to those pieces. And, even though this is a well-known example and you've probably heard it before, try and find 10 minutes to mindfully listen to Chopin's 4th ballade, Zimerman's recording specifically. I used to say this piece didn't make me feel anything, but it does now, since I allowed myself to open up to it.

[@kandamy1]

Ah, this is what YT should be all about. A knowledgable enthusiast passing on their knowledge and passion to others. I especially enjoyed the section on tenuto- we have a similar effect in dancing where a particular movement is highlighted by extending the movement physically and allowing it to take more than its allotted time, borrowing from the following movement.

[@artieschannel4234]

Thank you for this lovely treat from your lyrical heart. 🙏❤️🙌🏾

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you so much! I do have a passion for music and I'm hoping to get others to love music as much as I do. Keep watching!

[@gothamelliott]

How wonderful, Kasto. Thank you!!

[@manoftheroad55]

May I suggest Glenn Gould and his BW TV presentations from yesteryear...and other notables ...also audio books ..that was a time when they were invited guests into into the living room and wore evening dress...not baseball hat Tee shirt and trainers ...

[@kandamy1]

@@manoftheroad55 Thank you manoftheroad!

[@Oaktreealley]

i cannot listen to rach 2 piano concerto without getting teary eyes. its so beautiful.

[@joemug4079]

This concerto moves me like nothing does….just amazing.

[@amol9976]

I've heard his all piano concertos, Something magical happened with 2nd Concerto, doesn't feel like the same person composed it. His 2nd concerto is just so romantic, as if Rachmaninoff fell in love with someone while composing, 2nd movement of this is just so soothing... Nice video, finally someone is actually talking about this work.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Interesting comment about Rachmaninoff's 2nd concerto. He actually dedicated it to Nikolai Dahl, the physician who helped him overcome his severe depression (which he'd been struggling with for several years). Perhaps Rachmaninoff fell in love with life again? Isn't it interesting that he put a fast virtuosic section in the middle of the second movement and then returned to a slow melody at the end of that movement? It's no surprise it's one of the most famous piano concertos of all time. Simply gorgeous.

[@amol9976]

@@LearnLoveMusic the definition of Gorgeous indeed.

[@samspianos]

Rachmininoff said his music was a longing for his homeland which he had to leave never to return..You will notice that this concerto begins with an imitation of the church bells he missed hearing in Russia which rang out every day

[@natalyahennings1085]

@@samspianos True. During the WW2 he went to the Soviet Embassy and donated discretely his money for the its war effort, that what I heard.

[@JK-pd7jf]

As a big thank you to Dr Dahl, his psychologist.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Remember being a moody, dreamy teen and listening to it over and over again. Still, when I hear it occasionally I think it's just as beautiful as ever.

[@ShayForbidden]

I always loved classical music, but the first time I heard Rachmaninoff is when I fell in love with it. I remember being gripped from the beginning of the piece and crying by the end. For me, Rachmaninoff is where I go when I want to feel the music touch my soul

[@quanhoangclarinettist6225]

From a wind player's perspective, it was this piece's absolutely phenomenal orchestration that first captured me. The way he writes for the orchestra in this concerto was superb, among the most beautiful orchestral parts that I have heard in any concerto. And that clarinet solo in the 2nd movement is absolutely to die for, haha. One of my all-time favorite concerti, till this day.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Rachmaninoff' was a genius at orchestration. He really knew how to get the most out of the orchestra. That clarinet solo truly is wonderful.

[@stupor_mundi]

For me Rachmaninov is the best. It was because of Rachmaninov that I took an interest in Russian composers, and when I did it was like reaching a whole new level. I think when one discovers classical music there is this point when you finally find the Russians and mostly everything you had heard up to that point starts to lose a little shine. Rachmaninov's level of harmonic complexity perfectly shows why that is.

[@user-oo5cd1fx3i]

Приятно слышать.

[@annep.1905]

I think Bach shines more brightly, but only because when I hear Rachmaninov's music, I feel like he is searching for something - something which Bach found. Rachmaninov, to me, sounds like a human soul that is searching for meaning and purpose in life, but never quite finding it. Bach is the human triumphant, because he has found his purpose.

[@oldedwardian1778]

I am 82 years old and have been a lover of classical music for almost all of that time. Why is this music SO BEAUTIFUL? BECAUSE IT IS.

[@paulgreen6921]

The opening theme after the piano intro is what clinched me. The most beautifully expansive theme ever I had heard. What an absolutely brilliant comeback after the savaging of his first symphony. Soul is evidently a state of euphoria being that sees and seers what truly resonates in the heart of man. Sergei Rachmaninov did real good! PWG

[@dmt3339]

One of the things that I absolutely love about this concerto, that I haven't found in too many others is how Rachmaninoff wrote the piano and orchestra in what sounds like to me as two people singing with each other. Sometimes one solo's and then the other, sometimes they are together or one is taking the "lead" while the other is backing them up. Such a fantastic piece.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Yes, you also could say it's a dialogue between the piano and the orchestra. A dialogue that sings.

[@user-fi4yd2kf6g]

This piece is probably the most we - humans - could have achieved in music. Nothing comes even close to that Concerto. A true triumph of music and arguably the best piece of music written by Rachmaninoff.

[@Lolmenchek]

Баллада шопена 4

[@user-fi4yd2kf6g]

@@Lolmenchek я вполне согласен, обожаю это произведение

[@tonylawrence5892]

❤

[@silverballs9399]

I cry when i listen to this piece.. How is it even humanly possible to write like this? Ahhhh my heart

[@LearnLoveMusic]

It is lovely. I treasure the times I've been able to play this piece with an orchestra. It's amazing.

[@metalheadjock3513]

The Rachmaninoff #2 is the most beautiful piano concerto ever written, in my opinion. Other composers have written concerti with beautiful MOMENTS, but the entirety of THIS concerto is unparalleled. I'm elated you've chosen to explain the 2nd mvt; in particular the last minutes of the 2nd movement,(here, it's 5:50 - 7:00). Listen to that passage for piano and orchestra. It is the apex of absolute mind-numbing gorgeousness. While the piano is playing the chords and accompanying left hand arpeggios, the violins are intoning a simple arco line which keeps decending. Basses are lumbering. Winds are playing gentle triplets, the horns are warmly contorting themselves to enforce the unusual chord progression. In short, every choir of the orchestra is in their most simplistic mode, doing nothing out of the ordinary. Combine all these simple elements, and without question, the most gorgeous passage ever written for piano and orchestra graces our ears;(the final few minutes of the 2nd movement). I've believed this for over 50 years now and have trained as a concert pianist, so I've heard all other concerti for piano and orchestra. This concerto is the Gold Standard.

[@fohpono8884]

In his opening piece, he stops right before the most hauntingly beautiful passage of the concerto that has seared it in my memory. Fortunately, he completes it starting at 07:55.

[@jonginder5494]

Huge big romantic melody and presence. It’s so complex but has the amazing simplicity that presses into your soul.

[@woutervandriel1861]

As a huge fan of Rachmaninoff this is really amazing content! What a great way to enjoy his works even more. Great content Duane!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks so much!

[@jacktrainer4387]

He even writes meaty orchestral accompaniment parts that are breathtaking.

[@robyncohen8542]

How incredible it must be to play these magnificent pieces with such esse and musicality! Bravo!

[@rajx82]

I’ve spent much of my life as an amateur pianist trying to improve my playing of this concerto. It’s such an incredible work. Thank you for this video - your playing is a joy to listen to and your insights into the music are fantastic

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you, Raj D. Have you heard the Third Concerto of Rachmaninoff? It's also spectacular (although more difficult).

[@rajx82]

Thank you! Yes I love the 3rd concerto too, they are both amazing!

[@ronb6182]

I would love to learn just the second movement of this piece. It's the most beautiful part of the second piano concerto. Also most used in the pop world.

[@lindamcdermott2205]

Well said!!!

[@chrisfanjoy6616]

If you can play this concerto, you are definitely not an amateur!

[@pchabanowich]

This music has been in this old heart for decades, themes for life. Thank you for sharing your seasoned thoughts and your beautiful playing. It happened that I had a good ear for music but began training when I was in my teens, too late to do this repertoire, but that did not stop me from engaging these sumptuous melodies and harmonies playfully, wistfully and with always a sheepish nod to the great master, Rachmaninoff. 🙏

[@LearnLoveMusic]

What a wonderful piece to go through life with! Thanks for your comment.

[@seraphimdunn]

Rachmaninoff is my favorite composer in history. He truly spoke without words.

[@godbluffvdgg]

It's such a beautiful and powerful piece by Rachmaninov...Personally, I love the 3rd piano concerto a bit more, but I always play the 2nd after listening to the 3rd. It's the perfect piece to ease out of the swoon I get from the 3rd... That last page on the right...So many notes...:) Thanks for the upload...

[@louieciterone3500]

Rachmaninoff's piano concerto #2 is my favorite piano concerto. Thank you for explaining and playing some of the technical aspects tenuto and legato . . . . Bravo 👏

[@teresachiarelli9627]

I've also never heard this without the orchestra - thank you!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks Teresa! I'm sure I'll play more Rachmaninoff in the future.

[@alhdgysz]

Lisitza has wonderful recording of her playing solo

[@gothamelliott]

@@alhdgysz Valentina has the soul to do justice to Rachmaninoff!

[@davidventura83]

@@alhdgysz No one can touch Zimmerman in this one!

[@riverwildcat1]

Wonderful. Well done. The music, and your revelatory demonstration, is like a healing balm. Thank you!

[@thiinkerca]

What a wonderful channel , thank you !!

[@FanBolt98]

Thank you so much for this! This concerto is something else, one of my favorites 💓🙏

[@laribex110]

I’ve never heard this favorite concerto played without the orchestra. What a new perspective I have of this piece that always brings tears to my eyes! Thank you for your insight and beautiful playing!

[@JeffriAbdullah]

Fantastic new info on a piece I have known for so long - absolutely love this music . I heard Svatsjavlov Richter play it when he came to Melbourne in the 70s. I remember all these points you are highlighting as extraordinary and now I know why. Endlessly beautiful

[@gerardoperfors2645]

Thank you so much, I loved this concerto already but your video has helped me like it even more! Thank you!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@faynixon8708]

Loved the music and I learned something new. Thanks!

[@lincolncasconi6221]

There are no words to express this concert, but you got it. Thank tou very much.

[@bradleymasson1777]

You've made me fall in love with this piece all over again. Thanks.

[@marianalechuga5495]

This is the first video I see from this channel. Absolutely loved it!!! Thank you very much for sharing:)

[@pc9467]

Listening to you play did me a whole lot of good sir. I love it!

[@fernandaenriquez2200]

I just found your channel and its amazing! Thanks for sharing and greetings from Mexico

[@noahmaillouxmusic]

Such a terrific video. Thanks much!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you for watching!

[@orin4654]

Thank you for the wonderful video. It's a gorgeous concerto.

[@wwilloww995]

Thank you for taking the time to upload this. You are very engaging and the content is very interesting. Please continue these videos. 💛

[@jguo]

Thank you for this fantastic video! It brings back the memory of my uni days when I listened to Vladimir Ashkenazy's recording 2 to 3 times a day. Those melodies certainly have enchanting beauty in them!

[@mikepetroff4240]

I love your video and the captivating information you're sharing. Thank you!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@RonnieT44]

This has always been my most favourite piece of music, since I first heard it at the age of 9 years old. Thoroughly enjoyed, this well put together, music appreciation video!

[@tomsl7111]

Loved your passion Mister. The way you play the piano and how you elaborate on everything you explain is a real delight. Subscribed!

[@Chimpy_Mc_Gibbon]

Fabulous. Thank you for those explanations.

[@birdlover7776]

Thank you for this! I love Rachmaninov; this concerto never gets old. I’m moved every time I hear it 🌸

[@markfischer3626]

This has been my favorite piece of music for over 60 years. I never tire of it. My favorite recording among many I have is Van Cliburn with Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony. Yuja Wang gave a teriffic outdoor performance under a tent in Germany and you can see and hear it on KZbin. Also on KZbin and a disc I bought is Argarich performing the third. It is IMO the greatest performance of that Concerto I ever heard. I consider Rachmaninoff as easily the greatest composer of the 20th century right up with Tchaikovsky and Beethoven I consider the two giant pillars of the 19th century. We have never seen their like since.

[@4Topwood]

I was lucky enough to hear Van Cliburn perform this. As you can imagine, it was a supremely romantic, dreamy interpretation. He played as though he was alone with the music.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

So many wonderful memories are associated with this piece. Rachmaninoff truly was a giant.

[@markfischer3626]

I love the way Reiner embellished the timpani and the cymbals in the third movement. RCA's recording was excellent. Red Seal was my favorite label in those days. Now I listen to it on a CD.

[@lesliefigueras7708]

dont forget chopins repertoir which is probably the most extensive and beautiful , i personally love racs no 2 piano concerto but dont forget other composers that have contributed to music some outstanding pieces for the world to enjoy

[@markfischer3626]

@@lesliefigueras7708 How could I forget Chopin. Unique and loved all over the world even in China. Among my favorite internet radio stations is Radio Poland English service. Poland has had many great composers most people never heard of but anyone serious about real music must know and probably loves Chopin. Everyone has their favorites but that doesn't mean we can't equally enjoy lots of other music just as much. In that era Beethoven seemed to tower over everyone else. I consider him one of the two pillars of the 19th century, the other being Tchaikovsky. I can't get enough of either but there are so many others I love as well. I have a problem I can't figure out. I've got thousands of recordings. Often I don't know which one to listen to next. I'd love to be able to listen to all of them at the same time. Got any ideas? :-)

[@johne6081]

I am sick of the naysayers who consider Rachmaninoff a mediocre, overly sentimental composer. His music grabs me and moves me, and it has obviously survived the test of time. What else is there?

[@topsyturvy1873]

This piece is magical, beyond this world!

[@ps200306]

Thanks for this exposition. This is my favourite piece of music of all time.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks for your comment. It's a great piece.

[@manuelbaezt]

Very beautiful played! My favorite piano concerto👏🏼

[@LearnLoveMusic]

It's one of my favorites too. Thanks for watching!

[@slikjC.]

Thank you very much. It's great to hear these sections with just the piano. This concerto is a true masterpiece, I will never get tired of listening to it. Every time I find something new that makes me love it.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it! Check out the other less well known Rachmaninoff concerti, too.

[@handsomeX]

One of my favorite pieces. Is absolutely mind blowingly beautiful. I love concerto number 1 also. Especially the second movement.

[@annazully2680]

thank you so for posting this about my favorite concerto. I can’t help but tear up every time I listen to it

[@alexgomez2]

I am very happy to have found your channel. Thanks you for this magnificent analysis of this, one of my ever most favorite piano works.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@loriviera3350]

Oh my, what wonderful insights. This piece is fast becoming one of my favorites and, it helps to learn what I am listening.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Our goal is to share a few insights into pieces so you can appreciate them a bit more. Thank you for watching.

[@lesdsful]

The video was amazing. Thanks to you I learned music terms that I didn't know and I love this piano concerto, it is really beautiful. Greetings from Brazil!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Hello Brazil! Thank you so much for listening and commenting.

[@Alanpat01]

Loved this. You highlighted that final theme of the second movement from 5’50” that, for me, is one of the most sublime and beautiful musical moments that I have ever heard. Still fresh after 60 years of listening. Thank you very much, look forward to more.

[@harrybuttworth6765]

Gosh, thank you so much for this post. I have not studied music, but what you show is an entrance to a whole other w orld of beauty. More please 🙂.

[@vedantthanki745]

Thank you very much for sharing this. Now everytime I hear it, it feels even more beautiful and lovely..

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@reasondro]

Your channel deserve more subs with this type of content! Well done sir, made me watch the whole video with full passion!

[@claudiogarcia8860]

The most beautiful concerto for piano and orquestra. Thanks for your teachings on it.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@GhostAron]

This is my favorite concert of all times since I first heard it, such a beautiful piece from the very first second till the end. I'm glad I found this video.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you!

[@vickyfoisy5918]

Enjoyed your narrative. And you play very well.

[@user-ec8rm9hr8q]

I love this concerto 🙂👍🎵

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Isn't it wonderful? Hits the soul.

[@biker5662]

Wow. So glad I found this. Sir, thank you for sharing so much about this piece I love. I'd love to hear more from you about this concerto!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks. Stay tuned for an episode on the second movement.

[@oldedwardian1778]

Much as I adore this work I am also deeply moved by the Brahms piano concerto #2 and in a VERY different way by the Shostakovich Piano Concerto #2

[@jennifermateyabram8480]

Thank you. Love the explaino of the 'tenuto's'. I'm now finding them in sections of Rhapsody in Blue. Rac rocks!

[@johne6081]

I love these analytical dissections and analyses. This helps the listener distinguish between a good performance and a great one. I am a rabid Rachmaninoff fan, so you had me at "Rach 2," but now I am going to watch more of your KZbins!

[@mourafmarcos]

Wonderful. It takes us to the sky. Thank you, Mister.

[@picksalot1]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I feel the same passion for this Concerto as you. I love everything about it, and it is my favorite Concerto as well as one of my very favorite pieces of music. What an incredible work of genius and talent. Thanks!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcodonati572]

Marvelously executed and beautiful.

[@carolinavollmer3325]

This is my favorite concert! Your content is amazing! Greetings from Brasil!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you very much! Greetings back to Brazil!

[@Alanpat01]

Thank you for this. The passage from 5’50” is one of the most sublime and beautiful moments ever written for piano. My opinion but I have loved it, and the concerto, for over 50 years.

[@hrobert745]

Just heard this piece on the radio today and thought wow, what is that! So happy I found this explanation. Never knew what a tenuto was.

[@jennifercoopman]

Thank you so much for this! Symphonic violinist here and this is one of my favorite piano concertos to play.

[@wjones28]

Love your analysis but the fact that you still really feel the music after analyzing with theory is so amazing. You remind me so much of my retired high school piano teacher, miss you Mr Gabriele

[@DariusSarrafi]

Good treatise. You play beautifully and most musically (a requisite for capturing Rachmaninov's spirit)!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you!

[@judithgunnyon5615]

A wonderful piece . Beautifully explained.lo

[@haneloh]

Brilliant! Best analysis I ever seen on youtube

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks so much, Sky Kim. Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto is something special, that's for sure.

[@petsatcom]

fantastic job, loved it

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you!

[@bertrandjacques6744]

Many thanks for educating us to the inner dynamics of this concerto ! Regards from France,

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Hello back to you in France! It's my joy to be able to talk about this gorgeous music.

[@SharonJerniganStudio]

So nice! It’s so important to KNOW what to LISTEN for….splendid job! Thank you!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it! Keep watching!

[@GregHarradineComposer]

Fascinating to hear your thoughts Duane! Really brought the piece to life for me.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks Greg! Keep watching!

[@Mackinstyle]

Your passion is infectious.

[@philipowen6730]

Wonderful. Thank you for this exposition

[@LearnLoveMusic]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@danb2622]

It was summer 1984 when I bought a collection of Rachmaninov pieces performed by Philippe Entremont. Never heard this music before but I was hooked on first hearing. Made me want to compose for the piano, which I did for about ten years. Just relish it!

[@hilariodaragona4473]

Beautiful Explanation

[@bryan6068]

Wonderful video. One of the best music teaching videos ive ever seen. Profound insight, deep understanding of the nuances, and pure wisdom radiating. Thank you very much for such refreshing content!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you for your kind words. Keep watching!

[@quintovallei4653]

This is the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Helene Grimaud and Claudio Abbado did it together in 2009 which is on KZbin. The music at the end of the second movement is so moving and is my favorite part of the concerto. I know nothing about music except what appeals to my ear. This piece and many of Puccini’s arias are in a class by themselves.

[@mariofranco7416]

You do an awesome job Duane! Thanks for putting this out there and inspiring more people to listen to this great music. I think Van Cliburn is an amazing pianist with great touch, who can play this piece phenomenally.

[@arianna.lexi.]

Thank you for this video! I love Rachmaninov. I don't know much about music, but I love that you explain everything for those of us who are not savvy in this field.

[@naferemix]

It’s so powerful to hear you talk about things I’ve never heard of but somehow picked up on listening to this even the first few times I listened as a teenager. As a self-taught pianist with no classical training and very little knowledge of theory, it feels almost magical to have heard these moments and noticed ‘something’ going on without knowing the purpose being them. Music like this is an incomparable method of communication. Clearly he wanted us to feel a certain way with each section, and somehow carved out a path for us as listeners. What a curiously beautiful accident of what is essentially the manipulation of vibrations detected through the air by sensory organs that our distant ancestors didn’t even have.

[@paulatkins4968]

Fabulous . Thanks 🙏

[@georgeherod4252]

Wow, that's absolutely beautiful

[@pianoar3652]

Amazing! Generous Pianist, great human. Thank you.

[@paulshi2821]

instant sub, I love how informative you are in your vids!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thanks so much, Paul. Keep watching!

[@tonimontana5153]

Thank you for the wonderful video, Rachmaninov ist the best. I LOVE his piano concertos, most the third. ;-)

[@LearnLoveMusic]

You're welcome! The third concerto is fantastic.

[@chenboxu7448]

this video is so great! You make people who don't know piano tech like me understand the magic of the composer!

[@LearnLoveMusic]

Thank you! Keep watching!

[@WarinPartita6]

Big​ thanks​ for​ sharing​ this.

[@LearnLoveMusic]

You're so welcome!