Classicial Piano

My third recording of the Ossia Cadenza from Rachmaninoff's 3rd piano concerto in D minor. Its several parsecs beyond my first take. And, its light years beyond my second take. Still -- not perfect. However, I am officially no longer embarrassed that google puts me at the top of searches for Rachmaninoff's 3rd concerto. Not that I'm saying I'm more deserving than Ashkenazy, Horowitz, Argerich, Kissen, Van Cliburn, ect... However, since I played it, I won't get sued for putting it up. And isn't that what's really important?

Ossia Cadenza from Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto [Listen in MP3]

Performed by Nick Lewis

Cliburn Performs Rachmaninoff

Words cannot describe the value of these recordings.

Download and listen -- these recordings are free, courtesy of our friends in Russia. What you will hear is arguably the most legendary piano concert of the mid-to-late 20th century.

God I love the internet!

I had a strange experience tonight. I rediscovered a piece that I learned sometimes during 10th grade (I think while I was grounded for being a pothead). Its sounds terrible, on the one hand, yet I feel like their is something very firey and beautiful that needs to be released -- like a half done sculpture that is destined to become a master piece. Take a listen[mp3] to a 1:30 seconds, if you're feeling like forgiving me for couple of mushed keys, and mistakes. Its really strange... basically, my hands seem attached to my 10th grade self-taught (read:wrong) fingerings with my wrists rock solid wrists (which is dangerous for me, I got carpal tunnel a few years ago). Its as though, when my brain sends the message to my hands that "Its time to play appassionata", my muscles think I'm still in high school. Nevertheless, I think there is some real potential in this piece. I think I ought to learn it all, and learn it right this time.

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Cadenza from Piano Concerto no. 3 in d-minor Op. 30Sergei Rachmaninoff, pianist

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I'm a bit confused, this must be among the best rendentions of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto no. 3 in d-minor that I have ever heard. It also happens to be live. I'm shocked, to be frank, this recording is in par with all my favorites: Horowitz/Reiner '51, Argerich/Chailly '79, and Ashkenazy/Haitink '84. So again, I present to you, another piece of music worth your time:

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto 3 in d-minor Opus. 30, Movement III

STEPHEN HOUGH piano, DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA / ANDREW LITTON

--------->Listen in MP3

Composed by Franz Liszt

Peter Aberle, pianist

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Notes: Among serious classical pianists, the following claim is almost a dogma: Franz Liszt was the greatest pianist that ever lived (1831-1886). In this recording, Peter Aberle plays one of Liszt's more difficult etudes, "Un Sospiro". IMHO, "Un Sospiro" is the most beautiufl work that Liszt ever wrote -- and don't forget that Liszt is the best pianist who has ever lived (at least according to the old guard classical pianists). I guess what I am saying is take a listen. Aberle does an excellent job, btw.