Thanks for uploading this video, buddy! I highly recommended his recording of Shostakovich's Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87, if you enjoy those compositions.
Cheers. One of the two recitals I most enjoyed in Amsterdam was Melnikov playing all 24 Shostakovich P&Fs at the Muziekgebouw in 2012. He played so beautifully, with such insight and control....it was a great performance, memorable and affecting. I hadn't heard of him before but I always listen to him now.
He seems to bring a very different perspective to the Preludes. At times I wonder if it is what a somewhat young Pollini would have done with his attention to articulation, controlling phrasing, and always polished playing. But, the phrasing around 6:04 in one of the reflective moments of this Prelude Moisiewitsch called Rachmaninoff missing Russia, all of a sudden is quite unusual and unpredictable - which obviously is the artist's intent. The same is true at 2:22 in the first prelude as the change in phrasing is very unpredicable from the rest of the prelude. But it's refreshing to hear a pianist willing to both express and project these three Rachmaninoff Preludes quite different than others have played - some of whom I may prefer, but ultimately - I must credit Melnikov for achieving here one of the marks of a excellent concert. A performance that fascinates - that draws you into the artist's world - as Bernstein so aptly said on TV - an artist's role is to give their interpretation since the score is not complete in its instructions. Unless Rachmaninoff recorded his music properly - and everyone else since thinks they shoudl correct the composer (my answer to all the "just do what the score says" fans. Thank you for sharing a fascinating listening experience, Melnikov creates many wonderful moments.
very well said (as always)! I completely agree with you about how Melnikov makes it sound unusual. I thought he makes it sound entirely modern as well. Outstanding. I also have videos of him playing Rachmaninoff's PC 2 and Paganini Rhapsody, which unfortunately I cannot upload until the copyright strike ends or is removed.
At the spot you mention, it is not only unpredictable, it is a complete tempo change, just because to follow the composer's intention is more difficult than just invent something to fit your abilities. Same when he changes the dynamics with no real purpose. However, I agree some of the phrasings are very nice!
What an excellent pianist. Absolutely exceptional rendition. Bravo, Alexander.
His phrasing is absolutely amazing. A real true gem. His ability to build a climax is also astounding and more than admirable.
Majestic and thrilling!
I particularly love his superb performance of the Prelude in G sharp minor, perfectly phrased and nuanced.
Thanks for uploading this video, buddy! I highly recommended his recording of Shostakovich's Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87, if you enjoy those compositions.
Cheers. One of the two recitals I most enjoyed in Amsterdam was Melnikov playing all 24 Shostakovich P&Fs at the Muziekgebouw in 2012. He played so beautifully, with such insight and control....it was a great performance, memorable and affecting. I hadn't heard of him before but I always listen to him now.
Danny B. I
He seems to bring a very different perspective to the Preludes. At times I wonder if it is what a somewhat young Pollini would have done with his attention to articulation, controlling phrasing, and always polished playing. But, the phrasing around 6:04 in one of the reflective moments of this Prelude Moisiewitsch called Rachmaninoff missing Russia, all of a sudden is quite unusual and unpredictable - which obviously is the artist's intent. The same is true at 2:22 in the first prelude as the change in phrasing is very unpredicable from the rest of the prelude. But it's refreshing to hear a pianist willing to both express and project these three Rachmaninoff Preludes quite different than others have played - some of whom I may prefer, but ultimately - I must credit Melnikov for achieving here one of the marks of a excellent concert. A performance that fascinates - that draws you into the artist's world - as Bernstein so aptly said on TV - an artist's role is to give their interpretation since the score is not complete in its instructions. Unless Rachmaninoff recorded his music properly - and everyone else since thinks they shoudl correct the composer (my answer to all the "just do what the score says" fans. Thank you for sharing a fascinating listening experience, Melnikov creates many wonderful moments.
very well said (as always)! I completely agree with you about how Melnikov makes it sound unusual. I thought he makes it sound entirely modern as well. Outstanding. I also have videos of him playing Rachmaninoff's PC 2 and Paganini Rhapsody, which unfortunately I cannot upload until the copyright strike ends or is removed.
At the spot you mention, it is not only unpredictable, it is a complete tempo change, just because to follow the composer's intention is more difficult than just invent something to fit your abilities. Same when he changes the dynamics with no real purpose. However, I agree some of the phrasings are very nice!
Yes, true....6:04 and thence, at 6:20 exquisite....and What of those sonorities at 6:50....Richter may have met his match
Forgot to mention 10:25 as well.............
Surely.. Richter also connected with the young Melnikov. He certainly recognized a master when he heard one..
op. 32 no. 5, 10 & 12
Them Russians...