This guy is WILD

[quido]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbIX8zY17Z4 (first 39 minutes)

I know most of you would never give this sort of thing a chance, but I share it anyways on the chance that one of you out there who previously had no interest in the piano might really enjoy it. As far as classical music goes, this concerto is pretty heavy. Rachmaninoff lived well into the 20th century, but nearly all his music was written in the style of the Romantic Period that existed throughout the 19th century. It is often noted that Rachmaninoff's piano music is very technically demanding (his 3rd Piano Concerto is often regarded as the most difficult piece from mainstream classical repertoire), and the 2nd Piano Concerto is no exception. Rachmaninoff is also noted for his extremely large hands (many a music nerds possess model molds of his hands) - he could reach an octave and a fifth with one hand while striking the notes of a minor triad in between with each finger. But beyond all that trivia lay the music, and let me tell you, it is amazing! There is some really lousy Rachmaninoff out there, but when he's on, that motherfucker is on. Rachmaninoff's music simply bleeds genuine heartfelt emotion - it is just plain over the top with it, but it somehow maintains its tastefulness. What often makes me smile when listening to Rachmaninoff is how distinctly RUSSIAN it is. I don't know how else to describe it, you'll just have to experience it for yourself! Also, I am a maggot and often skip the slow movements when listening to Concertos/Sonatas, but I think the slow 2nd movement from this Concerto is one of the best ever.

Allow me to comment on the pianist for a minute too - LOL - I'm sorry, Evgeny Kissin is a genius and probably the greatest performer of Rachmaninoff today, but it is absolutely comical to watch how immersed this dude is in the music. It generally looks like he's somewhere between crying and vomiting. Evgeny is absolutely A+ in this recording, but I can't help but repeatedly crack up while watching the dude.