Renowned pianist Yuja Wang captivated audiences in Los Angeles with her spellbinding performances of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos. Over two consecutive weekends in February 2023, Wang recorded all four piano concertos, as well as the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. The live recordings took place at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, drawing sell-out crowds.
Yuja Wang’s achievement of recording the complete set of Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos is truly remarkable. These works are known for their emotional depth and technical complexity, yet Wang effortlessly navigates their challenges. As a testament to her mastery, she has performed Rachmaninoff’s notoriously difficult Rach 3 concerto more than 70 times.
Each concerto in Rachmaninoff’s repertoire offers a unique experience, with distinct colors and vibes. When played consecutively, they create a rich tapestry of musical worlds that never tires the performer. Wang appreciates Rachmaninoff’s playing for its classic and transparent qualities, emphasizing refined and sincere phrasing over clichéd interpretations. She strives to bring out the classiness and nobleness of Rachmaninoff’s music, rather than succumbing to the allure of superficial glamour.
Let’s explore Wang’s personal insights into Rachmaninoff’s four piano concertos and the Paganini Rhapsody:
Piano Concerto No. 2:
– This concerto, the most popular of Rachmaninoff’s works, begins with the piano alone, capturing the audience’s attention from the start.
– The melodies are deeply moving, juxtaposed with the composer’s classical phrasing and dynamics.
– Rachmaninoff’s inventive use of key changes can be heard in the opening of the second movement, where the strings traverse different keys, creating a captivating effect.
– Notably, the second theme in the third movement is written for the viola, reflecting Rachmaninoff’s gratitude towards Nikolai Dahl, the psychiatrist who aided him during a period of depression.
Piano Concerto No. 1:
– Rachmaninoff composed this concerto when he was only 18 and studying at the Moscow Conservatoire. It is marked by chromaticism and episodic shifts in mood, making it a challenging piece to perform.
– The second movement, Andante, is reflective and filled with fairyland-like colors as it unfolds.
– The rhythmic brilliance of the third movement adds to the concerto’s allure.
– Rachmaninoff later revised the concerto in 1917, altering its textures and rethinking its form. Wang chooses to perform the revised version, showcasing the evolution of Rachmaninoff’s compositions.
Piano Concerto No. 4:
– Like the previous concerto, Rachmaninoff revised this piece, presenting his final version in the recording.
– Despite simplified textures, this concerto remains challenging due to its integrated ideas and offbeat nature.
– Listeners can discern the influence of George Gershwin, evoking a jazz-like quality.
– The opening of the second movement stands out with its lilting rhythm and gospel-choir atmosphere, beautifully harmonized and peppered with key changes that showcase Rachmaninoff’s creativity.
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini:
– This short and exhilarating piece has garnered immense popularity among audiences.
– Wang appreciates the inclusion of the medieval Dies Irae plainchant theme, subtly introduced on the piano in Variation 7 and then boldly marching in Variation 10, taking on an offbeat and jazzy tone.
– The harmony undergoes striking changes before reaching the famous 18th Variation, where Rachmaninoff ingeniously inverts the main theme.
– The final Variation, No. 24, delights with its playful piano leaps and spontaneity, exhibiting Rachmaninoff’s improvisational prowess.
Piano Concerto No. 3:
– Wang finds true enjoyment in performing this concerto, experiencing physical, emotional, and psychological pleasure.
– The balance between piano and orchestra is particularly well-crafted in this piece, unlike the second concerto where the orchestra dominates.
– The second movement exemplifies the interaction between the soloist and the orchestra, as the piano disrupts the peaceful atmosphere carefully established by the ensemble, plunging into new keys with each entry.
– Waves of different emotional states, bordering on neuroticism, define this movement, while the final movement showcases Rachmaninoff’s playful side, igniting excitement to bring the concerto to a thrilling conclusion.
Yuja Wang’s exceptional recordings offer listeners a captivating journey through Rachmaninoff’s four piano concertos and the Paganini Rhapsody. Her performances reveal the profound depth of these works while honoring the classic and transparent style cherished by the composer himself. By capturing the hearts of audiences in Los Angeles, Wang pays homage to Rachmaninoff’s enduring legacy on the occasion of his 150th anniversary.
