S. Rachmaninov : Prelude op. 23 no. 5 in G minor (Berezovsky)

The russian pianist Boris Berezovsky performs this prelude op. 23 no. 5 in G minor by Sergueï Rachmaninov.
Sergei Rachmaninoff completed his Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5 in 1901. It was included in his Opus 23 set of ten preludes despite having been written two years earlier than the other nine. It epitomizes Rachmaninoff's Russian nationalism, rich in full chords an evocative theme. Rachmaninoff himself premiered the piece in Moscow on February 10, 1903, along with Preludes No. 1 and 2 from Op. 23.
The Prelude's taut structure is in ternary form, consisting of an opening "A" section with punctuated sixteenth-note chords (marked Alla marcia), a more lyrical and melancholy "B" section with sweeping arpeggios in the left hand (marked Poco meno mosso), a transition into the original tempo, and a recapitulation of the initial march.
The Alla marcia section is in itself in ternary ABA form. Within the first three measures of the Prelude, Rachmaninoff introduces the unifying factors of the piece (notwithstanding the Poco meno mosso section). First, the chordal march of measure one; second, the fragment on the second half of the beat in measure two; third, the fragment on the second half of beat two in measure three.

[SheetMusicBoss]

Probably my favourite Rachmaninoff prelude! Really love this one.

[Vyndrix]

I've played the piano for 9 years but stopped for 1 year, this was my last piece I've played, lol. It actually sucks to forget the pieces you love then go back listening to it trying to believe that you played that.

[xbassistx]

It's so refreshing to hear a recording of this piece where the pianist doesn't just fly through it. The slow smoldering transitions and phrasing give it so much depth. Bravo maestro Berezovsky. Faster does not mean better.

[DunlopTortexmm]

2:34 That 40 seconds crescendo perfectly built up. Wow

[nielsharksen]

My favourite Interpretation so far. Not as rushed as many ones and I like the pedal use.

[lizJesus]

I love his control of speed, volume, and phrasing! Makes it a really powerful song through the expression. Bravo!

[seneresaartomus]

Very soft and calm interpretation, letting the crescendo live for love, with a perfect tempo associated with a slight rubato.

[popapopas]

For me, this is the best performance of this Prelude... Doubtless, Mr Boris Berezovsky plays it flawlessly, I just cannot realize how can he do it so perfectly... I have listened it several times, and it is perfect!

[watkinder]

This is a piece I both perform and teach to advanced students. There are many different interpretations of it online ranging from slower (as here), to extremely fast (Kissin).  "Alla marcia" is key to an accurate performance: The "rat-a-tat" rhythm is imitative of a SNARE DRUM and needs to be brittle and unpedalled (at least in places where there are not underlying dotted crotchets, and the prevailing dynamic level  is quiet). The second page needs especial care to avoid splashes: here the trick is to "springboard" off the quavers and land a fraction in advance onto the next "rat-a-tat" figurations. This may require segmented practice.

[sachinsahay]

anyone else notice that pieces in g minor in opus 23 tend to be famous?

[josephlee]

I really like how Berezovsky puts his own nuances into this music, even if it doesn’t reflect what the music piece should sound like. In particular, I really like the part around 0:43-0:52. If you listen carefully, you’ll notice the piano player adds a couple of notes on the second half of the third beat of each measure to make the music sound more “galloping” or “free-flowing, ” and I really enjoy listening to that.

[yamik]

Im playing the song atm, and I realized just how wrong Ive been playing parts of the song. Especially the fact that Im dirtying up the song like crazy with the pedal.

[hiry]

One of the best russian pieces, composed by one of the best russian composers, interpreted by one of the best russian pianists. Yeah, it's good

[sarahcuro]

the berezovsky is my favourite version

[viren]

The slow part is unbelievably beautiful and has a lot of meaning

[evielknievel]

Amadeus : “ Look what I wrote “

Sergei: “ Hold my beer😎”

[notLucaZ-bn]

0:44 that's why Rachmaninoff's considered the king of harmony, the progression is great

[ShezzLuvsShadow]

I can only play up till 0:22 but I'm getting there slowly on piano 
So happy music like this exists, the piano has a spectacular sound to it 

[nasibalsawaf]

No words can express this prelude !
JUST AWESOME

[vladislavmatiusenco]

The pianist plays so tenderly in the end, I don't have words to describe it