The most touching moment in music: Sokolov plays Rachmaninov Prelude Op. 23 no. 4 | Video score

The world human rights concert
Palace of Nation, Geneva
11 December 2021

⭐️⭐️Background about Op. 23⭐️⭐️
The Opus 23 Preludes were composed by Rachmaninov between 1901 and 1903 and dedicated to Alexander Siloti. He premiered three of them on February 10, 1903, in a Moscow recital.

As a composer-performer, Rachmaninov created music that highlighted his strengths as a touring pianist. After the success of the C-sharp Minor Prelude, he was inspired by Chopin and Bach to write a total of 24 preludes, one in each key.

The Opus 23 preludes, possibly inspired by his marriage to Natalia Satin in May 1902, mark a joyful period in Rachmaninov's life. These bravura works for concert grand piano symbolize a creative resurgence after the setback of his First Symphony failure. They are seen as a personal testament reflecting his artistic journey.

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This video is made for piano music enthusiasts who enjoy studying music score, alongside with Grigory Sokolov's interpretation.

Copyright is owned by the pianist and the related production team.

An advertisement has been included in compliance with YouTube's policy.

[aryanpianist]

As a professional pianist I have to say, this is the warm perfection in music! Every note lives by him

[meijianli]

The more I listened to Sokolov, the more I listen to Sokolov.

[pactofsteel]

He finds something unique to say in absolutely every note. I have never heard this piece with such attention to every element; every note is alive with clarity and purpose and everything coheres to whole. Sokolov has the sweeping arc so characteristic of Rachmaninoff, but instead of directing the force of this piece to that arc, he shows us the in-between moments, the subtle voicings. Incredible.

[יואלרובינשטיין]

This is one of the best things i ever heard

[mathieuberquet]

Sokolov est l’un des tous meilleurs pianistes de l’histoire.

[kenelliott]

. . . the rain stopped. The clouds parted and the sun peeked through . . . Thank you for this jewel ~

[JaseBach]

Although not the most often played or famous, this is my favourite Rachmaninov prelude. I think it is inspired by Chopin's prelude in E minor, with which it forms a mirror image. The brooding melody of Chopin, when turned upside, becomes a heartwarming song, just as the caprice by Paganini, when turned upside down, became the famous tune of the 18th variation in the Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini.

[brendanoflaherty]

Achingly beautiful. The emotion quite overwhelms me.

[Spektralfarben-Music]

What a beautiful and mesmerizing piece! And what an outstanding performance. I love it.

[francescoerre]

Grazie maestro Sokolov, bellissima interpretazione ❤

[sylviacooper]

Thank you. Piano music is deeply meaningful and moving for me as J grew up with that wonderful sound when my dad played. Sokolov is a beautiful player.❤

[chasec]

The chord at 1:08 just sends goosebumps up and down my arms. This is the first I'm hearing of this piece and now I'm determined to learn it. This man is genius. Thank you for sharing ❤

[PatriziaPalmisani-ksje]

Una delizia. Un momento di forte intimismo❤

[Eric-jouh]

Have listened to this prelude for nearly 74 years and it gets better as I age. This is beautifully played, most appreciated. Thank you.

[shshsh]

I didn't know this Prelude, it's wonderful!❤

[TempestInstruments]

Absolutely gorgeous. Rachmaninoff had such a rare talent

[belenaguilar]

Simplemente Delicioso y Maravilloso...como todo lo que compuso Rachmaninof

[joebrewer]

Absolutely beautiful. I can’t imagine this played any better than this

[sonokokanai]

I learned this piece 24 years ago and still makes me teary at the last part. I’ll play some more mow

[StefaanHimpe]

Rachmaninov op 23 no. 4 and op 23 no. 10 are some of the most beautiful romantic piano pieces ever written. Stunning!