Rachmaninoff - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Variation 18 (piano solo)

Threw in a few bars of Variation 17 to segue nicely into 18. Originally for piano and orchestra.

Transcription: Robert Schultz

Piano: Yamaha AvantGrand N1
Piano VST: Garritan CFX Full

[jamesdong]

I think that the chromatic ending of the 17th evolving into a 5th and then resolving into the 18th is one of the most beautiful moments in the history of classical music

[johnkivell]

This is the first piece of music I ever remember hearing. It brings back to me an apartment on Bloor Street East in Toronto, in the late 1940's, greenish yellow light streaming into the sunroom through the trees in the Rosedale Ravine, and being played by my mother on a 78 RPM phonograph. It wasn't until many years later that I recognized it when I heard it again.
In any case, it is the piece I want played at whatever celebration takes place at the end of my life. It escorted me, in a sense, into my life; I would like it to escort me out. Rachmaninoff was my mother's favourite composer, and either therefore or coincidentally, mine too. She actually saw him perform live in Toronto in the 1930's.

[maureenbell]

I am 84 years old and this has been my favourite piece of music since I was 15 years old .just love it ❤️

[roobsrooby]

This has to be the most beautiful piece of music that Rachmaninoff ever composed.

[hertzproductions]

Rachmaninoff loved those continuously alternating left and right chords, such a powerful sound.

[kevinwillis]

Just reaches deep down into my soul ....

[alexgray]

Eine fantastische Komposition und Interpretation!!! 🎹👏👏💪

[andrekawashima]

Best version and best performance on YouTube! Congratulations!

[grahamrankin]

Why do I cry when listening to this? The emotional response this gorgeous piece of music, not to mention the exquisite playing, evokes in me such a reaction that I simply burst into tears, and I'm not making this up. Just dazzlingly beautiful !

[gljm]

Of all the interpretations of this on YouTube, I think yours is the best.

[johne]

You nailed the tempo and dynamics. I can hear the orchestra mentally. Well done!

[bryansoto]

This performance was absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing.

[cariwithani]

Utterly phenomenal piece of music. You play so beautifully, in my next life this is going to be me...🤍

This is the music of my childhood. It is my memory of my mother who played it often. My friends think I play piano; they just don't know how crappy I am. Thanks for the inspiration. I'll keep at it.

[JustMe-kjpw]

I fell in love with this piece when I saw the movie somewhere in time. ❤❤

[timetravel]

Somewhere in time...Thank you for the perfect performance!

[happybabblingbrooks]

Beyond my comprehension how well you play. Thank you.

[martaberrios]

Beautiful !!! This piece reach my emotions ! I'm crying. You play it beautifully. 🥰

[jamespowers]

Just marvelous...thank you so much. It is my favorite piece, and the one I hope
to be able to play for my darling wife...someday.

[despaiirx]

I’m glad you started with the 17th. Not that it’s the version I’m used to but it just has a different feel when the Rhapsody is started off. It’s like “get ready for a rollercoaster of emotion” especially when it resolves into the 18th Rhapsody. It just makes it even more beautiful and elegant but sentimental