This recording is by far the best. The only issue I would have is that some segments are played to slow, but those are overshadowed by the rest. The pianists power and musical expressions are amazing for a relatively modern pianist. He gives thought to every note. The hidden melody he plays in the third movement struck me with awe. This sonata really is amazing, and highly underplayed because of its length. The intro tempo at the start of the 2 movement his you deep into the sole. Rachmaninoff, I believe is, in a way, the opposite of Scriabin. Scriabin reached farthest into the transcendental realm of music, while Rachmaninoff went deeper into the heart than any composer has. His music has matured to a level that most people haven’t. I always wondered why people don’t fully appreciate him and his work, and it’s for that reason.
@@RaineriHakkarainen I would disagree. In fact, there is no “good” recording. Botkin had a very great interpretation for all movements. He had very powerful rubato, and a strong performance. Not everything is boring. it is also really stretched out, But musically it definitely is the best. 3rd movement voicing he had done was the best. Botkin performance is the best we have right now.
The middle movement has that gloriously rambling quality of a Schubert sonata ... by rambling I don't mean aimless, but rather a contemplative walk in the expanse of nature with no undue hurry to a destination ...
I'm new to this sonata, the beauty is definetely there but perhaps it's a little more complex to contemplate than other pieces. Will need a few more listenings to get to appreciate it right.
Very deep piece which takes more than one listening to fully appreciate. Some thematic similarities with the 3rd concerto. I have a recording of the first movement on my page, hastily prepared…
hi thanks for this beautiful piece, only heard it a few days ago and it truly is beautiful... could anyone please help me with finding out what piano was used in this performance? cant quite tell if it is a steinway or not, but - let alone the fact that sean botkin produces a brilliant tone - the piano itself seems to be is of top quality and would really want to know what brand and model it is.
I believe it is an old Steinway definitely older because of the strong bass tone. Could be NY steinway. Definitely not a yamaha. I dont know but that is my best guess.
I used to think so because its very fast and furious, but I prefer this because it allows more time for the music to be expressed. Its more of a journey to listen than Weissenberg. But Weissenberg is the second best (in my opinion).
Thanks for your comment, but I disagree. Any pianist has total freedom to express the tempo because of how musically and technically complex it is. If it were an etude for example, tempo would be far more important. Yes, there is substantial rubato yet he makes the slow sections utterly beautiful and expressive. There are tempo markings but no required length. This interpretation by Sean Botkin beats all and any other performances especially Lugansky, Ogdon, and Cochieva
This recording is by far the best. The only issue I would have is that some segments are played to slow, but those are overshadowed by the rest. The pianists power and musical expressions are amazing for a relatively modern pianist. He gives thought to every note. The hidden melody he plays in the third movement struck me with awe. This sonata really is amazing, and highly underplayed because of its length. The intro tempo at the start of the 2 movement his you deep into the sole. Rachmaninoff, I believe is, in a way, the opposite of Scriabin. Scriabin reached farthest into the transcendental realm of music, while Rachmaninoff went deeper into the heart than any composer has. His music has matured to a level that most people haven’t. I always wondered why people don’t fully appreciate him and his work, and it’s for that reason.
Very well said! A very underappreciated pianist and piece
Victor Eresko is the best Rach sonata no 1! Eresko's coda 3rd movt much better than Botkin's!
@@RaineriHakkarainen I would disagree. In fact, there is no “good” recording. Botkin had a very great interpretation for all movements. He had very powerful rubato, and a strong performance. Not everything is boring. it is also really stretched out, But musically it definitely is the best. 3rd movement voicing he had done was the best. Botkin performance is the best we have right now.
The middle movement has that gloriously rambling quality of a Schubert sonata ... by rambling I don't mean aimless, but rather a contemplative walk in the expanse of nature with no undue hurry to a destination ...
"Allegro? What's that?"
Fiorentino’s on my channel is my favorite (by far honestly) but this and Selivokhin are certainly runners-up!
I mention a name: ALEXANDER MALOFEEV: His interpretation of the third movement of this sonata remains unmatched
A Masterpiece this wonderful Sonata. A Masterpiece this incredible interpretation. Thank you so much for uploading.
Youre welcome! Truly agree
A revelation in expression of the history of absolute music, no tricks here. But absolute passion on the affirmative
Oh Hell yeah! Going to play this piece next year... Hope it'll compare.
Really? This piece is insane. Best of luck!
I played it for my graduate recital. It was a great journey.
Wow!! I’ve heard several amazing interpretations of this piece, but this one is truly incredible.
what a fresh interpretation..
I'm new to this sonata, the beauty is definetely there but perhaps it's a little more complex to contemplate than other pieces. Will need a few more listenings to get to appreciate it right.
Thank you so much for uploading all of these great performances of this neglected masterpiece.
Very deep piece which takes more than one listening to fully appreciate. Some thematic similarities with the 3rd concerto. I have a recording of the first movement on my page, hastily prepared…
I think u are going to be my fave RUclipsr. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🫴🫴🫴
Is there anywhere we can buy the CD or the track to have it in better audio? :) Thanks in advance
This is an underrated recording so I doubt there is a CD available. This is the best audio available.
hi thanks for this beautiful piece, only heard it a few days ago and it truly is beautiful... could anyone please help me with finding out what piano was used in this performance? cant quite tell if it is a steinway or not, but - let alone the fact that sean botkin produces a brilliant tone - the piano itself seems to be is of top quality and would really want to know what brand and model it is.
I believe it is an old Steinway definitely older because of the strong bass tone. Could be NY steinway. Definitely not a yamaha. I dont know but that is my best guess.
thank you!@@Janeahmon
I still wonder who RachmOninoff is ...
Some remote relative of RachmAninoff ‘?...
They’re not only blood related and have the same parents but also amazing pianists and compisers; the best in their era.
Weissenberg is much better
I used to think so because its very fast and furious, but I prefer this because it allows more time for the music to be expressed. Its more of a journey to listen than Weissenberg. But Weissenberg is the second best (in my opinion).
this tempo is wrong. Too slow
Thanks for your comment, but I disagree. Any pianist has total freedom to express the tempo because of how musically and technically complex it is. If it were an etude for example, tempo would be far more important. Yes, there is substantial rubato yet he makes the slow sections utterly beautiful and expressive. There are tempo markings but no required length. This interpretation by Sean Botkin beats all and any other performances especially Lugansky, Ogdon, and Cochieva