This month legendary Russian pianist and Van Cliburn Competition Winner Alexander Toradze returns to the NAC to perform Rachmaninoff’s beloved and technically demanding Piano Concerto No. 3.
In 1909, Sergei Rachmaninoff was at the height of his fame in Russia when he decided to come and woo American audiences. He composed the Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor, Op. 30 especially for the occasion. The premiere in New York was well received, but it wasn’t considered an emphatic success.
Over the years,“Rach 3” acquired the reputation of being one of the most difficult, brilliant and romantic in the repertory of piano concertos. It became the test of proficiency and stamina, and was played by just about every great pianist. It is one of Rachmaninoff’s longest and most structurally complex works. On average, it contains more notes per second than any other piano concerto and a typical performance lasts about forty minutes.
The concerto was popularized when it was featured in the 1996 film “Shine”, based on the life of pianist David Helfgott.
Hear the Third Piano Concerto, performed by the NAC Orchestra with Shura Cherkassky on piano on NACmusicbox.ca.
By Alida Cupillari
