It’s my first time to listen to the live performance of Rach 3 two days ago. Known for its difficulty and ferocious movements, Rach 3 is considered as one of most demanding pieces by many virtuosos. The music never disappoints me. My hand is compulsive to move with the player’s fingers during the rampaging parts, but the romantic parts open up like the fresh sky. To me, listening to Rach 3 is a healing process.

However, I couldn’t enjoy Shostakovich‘s Symphony No. 15. Very low and slow. People deem it as subtle and full of puzzles, but I couldn’t understand it.

Conductor/Performers

Valery Gergiev, conductor
Denis Matsuev, piano
Mariinsky Orchestra, formerly Kirov Orchestra

Program

Berlioz: Royal Hunt and Storm from Les Troyens
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 15