Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Pianist Corner Rach 2 vs Rach 3

For some strange reason, I find Rach 2's last movement (Allegro Scherzando?) to be better than Rach 3's last movement (Finale alla breve). Rach 2 is more concrete and focused, with the theme repeated several times. I also found the last few measures in Rach 2 to be more awe-inspiring. Maybe it's because there's so much hype around Rach 3, and I'm being nonconformist.

In the other movements, Rach 3 dominates its older sibling.

I like the third concerto better. First, the third movement is way more exciting. Overall, the structure is so incredibly amazing. The first and third movements are inseparable. The third movement, especially, never ceases to amaze me.

3rd hands down imo! The 2nd concerto has its "moments" but the 3rd really makes the hairs on my arm stand if you know what I mean, especially if played well.


btw-There has to be like a million bazillion threads about Rachmaninoff's 3rd concerto-try searching next time.

vs.

... and yet Rachmaninov separated them with the second movement. What did that dude know, huh?

Cheers!

Second of course. I even think that some bars in Rach3 could be removed and it would still being the same music basically

Second.
The 3rd rambles too much.

I could live without the 3rd concerto, honestly. The second concerto is just so much more emotionally fulfilling for me and has more interesting melodies than the third. And the second movement of the 2nd concerto kills the 3rd's 2nd movement anyday.

that is just my opinion anyhow.

2

So to speak... as in it wouldn't be complete without either movement.

Interestingly, I much prefer the themes in the third concerto than those in the second, which is one reason I like the third much better.

I much prefer the second, the third has too many notes and too little music.

Both.

Second, it's more fun and less overwraught IMO.

I have always prefered 2nd over 3rd. Have not changed my feelings, YET.

Second, for the reasons already mentioned.
BTW, I don't even think the 3rd is more popular- it just has a lot of mystique surrounding it for pianists, because it's so difficult.

I also much prefer the 2nd.

I like the 2nd more. BUT the 2nd movement of the 3rd concerto is one of my favourite movements of anything, ever.

I prefer the 2nd

Yes.. I prefer the No.2 as well.. I've read a description of No.2 as the "most erotic piano concerto ever"

What is going on in this picture? Has everyone washed their hair and used the foam to fashion a lovely antique wig?