Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36 | Pianist: Heegan Lee Shzen 李胜

I have always loved Sergei Rachmaninoff's music, and the reason is very simple. His gift in writing beautiful melodies that speak directly to our hearts and the virtuosity needed that is present in a large amount of his works just makes his music such a joy to listen and study. It would almost be a crying shame if I do not share my interpretation of his famed Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor Op. 36, a work of his that is such a hit in competitions, recital programs, and in the recording studios. I have had this piece in my repertoire for the past 20 years and while I have played it here and there, I avoided recording it properly as I felt the maturity aspect of it was lacking and I needed more time and life experience with this piece. Late last year, I started studying this piece again with the intention of recording both the sonatas of Rachmaninoff, and while things always could be improved, I find myself happy with my current interpretation of this piece. While Rachmaninoff composed and finished writing his Second Piano Sonata in 1913 which was very well received, he was not satisfied with it and felt that much of the Sonata was superfluous hence, he decided to embark on a revision which resulted in the "Final" revised version in 1931 which is the version that I present here in this recording. While Rachmaninoff is known for being quite difficult, I do not play or record his music for that reason. It is the genuine love I have for his music and in this case with his Second Piano Sonata, it is filled with immense passion - he takes you right into the music with the virtuosic descending figuration which opens the first movement that later develops into multiple themes of passionate beauty, and especially with the heartbreaking melodic line in the second movement that is to die for, it just gives me goosebumps everytime I play it. By the time we get to the third movement, Rachmaninoff showcases his typical virtuosic writing that again goes into another passionate melodic theme which subsequently builds up to the end bringing the Sonata to a virtuosic grand close. I hope everyone enjoys my interpretation of one of the greatest Piano Sonatas written in the romantic period - Rachmaninoff's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36. Please like, comment, share & subscribe! Thanks! More performances and new arrangements/covers of songs to come! Feel free to visit my website to find out more about me and follow me on social media here: Website: www.heeganlee.com Instagram: @heeganleepianist Facebook: heeganleeshzen18 #SergeiRachmaninoff #RachmaninoffPianoSonataNo2 #Rachmaninoff #PianoSonataNo2 #Rachmaninov