NOTE: I do NOT own the original audio contents in this video. This video is a minor edit to the original one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8l37utZxMQ), first uploaded by Youtube user 'bwv1064' (http://www.youtube.com/user/bwv1064) in August 2008. Please do show your support for his original version of the video if you like this intepretation, played by Rachmaninoff himself. This edit was actually made in response to users who have noted the original audio content as being 'digitally sped up' and therefore 'raised in pitch', to the point that the recording doesn't sound in the C minor the way it was intended. Hence, as someone with perfect pitch, I felt the need to play my part in refining such details as a contribution to the community for classical music. In the edit, I have edited both the pitch as well as the time to the best of my hearing abilities as well as that which my editing applications (Adobe Soundbooth CS4 and iMovie '11) were able to achieve. Due to an initial problem in Soundbooth, the pitch may still sound a little off concert pitch; but in fact, the recording has already been perfected to the point where it sounds in the right key, and perhaps, close to the right time. As can be seen in the video, I have also replaced the original photographs with one I have chosen from the website SIMOUT (http://www.simout.com/semyonovo&page;=2). But instead of just using the original photograph, I have further enhanced the vibrance of the photograph by adding in colours, which I rendered by myself through the use of the application Adobe Photoshop CS4. I think that by doing so, most would agree that the photograph actually looks more realistic and aesthetically appealing to the audience. This can probably bring the audience to be able to focus better on the music, even though due to the technology back then, the quality here is of course not as good as many nowadays would expect. According to the original video source, Rachmaninoff himself was playing the first movement (Moderato) from his second piano concerto. It was recorded in 1929 by RCA victor with Rachmaninoff's favorite orchestra -- the Philadelphia Orchestra -- and Leopold Stokowski as the conductor. (It has also been stated that a better resolution of the video may be achieved by adding '&fmt;=18', most likely behind the web address.) Further background information of the piece includes the fact that this work was actually composed after quite a period of time when Rachmaninoff fell into a depression lasting for several years which he didn't compose music -- as a result of being compounded by problems in his personal life. Through this work, it actually confirmed his recovery from this clinical depression as well as writer's block. It was hence not surprising that the concerto was also dedicated to Nikolai Dahl, a physician who had done much to restore Rachmaninoff's self-confidence. For even more information, they can be found from websites such as Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_Concerto_No._2_(Rachmaninoff)] or perhaps more reliable sources such as other articles on the internet including that from InkPot (http://inkpot.com/classical/rachpfc2.html). In overall, here are some credits (all of them can also be found at the end of the video; with exception to the orchestra and conductor, which have been unintentionally left out by mistake, but have been annotated through Youtube's notes): - Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff - Musical Composition: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18. - Interpreter (Performing Pianist): Sergei Rachmaninoff - Orchestra: Philadelphia Orchestra (Rachmaninoff's favourite) - Conductor: Leopold Stokowski - Image Source: http://www.simout.com/semyonovo&page;=2 - Image Rendering: NWH (me). - Image Editing Using: Adobe Photoshop CS4 - Audio Editing Using: Adobe Soundbooth CS4 - Clip Editing Using: Apple's iMovie '11 - Special Thanks & Credits: Youtube user 'bwv1064' - Original Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8l37utZxMQ - Youtube Channel of 'bwv1064': http://www.youtube.com/user/bwv1064 Further special thanks to all others who have made this possible, including the audience, and those who love the joy in classical music. :) P.S. This video has been edited for the purpose of allowing all groups of audience -- those who love classical music and even those with perfect pitch -- to enjoy this wonderful piece of music from Rachmaninoff, interpreted by himself, at a more accurate level. If any of you as Youtube users amongst us -- including the original uploader 'bwv1064' -- truly feels in appropriate ways that this video has offended/infringed you or your own rights, please send me a Youtube message. This video will be removed from the rest of the community as soon as it is possible, unless otherwise stated. Much appreciation and gratitute is expressed for your cooperation shown in our similar passions for classical music.

• published: 01 May 2012
• views: 323