Piano Concerto No. 3
Understanding, practicing, and performing one of the greatest masterpieces in the piano repertoire.
This course is the result of a collaboration between concert pianist and piano pedagogue Denis Zhdanov and internationally recognized composer Frederick Viner — two complementary perspectives on one of the most demanding and fascinating works in the piano repertoire.
A specialist in piano-playing efficiency, physiology, ergonomics, interpretation, and intelligent practice. He has performed more than 30 piano concertos with orchestra, including Rachmaninoff’s Third.
An internationally recognized composer and a specialist in the musical language and stylistic world of the early 20th century.
This course goes far beyond simply explaining how to learn the piece.
A detailed analysis of the concerto’s musical language and form. You’ll see how it is constructed — its harmony, structure, and compositional ideas — understanding not only what happens in the music, but why, and how Rachmaninoff created this extraordinary world.
The practical side of mastering the concerto: how to practice this enormous work, solve its technical challenges, and make every session productive — the most efficient route to mastery, instead of repeating difficult passages without a strategy.
Beyond the notes — the craft of performance
- ♪Technical efficiency — expert advice on overcoming difficulties, optimizing your technique, and reducing tension.
- ♪Fingering, pedalling & touch — practical, tested solutions.
- ♪Interpretation & phrasing — shaping a convincing performance.
- ♪Powerful sound without harshness — different approaches to sound production.
- ♪Musical character & aesthetics — the world of Eastern European music.
- ♪Collaboration with the orchestra — playing as a soloist, not against it.
- ♪Efficient, strategic practice — every session moves you forward.
- ♪Deep understanding — a comprehensive analysis of the piece from the composer’s point of view: its harmony, form, and ideas.
Designed for ambitious pianists and music students who want to master Rachmaninoff’s Third at an international level — for those who want more than a collection of technical instructions.
It offers a deeper understanding of the work from the perspectives of musical theory, composition, aesthetics, interpretation, and artistic value.
Whether you are preparing the concerto for a competition, a concert performance, or your own artistic development, this course gives you a detailed, practical roadmap to one of the greatest masterpieces in the piano repertoire.
Curriculum
- Introduction (14:12)
- Movement I - 1st Theme. Part 1 (15:35)
- Movement I - 1st Theme. Part 2 (17:12)
- Movement I - 2nd Theme (23:59)
- Movement I - Development. Part 1 (14:34)
- Movement I - Development. Part 2 (15:04)
- Movement I - Cadenza, Recap (20:05)
- Movement I - Conclusions, Movement II - Introduction (10:47)
- Bars 103-187 (18:56)
- Bars 27-70 (20:10)
- Bars 1-25 (18:12)
- Bars 1-25 (18:12)
- Bars 188-221 (18:30)
- Bars 103-187 (18:56)
- Bars 218-242 (9:33)
- Bars 263-430 (16:30)
- Bars 188-221 (18:30)
- Bars 438-507 (9:35)
- Bars 218-242 (9:33)
- Bars 263-430 (16:30)
- Bars 72-132 (15:10)
- Bars 438-507 (9:35)
- Bars 72-132 (15:10)
About your instructors:
Denis Zhdanov is a Ukrainian pianist currently living in Austria. He has built a strong reputation in the world of classical music through his success in several international competitions and his work as a concert performer.
Alongside his performing career, Denis is deeply committed to piano teaching. His approach goes beyond style and musicality, with a particular focus on helping pianists develop efficient, healthy, and reliable playing techniques.
Denis has worked with students from all over the world, helping them improve and rebuild their piano technique, reduce unnecessary tension, recover from piano-related injuries, and develop more effective practice and learning strategies. His teaching takes a comprehensive approach, supporting pianists who want to improve their skills, overcome technical challenges, and reach their full potential.
Frederick Viner is a multi-award-winning composer and pianist based in York. He studied at the University of York and the University of Oxford, later serving as Composer in Residence at Eton College before returning to York to complete his PhD. Alongside his work as a composer, he teaches at the Universities of York and Hull, as well as at Yarm School.
His music has received wide recognition, with major prizes, commissions, and performances in the UK and abroad. His works have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, performed by distinguished musicians and ensembles, and featured in international concert programs. More recently, his educational and creative work has also reached a wide online audience, with his YouTube channel passing 2 million views, while several of his piano and ukulele pieces were included in the 2024 ABRSM syllabus.
