Okay, so I know that his Prelude in C Sharp minor is one of the most hackneyed piece in classical music. However, when you really put things into perspective, 99.7% of the population does not even know he exists.

I made an interesting connection between an awful rap song (Double platinum with over 50 million views) called "Rack City." Rack City has greatly influenced the youth with lyrics like: Rack city bi*** rack city bi***, ten ten twenties on your ti**ies bi*** (and thats just the chorus). The versus are even worse. Anyways the instrumental uses the same introductory motif that Rach wrote over a hundred years ago. I doubt it was intentional, however the connection stands.

I'd like to open up some discussion on the lack of change from the classical music industry in regards to these "Masterpieces," which we as pianist should not touch. I decided to shorten Rach's prelude and connected it to this rap song so when young people search for "Rack City" - some will find "Rack City vs. Rachmaninoff." Somewhat of a red herring, I am hoping that my project opens up the door for other (much better) musicians to adopt a similar marketing technique which enables people who most likely will never get the chance to experience classical music - to experience classical music via mainstream connections. Now I shortened it because the attention spans of the youth are abysmal - from experience I doubt any young kid is going to listen through a 4-5 minute prelude. Which is a shame because that agitato section is remarkably inspiring - regardless how many times I hear it.

It was actually that section of music which inspired me to start playing piano 3 years ago, when I was losing my mind in undergrad as a biology major. Anyways, I am really looking for your feedback - I know my voicing, phrasing, and overall playing needs much work - but I hope you can find some sympathy in regards to how long I have been playing - and rather focus on the concept and how we can bring this idea to more classical musicians.

Another quick example is just doing covers of popular music on your channel which consists of classical music. We need to start adapting to the current times or I believe all hope will be lost.

Rack City vs. Rachmaninoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLWrjNEaz3E

P.S Rachmaninoff already had a certain distaste for this piece because of its unusual popularity - however, I believe that if he heard Rack City and this other crap that is on the radio - he would be glad that at least somewhere out there his music is still being heard...

Thoughts, comments, criticisms are much appreciated as your time is.

Thank you,
Daniel
www.Danielinnovate.com

First of all, this is not now using music and changing it slightly. One rap and another hip-hop song used some Morzart, but I am pretty sure that the musicans didn't even noticed.
There was a great music video of the evolution of music. Not much has changed from classical to todays music if you look at the music notes itself. Today it seems more computerized than musical instruments.
Another video was taking classical and then changing it to modern sounding. Of course it was computerized with voices, and instruments.

As for trying to play Rachmaninoff and making it more modern. You can play with the rythms, timing, and notes to make it more modern than classical.

LOVED the video! Good job!

Hey! Thank you so much for your kind words, and the time you took to check it out!

-Daniel
www.Danielinnovate.com

Daniel, you're amazing! I am impressed by your talent and your mission!
Sometimes I feel out of this world, because I love classical music and you know this reflects somehow on your lifestyle. I started playing the piano at age 18. Not long after I began to compose and now art is an integral part of my life.

You play pretty good, why whould Rakhmaninov be angry?

The thing is not just to have it played, but to create an art piece out of musical sheet.
You're trying doing something new and really useful - respect.
The only suggestion is another pedal use - it's the sound of church bells, more sonoristics, i think.

You idea is great, go on this way, more profound combining will be fine!

http://www.sheetmusicfrombe.com/
this is my sheet music website, check out if there is something intersting for you.