@JoeTownley Most Americans I know are very polite. I should know -- I'm American and am the most polite person I've ever met. It's the French who're the assholes. =)
I disagree. The orchestral intro many have sounded over-articulated because they are taking it at a more relaxed tempo, which is nice in and of itself. And Ohlsson demonstrates once again why he deserved the top prize at the Chopin Competition. Gorgeous articulation, every note sparkles and the tempo is perfect for those who prefer an alternative to the Argerich approach where the music is over before it even begins.
@JoeTownley apologies, my comment wasn't very clear; your countryman Ohlsson is utterly fantastic, so much so that the piano totally overshadows the orchestra. The point i was making (and i think the previous commenter too) is that the orchestra, despite being note perfect, is very flat, and there's a real apathy about the rhythm which jars with the dynamic quality of chopins music. it''s not a tempo problem, and i too don't like rushing, for example, argerichs scherzo or rubinsteins nocturnes.
This is some of the most pedantic orchestral playing I have ever heard - stressing not only every single downbeat, but in many instances every single beat. Pedantic, unimaginative, unvaried, routine conducting on behalf of Mr. Witt. The orchestra has good potential, but Mr. Witt provides a disservice to Chopin. True, the orchestral tutti are not the greatest orchestral music ever written; but they could at least be inflected with some musical meaning.
@barcarolle60 agreed. -over articulated and lacking in dynamism. Orchestral sections not too attractive in themselves as well so only way to make them worthwhile - and more than just an introduction and frame for the piano - is to put some life into them. Perhaps should have had a good soloist go through the phrases to reveal the musicality before rehearsals began. Or conducter allowed for a bit more freedom. Shame as the piano sections are bang on.
begins more like an overture for an opera... or opening for some eastern european communist state anthem. Really good when piano jumps into the fray.. a mission statement for chopins future use of the piano. can see why chopin numbered this first instead of concerto #2.
@TheVaughan5 hi, cheers for the correction -what i meant to say was, after 4:40, the piano totally rules this piece: controls the tempo (and rubato), pace... brings in new harmonies, motifs, and leads the way emotionally. So a good analogue to the way the soloist (esp piano) became the center of focus during romantic era as opposed to the orchestra in the classical (which the opening reminds us of). Dunno if this was a deliberate "statement" by chopin, or unintended by-product of his passion.
I love this piece! I'm not usually one to love piano concertos, for i find their melodeis become lost in too many notes... But in this work i find each note on the piano seems very carefully chosen and it doesn't become overwhelming. LOVE IT!
i came here because of BoA
monsterbuster45 1 week ago
@JoeTownley
I'm polite... ;(
phonaphobia 1 month ago
No apology necessary, BJ. And I wish all Americans were as polite as you.
JoeTownley 3 months ago
@JoeTownley Most Americans I know are very polite. I should know -- I'm American and am the most polite person I've ever met. It's the French who're the assholes. =)
clumpofdirt77 1 week ago
I disagree. The orchestral intro many have sounded over-articulated because they are taking it at a more relaxed tempo, which is nice in and of itself. And Ohlsson demonstrates once again why he deserved the top prize at the Chopin Competition. Gorgeous articulation, every note sparkles and the tempo is perfect for those who prefer an alternative to the Argerich approach where the music is over before it even begins.
JoeTownley 3 months ago 2
@JoeTownley apologies, my comment wasn't very clear; your countryman Ohlsson is utterly fantastic, so much so that the piano totally overshadows the orchestra. The point i was making (and i think the previous commenter too) is that the orchestra, despite being note perfect, is very flat, and there's a real apathy about the rhythm which jars with the dynamic quality of chopins music. it''s not a tempo problem, and i too don't like rushing, for example, argerichs scherzo or rubinsteins nocturnes.
BJWoodcock 3 months ago
This is some of the most pedantic orchestral playing I have ever heard - stressing not only every single downbeat, but in many instances every single beat. Pedantic, unimaginative, unvaried, routine conducting on behalf of Mr. Witt. The orchestra has good potential, but Mr. Witt provides a disservice to Chopin. True, the orchestral tutti are not the greatest orchestral music ever written; but they could at least be inflected with some musical meaning.
barcarolle60 3 months ago
@barcarolle60 agreed. -over articulated and lacking in dynamism. Orchestral sections not too attractive in themselves as well so only way to make them worthwhile - and more than just an introduction and frame for the piano - is to put some life into them. Perhaps should have had a good soloist go through the phrases to reveal the musicality before rehearsals began. Or conducter allowed for a bit more freedom. Shame as the piano sections are bang on.
BJWoodcock 3 months ago
Incredible piano playing: bravo!
valnpat 4 months ago
Comment removed
valnpat 4 months ago
begins more like an overture for an opera... or opening for some eastern european communist state anthem. Really good when piano jumps into the fray.. a mission statement for chopins future use of the piano. can see why chopin numbered this first instead of concerto #2.
BJWoodcock 4 months ago
@BJWoodcock He didn't. I understand it was a mix up by the concert promoters/publishers in Paris who got the numbering the wrong way round.
TheVaughan5 4 months ago
@TheVaughan5 hi, cheers for the correction -what i meant to say was, after 4:40, the piano totally rules this piece: controls the tempo (and rubato), pace... brings in new harmonies, motifs, and leads the way emotionally. So a good analogue to the way the soloist (esp piano) became the center of focus during romantic era as opposed to the orchestra in the classical (which the opening reminds us of). Dunno if this was a deliberate "statement" by chopin, or unintended by-product of his passion.
BJWoodcock 3 months ago
I must learn this concerto in my lifetime. Just so beautiful! Mr Ohlsson is a wonderful interpreter!
kingjepoy 4 months ago
I love this piece! I'm not usually one to love piano concertos, for i find their melodeis become lost in too many notes... But in this work i find each note on the piano seems very carefully chosen and it doesn't become overwhelming. LOVE IT!
metalsoul12 7 months ago
Njoy. thanks espcially the profesional players !!
steviebkhall 9 months ago
Thank you very much for the video... wonderful played!!! but I think the name is: Ohlsson....?
Nibelungenfrau 1 year ago