Beethoven "Waldstein" Sonata: Oliver Aldort (13-year-old)

[0live212]

Wonderful job!

[610friend]

audio please...

[rokorokosing]

plays the Cello amazingly and plays the Piano too!What a talent!

[eragonfire05]

Not bad for a 13 year old.

[maxtanz]

ah che tenerezza

[piano361]

lol that was brilliant you fucking fool very good played i will never be abel to do it better cause of sme bad circumtances for playing piano ^^ 

[chaddyfromtheblock]

Good playing or not, this kind feels it in his bones.

[roseism]

sooo jealous! It is one of my dreams to be able to play this sonata

[Klavierspieler83]

Incredible talent!!!Withuotwords!!!!

[a1l2e3x4s5o6]

ur tempo is way slower than wut it is suggested

[vladimirhorowitz]

@a1l2e3x4s5o6 Ever heard Arrau's?

[PROSPERO225]

Dear Oliver! I delighted your talant! Many good wishes for you!

[PROSPERO225]

I delighted your talant! Mane good wishes for you!

[epalkaba08]

ugh.. prodigies are to unique.. they're so talented.. wish i was one of those prodigies.. hahha lols xD....

[Sema822]

Парень конечно отжигает, но бля

не завидую ,ебать бля , дайте парню детство- игрушки,футбол,речку, а бля целыми днями за клавой, хер не кайф!

[ikstaz]

... :)

But more interesting is how long he had need to put this peace at this level!.

[camigar2]

he is as good as me and im 17 !

[pianomaster272]

very nice job-however,I feel at some points where the melody is in the LH the RH is too loud to fully hear the melody......it gets muddled

[antonia6060]

awesome !

[FreiheitTV]

Wow. 13 year old...

[Ray0X0]

Este pequeño promete... sin embargo necesita un buen maestro que le ayude a mejorar sus problemas de tiempo, etc... que le ayude a conectarse con su instrumento con respeto para que de este salga más que sólo sonidos para impresionar a los oyentes... (Lamentablemente Martin Krause ya no está... ;))

[robertslistening]

I agree with one thing said. I wish they would take more care in making the recordings of child prodigies of top quality. These things are to be remembered. There are many child prodigies in the world...on many different instruments. I wish the arts would take more care of their gifted children with these recordings...because when their childhood is over...all we have are some bad recordings of them, at times.

Thankyou for that Oliver Aldort.

[Aldort]

I agree. Our society invests nothing in our musical prodigies. This, like many, is a bad recording quality because it is the parents who have to come up with the equipment and most parents don't have the resources, specially after the costs of lessons and instruments.

[justinneversleep]

@Aldort i totallllly agree.....

[asdfuogh]

@Aldort No, our society invests in the tiny beginning, then we look for other prodigies. It's kind of stupid because Beethoven shows us that even prodigies need time to mature..

[swindahl]

Sie sind zu young to really feel in order to let people feel. Beethoven was in a shitty period, woman who he loved, money problems, at last time he could pay everyone hence te proprio, you can not play beethoven properly without having felt live.

[TheAspenTom]

Maturity can indeed help, but if one gets the works of Beethoven (among others) into one's memory and experience at an early age, it allows these masterprieces to be internalized sooner. This boy needn't wait until he's in his 20s or 30s to learn great music. Additionally, one should take advantage of one's ability to learn as much as possible before turning 30 or so. By the time this boy is 33, he'll have known Op. 53 for 20 years.

[swindahl]

@TheAspenTom

Great how many of these talents have gone lost. Their children. They can develop but only through genetics and nurture and chance will they get a career in touching white and black keys.

[petie32]

Performance is outstanding. Piano is mediocre, sound equipment is NOT GOOD. Playing at this level requires equipment not to hide mistakes, but to reveal there are none. Subtlities are lost in the din; would have been better on a Harpsichord.

[Temptezt]

no, this is not written for Harpichord and it would be aweful on that instrument. Subtlities would be lost if it was played on that.

[andrewsfunk]

more, please. We need a CD of your performances.

[leonengard]

From which country are you?

You are amaizing!

[newmark401]

He is American, from Washington state.

[cjhwth81]

Violincello and piano? Double prodigy? Your a superb Musician ,Oliver!

[tchebinai71]

i bet he could be a triple one ;)

[rocystrauss]

Do you still continue playing piano?

[Aldort]

He played Beatles songs with chords by ear and other songs and improvisation at age three and a half on his own. After a chamber music recital he said he wanted cello and piano lessons. He was six. After one year he was playing cello unaccompanied suites etc.

[mementomori94]

DAYUM!!!!!!

[yourpianoteacher]

Excellent playing. You'd probably also enjoy listening to Alfred Brendel's interpretation!

[carlo300123]

whoa

[Sviolinist]

Good job. Need more legato (ok someone flame me) weee

[LauraCello]

This boy is really talented. He is playing the cello good too. Amazing. Sorry I just can't find another word to describe it.

[nburton85]

This is good - more so I feel because of how young the pianist is. He's obviously technically very good for his age. However, phrasing, legato passages, eveness, timing etc are lacking - but then, this comes with age and maturity, generally. Some harshness in parts and doesn't quite capture the 'Beethoven' sound.. Very good attempt nonetheless.

[seyoinhe]

Do you feel threatened by this young boys talent? Does it make you feel better to point out his weak parts?

[nburton85]

Not at all, that wasn't what my comment was intended to do. I clearly stated the boy has talent and brilliant technique, I was merely pointing out the finer details of his playing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[elaine3573]

he's just trying to give some helpful advice.

[brandonscherrer]

how fast does he need to play it??

!!

[zamyrabyrd]

Thank you for not including any cheap tricks like gazing at the heavens as though channeling the spirit of Beethoven, nor squeezing out every minor second for utmost pathos to impress the peanut gallery. You keep your eye on the ball; the music flows through you clear and beautiful the way it should with unneccesary interference. You also have a feel for structure that many prodigies don't. Bravo!!!

[20061007117]

que bkien y lo mas loko es que es chelista

[jengru5]

wao!

[bubylugo88]

STUNNING!!!!! umbelievable!!!!

[pianoOBBSESED]

lots of people play Waldstein at age10-11.

[pianoOBBSESED]

But its still good but needs more legato.

[moondoggyJ55]

bull

[fabio0077]

lots?...well is YOUR point of view...sorry!

[rightwingleftwing]

What is the significance of your statement?

[AbramCortinas]

Bravo, Bravo. Sehr begabt, sehr fleissig und musikalisch. Sehr guter Klavierlehrer muss er haben und spielt mit köpfchen. Gute Voraussetzungen zum späteren Spiel.

congratulations!!!

[hellomate639]

Expressive genius at such a young age.

Most child prodigies are technical pretentious show offs, and nothing more.

I could actually listen to this to enjoy this, and I am very picky about such things.

That might be because its an amazing piano.

I am DYING to try out a piano of that quality.

I've played a Steinway model D, a brand new, freshly tuned one, and it didn't sound THAT good.

I will get to play it again in March...

[lilamagritte]

Maravilloso.

[paulostroff99]

Amazing ability for one so young! Great for any age at all!

[gtimny]

Comments from people who just have to say SOMETHING critical drive me nuts. This is an excellent performance from an astonishingly gifted child. There is no "exaggerated rubato" no significant technical issues, good sound, rendered accurately (i.e., in accordance with B's markings), nice legato. Maturity? This kid is 13 - obviously he'll have more to say about this piece when he's 25 or 50, but I'd bet there isn't a professional concert pianist around who didn't learn it when he was about 12.

[nburton85]

Obviously great technique. I think though, however, to master such a sonata as this, particularly in Beethoven's middle period, one needs more maturity. Phrasing, sense of touch etc. just aren't evident in this performance. As I said, great technique for someone your age, but I think sonatas such as op.53 and op.57 need to be left for a mature pianist.

[MystereTi]

It's not bad but too much pedal, some technic problems, and be careful to accents and especially avoids the rubato too exaggerated...

It also requires you work your interpretation ...ask you what Beethoven wanted to say in this sonata ... (sorry for my english, i'm french^^)

[JeanDuBruitDesFruits]

Bravo, bravo, and bravo. That was certainly marvelous; as many have stated, the phraseology is spot-on, and there's simply a sense of energy that hovers above the music from beginning to end, even in the more lax sections (the "cantilenas"). All in all, a grand performance. A few notes, though: always be sure to lift your fingers high and clear, especially in those descending B-major chords; I heard one or two non-chordal tones as well.

But still... and AMAZING performance!

[SebastianBach99]

It is a baffling question where amazing ability like this comes from. I bet he doesn't find much of what he plays terribly difficult, am I right? And it's not just having the hands - there is real musicianship, a great sense of phrasing and feeling. There is something more here than just "gift" - without wanting to sound spooky, you have to feel there is a bond across time, something more than random configuration of neurons. Would like to know if Rupert Sheldrake has a view on this.

[jukkaisante01]

holy crap your good! great job Oliver!

[petie32]

Very good. Sound could be better, pedal didn't get enough use (the left one). When you're playing Beethoven, don't add notes, it's disrespectful.

[Aldort]

Add notes??? Where? There are no added notes.

[petie32]

I wrote that last night. Listened for the extra notes this afternoon and didn't hear them; anyway should have kept my mouth shut. I heard a harmonic and thought he doubled a note an octave up. Comment was rude and I apologize for it. Your kid is obviously a prodegy on two instruments. He has it all; developing technique, prodigious memory, good musicianship, perfect pitch. Home schooling.

It's all good.

[DaavidFun]

Awesome!! thank you

[SUIreduit]

very good.

[galaxyrainguy]

i'm glad I retired.

[oloindafolo]

u make me jealous =(

5/5

[analyzingfunny]

Upon seconf viewing Oliver is doing just fine on dynamics. The recording is not doing him justice. A pro recording has compression which our ears are used to. This has no compression (mastering). Oliver is something to keep an eye on. Agreat pianist. A natural. Look at his hands. They raise more than 2 inches from the keyboard. This is a good sign. He can get almost full volume at only 3 inches. That is a good sign. Keep it up. I would buy your recordings.

[overmars1603]

too loud.. and too fast.. look at arrau's interpretation will be good! :D

[Gozaburo1]

You're on your way

[analyzingfunny]

I know Arthur Hart. I have seen this piece played at 1 30th the volume in which he plays most of these passages. In time he will learn to play quieter; it is very hard to play quiet. For one, he will mature to realize his mistakes and play this better.

On the other hand his dynamics are wonderful and more than I expected. This recording does him no justice. I love his timing and interpretation of dynamics. Arthur may play quieter (more techinical prowess) but does the song need it?

[proggoth]

"It is very hard to play quiet". What a poignant truth especially of difficult passages. It is also very hard to play slowly as odd as that may sound.

[analyzingfunny]

If you know Arthur, you will know what I mean. One Chopin song in particular is very fast and almost choppy. But, he plays almost the whole song at only 10-20% volume with the big finish at only 30% volume. That is the technical prowess I refer to. This kid is great and wil gain that in time. Delicacy has to be learned.

[beckerpwnsyou]

very nice!!!! I'm eighteen and I just started this piece...it's crazy good! you play really well...keep it up.

[beckerpwnsyou]

very nice!!!! I'm eighteen and I just started this piece...it's crazy good! you play really well...keep it up.

[beckerpwnsyou]

very nice!!!! I'm eighteen and I just started this piece...it's crazy good! you play really well...keep it up.

[wangaling]

Oliver plays piano too?!

wow.

:)

[andrewsfunk]

This video is like a time warp. It's like listening to young Mozart playing mature Beethoven. Oliver, you give great grace to what it means to be a human being.

[Mike0071]

Uhhh, Mozart was born before Beethoven, therefore it'd be that it's a young Beethoven playing Mozart, but I get what you're saying..

[andrewsfunk]

I realize Beethoven was born after Mozart.  So listening to Oliver Aldort play Beethoven is like a double time-warp. The performance is not only technically woderful, but the interpretation is remarkably insightful.

[Quinnpk]

Im just throwing this one out, Any one think that maybe it should be the people and children that work hours a day to perfect a insterment, that we should be looking at? Obviously the aldort kid has very much natural talent, And in a message I got from his mom she said that he only practices 2 hours a day. what im saying is there are many childer that work there butts off and never get a tad of attention.

[Aldort]

Piano only twenty minutes a day. I don't get it myself. It's a puzzle.

[canman5060]

I think Emil Gilels played the Waldstein at 13or earlier.

[dallasdyer]

dude u rock

[JARead11]

I am SO envious. I am struggling to prepare for my grade 8 RCM exam for the flute. If only I had half as much natural talent as Oliver..

Your great!! Keep it up!!

[Pianoloverok]

You are great! Oliver!

[canman5060]

If someone started piano at age five with very good progress and lots of very hard work practices , he or she may be able to play Walstein at 18 or older.

To play Waldstein at age 13 is a absolute rarity which may happen once in 30 years.

[canman5060]

I am still struggling with Waldstein at 47 !

[tchebinai71]

Waldstein had only two disciples: The one it rose in, and the one who sang the blinding awakening of the wave 44 universes ago. How long .WOOOW

[hemptime123]

i gues its his talent my parents say i have a talent for classical music well..only the piano really lol but he in my point of view is 10 million times betr then i ami cant even play fur elise without messing up atleast once!

[hemptime123]

woah..how duz he do it!!!

[Aldort]

I don't know. It just seems very easy for him.

[hemptime123]

brillante alot of practicing can he compose? does he compose?

[Aldort]

Yes, he composes some and improvises a lot. And no, not a lot of practice. In fact, surprisingly little. Half an hour a day close to recital times, down to ten minutes or zero at other times.

[hemptime123]

oo...myy...godd..

that is amazing!

i wonder how he does it!

the biggest piece ive composed was 9 pages long,it took me 7 hours to do the first 5 pages and i spent 4 hours doing the 4 the other day. how is he so good at piano and cello yet he practices so little? and what does wa stand for i would like to see him play.

[hemptime123]

oops lol i ment 2 hours doing the other 4 the next day.

[jorgu0207]

Excelente interpretacion. Este nino es un nuevo Kissin; un talento como el de Arrau o Hofmann. Mejor aun, toda vez que es un magnifico cellista. Muchas felicidades!!!

[maelle78]

really good!! :)

[canman5060]

A 21ST CENTURY HOROWITZ !

[tituscaesar]

would love to see you play the rest of the sonata too...any plans of doing so with your piano at home?

[klavigen]

thanks very much for this advice. Unfortunately I live in Germany and there will be no facility to visit the USA at this concert date. I try to participate mentally - good luck

[klavigen]

fantastic performance. your pianoplaying is so naturally, as if you have been born with it. I wonder if you once will decide to play more piano or cello. When did you start practizing the piano. I heard that you need much less time for the piano than for the cello pratice. I´m looking forward hearing you in concert soon - best luck

[Aldort]

Next concert is in La Conner WA, Maple Hall. This will be a full recital on Feb. 9th 2008.

If you know people in the Northwest who would love to hear Oliver, let them know. It will sell out.

[tituscaesar]

good to see you again, oliver! very well played indeed! i can play this too but not as well hehe