Beethoven Concerto No. 3 Mvt. 1 - Artur Rubinstein (2of2)

[superliuwanjia]

4 people don't have ears. Gosh.

[autunn0]

240p was never so awesome.

[12liljil]

its pretty good for a concerto

[mobruelle]

That's music! AMazing!

[nuggie9511]

Man I like this orchestra.

[Jovomusic]

This is my favorite... always have been and always will be...And beethoven was always in my life and in my heart... since childhood. so, this one is very much appreciated. thanks for posting this....

[PaMeliTaJaCkeLiNe]

ohhhhhhhhhhh.......!!!!!!!!!

[xGymnasticsBlossomx]

Wow,is the man that plays this blind?

[empathic11]

Late in life, I'm coming to appreciate Beethoven. This superb concerto, and this heavenly interpretation, help.

[zombiesarehandsome]

The end of this concerto (last 2 minutes) is something of the best music ever made together with Bruckners 9th sym 1st mov (last tree minutes)

[bayreuth79]

The tempo is too slow and there isn't enough drama, especially in the cadenza.

[evrynicktaken]

@bayreuth79 I love the clarity of Rubinstein's tempo though, It's like I can taste every single note of this great masterpiece.

[paclos29]

Viva Beethoven !!!!!!

[fizerethan]

8:42

is the best

[fizerethan]

8:42



[rbutler111]

Of Beethoven's concertos, the 3rd has been the most difficult for me to digest. It is Beethoven's most dark and moody. It would be my favorite, if it wasn't for the unparelleled 4th and 5th. (I suppose the 4th and 5th parellel each other, in classical heft.)

[TheEquinox49]

Is this the cadenza by Beethoven?

[singsungify]

Who's the conductor?

[ftumschk]

@singsungify Bernard Haitink

[singsungify]

@ftumschk Thank you!

[Garpinator]

Superb! Any plans to upload the rest?

[sylgua]

He elevated my spirit to unknown heavens!

[EmperorMato]

the cadenza is GREAT!

[clodoalzer]

This adagio is powerfull until nowadays; many people will be afraid...

[IvoCativo]

Una bella canzone. .

[bloodyIla]

I am stunned. Something between being under a spell and being speechless.. This is it.

[repdogg94]

3 people are deaf like beethoven

[luisbedachinchilla]

@repdogg94 Not deaf like Beethoven. Deaf as a dry wall !

[Omnom18]

This is pure beauty. I want nothing more than to listen to it for an eternity. Excuse my poetry, but this is like the first bird of spring, ready to lead a plethora of beautiful colors through the land.

[FreeKillBG]

OMG 3 unlikes ... U can not unlike this music :@... It's just the best... All the newborns exept like 10% are stupid and listen only new music ... no classic i am newborn :)

[Hauris]

@FreeKillBG english please?

[minralb]

Beethoven, Rubenstein, and a Steinway, it doesn't get any better than that.

OK so it may not a Steinway, but 2 outta 3 aint bad.

[mangagrl01]

simply amazing...

[Bruce88keys]

Rubinstein owned this Concerto

[davlak2]

amo questo concerto. e questo movimento è forse il più emozionante di tutti i 5 concerti di BEETHOVEN.

RUBINSTEIN lo suona in modo divino.

[captdestroyer]

Now I understand what "perfection" means.

[lrtubeyou]

Beyond words...pure magic!

[NOxxnever]

This is unbelievable :O

[PiaNISTII]

you can see that hes 87 :)) because in cadenza he doesent play what is written there:)

[mangagrl01]

@PiaNISTII uh what? ...

[thecomposerpianist]

I'm learning this piece as we speak :P haha

[Desmonddd2002]

This piano concerto kind of reminded us why we love classical music so much.

The exquisite taste, the perfect union of artistic union. Any other form of music looks weak, flawed and rough. Only classical music will be remembered eternally.

[derekbrameyer]

For those wondering when the cadenza begins, it starts at 5:20.

[shaguree]

Really nice performance. I personally prefer Zimmerman's. Anyway... WHERE IS THE BEGINNING OF THE CADENZA???

[qcersei]

forgive my dumb question, but at what point is the cadenza?

[daemongrip]

also try fazil say

[wesleyhinze]

try zimerman next if you haven't heard it. you won't go back...

[DStrick2008]

He makes it seem so easy.

[Nitroke93]

Hey you guys, don't think his 70 years of experience would have changed something. This man was discovered as a genius the first time he touched a piano.

[daniel15671]

Whatever his age, it doesn't matter. For my taste, Rubenstein brings out the dramatic shape of this piece better than anyone else I've heard interpret this work. There are other players with more virtuoso execution, but none who convey the brooding Young Werther quality of the piece the way that Rubenstein does. The way he shapes the cadenza is spectacular.

[daniel15671]

Whatever his age, it doesn't matter. For my taste, Rubenstein brings out the dramatic shape of this piece better than anyone else I've heard interpret this work. There are other players with more virtuoso execution, but none who convey the brooding Young Werther quality of the piece.

[SuperAbisal]

гениально 

[PRObifidus]

I hope i will be able to play at least 1/50 of this performance at the age of 17

(i just bought the partition)

[thecomposerpianist]

I love it! One of the best cadenzas I've heard. Bravo!

[uk27fm]

I have a few issues with the tempo but, hey, respect! someone said they wish they could play like that at 87 (years old) - i wish could play like that at 37!

[gnimez]

@uk27fm i dont think i can ever play like this! his stamina and composure is astounding! his posture is also always so straight and perfect, even when expressing himself, he does it by closing his eyes and using tonality and dynamics. everything looks so damn easy in front of him :X a true master!!

[rzw30]

I saw Bubenstein in 1978 playing concertos 3 and 4 in the albert hall in london with Barenboim conducting He must have been in his eighties, and he played both concertos one eavh side of the interval.

Thank you for posting this, it brings back to me the lovely singing piano style he had. There may be more technically pure interpretations, but none speak so directly to the heart. This music reminds me of my youth and he taught me to love classical music and Beethoven in particular

[DogzRock88]

Love this concerto- especially the cadenza.

[Dnava28]

Ma quanto è stupefacentemente bello questo movimento? È incredibile quanto fosse genio Beethoven...

[jojobanjo]

Love that expansion in the cadenza. :) Lovely build-up to the climax in the cadenza as well.

[Pixi09000]

rubinstein looks so relaxed!

he was fantastic!!!

one of the best pianists of the modern!

[2ndLtAlleyneRMC]

cadenza . :O !

[Ant2101]

Wow, this is just brililant, the ending gives me goosebumps every time :)

[peter650423]

how did he play tr~  at 2:48-2:54?

[Violapianist]

amazing interpretation.

Although I respectfully disagree with the tempo

[bigvuch]

I love the cadenza in this movement, it sounds like the music is just flying away...

[bayareapianist]

This is the Beethoven's best piece played by one of the best pianist ever lived. I never know Rubinstein played this. Thanks for posting it.

[mdmr2005]

Wow! What a master musician! He has tremendous control of every aspect of phrasing! His trills and runs are incredibly smooth!

This has been one of my favorite piano concertos for many years and this is the best performance I've heard of it thus far.

Extremely beautiful performance!

[rockstarjp70]

it may sound like mozart but is more complex and dark

[jfda81]

awesome!!!

[michkotte]

second to none playing, a masterful performance from a great artist, what a shame not to have the rest of it !!!!

[harryhume]

Ive got Kempff playing with the Berlin Philharmonic, but this is really different. Its got a much lighter, almost chirpier feel. I may, just may prefer it (sorry Wilhelm)

[jewish1972]

this part really sounds like Mozart

[mario54671]

It sounds nothing like Mozart! This is like...signature Beethoven music right here!

[2009xellos]

@mario54671 It does sound like Mozart, I bet you have not listened to Mozart piano concerto No.24 in C minor K.491 - of which Beethoven said to Cramer, "we shall never be able to do anything like that", after a performance of it in 1799.

The statement "this sounds like Mozart" doesn't mean any kind of insult to Beethoven.

His achievements are still tremendous.

In his early years in Vienna, Beethoven was considered by many to be Mozart and Haydn's successor in music. And he himself thought so

[mario54671]

@2009xellos I own it. :)

But the music is much...deeper, which is a very Beethoven characteristic. I think Beethoven considered himself to be a "successor" to Mozart because of how great he was, but as far as their musical qualities, they're VERY different. I don't deny Beethoven wasn't insulted at the statement, Beethoven had lots of respect for Mozart. I know even his first symphony has a very earlier Classical Period sound to it, but it's still signature Beethoven.

[2009xellos]

@mario54671 Composers learn tremendously from their predecessors - like how Chopin's concerto style is similar to Hummel's, for example. This concerto (Op.37) was influenced by Mozart's concerto in the same key (K.491), which in turn was influenced by J Haydn's Symphony No.78 in C minor

[mario54671]

@2009xellos Oh I know what you're saying, definitely. It's said Chopin was inspired by Beethoven in many ways, like, he was a huge admirer of Beethoven's final sonata and used certain motives for his own pieces like the Revolutionary Etude. But that doesn't mean the Revolutionary Etude "sounds like Beethoven." It just happens to have little small similarities, but it's totally Chopin.

[Chuckles543]

@mario54671 Personally, I think it sounds a lot like Mozart. All the trills, and especially Rubinstein's wonderful singing piano voice makes it sound very pure and childish (In a good way)

[mario54671]

@Chuckles543 personally think this sounds nothing like Mozart because it's a lot..heavier than Mozart. Mozart also isn't as complicated, and has way more trills or other ornaments. I mean, I'm not one of those that considers Beethoven a "Romantic period" composer at all, but there are so many obvious distinctions between the two, just like there are obvious distinctions between Haydn and Mozart, but all three are Classical Period composers.

[goostmaster]

@mario54671 I'm not going to be as long-winded (though its impressive, really) I'm just going to say what I want to say, and that is this: I think it sounds like Mozart because it was meant to be a tribute to Mozart, or at least, Mozart's C minor concerto (K. 491, was it?) was the inspiration for this one.

On an unrelated note, from the cadenza to the end is one of the most epic-sounding pieces I have ever heard.

[mario54671]

@goostmaster I guess there are vague similarities...but tribute or not, it still sounds like Beethoven. I mean, look, even Haydn music, similar as it is, sounds very different from Mozart. Every time I listen to the radio, and I don't hear the name of the piece, I can easily tell the difference from Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn because of their characteristics. Those characteristics define the piece. And this piece easily has Beethoven characteristics, which is what makes it Beethoven.

[Bruce88keys]

@goostmaster uh, - it is the Concerto in B flat # 2 that is quite Mozartean (actually written 1st & published 2nd to the Concerto in C known as #1 - it, the 3rd Concerto was never meant to be a tribute to Mozart- actually was LvB's performance vehicle -

[isuckbananaz]

@mario54671 hence the title of beetovens concerto?

[mario54671]

@isuckbananaz You really missed the point of my comment that's over a year old.

[VeronicasFan2]

Whaaau I am so impressed by artur. This is a great recording!

[phileokai]

This song is awesome I'm doing it right now. the cadenza trills are hard!!

[PabloRGA]

@phileokai song?? joke

[phileokai]

@PabloRGA I'm answering for phileokai. Yes, he called it a song, but even though he is playing this piece right now he is just a boy. So, cut him some slack. He LOVES the piece though.

[PabloRGA]

@phileokai thats why i wrote "joke"

[shadecross]

fantastic cadenza!

[UomoBello]

Where's the Largo and the Rondo!??!?!? What gives??!?!?!

[pfaessel1]

...exactly!!! Where is the rest of this? Total Bummer.

[zirianos]

Por qué Rubinstein toca la excelente cadenza que Beethoven escribió para éste concierto, con esa serie de terriblemente desacertados arreglos!!!

[words2112]

for me, it is too romantic, I prefere Brendel who is that obsessed by precision too, but tell me how to play beethoven; the end is better by brendel, but I like other versions too; cheap and good: naxos records, vladar

[arturon111]

For Beethoven there is only Arrau, he is the best no one can get even close to his interpretations and performances of Beethoven, Brendel lacks the technique, sound, to perform Beethoven's works.

[words2112]

I would not say, that Brendel lacks a lot or something, some of the sonatas...but arrau, yes

[Kiddolinfen09]

Although I think I understand now what you're saying. The pianist is too old and lacks the vigour to really wrench out the power. As a primitive I will stick with my Naxos : )

[MrToulis93]

brendel and barenboim to me are the best for beethoven

[wagneristhebest]

wow what an awful and ignorant comment from a person who obviously hasn't listened to enough of either. I was listening to brendel's schumann fantasy the 2nd movement the other day - and the ending bit is as u might know - one of the hardest passages in music. and he played it at exactly the right tempo and absolutely whizzed through it - with beautiful tone and a clear sense of cresendo as well. And then i listenened to Kissin and he didnt even do it half the speed!

[PhilipLu3]

too romantic?

[Kiddolinfen09]

I don't think it's too romantic. It makes me want to tear the world in half. Not a lot of music can capture the megalomania Beethoven can inspire - the empowerment. Raaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!! : D

[papayaberry315]

i wonder what goes through rubenstein's mind as he's playing...sigh

[trendyyy]

SUPERB !

the best pianist ever

[katiecheriton]

@trendyyy agree with that. fantastic

[Blackmarket1975]

@trendyyy And no one plays beethoven like him. He make Beethoven sing like a lead in an Italian opera. Absolutely fabulous!

[jolythefreeman]

Honestly... I don't think there's any kind of Technical Lacunae.

He's perfectly composed and truly better than other artists who are far younger than him at this age.

[corneliusfelix]

no, I think it is Greek logic in this concerto....the right tempo is almost sui generis provided the interpretation is right, as I think this is - of course there are technical lacunae probably the result of aging but the mastery is surely in the interpretation. I have found so few pianists even of the highest calibre who seem able to get inside this concerto and bring it off...anyway that is my take, for what it is worth!

[beethomozart]

described as a dramatic military concert,two themes in this 1st movement,allegro con brio.the 1st one deeper and the 2nd one more cantabile,lightly refreshing,what a remarkable pianist was mr rubinstein,unbelievable how well he played at such an age

[Sim882]

this version doesn't really bring out the military theme too well though. It lacks punch - Brendal's version is best

[PMTIGER]

I was greatly touched by Rubinstein's performance. If there is someone who prefers Glenn Gould, just listen to his performance. If there is someone who likes faster tempo, just listen to other pianists who play faster. There's no necessity that all performances are the same.

[rudhouse]

does anybody know whether this recording was published on LP ?

[orioletrail]

Yes, but it's been digitally remastered for CD and it's on Amazon.

[kv466]

I agree...definitely not at his best, especially at the cadenza. As far as age...try Earl Wild's recordings at that age and you'll find a true master who defies age. Try out the Chopin Etudes on Chesky. Now, for the Beethoven concerto...well, I've heard all the so-called "best" and "masters" and the BEST recording of this work is by none other than Glenn Gould with Leonard Bernstein conducting. You be the judge...

[CountNewfie]

Wow, if you can't understand his interpretation, just don't open your mouth. You only make yourself look stupid.

[henripche]

I hope I'm not upsetting anyone when I say that this is a pretty poor performance from Rubinstein. I'm not such a fan of his anyway, and this confirms my belief that he simply does not have the technical mastery it takes to offer a truly immaculate rendering. His tempo is slow, as are his trills, and speaking of tempo it hasn't been that consistent either. I don't care about the dynamics - fix the technique first and then we'll talk.

[Tbromley]

Rubinstein was 85 or 86 at the time of this performance. I dont know of any concert pianist that had such a good technique at that age. How can you class this a "poor performance" when this would probably would be amoungst the best performances ever giving of this work by someone that old.

If you still bothered by his technique I would recommend watching him playing the 4th beethoven concerto which i uploaded.

[henripche]

You're right about this performance of the 4th concerto: well played. My point was that an octogenarian has no business playing pieces such as these if he can't fully handle them. Or at least I wouldn't pay any money for it. There are throngs of aspiring pianists who can perform such pieces just fine. Not to mention the smaller group of very famous ones. I don't care about who plays the piece, what his trackrecord is. I'm more interested in the music he's playing. Like your channel, by the way.

[bets36]

you just not understand that rubinstein is a king when he plays piano and other pianists("not famous ones" and youngs) cant play like him because they dont understand the music like him .

ok maybe he is not playing as the best he can(very old) but if u see over that you will see the master he was....

[kajohada]

...he is 85!!

not many people re able to play such as mr.rubinstein in this advanced age:)

[henripche]

This discussion might be rather pointless, but let me reply anyway. All I'm saying is that it's difficult to appreciate this rendition, even if it is amazing he can give it at that age.

[kajohada]

...you have to relate this videoclip to all the others when mr.rubinstein was much younger.look at those of moscow conservatory when he was at the fiftees or at 4th.concerto,very amazing.he was a true and great virtuoso on the piano,some people say the greatest of all,and on this background also the 3rd concerto is pretty remarkable at the age of 85!!! to my opinion.i admire him very much:))

[mionismarion]

Hahaha! You're obviously only concerned about a fast tempo. And that's just what makes this performance unique..that he pickes a rather slower tempo and keeps it exciting.

With the sublime conducting Haitink and one of the best orchestras in the world..you really have no idea.

Rubinstein is one the best pianist from the past. I bet you can't even play the piano properly yourself, so why behave as if you're better than Rubinstein himself..

[henripche]

My concern with the tempo is that it sucks all the power and fury out of the piece (e.g. in the build-up to 2:00), and sometimes the liveliness (at around 4:10). And no, of course I can't play the piano better than he could, but there are whole throngs of young (and not so young) pianists who I think can. But I never pretended I could outplay him; I bet I could hardly hit the notes in this piece.

[triqualina]

lol, i'm revising this as a set work for my as level and sat here with the score i can tell you he missed out three bars at the beginning of the kadenza! *chuckles* how rude!

[23lovemusic24]

@triqualina As far as the beginning of the cadenza is concerned, its not unusual to not hear the first two measures. My very own teacher studied with Rubinstein for a while and I'm learning this concerto also and I even asked my teacher why some recordings lack the first couple measures. Its preference- and for an artist as great and world-reknown as Rubinstein, why does it matter?

[triqualina]

@23lovemusic24 i'm sure it doesn't matter. obviously, i wouldn't have noticed if i hadn't the score, which is why i found it funny i guess. because it was such a small thing. i had to memorise this wonderful piece of music as per the score i was set. and rubenstein wasn't helping me out, by using 'artistic license' and all that. i wasn't quite being serious. nor am i now. but thanks for your comment, it's made me come back and listen to the recording again, and remember how much i loved it.

[stradivari08]

It's so nice!!

do you have the remaining movements?

By the way, thanks for posting!!

[andoooooo10]

@stradivari08 

[zhangpianist]

Rubinstein's editing of the chromatics in the cadenza are just absolutely incredible. I am also satisfied that he doesn't pound on the piano as he keeps everything beautiful, unlike Brendal and Weisenberg who make this piece sound like hell. Excellent performance (Rubinstein, that is)!

[HEIYAO]

He makes it look so easy! Dang!

[iddqd123]

i just love it :) such a great piece

[saleich35]

Thanks for posting this & part 1. I'm off to see a concert of this piece this evening and I'll have the very highest of measures against which to appreciate it.

[janjaapfaber]

Fantastic! I heard the 4th concerto also in Amsterdam with Rubinstein and Haitink!