I can not believe it. This was at the Fox Theater in Detroit, my hometown. It's one of the most beautiful theaters in the country; I can only imagine the experience on a night like this. It's so sad that I was born in so much later than what would have allowed me to see this live. Must've been nice.
@abey111 I had the privilege of seeing him play this live in an amphitheater shortly before he died. The sun was setting over the mountains, and this music was floating in the air, and I had tears in my eyes. Video does little to convey the emotion he felt when playing this piece...or the emotions of those around him.
BTW, about Mr. Borge’s seriousness while playing. If you ever watch Harpo Marx, he was the same way playing his harp. You could see him get very serious when he was really into the piece.
As some lovely person replied to a comment I made i have now given my ears a super treat once more... Victor's simple yet beautifully understated playing just melts all your worries away and soothes the soul... I am sighing in my chair and sending him many many thanks, I am also sure the Angels have him playing for them as well as making them chuckle... :0)x
Genius....and such a gentleman. Sadly missed, fondly remembered...Comedy Virtuosity at it's best. A pleasure to hear him playing so beautifully without the stage show. RIP Victor....a very special man.
This piece is so intense. He's bringing so many feelings in this melody, that it is undescribeble... This is my all time favorit with V. Borge. R.I.P.
I've given the brilliant organist John Winters version as a video response. You will hear this masterpiece played by an organist with over 40 years of professional daily playing experience. First listen, then go to ' Organ Moods John Winters at the Mighty Wurlitzer' side 2 and read the subject content. I am making an informal petition to have the album remastered. Give a thumbs up if you agree.
the music sounds so alive, It got so much spirit, when he plays it.. but i guess only a few get it... this is feeling and timing on another level... RIP V.B
Funny, this is the first video i see, where he does not play on a "boesendorfer"....and one can really hear the difference.....very sad that we have to miss bothe of them...a genius and a piano that fits to him
Abreathtakingly different, yet bold & valid interpretation. Debussy wrote for the piano as a "hammerless" instrument & playing a delicate rubatto/stacatto meets that definiton as well as the traditional "lingering" note style favored by all others. The traditional styles captures the magic of a sumptuous summer moon. This the aweinspiring, distant, crystal clarity of the winter moon. It's not easy to "unhear" the traditional to give this a listen with "new" ears but well worth it! Love it!
As a pianist...M. Borge is amazing. Even among the piano 'elite', there are very few left who can interpret the music with this much feeling. I have a recording of him performing this piece, and I listen to it whenever I feel down about the piano.
I had to post this clip as well. Victor Borge was hysterical to watch and listen to. But the only way you can murder piano classics the way he did was to know how to play them the right way first. He may not be Cliburn or Horowitz, but he's still wonderful to watch. And remember, he was about 82 yrs. old when this was filmed.
When my time has come, I want this song to be my "Swan Song". It embodies and encapsulates who I was in its own distinct ways to those who knew me. Now shut up and serve me another drink.
This interpretation is a more lively and eagerly than the others, beautiful to see the stream of youth flows out in the hands of an old experienced man
There is no comparison between Mr. Victor Borge and "Lady" Gaga. The intricacies and style is not as complex on Lady Gaga's songs. The feel of her songs seem to only be accentuated by today's rhythmic beat. The timeless music of "Clair de Lune" time has outlived its time when it was composed by Claude Debussy back in 1893. I feel that (like so many others) Lady Gaga will just be a passing fad and not a genius like the greats.
@CruiseControlOne I'm not sure what you mean by "The timeless music of "Clair de Lune" time has outlived its time." Yes, it IS timeless, so it does NOT outlive its time. I quite agree with you that Victor Borge & Claude Debussy are, of course, great geniuses. May they live on!
@Vermontist I was confused, because when one says that something "has outlived its time," that means that it is no longer any good, and thus is NOT "timeless," but "of a time." Anyway, I'm glad you share my appreciation for this beautiful music. :)
Ahh that's better... What a player and all round amazing man Mr Vitor Borge was.. Comic genius and a very talented piano player to boot.. Love his phonetic punctuation.. Its on here with Dean Martin.. If you need a chuckle have a look.. *ahh sighs and listens again* :0)x
@BassmanII .. I am receiving a cracking education here in 'youtube-land' thank you so much for the info... I didn't know he conducted AS WELL, what a totally brilliant man and so unassuming too.. a true Maestro, Raconteur and all round fabulous fella, his playing gives me chills, it is so beautiful.. *sighs and listens again*I sahll sleep well tonight ...
Best regards from a silver-haired Nanna in Wales :0)x
@Wolfie99 .. Ah another victor fan then, hee hee. I got the 'Good night' bit, but as i don't speak welsh, or actually read it, the last part has intriged me.. What does 'Da lawn' mean please...
I married a lovely Welshman, so we came to live here, but I am English by birth...
HOWEVER as I have now lived in Wales more years than England I consider myself 'Wenglish'... hee hee .. Hence the name...
My very best regards to you...
Oooh what would 'Silver-haired nanny' be in Welsh too BTW??? :0)x
@ramtinking I'm not a big Lady Gaga fan or anything but she's actually an excellent pianist and vocalist. She was accepted early into Tisch School of the Arts at 17 and I'm sure she's well acquainted with famous pieces like this. If she isn't, and you played it for her, I bet she would love it. Just something to think about.
I think it's better to use an example like Kesha, who, while simply taking the opportunity given to her, is a talentless cunt.
@gatorhighlights4 i was more interested in their character, then their ability to play an instrument. I know 4 year olds that can play the piano. But over all, Victor borge will have a faaaaaaaaaaaaaar better effect on comunity the Lady Gaga could ever dream of. Just the name sound rediculous. Victor Borge is an original character and an icon. Lady Gaga is nothing but a product of business, and is being promoted and marketed sexually.
I very much liked him the first time I saw him. Read a little of his biography, and now reading all these comments. He was much loved by many. I love him and I'm crying a bit now, so sad that he's gone. What a gift he was to us. What an incredibly admirable man.
I think Victor Borge would have made Claude Debussy smile. So many pianists today play this without a single shred of passion or feeling - yet Victor Borge makes up for all that in this single recording.
i feel sorry for those poor unfortunate souls, mainly the 'baby boomers" and above who didn't get a chance to experience or even understand the genius of artists like Victor Borge, Danny Kaye, Spike Jones, Stan Freberg etc. who were so good they could even take the mickey out of themselves. Not like today's talentless "prima donnas". By the way, i AM a "baby boomer" but was lucky enough to grow up in a musical house and my parents friends were like minded.
@navydoll I'm 21 and considered becoming a music history major for a while, and I wish that we had pianists on TV today. There are so few and when they do appear they rarely make it to the lime light. The rest of the pop music of today, much like the preeceding 15 years or so of "pop" music absolutely blows. Too bad that the most moving thing todays children can hear is "Poker face"...
@aramilalpha I completely agree with your statements; however, I feel compelled to say that there are hundreds of pianists like Victor Borge out today. Sure, they don't all necessarily make it to the TV screen, but believe me, they're out there. The problem isn't that there are so few pianists (because that's not true at all); no, the problem is that not enough of the public is interested in classical piano music for it to be broadcasted on TV.
@spaceopera87 Well, I'm a pianist, too. And yes, of course no one plays in the style of the old pianists anymore (Horowitz, Richter, etc.). But what I was trying to say is that there are a lot of good pianists out there. One of my favourites is Janusz Olejniczak, just for the incredible way in which he plays Chopin. But I suppose what aramilalpha was saying was not that there were so few pianists, but that so few pianists appear on TV. And I suppose that's true.
I wish I actually met him. A hilarious comedian and a piano genius. I wish he was a little more popular. Now everyone just talks about rock music and things like that. I wish that he was alive right now. I have sooo many questions to ask him :'(
Fabulous...This piece reaches deep into my soul and touches every corner. I first heard this melody when I was about 6yrs. old. My mother would play it in the house every so often and it still haunts me today.
Just started watching symphony and opera videos on youtube in the hope that I might fall in love with it. (Got to give everything a chance lol), and found Borge, man he´s hilarious, although I don´t get all his jokes.......YET! lol
He was such a wonderful person. He could make you laugh, sure, but he was also an amazing pianist and very rarely did he show it. This is one of those rare occasions where he let us in. =)
I've no idea what you are like, but I like the way you think. This has been a lifelong favorite of mine, and truely Victor is exceedingly reverent in his performance of this piece. Clear of the Moon, and if it's in your heart, like I think it is, nobody leaves the room.
The only time...i heard him play a piece seriously.....but very nice~~~I was watching his comedy shows and i clicked into this one.....waiting for something funny- -"
I got to see Mr. Borge in person in Loveland, CO, in 1982. He played this and I was sure I had never heard anything more beautiful in my life. I wish he had recorded some serious music, and not just the humor (which was great).
it's just disgusting how some people have to be the first person to clap, that they will even interrupt the musician just to get to do that! There is just always someone like that
In defense of first-clappers, I did it once. Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Op 20. I was 12, parents MADE me go with them (snore). Suddenly, the clouds lifted off my eyes and my ears. Was anyone else aware how BEAUTIFUL this sounded?!? It was overwhelming for me, I wanted to scream out, "does anyone else hear how BEAUTIFUL this is?!" Surely they didn't, surely the music moved only me and me alone. So I first-clapped. I couldn't help it. It was that or scream in joy at the top of my lungs.
@idaidaida23 THey probably didn't feel a need to be the first to clap. It's more likely that they simply thought the piece had ended before it actually did. Sadly, it happens all to frequently.
@idaidaida23 THey probably didn't feel a need to be the first to clap. It's more likely that they simply thought the piece had ended before it actually did. Sadly, it happens all too frequently.
@idaidaida23 *sigh* it's not that they are impolite - as we get older - we cannot hear the higher frequencies - therefore - the music "has" stopped - at least what they can hear - had a friend's father who flew B-29's in WWII - after age 65 he could not hear a flute or piccolo - but acted like he could - all the best
Ah, for the days when I could enjoy watching Victor Borge on TV! He was rarely serious, it's true; that's what kept audiences loving his performances. The musical jokes were so brilliant: playing the William Tell Overture "upside down," or the opening measures of Moonlight Sonata morphing into Night and Day, simply genius. He had his own inimitable style, and the interpretation of Clair de Lune here is pure Victor Borge, even though it was played seriously...for a change. ("Clear the Saloon" XD)
love this video... the song the man playing it too.. But i need something answerd.. Can anyone tell me what fox theater this was played in or at.. This looks to me like the Fox in Detroit. but im not certin.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Compared with everyone else, he makes much more use of staccato and otherwise detached notes. Philosophically, I'm not one who cares much about "text" and "composers' intentions", but I suppose the "con sordini" and "portamento" markings give some support for detachment, I think Borge goes too far: misses the romance.
romance, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. If you don't find romance in this performance or anything that "goes too far" or sounds "detached".. it just means you don't see it.. romance can be found almost anywhere & in countless things people don't usually think of.. staccatos can be beautiful and romantic too, and to me, Victor has shown it here. :)
avhfj: its not his playing that makes that staccato feeling, its the video quality. if you listen closely, you can tell that theres a bit of an unnatural quality to the notes. the sound quality takes out the resonance and good sound out of it. im sure if the sound quality was normal, the music would sound much better and different from the way it sounds in this video
Hans Liberg. He's great. He's a Dutch guy, but he performs in English, German and Dutch as well. He even won an Emmy in the nineties for one of his shows. There's a full show of him in English online, as well as a German show with English subtitles. Masterful pianist, very witty and great at interacting with the crowd. Definitely recommended.
Oh, I see. I was just talking about this same peculiarity. My Mother was orphaned at 3, sent to a Catholic orphanage in the 30's. At 80 she still goes to casino's, still talks to strangers, compliments peoples kids and has a positive outlook on her future. Her medium for expressing her inherent love of life and people is her own voice. Some of us use objects that produce a voice, we call it music. I see music as the voice of the love the musician is trying to express. No love, no music, no life
Wonder how some people stay so "alive" in spirit to a ripe old age, while some decide their lives are practically over when they're 64. Music seems to be a great catalyst to keep you young at heart. :)
Borge could perform seriously, as seen herein. His sensibility for Fine Music was astonishing. I don't know yet why he wasn't included in the Columbia's Masterworks and Decca's Gold Label series.
out of all the classical pieces that i enjoy, Claire de Lune would have to be my all-time favorite. i sincerely believe that it is the most beutiful song ever composed. Debussey was a genuis.
I don't care about the sound quality. I closed my eyes and was instantly swept back to when I was a little girl sitting on my gran's knee listening to it on vinyl. Thank you for the memory. x
It's available on the Internet. I bought it from a danish website, and the cover text is in danish, but the spoken language is english all the way.
I also have another dvd, "Victor Borge på hjemmebane", wich is mostly in danish - recorded during his many visits to Danmark.
But most of the time he is obviously out of practice making jokes in danish - it's been too many years since he emigrated. So it's good, but not always quite as good as when he speaks english
For anyone who's played (or attempted) this song knows how extremely difficult it is, and would agree that Victor Borge is simply an amazing talent at the piano and all around loveable person. Such a beautiful song. I have been playing this for a couple years and still love playing and hearing it as often as I do.
Indeed. I have just begun learning for a single guitar and it is *way* harder than it sounds.
Had a chance to go over this in depth with a friend of mine who teaches Piano and it is fascinating. After one hour of discussion, we barely scratched the surface.
True genius in the song.
And of all the versions I have heard so far, I have to say, Victor's rendition is my absolute favorite. Everything is put together so well.
I have repeated more than 30 times and it's still absolutely amazing.
Victor Borge surprises me once more.I knew he was really funny and that he was a great pianist.I'm not an emotional person, but this almost moved me to tears.That was beautiful.
Victor was a genius. He inspired so many people - but he was THE best. His timing, his humour, his use of what was going on around him and interaction with the audience was so brilliant. He was a gem. A multifaceted gem and he still shines on in my heart - there will NEVER be another like him. I am so thankful I lived at a time when I could be entertained by him. It's a rare honour. Love and light to all - Susan in Tasmania, Australia xxxx
As far as I could notice, the sound reveals a performance of this piece without the use of the 'sustain' pedal (or any at all), avoiding it's superposition for harmony but, as I see by the comments, some like it like that. I prefer the usual version played by other virtuosos.
If you listen to the piece. You can tell that he cleanly uses the pedal. What he does it not allow the sustain pedal to make the sound muddy. It's what some describe as being "being good at the piano."
:'P, Nice, he was an extraordinary person! And even if I can't stand the sound of Boesendorfer pianos neither, I think they are the only ones to fit perfectly to Borge's character!
Simply sublime, the Maestro Victor Borge and the playing too... *sighs* .. :0)x
wenglishsal 1 week ago
search: Victor Borge - Debussy's "Clair de Lune"
second one from the top is better quality watch it
BlueWizardViolinist 1 month ago
The Great Dane was, GREAT!! Whether doing comedy or playing serious peices no one was better than Borge!!
cleancab 2 months ago 4
Beautiful, wish the audio was a little better.
jayce79 2 months ago
Amazing!
BlutoUSN 2 months ago
I can not believe it. This was at the Fox Theater in Detroit, my hometown. It's one of the most beautiful theaters in the country; I can only imagine the experience on a night like this. It's so sad that I was born in so much later than what would have allowed me to see this live. Must've been nice.
abey111 4 months ago
@abey111 I had the privilege of seeing him play this live in an amphitheater shortly before he died. The sun was setting over the mountains, and this music was floating in the air, and I had tears in my eyes. Video does little to convey the emotion he felt when playing this piece...or the emotions of those around him.
kamwrites 3 months ago 3
@kamwrites Oh wow, I could only imagine. Thanks sharing that; you are quite lucky!
abey111 1 month ago
BTW, about Mr. Borge’s seriousness while playing. If you ever watch Harpo Marx, he was the same way playing his harp. You could see him get very serious when he was really into the piece.
WhitePhoenixUS 6 months ago
Comment removed
WhitePhoenixUS 6 months ago
@WhitePhoenixUS
Understandable. You can remove your own posts under the Reply dropdown arrow by selecting delete there.
Incredible performance. Such a great man.
StinVec 6 months ago
Wow, a genuine performance by the man. I never knew he played seriously in his concerts?
liszt141 6 months ago
As some lovely person replied to a comment I made i have now given my ears a super treat once more... Victor's simple yet beautifully understated playing just melts all your worries away and soothes the soul... I am sighing in my chair and sending him many many thanks, I am also sure the Angels have him playing for them as well as making them chuckle... :0)x
wenglishsal 7 months ago
Genius....and such a gentleman. Sadly missed, fondly remembered...Comedy Virtuosity at it's best. A pleasure to hear him playing so beautifully without the stage show. RIP Victor....a very special man.
Wolfie99 7 months ago
Genius....and such a gentleman. Sadly missed, fondly remembered...:-)
Wolfie99 7 months ago
hvad laver de 28 idioter herinde, enten elsker man Victor Borge, eller osse opsøger man ham ikke
ikkeryger 7 months ago
This piece is so intense. He's bringing so many feelings in this melody, that it is undescribeble... This is my all time favorit with V. Borge. R.I.P.
dbmonrad 8 months ago
I've given the brilliant organist John Winters version as a video response. You will hear this masterpiece played by an organist with over 40 years of professional daily playing experience. First listen, then go to ' Organ Moods John Winters at the Mighty Wurlitzer' side 2 and read the subject content. I am making an informal petition to have the album remastered. Give a thumbs up if you agree.
paulj0557 8 months ago 2
the music sounds so alive, It got so much spirit, when he plays it.. but i guess only a few get it... this is feeling and timing on another level... RIP V.B
futte29 8 months ago
Thanks for posting this. Shame the recording is not so good..... still lovely though :)
3232siobhan 9 months ago
I don't understand how anyone could joke about Bosendorfer like that. =[
I bet this sounded niice live.
TehBrettster 9 months ago
Damn the fast part is epic. I'm surprised that he just playing made me laugh, cry and understand more the piece.
Laudan08 9 months ago
My great grandmother had piano lessons with him when they were both young. And she even played 4-hands piano with him.
SuhmMusic 11 months ago
@SuhmMusic I bet he did her
fxdesca 11 months ago
@fxdesca What do you mean?
SuhmMusic 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@fxdesca What do you mean?
SuhmMusic 11 months ago
Funny, this is the first video i see, where he does not play on a "boesendorfer"....and one can really hear the difference.....very sad that we have to miss bothe of them...a genius and a piano that fits to him
Rogerius78 11 months ago
Grande Victor, o extremo de profissionalismo, Capaz de fazer oq fazia tão bem que podia até brincar...
avalokiteshivara 11 months ago
Abreathtakingly different, yet bold & valid interpretation. Debussy wrote for the piano as a "hammerless" instrument & playing a delicate rubatto/stacatto meets that definiton as well as the traditional "lingering" note style favored by all others. The traditional styles captures the magic of a sumptuous summer moon. This the aweinspiring, distant, crystal clarity of the winter moon. It's not easy to "unhear" the traditional to give this a listen with "new" ears but well worth it! Love it!
coachleifa 1 year ago
Dnload the audio from this clip at tubepull doht cohm.
RobinsonBernston12 1 year ago
The world is a sadder place without a genius like Borge.
BalletWatcher 1 year ago
when i think of this man, i think of him being silly. it's easy to forget how talented he had to be
tranurse 1 year ago
As a pianist...M. Borge is amazing. Even among the piano 'elite', there are very few left who can interpret the music with this much feeling. I have a recording of him performing this piece, and I listen to it whenever I feel down about the piano.
bravo, cher Victor.
frenchypianoman 1 year ago
could at least wait until he finishes before clapping
Chuckles543 1 year ago
I had to post this clip as well. Victor Borge was hysterical to watch and listen to. But the only way you can murder piano classics the way he did was to know how to play them the right way first. He may not be Cliburn or Horowitz, but he's still wonderful to watch. And remember, he was about 82 yrs. old when this was filmed.
spn1007 1 year ago
Forget Rob Pattinson. He can play Clair de Lune. Much better than Rob!
BlackZwitter 1 year ago
When my time has come, I want this song to be my "Swan Song". It embodies and encapsulates who I was in its own distinct ways to those who knew me. Now shut up and serve me another drink.
CruiseControlOne 1 year ago
This interpretation is a more lively and eagerly than the others, beautiful to see the stream of youth flows out in the hands of an old experienced man
amaterrapper 1 year ago
hmm...different from the original...very different of what i heard so far of all versions... still very inspiring.
CarlitoJohnson 1 year ago
a genius is play....... schhh people!...
TheSeroquelxr 1 year ago
Who is Lady Gaga. Why is she being discussed ? Just listen to the beautiful music !
detarbaby 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
CruiseControlOne 1 year ago
There is no comparison between Mr. Victor Borge and "Lady" Gaga. The intricacies and style is not as complex on Lady Gaga's songs. The feel of her songs seem to only be accentuated by today's rhythmic beat. The timeless music of "Clair de Lune" time has outlived its time when it was composed by Claude Debussy back in 1893. I feel that (like so many others) Lady Gaga will just be a passing fad and not a genius like the greats.
CruiseControlOne 1 year ago
@CruiseControlOne I'm not sure what you mean by "The timeless music of "Clair de Lune" time has outlived its time." Yes, it IS timeless, so it does NOT outlive its time. I quite agree with you that Victor Borge & Claude Debussy are, of course, great geniuses. May they live on!
Vermontist 1 year ago
@Vermontist I was confused, because when one says that something "has outlived its time," that means that it is no longer any good, and thus is NOT "timeless," but "of a time." Anyway, I'm glad you share my appreciation for this beautiful music. :)
Vermontist 1 year ago
Ahh that's better... What a player and all round amazing man Mr Vitor Borge was.. Comic genius and a very talented piano player to boot.. Love his phonetic punctuation.. Its on here with Dean Martin.. If you need a chuckle have a look.. *ahh sighs and listens again* :0)x
wenglishsal 1 year ago
@wenglishsal Don't forget that mr. Borge was also an accomplished conductor.
BassmanII 10 months ago
@BassmanII .. I am receiving a cracking education here in 'youtube-land' thank you so much for the info... I didn't know he conducted AS WELL, what a totally brilliant man and so unassuming too.. a true Maestro, Raconteur and all round fabulous fella, his playing gives me chills, it is so beautiful.. *sighs and listens again*I sahll sleep well tonight ...
Best regards from a silver-haired Nanna in Wales :0)x
wenglishsal 10 months ago
Nos da Nanna.....lovely words.. Da Iawn...:-) x
Wolfie99 7 months ago
@Wolfie99 .. Ah another victor fan then, hee hee. I got the 'Good night' bit, but as i don't speak welsh, or actually read it, the last part has intriged me.. What does 'Da lawn' mean please...
I married a lovely Welshman, so we came to live here, but I am English by birth...
HOWEVER as I have now lived in Wales more years than England I consider myself 'Wenglish'... hee hee .. Hence the name...
My very best regards to you...
Oooh what would 'Silver-haired nanny' be in Welsh too BTW??? :0)x
wenglishsal 7 months ago
The world is aadder place without the Great Dane!!
BalletWatcher 1 year ago
Excellent interpretation.
gatorhighlights4 1 year ago
This is a lovely piece.
boyscout266 1 year ago
Love the Bosendorfer "zing", lol!
sirenadellopera 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
amazing. just amazing.
happygoth2272 1 year ago
We have someone like Victor borge, and then we have someone like Lady Gaga, whats the world coming to
ramtinking 1 year ago
@ramtinking I'm not a big Lady Gaga fan or anything but she's actually an excellent pianist and vocalist. She was accepted early into Tisch School of the Arts at 17 and I'm sure she's well acquainted with famous pieces like this. If she isn't, and you played it for her, I bet she would love it. Just something to think about.
I think it's better to use an example like Kesha, who, while simply taking the opportunity given to her, is a talentless cunt.
gatorhighlights4 1 year ago
@gatorhighlights4 i was more interested in their character, then their ability to play an instrument. I know 4 year olds that can play the piano. But over all, Victor borge will have a faaaaaaaaaaaaaar better effect on comunity the Lady Gaga could ever dream of. Just the name sound rediculous. Victor Borge is an original character and an icon. Lady Gaga is nothing but a product of business, and is being promoted and marketed sexually.
ramtinking 1 year ago
nobody's laughing now are they??
Infloresence 1 year ago
there is a cartoon called DOG TAILS that has a parody of Victor Borge that is so right on.
also in english does it really mean CLEAR THE SALOON?
TEMPmichaelhansen 1 year ago
@TEMPmichaelhansen No. it could be translated as moonlight, but it's not perfect, it's the best i can do.
wXingVinny 1 year ago
This is so beautiful, I have tears in my eyes...
PaHsia 1 year ago
I very much liked him the first time I saw him. Read a little of his biography, and now reading all these comments. He was much loved by many. I love him and I'm crying a bit now, so sad that he's gone. What a gift he was to us. What an incredibly admirable man.
ICUC007 1 year ago 2
So fluid.
zeboink 1 year ago
oh, i love, love love this interpretation of clair de lune... god bless Borge! he really made it his own... and what a musical and comic genius!
sghay 1 year ago
I think Victor Borge would have made Claude Debussy smile. So many pianists today play this without a single shred of passion or feeling - yet Victor Borge makes up for all that in this single recording.
MrMusicalLion 1 year ago
i feel sorry for those poor unfortunate souls, mainly the 'baby boomers" and above who didn't get a chance to experience or even understand the genius of artists like Victor Borge, Danny Kaye, Spike Jones, Stan Freberg etc. who were so good they could even take the mickey out of themselves. Not like today's talentless "prima donnas". By the way, i AM a "baby boomer" but was lucky enough to grow up in a musical house and my parents friends were like minded.
navydoll 1 year ago
@navydoll Stan Freberg !!!
I thought I was the only bugger that remembers him ....what a performer ....
fjbutch 1 year ago
@navydoll I'm 21 and considered becoming a music history major for a while, and I wish that we had pianists on TV today. There are so few and when they do appear they rarely make it to the lime light. The rest of the pop music of today, much like the preeceding 15 years or so of "pop" music absolutely blows. Too bad that the most moving thing todays children can hear is "Poker face"...
aramilalpha 1 year ago
@aramilalpha I completely agree with your statements; however, I feel compelled to say that there are hundreds of pianists like Victor Borge out today. Sure, they don't all necessarily make it to the TV screen, but believe me, they're out there. The problem isn't that there are so few pianists (because that's not true at all); no, the problem is that not enough of the public is interested in classical piano music for it to be broadcasted on TV.
MademoiselleChopin 1 year ago
@MademoiselleChopin Nope, he is totally and utterly unique in technique and style. Take it from a real pianist ;)
spaceopera87 1 year ago
@spaceopera87 Well, I'm a pianist, too. And yes, of course no one plays in the style of the old pianists anymore (Horowitz, Richter, etc.). But what I was trying to say is that there are a lot of good pianists out there. One of my favourites is Janusz Olejniczak, just for the incredible way in which he plays Chopin. But I suppose what aramilalpha was saying was not that there were so few pianists, but that so few pianists appear on TV. And I suppose that's true.
MademoiselleChopin 1 year ago
@MademoiselleChopin I would argue the opposite: that people don't hear or see piano music because it isn't on TV.
Vermontist 1 year ago
@Vermontist Isn't that what I was arguing? bahaha. I don't even know anymore.
MademoiselleChopin 1 year ago
peaceful ...
this man is adore...
pjetergj0 1 year ago
I wish I actually met him. A hilarious comedian and a piano genius. I wish he was a little more popular. Now everyone just talks about rock music and things like that. I wish that he was alive right now. I have sooo many questions to ask him :'(
TheBilly0101 1 year ago
Fabulous...This piece reaches deep into my soul and touches every corner. I first heard this melody when I was about 6yrs. old. My mother would play it in the house every so often and it still haunts me today.
sputnik9453 1 year ago
Didn't know Borge could be serious. A beautiful piece, and a fantastic interpretation!
nuzajecpogodi 1 year ago
Just started watching symphony and opera videos on youtube in the hope that I might fall in love with it. (Got to give everything a chance lol), and found Borge, man he´s hilarious, although I don´t get all his jokes.......YET! lol
aaron9099 1 year ago
I want a bosendorfer so badly..... T-T
immelio 1 year ago
He was such a wonderful person. He could make you laugh, sure, but he was also an amazing pianist and very rarely did he show it. This is one of those rare occasions where he let us in. =)
Kaggypants 1 year ago 2
The most beautiful playing I've ever heard.
Urselle5 1 year ago
... But from 2:05 and further to 2:24 , the speed is perfect : ))
mortenkul 1 year ago
Way too fast !
mortenkul 1 year ago
@mortenkul FUCK U
ramtinking 1 year ago
@ramtinking Hahhah... Just sayin'
mortenkul 1 year ago
he plays it too fast...check out phil bests version he covers it the best ive seen so far..
ZiggZagger420 1 year ago
This piece makes me yearn for a Bosendorfer so bad. :D
RoyalDecapitation 1 year ago
Is it the recording or is he playing unmusically without pedal
maxjamesorgans 1 year ago
i enjoy this so much - even though i'm only 13.
jessii0510 1 year ago
@jessii0510 what does being thirteen have to do with anything?
sarahxboxbeara 1 year ago 2
@jessii0510 What does your age have to do with it? Just curious,.
Vermontist 1 year ago
you truly are missed Victor. I hope to see you in Heaven.
09LaRage 1 year ago 2
Claire's salon, Edgeware road
rlneesam 1 year ago
Comment removed
WhitePhoenixUS 1 year ago 2
I've no idea what you are like, but I like the way you think. This has been a lifelong favorite of mine, and truely Victor is exceedingly reverent in his performance of this piece. Clear of the Moon, and if it's in your heart, like I think it is, nobody leaves the room.
vimmerman 1 year ago
Comment removed
WhitePhoenixUS 1 year ago
Any time I have ever seen his performances, he always played this song straight. Of course, he still prefaced it with a joke. My favorite:
And now I would like to play Clare de Lune, or . . . as I play it, Clear the Room. 8-D
WhitePhoenixUS 1 year ago
The only time...i heard him play a piece seriously.....but very nice~~~I was watching his comedy shows and i clicked into this one.....waiting for something funny- -"
justacondom 1 year ago
What's really inspiring is that Borge and Debussy's lives overlapped. <3
The noise gate is terrible. Makes the beginning sound staccato.
bacofishtaco 1 year ago 4
Probably the only piece I've ever heard him play straight. He proved he had the chops of a virtuoso.
mrgears 1 year ago 2
great emotion
deviela72310 2 years ago 2
He died in his sleep, like a freakin fairy tale incredible musician and showman
zondass 2 years ago
Victor Borge i love that guy!!!!!!
He had it all!
widepass 2 years ago 3
I got to see Mr. Borge in person in Loveland, CO, in 1982. He played this and I was sure I had never heard anything more beautiful in my life. I wish he had recorded some serious music, and not just the humor (which was great).
adoerfler 2 years ago 4
Rude clappers
ulsbolde89 2 years ago 7
Such a shame about the idiot who started the clapping prematurely. Pray silence after such a sublime performance.
chamade16 2 years ago 19
it's just disgusting how some people have to be the first person to clap, that they will even interrupt the musician just to get to do that! There is just always someone like that
idaidaida23 2 years ago 18
probably some 80-year-old woman who was moved by the music, but doesn't know concert etiquette
uwecbrass 2 years ago 4
In defense of first-clappers, I did it once. Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Op 20. I was 12, parents MADE me go with them (snore). Suddenly, the clouds lifted off my eyes and my ears. Was anyone else aware how BEAUTIFUL this sounded?!? It was overwhelming for me, I wanted to scream out, "does anyone else hear how BEAUTIFUL this is?!" Surely they didn't, surely the music moved only me and me alone. So I first-clapped. I couldn't help it. It was that or scream in joy at the top of my lungs.
starstarstar42 1 year ago 16
@idaidaida23 THey probably didn't feel a need to be the first to clap. It's more likely that they simply thought the piece had ended before it actually did. Sadly, it happens all to frequently.
55westend 7 months ago
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@idaidaida23 THey probably didn't feel a need to be the first to clap. It's more likely that they simply thought the piece had ended before it actually did. Sadly, it happens all too frequently.
55westend 7 months ago
@idaidaida23 *sigh* it's not that they are impolite - as we get older - we cannot hear the higher frequencies - therefore - the music "has" stopped - at least what they can hear - had a friend's father who flew B-29's in WWII - after age 65 he could not hear a flute or piccolo - but acted like he could - all the best
tom4bucs 5 months ago
Ah, for the days when I could enjoy watching Victor Borge on TV! He was rarely serious, it's true; that's what kept audiences loving his performances. The musical jokes were so brilliant: playing the William Tell Overture "upside down," or the opening measures of Moonlight Sonata morphing into Night and Day, simply genius. He had his own inimitable style, and the interpretation of Clair de Lune here is pure Victor Borge, even though it was played seriously...for a change. ("Clear the Saloon" XD)
GuinnevereB 2 years ago 44
Man, is the draft or this song that's giving me the chills...
mattroom 2 years ago 6
so beautiful...just brings a tear to my eye....
simply amazing
LAGalaxyForLife 2 years ago 5
love this video... the song the man playing it too.. But i need something answerd.. Can anyone tell me what fox theater this was played in or at.. This looks to me like the Fox in Detroit. but im not certin.
Marshall7302 2 years ago 2
Yes, it was Fox theater in Detroit, Victor celebrating 50 years of performing in the USA.
John19182004 2 years ago
I am always completely mesmerized by this delightful genius of a man...
The way he caresses the keys. The nuances and intonation so vastly different from others' "Clair" interpretations.
Yes, he would have called it "Clear the Saloon" and we all would have laughed, until he struck the first note. *sigh*
He coulda left his shoes under my bed ANY TIME. I simply adore him. Always will.
signed, young/old? enough to be his granddaughter!
whereisthedignity 2 years ago 74
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Compared with everyone else, he makes much more use of staccato and otherwise detached notes. Philosophically, I'm not one who cares much about "text" and "composers' intentions", but I suppose the "con sordini" and "portamento" markings give some support for detachment, I think Borge goes too far: misses the romance.
avhfj 2 years ago
romance, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. If you don't find romance in this performance or anything that "goes too far" or sounds "detached".. it just means you don't see it.. romance can be found almost anywhere & in countless things people don't usually think of.. staccatos can be beautiful and romantic too, and to me, Victor has shown it here. :)
YouVRay 2 years ago 8
avhfj: its not his playing that makes that staccato feeling, its the video quality. if you listen closely, you can tell that theres a bit of an unnatural quality to the notes. the sound quality takes out the resonance and good sound out of it. im sure if the sound quality was normal, the music would sound much better and different from the way it sounds in this video
ken1ch1kun 2 years ago 4
Almost sounds like there is too much noise gate in there. Cuts out the quieter stuff.
jazzician 2 years ago 2
it's also the pianos he uses. the american steinway or baldwin has a more mellow tone while the austrian pianos he uses have a sharper sound.
fountainpen101902 2 years ago
As funny as this man was, he was an even better pianist, IMO.
jhawkump 2 years ago 3
Is there someone who does the same jokes with piano like ViCtor Borge in present time?
mohanik 2 years ago
the same jokes no... but igudesman & joo are pretty good! [violin and piano]
theanswer00 2 years ago 3
Hans Liberg. He's great. He's a Dutch guy, but he performs in English, German and Dutch as well. He even won an Emmy in the nineties for one of his shows. There's a full show of him in English online, as well as a German show with English subtitles. Masterful pianist, very witty and great at interacting with the crowd. Definitely recommended.
VerhipBe 2 years ago
cool
fnwq1 2 years ago
NO BENEFIT IS TEMPORARY, BECAUSE THE IMPRESSION, WHICH IT LEAVES, IS EVER LASTING. ( J. W. von Goethe 1749 - 1832 )
LAUGHTER IS THE SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE. ( Victor Borge 1909 - 2000 )
True Legends never die!
Thank you for your Music. Smile...
sizilianer62 2 years ago 3
This is also the song wich is played during the last scene of Ocean's Eleven (the version with George Clooney en Brad Pitt)
niroontjuh 2 years ago
Oh, I see. I was just talking about this same peculiarity. My Mother was orphaned at 3, sent to a Catholic orphanage in the 30's. At 80 she still goes to casino's, still talks to strangers, compliments peoples kids and has a positive outlook on her future. Her medium for expressing her inherent love of life and people is her own voice. Some of us use objects that produce a voice, we call it music. I see music as the voice of the love the musician is trying to express. No love, no music, no life
iquestionit 2 years ago
If this video is from 1992, he was already 83... Makes you wonder...
finnhere2 2 years ago
Makes you wonder what?
iquestionit 2 years ago
Wonder how some people stay so "alive" in spirit to a ripe old age, while some decide their lives are practically over when they're 64. Music seems to be a great catalyst to keep you young at heart. :)
finnhere2 2 years ago 5
just wonderfull
jmt62 2 years ago
I know this one, but I can't figure out the correct pedaling
spartan1081990 2 years ago
He's so amazing... But i thought he was going to put a gag somewhere in there. Still on of the best interpretations i've heard!
jacoclaypool666 2 years ago 2
That is the most beautiful I have heard this piece played.
djm160 2 years ago 2
such sadness
catheezy 2 years ago
best there is!!!! BEAutiful!!!
Bullfrog91 2 years ago
Borge could perform seriously, as seen herein. His sensibility for Fine Music was astonishing. I don't know yet why he wasn't included in the Columbia's Masterworks and Decca's Gold Label series.
Stereo4102 2 years ago 3
when i hear him play, i cried and i missed this pianist T-T
PIAN0life 2 years ago 2
i like this interpretation
he keeps a good legato with minimal pedalling its clear and more subtle
ginocretino 2 years ago 5
out of all the classical pieces that i enjoy, Claire de Lune would have to be my all-time favorite. i sincerely believe that it is the most beutiful song ever composed. Debussey was a genuis.
kneecaps08 2 years ago
What theatre was he performing in for this video? It was a beautiful setting for some beautiful music.
MagoosShoes 2 years ago 2
In his more humorous introductions he would call this 'Clear the saloon'.
sailboi69 2 years ago 5
I just discovered this genius, I think I'll enjoy him for a while :-)
daz3dpanda 2 years ago 6
same here actually. Hilarious isn't he?
Epicureanparadox 2 years ago 3
stunning
Pitabreadgirly 2 years ago 2
I love Victor Borge, and adore him so much. His humor and his talent. And I am danish too <3
sorenpg 2 years ago 2
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Does anyone have the MP3 for this? I need it for my English powerpoint project. IF YOU HAVE IT, PLEASE MESSAGE ME.
mollyphloot07 2 years ago
Reputed for his comedy, it is nice to be reminded that he plays so beautifully.
trailhiker43 2 years ago 8
This is wonderful and amazing...thank you so much for this beautiful rendering of a beautiful piece by a beautiful man.
Sincerely grateful, J "Jay" Samuel Davis Alpine Texas
1234JAYDAVIS 2 years ago 7
I don't care about the sound quality. I closed my eyes and was instantly swept back to when I was a little girl sitting on my gran's knee listening to it on vinyl. Thank you for the memory. x
wendyplops 2 years ago 3
I have this on dvd, and he plays marvellously.
But the sound quality here is terrible - what's with this humming noise?
skakdosmer 2 years ago
That's your sound system. Turn it down a bit ;)
Teigetje 2 years ago
I'm afraid it's not.
I just played the dvd on the very same system, and it sounds great.
This does not: There's a strong humming noise even the volume is turned down so that the music is barely audible.
And I have no sound problems with most other YouTube videos.
skakdosmer 2 years ago
Wow, a DVD of this? Whats the name of it, and where did you get it? I'd love to try to get my hands on one as well.
celach 2 years ago
"The Victor Borge Collection".
It's available on the Internet. I bought it from a danish website, and the cover text is in danish, but the spoken language is english all the way.
I also have another dvd, "Victor Borge på hjemmebane", wich is mostly in danish - recorded during his many visits to Danmark.
But most of the time he is obviously out of practice making jokes in danish - it's been too many years since he emigrated. So it's good, but not always quite as good as when he speaks english
skakdosmer 2 years ago 3
awesome
shahamir13 2 years ago
i was very disappointed at the end, the applause began too early while the song was even not finished.
the end of the music and its following silence is a very important part of the song too.
nandopantufla 2 years ago 10
For anyone who's played (or attempted) this song knows how extremely difficult it is, and would agree that Victor Borge is simply an amazing talent at the piano and all around loveable person. Such a beautiful song. I have been playing this for a couple years and still love playing and hearing it as often as I do.
moosey3306 2 years ago 4
Indeed. I have just begun learning for a single guitar and it is *way* harder than it sounds.
Had a chance to go over this in depth with a friend of mine who teaches Piano and it is fascinating. After one hour of discussion, we barely scratched the surface.
True genius in the song.
And of all the versions I have heard so far, I have to say, Victor's rendition is my absolute favorite. Everything is put together so well.
I have repeated more than 30 times and it's still absolutely amazing.
eschelar 2 years ago
Victor Borge surprises me once more.I knew he was really funny and that he was a great pianist.I'm not an emotional person, but this almost moved me to tears.That was beautiful.
logivingt 2 years ago 2
What was so neat about Victor, was that he really could play when he was serious about it. Here is a prime example.
He was to much,and he was one of a kind.
williamholzman 2 years ago 9
Few exist that can move me to tears... This is one of them.
divrgonzo 2 years ago 3
Victor was a genius. He inspired so many people - but he was THE best. His timing, his humour, his use of what was going on around him and interaction with the audience was so brilliant. He was a gem. A multifaceted gem and he still shines on in my heart - there will NEVER be another like him. I am so thankful I lived at a time when I could be entertained by him. It's a rare honour. Love and light to all - Susan in Tasmania, Australia xxxx
trowuttatwo 2 years ago 11
...well said my friend.
3sonsdad 2 years ago 2
how kind you are, thank you - waving from waaaaay down the bottom of Australia, in Tasmania - love and light to you and yours - Susan xxxx
trowuttatwo 2 years ago
beautiful pianissimo
brozors 2 years ago
As far as I could notice, the sound reveals a performance of this piece without the use of the 'sustain' pedal (or any at all), avoiding it's superposition for harmony but, as I see by the comments, some like it like that. I prefer the usual version played by other virtuosos.
fibarran 2 years ago
If you listen to the piece. You can tell that he cleanly uses the pedal. What he does it not allow the sustain pedal to make the sound muddy. It's what some describe as being "being good at the piano."
Boxofownage 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
CAN AYONE SEND ME THE MUSIC SHEET?
lalabjeff 2 years ago
:'P, Nice, he was an extraordinary person! And even if I can't stand the sound of Boesendorfer pianos neither, I think they are the only ones to fit perfectly to Borge's character!
Vlaanderson 3 years ago 5