This nocturne has two subjects, A & B. The first is gloomy in coloring. It is like the melancholy lament of one who is done with life. In the second, silent resignation gives way to bitterness and resentment, which, after climaxing in the first two turns, veers to the extremes of covetous desires, to passionate longing for the pleasures of the world. In greatest ecstacy succeeds, weak and exhausted, the repetition of the first subject, A.
@jhardknox The beautiful coda with its spiritual coloring is beneficent & conciliatory in effect, like many Chopin compositions, the outpourings of highest passion are followed by motives of religious character.
Hi Valentina, I just chose this Nocturne to study, after I did the op.9 number 1, last year. I love your interpretation the most, I'm gonna be inspired by it a lot! And I adore your comment down here, and I was really glad to find out you associated it with Ophelia of the Preraphaelites (maybe the Waterhouse, or more the Millais, I guess :) ) 'cause I absolutely love them, too. thanks for your precious work and your sharing it with us, you're a great woman :)
This nocture, which I used to play, has always for me evoked an image of soaring through the sky. But I'm writing to say that seeing Ms. Lisitsa play this piece was poetry in itself and apart from the beautiful performance and beautiful music of Chopin.
Hi Valentina. I'm playing the piano since 8 years and Chopin is my favorite composer. I have a question to you: How can you play so fast? Have you trained it many, many times or is it your "talent"?
I'm sure it's a combination of each of those things. Most importantly she doesn't stop practicing until she's satisfied- so do just that, keep practicing until you're at this level or beyond. Practice your movements slowly and with perfect temperment & accuracy... speed/memorization is inevitable so long you keep practicing accurately. It's a lot of work but you can do it!!! Bach is quoted to say " Any person who works as hard as I do can achieve the same results!" although he worked 15h/7d lol
I agree with Valentina that this nocturne speaks of a lover's relationship. Perhaps beauty, love comfort giving away to stress, anger responded to with plaintiveness and finally death. What kind of death? Who knows but unrequited love is the common theme of literature and poetry going back as far as you want in recorded history. However you find yourself seeing this nocturne, however, it is a haunting piece that I return to time and again.
I just wanna speak for all of us when I say. you are so freakin amazing!!!!!!!!! I love listening to you play. whenever my teacher has me look up a piece on youtube, I always see if you have a video of it because I like your interpretations so much
You are right. This piece gives me the feel of death and melancholy. This interpretation is utterly brilliant. It's so dark, it gives me the chills....
After following your career for a few years, it was an honor and a huge pleasure to see your concert this afternoon in Golden Gate Park. Thank you for sharing your incredible artistry; can't wait to see you in the area again.
Wonderful playing. But you're info section beneath the video is very interesting, and also very indicative of you're style of play. I would wonder whether another musician would treat the work in the same way... But I love your individuality! Thanks for this, was a great listen, especially the chromatic chant that isn't:)hehe
Hi Valentina - I truly appreciate it when you give a description of a piece of music, as you've done here. Also your explanation to one of your fans (liszt85) of how you go about learning and memorizing the music is so interesting. (Such generosity!) It makes it even more enjoyable...if that's possible. Like so many of your fans, I'm drawn back to watch your performances, daily...and of course I've bought what is available. Thanks :)
I love your interpretation of the piece - You catch the mysterious and melancholic atmosphere of the piece beautifully. I agree with what you said about the piece too, it's defiantly about a very painful goodbye. Absoloutley wonderful.
@sanoonbs I'm sure she didn't. That's because 1) it's quite not her style of playing and 2) as she said somewhere else, she didn't pick up Chopin's nocturnes until she was asked to perform 7 of them in a recital, last year.
Valentina, what piano technique are you using? Your technique reminds me of the Taubman approach, is that correct? If not, what do you think of the Taubman approach?
Does anyone else notice the chord played at 2:08-2:09 ish is sharpened? Unless it's supposed to be like that, it just sounds like a natural or a whole tone auxiliary chord rather than a semi tone auxiliary on the other recordings. Even so, bravo valentina I can't listen to any other recordings after hearing this one! Absolutely fantastic :D x
You are amazing Valentina, you bring every musical composition to life when you play, I wish I was a fraction as good as you! Just curious, do you have a favourite composer (whose works do you enjoy playing the most)? Also, have you done any Mozart piano concertos?
I considered knowing you and your music (by way of youtube) a great pleasure. I do not dream of becoming a concert pianist as I do not have the formal education (and because I chose a different career, it's not like I had the choice). Anyway, I just dream that one day, I might be able to play piano and express my emotions on the piece. Just want you to know that you are my inspiration.
I have finally surrendered to the fact that I love this woman's art. This piece helps to remind me that I am not the only person in the world with a lonely, troubled heart and that there can be peace at the end. I treasure Chopin's incredible inner ear for reflecting such deep feelings and cannot help but be enthralled with Valentina. (I work twice as hard on my Dohnanyi exercises since watching her!)
I LOVE this version. I love the style of playing you use. I am curious to what your favorite Chopin piece is. Excellent work. You are one of my favorite pianists. You play on an excellent piano, boesendorfers are my favorite.
I LOVE this version. I love the style of playing you use. I am curious to what your favorite Chopin piece is. Excellent work. You are one of my favorite pianists.
I honestly have to say that this nocturne didn't interest me in particular before I watched your wonderful performance and read your description. now this is probably my favourite nocturne, and I listen to it all the time.
I also plan for it to be the next nocturne I tackle :) Thank you....
I read everybody else's comments, and I agree with everything they say about your music.
It seems as if the world has forgotten what true music is, and the vibrant and various emotions a human can show through it. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Hi Valentina. I just wanted to say that love your descriptions for every piece you play. I play the piano myself (or at least try playing, when I see you play) and it really helps understanding the piece. I'd guess that helps listening to the pieces as well. Well, keep up the good work, great stuff. <3
Hey Valentina when you said that you see movies when you play, have you ever tried to make a movie mentally and create music to it based on others styles cuz you of all people in the world would be able to. Every song you play puts me in awe.
Hello Valentina . i want to thank you for your great beautiful YouTube video . you have an outstanding playing skill . i want to ask you if you could play .. Erik Satie - Gnossienne No. 1 .. thank you alot . i hope you could send me your reply . thank you .
I think I speak for a very large audience when I say, Valentina you are a shining light in a world of mediocrity and stale performances. Your passion shines through and Invites us all to to be better people. Your hard work, patience and technical skill are unsurpassed. Wonderfull and very inspiring. I have one query for you if I may.
If a composer were to create a Concerto, what advice would you to them?
A hearty Thank you, keep up the great inspirational work.
i find quite funny and interesting your remark about numbers cause Richter had the same "problem" . He said he couldn't remember his own adress but he was able to cite the name of almost every people he met in his life. lol haa pianists, 'wonder what's in your heads.. :-)
Hi Valentina, a loyal follower of your youtube videos here. Got a quick question. Do you see images while you play? If yes, do you see the exact same sequence of images every time you play the same piece? Does it aid memory? I don't see images when I play, I've tried. I guess I'm just not visual enough. I hear sound though and I need to attend to it perfectly if I need my memory to serve me well. So when I play for people, that sometimes breaks down... and it becomes a train wreck. Any advice?
I don't see images , I see whole movies - high definition on a big screen - in my head :-) And with Rachmaninoff Sonata it was in 3D beofre the format became popular.... For memory purposes I see music score - even where page turns are. I also HEAR sound - and there is a simple muscle memory . All of those - plus knowing a general structure of a piece -combine to make playing by hear easier.Try to work on vsualising the score - 1 time before you fall asleep try to see every measure.
@ValentinaLisitsa Is this what we call synesthysia?can you explain it a bit to us, that play the piano without watching 3d movies in the background yet?
@ValentinaLisitsa Hi I noticed that you didn't come in too strong on the first beat of the bar at 0:40! Many, like Horowitz (who's interpretation, nevertheless is spectacular) come in far too strong when at least the edition I have, says that there is no increase in volume from the diminuendo from pp before then. There is an accent on the next note (which you play beautifully), hence comparatively weakening the first beat of the bar and the root of the harmony is under the accented beat. Bravo x
it doesn't matter how many times I play a piece, a new movie, as you say, will play in my head. whenever I listen to a song an image of the patterns of notes and their colors forms in my mind; different every time. I always thought I was strange haha
I read the intro and was about to post"this is the most wonderful and poetic writing on this piece I have ever read!"And was about to gush about how music critics are terribad and how nice to see someone writing with real emotion about music.Then I looked up and saw the post was actually from the artist!I am doubly floored that someone of such ability would post in such a genuine and unassuming way;that you take such care to communicate with others is so true to the spirit of classical music.
Amazing interpretation and analysis. I'd love seeing your own interpretation of the other nocturne in C#; the famous posthumous one. Also Chopin's sonatas/ballades.
This is so beautiful Val I love the transition from the fast part to back how it began very wonderful music and your a wonderful pianist:)))))) a plus performance
Thank you Valentina for playing this piece! This is my favorite of all nocturnes and my second favorite piece by Chopin overall. I do however feel the piece differently, to me it reminds me of someone I love as a father and I think of that person everytime I hear this. If I could ask one question, what advice do you have to someone learning this piece? It's a bit advanced for me but I'm sure I can learn it if I practice.
I agree with others. You are the greatest thing I've found on YouTube - you and one spiritual teacher are my sources of inspiration and your descriptions of the music are very interesting! I hope wherever you are, you're having a good day and a nice 2011 so far. Thank you for taking the time to talk to your fans. Besides being a gifted artist, you're a very thoughtful and lovely person. That's pretty special, so thank you! :)
@kwastormayt Sofronitsky was my main inspiration back in school years. I didn't have many recordings to lsiten to - we couldn't afford a turntable for a while. His recordings were on a clearance sale - what a shame - but what a luck for me . I picked up lots of repertory from him : Schubert-Liszt etc...
What is your opinion of Rubinstein's interpretation of this piece (and I suppose Chopin in general) in regards to his use of rubato? He used a lot more than you do. I love both ways, but what motivates you to adhere much more strictly to the meter?
-Greg
p.s. I ask because I admire your playing and you seem very deliberate in every aspect that you play.
I discovered today that besides listening to Valentina and watching her beautiful hands playing, we can also read her thoughts on the piece, written in a friendly and conversational tone. Goodness! How lucky we are!
Thank you Valentina for graciously uploading and sharing your beautiful music for free for all listeners who care to listen at any time. It is a great pleasure to listen to music of great quality and beauty these days and so easily accessible! I'll be listening while in Afghanistan this next year and the youtube thing is greatly appreciated!
Absolutely beautiful performance. I am fascinated to see you totally relaxed your wrista are and how you stroke the keys. Bless you and your family Valentina.
Wow, such a great, amazing, intricate recording. Your thoughts are very interesting to read. I love the visual style of the video as well, with you and the grand being illuminated in front of pitch black darkness.
Incredible interpretation ... I have the good fortune to study piano in Poland and to hear great pianists, but I must say that nobody has been able to interpret this nocturne as Valentina Lisitsa .. I am moved ...
guys, for those are addicted to her playing, i found a page with so many her performs (that she didnt post, :( unfortunately ) and pieces that we have never seen - waltzes, polonaises and so on - find the user madlovba2
I tried to learn this most haunting piece (it is my favourite), but I couldn't master the left hand. I will keep trying, but I know I'll never ever have it close to how you are playing it. How beautiful...
I just realized why I like your interpretation so much (more so than any other). You do not put much emphasis on the e sharp at the end, leading into a major chord. It sounds more 'pleasant' to the ear. Do you think Chopin wanted this Nocturne to end using a major or minor sound?
To me, I think Chopin might have reflected upon the bitter sweetness that is 'love' in the last 7 or so measures. Maye the ending explains to us: "Love has its good moments but there will always be memory of the bad."
Valentina, you are absolutely amazing. You are such a good musician and pianist; you give Chopin's pieces your own feelings, i can feel that, and i can feel how you enjoy playing the piano. i enjoy listening to you. please keep your good work! I like your style and your ability to play every note with meaning and emotion.
i suggest you to play Chopin's nocturne op 72. no.1 . it suites you so much, with your abilities and strong emotions.
I've been listening to your version of this piece for the past 3 days, Valentina. You seem to be the only one who has posted a successful YouTube recording of the ending of this nocturne...with the subtle juxtaposition of the G#, C#, E#, and G# chord against the final ending C# and E# chord (right hand) and C# in the left hand. You do it so well!!! Your recordings are always brilliant, though. :) I am looking forward to Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1. It's my favorite, by far. :)
Really interesting! So, you too see colors in music... Scriabin, based on the circle of fifths, associated colors to each note, C is red! I think it's depend of the tonality. What do you think? I really would like to hear you playing Scriabin ...
I am just completely amazed by the strenght of your fingers. It is not just a pleasure hearing you but seeing your performances. I hope one day to see you live.
> For those visual people ( like myself LOL) here is a perfect visual match
This is interesting... I'm pretty visual myself but I always did bad at Math, lol
I think the reason is that I always tried to apply my "linguistic" brain modules instead of my "spatial" ones. Hey, if you take a look to some Algebraic expressions, they look pretty linguistic. My fault, anyway =p
@Lammero Funny you should mention that...I kinda laughed at the theta and delta signs in IPA when I was learning it the other day. I'm like...no this means change over time and this refers to trigonometric integral substitution!
@Lammero I do terrible with numbers - I can't remember opus numbers no matter how hard I try . Ditto for phone numbers. but I could memorize the whole encyclopedia of chess opening when I needed to :-)
@ValentinaLisitsa Its great to know that you play chess too. When I was little (around 7-8 yrs old), there were only two things I wanted to do for a living: either be a chess player OR be a pianist. I'm neither now (24 yrs old) but I play the piano regularly.. working on some basic repertoire (chopin op 25 no 2, beethoven tempest, bach preludes and fugues,etc) along with being a full time grad student. I was unfortunate in not having a conservatory in my country. Ah well,beautiful playing again!
Finally we can hear with the nocturnes, latyer of grand etudes and all those stuff, is great to hear with things that really speaks to the soul... one question; Is this in a DVD?
Is that Waterhouse's Ophelia? I have that on my wall. A print, of couse.
Loved reading your analysis. I don't think we can hear music today the way they heard it it Chopin's day -- too much time and too many cultural differences. But to make it truly come alive, well, I hope you will continue to do that. And with Liszt.
It is the complicated nocturne that a major key, a minor key mingled very much. OP9 of the beginning was simple, but the interpretation of the music of Valentina was interesting and had a look at the nocturne of Chopin only with the work which I made carefully from OP15. Even if you surely all split open, I chose 7 in this concert. I will listen by a sound beautiful as usual with rapture, and thank you.
Valentina, your playing of this nocturne reveals an incredibly, deep musicality in your soul. Your understanding of Chopin's intentions are truly wonderful. I continue to be astounded and moved in equal measure by your Chopin, which for me is the greatest test of a truly great artist on the piano.. All I can do is sigh and let the odd tear fall, thank you.
I love your description almost as much as your playing. Without knowing anything about Chopin, you can hear the dark undertones (the 'jealously'/'death'). The ending is a bit confusing, though. A goodbye between ex-lovers? I don't know if I agree or disagree with that. Such a cryptic nocturne!
@Kaggypants That's quite possible ! Good explanation. True , the last few bars are in major , but they are so bittersweet .... It gives me chills when I get to them...
It amazes me tht you know so many masterful piano works by heart. How do you come about learning these all so quickly? also i read a comment that you replied to. you're coming to Florida? what part?
@ValentinaLisitsa Is it something that Lizst and Scriabin had as well?there is a lot of things said about synesthesia in the web but only if you come in contact with a person that had experienced it you can have actually have a clear picture, that is why I am asking if you could share with us a description of the phenomena...it would be of tremendous importance ...
Magnificient ... and I adore your visual description once again ... "Con anima" ... well, being Italian I know very much what it -means- ... and you surely play "with soul" :-)
Wow. I really like this. So many fine details. The bass octave cadenza at 2:54 .. you play it "bel canto" and not hurrying it away in a rushed etude manner (which *so* many pianists do). Thanks for this recording. Inspirational.
I almost cried at the end... what a lot of emotion packed into 4 minutes and 48 seconds!
I like the fact that it's hard to discern a melody in this piece...but it was very hard for me to make sense of what events/emotions Chopin was trying to convey. Thank you for the very helpful commentary! It was extremely beneficial to my understanding of the piece, but I'm afraid I don't understand how you can tell when there is "death" at the end of a piece, rather that some other kind of...well, end.
It's a pleasure listen to you playing piano. I look forward to your performance of Chopin's Ballade No. 1. Thanks for sharing all this and I hope to listen to a live your concert in Italy.
@ValentinaLisitsa Too far away for now, I'm from Naples. It's surprrising that you find time to respond to your fans: I guess you always play the piano! :)
Thanks a lot.
I started playing piano for a year ad since then I listen you all days while I go to work. I hope that in thirty years I can at least play a song like you.
beautiful interpretation!!! BRAVA! did you ever play the chopin nocturn C sharp minor op. posthuma? i think you'll play it very well with a lot of love :)
Truely wonderful!! You always manage to wet my eyes while listening to your performaces :-)
You have a real star-status along me and so many friends of mine here in germany.
Although I started playing when i was 3 and playing ever since, I somehow regret not for having pushed my piano education further when I was a child...
I would really love to see you live in concert once.
the story of my life in notes....
EmbraceWithin 4 days ago
huh?? test
Luutzen007 1 month ago
This nocturne has two subjects, A & B. The first is gloomy in coloring. It is like the melancholy lament of one who is done with life. In the second, silent resignation gives way to bitterness and resentment, which, after climaxing in the first two turns, veers to the extremes of covetous desires, to passionate longing for the pleasures of the world. In greatest ecstacy succeeds, weak and exhausted, the repetition of the first subject, A.
jhardknox 1 month ago 5
@jhardknox The beautiful coda with its spiritual coloring is beneficent & conciliatory in effect, like many Chopin compositions, the outpourings of highest passion are followed by motives of religious character.
jhardknox 1 month ago 2
@jhardknox i bet on that you found that on the sheet music on IMSLP... :p
cardcuts96 1 week ago
Hi Valentina, I just chose this Nocturne to study, after I did the op.9 number 1, last year. I love your interpretation the most, I'm gonna be inspired by it a lot! And I adore your comment down here, and I was really glad to find out you associated it with Ophelia of the Preraphaelites (maybe the Waterhouse, or more the Millais, I guess :) ) 'cause I absolutely love them, too. thanks for your precious work and your sharing it with us, you're a great woman :)
DafniElissa 2 months ago
Это мой любимый ноктюрн. Пианистка исполнила его очень выразительно и проникновенно.Её искусство неподражаемо и заслуживает самой высокой оценки!!!
MrNinel661 2 months ago in playlist Валентина Лисица
I love you miss. thank you for all these great piano revivals. You're helping me to study.
greenpokerchip 2 months ago
Perfect!
Alexa4Alexa 2 months ago
This nocture, which I used to play, has always for me evoked an image of soaring through the sky. But I'm writing to say that seeing Ms. Lisitsa play this piece was poetry in itself and apart from the beautiful performance and beautiful music of Chopin.
JamesinLA1 2 months ago
Yes, it is like watching an entire movie endeed.
RockinSim 2 months ago
I love your little comments in the video description. So intelligent.
bobomber 2 months ago
Beautiful!
robag71 3 months ago
Hi Valentina. I'm playing the piano since 8 years and Chopin is my favorite composer. I have a question to you: How can you play so fast? Have you trained it many, many times or is it your "talent"?
A big fan of you :-)
DominicWeber1 4 months ago
I'm sure it's a combination of each of those things. Most importantly she doesn't stop practicing until she's satisfied- so do just that, keep practicing until you're at this level or beyond. Practice your movements slowly and with perfect temperment & accuracy... speed/memorization is inevitable so long you keep practicing accurately. It's a lot of work but you can do it!!! Bach is quoted to say " Any person who works as hard as I do can achieve the same results!" although he worked 15h/7d lol
bummy33 3 months ago
woaw and.....woaw
rudgel 4 months ago in playlist Autres vidéos de ValentinaLisitsa
I agree with Valentina that this nocturne speaks of a lover's relationship. Perhaps beauty, love comfort giving away to stress, anger responded to with plaintiveness and finally death. What kind of death? Who knows but unrequited love is the common theme of literature and poetry going back as far as you want in recorded history. However you find yourself seeing this nocturne, however, it is a haunting piece that I return to time and again.
Check out Pires' interpretation as well.
TELarson58 4 months ago
the way of your playing is truly beautiful. I'm playing this Nocturne and I wish that some day I can play it like you. Its great!
KisaChan137 5 months ago
My God, you have such beautiful hands! Indescribable!
billbenblue 5 months ago
Perfect interpretation
majornewb 5 months ago
Valentina,
This performance is a treasure. Will it ever be released on CD??
trevorpsy 5 months ago
@trevorpsy
Yes, i wish she would release all her Chopin performances on CD!!!!
runrunrun6777 4 months ago
When I need peace, art and beauty I always come to your Site. Regards, Sergio.
profesorsergio 6 months ago
If I could be able to play half as good as you, I'm set in musical talent.
msloves2sing 6 months ago
Spectacular. Brilliant.
chevychase 7 months ago
I just wanna speak for all of us when I say. you are so freakin amazing!!!!!!!!! I love listening to you play. whenever my teacher has me look up a piece on youtube, I always see if you have a video of it because I like your interpretations so much
colaband96 7 months ago
its just amazing that she can play the middle part so fast and beautifull!! i always stumble over my own fingers when i play that section... : )
cardcuts96 7 months ago
You are right. This piece gives me the feel of death and melancholy. This interpretation is utterly brilliant. It's so dark, it gives me the chills....
trp8155 7 months ago
Valentina--
After following your career for a few years, it was an honor and a huge pleasure to see your concert this afternoon in Golden Gate Park. Thank you for sharing your incredible artistry; can't wait to see you in the area again.
ofohsho 7 months ago
i came!! also this plays on EXPADITION ARMORY - HELLFIRE PENINSULA WOW.
unleashanger 8 months ago 2
Magnifique!
Erenir7 8 months ago
Valentina, what's the hardest Chopin song you've ever played?
bp2657 8 months ago
Wonderful playing. But you're info section beneath the video is very interesting, and also very indicative of you're style of play. I would wonder whether another musician would treat the work in the same way... But I love your individuality! Thanks for this, was a great listen, especially the chromatic chant that isn't:)hehe
wagneristhebest 9 months ago
Hi Valentina - I truly appreciate it when you give a description of a piece of music, as you've done here. Also your explanation to one of your fans (liszt85) of how you go about learning and memorizing the music is so interesting. (Such generosity!) It makes it even more enjoyable...if that's possible. Like so many of your fans, I'm drawn back to watch your performances, daily...and of course I've bought what is available. Thanks :)
eddie1344 9 months ago
I love your interpretation of the piece - You catch the mysterious and melancholic atmosphere of the piece beautifully. I agree with what you said about the piece too, it's defiantly about a very painful goodbye. Absoloutley wonderful.
losinggrip1993 9 months ago
can anyone tell me if valantina played this piece? thanks
/watch?v=Q3M8s5NGeS4
sanoonbs 9 months ago
@sanoonbs I'm sure she didn't. That's because 1) it's quite not her style of playing and 2) as she said somewhere else, she didn't pick up Chopin's nocturnes until she was asked to perform 7 of them in a recital, last year.
IBlackRockI 9 months ago
This is excellent, and a real inspiration to those of us who are trying to play it.
However, I'm with monobrow638 about the chord at 2:08-2:09, and this change lends a certain Prokofiev sound to it - in my opinion
Kerinski 9 months ago
Valentina, You are my inspiration. This is amazing, absolutely amazing.
Kasiulkaaa89 9 months ago
Left hand in this, owwww, so violent, but so good
SertavisSaviPianist 9 months ago
Beauty and horror..
TheGrrammmpa 10 months ago
Valentina, what piano technique are you using? Your technique reminds me of the Taubman approach, is that correct? If not, what do you think of the Taubman approach?
perfectwater08 10 months ago
at 3:22 the volume control is crazy.. piano control ... it is like walking on clouds
NikoisBack 10 months ago
I love this piece by Chopin! Valentina is amazing and Chopin is my favorite composer!
ThePianoguy89 10 months ago 6
Как бы я хотел посвятить свою жизнь фортепиано. Но я так слаб. Но вы прекрасная! Привет из Берлина!
lalijew 10 months ago
Does anyone else notice the chord played at 2:08-2:09 ish is sharpened? Unless it's supposed to be like that, it just sounds like a natural or a whole tone auxiliary chord rather than a semi tone auxiliary on the other recordings. Even so, bravo valentina I can't listen to any other recordings after hearing this one! Absolutely fantastic :D x
monobrow638 10 months ago
You are amazing Valentina, you bring every musical composition to life when you play, I wish I was a fraction as good as you! Just curious, do you have a favourite composer (whose works do you enjoy playing the most)? Also, have you done any Mozart piano concertos?
singingmaster008 10 months ago
another piece which Valentina plays whilst sleeping lol xD
612curtis 10 months ago
Why write Major part in such a piece, I liked it gray. . .
SARAHBBRIGHT 10 months ago
I think I have fallen in love with you. Thank you for your expression. It releases such joy in my heart and tears in my eyes.
yahazim 11 months ago
You're an excellent pianist, for myself you're the No. 1. Bravissimo interpretation of the show, love the compositions of Frederic Chopin.
laerciolira1 11 months ago
Hi Valentina Lisitsa! I hope you're doing great!
I considered knowing you and your music (by way of youtube) a great pleasure. I do not dream of becoming a concert pianist as I do not have the formal education (and because I chose a different career, it's not like I had the choice). Anyway, I just dream that one day, I might be able to play piano and express my emotions on the piece. Just want you to know that you are my inspiration.
atpmusic9 11 months ago
well played. (im really surprised 3 people failed to like this. Whats not to like?)
eXGee11 11 months ago
well played.
eXGee11 11 months ago
Très sous estimé nocturne. C'est un chef-d'oeuvre.
stevdu14 1 year ago
I have finally surrendered to the fact that I love this woman's art. This piece helps to remind me that I am not the only person in the world with a lonely, troubled heart and that there can be peace at the end. I treasure Chopin's incredible inner ear for reflecting such deep feelings and cannot help but be enthralled with Valentina. (I work twice as hard on my Dohnanyi exercises since watching her!)
yenrabaraho 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
BELLISSIMO!!! Bravo Valentina
MrPolskapaul 1 year ago
BELLISSIMA!!! BRAVO Valentina
MrPolskapaul 1 year ago
ThanK YOU!!!!!! THANKYOU!!!
soldelaqua 1 year ago
I LOVE this version. I love the style of playing you use. I am curious to what your favorite Chopin piece is. Excellent work. You are one of my favorite pianists. You play on an excellent piano, boesendorfers are my favorite.
CloudTT 1 year ago
I LOVE this version. I love the style of playing you use. I am curious to what your favorite Chopin piece is. Excellent work. You are one of my favorite pianists.
CloudTT 1 year ago
I honestly have to say that this nocturne didn't interest me in particular before I watched your wonderful performance and read your description. now this is probably my favourite nocturne, and I listen to it all the time.
I also plan for it to be the next nocturne I tackle :) Thank you....
thinkgreenlovepurple 1 year ago
Valentina,
I read everybody else's comments, and I agree with everything they say about your music.
It seems as if the world has forgotten what true music is, and the vibrant and various emotions a human can show through it. Thank you for sharing your talent.
amazieng 1 year ago
Quelle grâce! Magnifique!
BlackRozImmortal 1 year ago
Hi Valentina. I just wanted to say that love your descriptions for every piece you play. I play the piano myself (or at least try playing, when I see you play) and it really helps understanding the piece. I'd guess that helps listening to the pieces as well. Well, keep up the good work, great stuff. <3
alienacidtechno 1 year ago
Hey Valentina when you said that you see movies when you play, have you ever tried to make a movie mentally and create music to it based on others styles cuz you of all people in the world would be able to. Every song you play puts me in awe.
Mateoisgnarly 1 year ago
Hey Valentina, wish you play Nocture 20, my favourite piece with my favourite pianist of all time!!! that would be huuuge
mohtaa 1 year ago
Hello Valentina . i want to thank you for your great beautiful YouTube video . you have an outstanding playing skill . i want to ask you if you could play .. Erik Satie - Gnossienne No. 1 .. thank you alot . i hope you could send me your reply . thank you .
NEOoOoOoOoOo1 1 year ago
I think I speak for a very large audience when I say, Valentina you are a shining light in a world of mediocrity and stale performances. Your passion shines through and Invites us all to to be better people. Your hard work, patience and technical skill are unsurpassed. Wonderfull and very inspiring. I have one query for you if I may.
If a composer were to create a Concerto, what advice would you to them?
A hearty Thank you, keep up the great inspirational work.
Yours Sincerely
Jamie
tranceparentcycle 1 year ago
i find quite funny and interesting your remark about numbers cause Richter had the same "problem" . He said he couldn't remember his own adress but he was able to cite the name of almost every people he met in his life. lol haa pianists, 'wonder what's in your heads.. :-)
gouloum2222 1 year ago
Hi Valentina, a loyal follower of your youtube videos here. Got a quick question. Do you see images while you play? If yes, do you see the exact same sequence of images every time you play the same piece? Does it aid memory? I don't see images when I play, I've tried. I guess I'm just not visual enough. I hear sound though and I need to attend to it perfectly if I need my memory to serve me well. So when I play for people, that sometimes breaks down... and it becomes a train wreck. Any advice?
liszt85 1 year ago 19
I don't see images , I see whole movies - high definition on a big screen - in my head :-) And with Rachmaninoff Sonata it was in 3D beofre the format became popular.... For memory purposes I see music score - even where page turns are. I also HEAR sound - and there is a simple muscle memory . All of those - plus knowing a general structure of a piece -combine to make playing by hear easier.Try to work on vsualising the score - 1 time before you fall asleep try to see every measure.
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago 76
@ValentinaLisitsa Thanks :), will try that.
liszt85 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa Is this what we call synesthysia?can you explain it a bit to us, that play the piano without watching 3d movies in the background yet?
dim19f 11 months ago
@ValentinaLisitsa Hi I noticed that you didn't come in too strong on the first beat of the bar at 0:40! Many, like Horowitz (who's interpretation, nevertheless is spectacular) come in far too strong when at least the edition I have, says that there is no increase in volume from the diminuendo from pp before then. There is an accent on the next note (which you play beautifully), hence comparatively weakening the first beat of the bar and the root of the harmony is under the accented beat. Bravo x
monobrow638 7 months ago
@ValentinaLisitsa
it doesn't matter how many times I play a piece, a new movie, as you say, will play in my head. whenever I listen to a song an image of the patterns of notes and their colors forms in my mind; different every time. I always thought I was strange haha
MsConduit 7 months ago
I read the intro and was about to post"this is the most wonderful and poetic writing on this piece I have ever read!"And was about to gush about how music critics are terribad and how nice to see someone writing with real emotion about music.Then I looked up and saw the post was actually from the artist!I am doubly floored that someone of such ability would post in such a genuine and unassuming way;that you take such care to communicate with others is so true to the spirit of classical music.
Cancrizans 1 year ago
Amazing interpretation and analysis. I'd love seeing your own interpretation of the other nocturne in C#; the famous posthumous one. Also Chopin's sonatas/ballades.
GoingUnder93 1 year ago
Dear Valentina,
You have discovered your personal island.
Thank you for showing us this island.
LG Johannesbaerli
Johannesbaerli 1 year ago
This is so beautiful Val I love the transition from the fast part to back how it began very wonderful music and your a wonderful pianist:)))))) a plus performance
SuperPianoman2000 1 year ago
Beautifully done.
MrRicksStudio 1 year ago
I keep coming back to this one.
شكرًا
ZRMDMK 1 year ago
Thank you Valentina for playing this piece! This is my favorite of all nocturnes and my second favorite piece by Chopin overall. I do however feel the piece differently, to me it reminds me of someone I love as a father and I think of that person everytime I hear this. If I could ask one question, what advice do you have to someone learning this piece? It's a bit advanced for me but I'm sure I can learn it if I practice.
Zodiarkz 1 year ago
I agree with others. You are the greatest thing I've found on YouTube - you and one spiritual teacher are my sources of inspiration and your descriptions of the music are very interesting! I hope wherever you are, you're having a good day and a nice 2011 so far. Thank you for taking the time to talk to your fans. Besides being a gifted artist, you're a very thoughtful and lovely person. That's pretty special, so thank you! :)
8Ho03EdONl1liL 1 year ago
Great Commentary and Valentina you are the best !
FrOwNsToPpEr 1 year ago
This is the nocturne wich wladyslaw szpilman played for the nazi officier , not the op. posthoumus!!
AlexandreJdB 1 year ago
1 Dislike? Bahaha! What a loser...
8pianist 1 year ago
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kwastormayt 1 year ago
thats quite like sofronitsky, do you like him?
kwastormayt 1 year ago 5
@kwastormayt Sofronitsky was my main inspiration back in school years. I didn't have many recordings to lsiten to - we couldn't afford a turntable for a while. His recordings were on a clearance sale - what a shame - but what a luck for me . I picked up lots of repertory from him : Schubert-Liszt etc...
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago 13
What is your opinion of Rubinstein's interpretation of this piece (and I suppose Chopin in general) in regards to his use of rubato? He used a lot more than you do. I love both ways, but what motivates you to adhere much more strictly to the meter?
-Greg
p.s. I ask because I admire your playing and you seem very deliberate in every aspect that you play.
hartimos 1 year ago
I discovered today that besides listening to Valentina and watching her beautiful hands playing, we can also read her thoughts on the piece, written in a friendly and conversational tone. Goodness! How lucky we are!
musicfanBRA 1 year ago
thank you for the description on this one.. love the insight into the player's mind as she tries to work out the composer's mind...
ofohsho 1 year ago
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Very nice sound, a lot to learn from your playing ♪
uutbchh 1 year ago
Valentina you are beyond amazing. One of the best pianists I've ever heard!!! Keep it up.
AnotherSchmoe 1 year ago
Thank you Valentina for graciously uploading and sharing your beautiful music for free for all listeners who care to listen at any time. It is a great pleasure to listen to music of great quality and beauty these days and so easily accessible! I'll be listening while in Afghanistan this next year and the youtube thing is greatly appreciated!
dmillasov 1 year ago
Waiting for you next year in Ferrara!
SuperMetronomo 1 year ago
Absolutely beautiful performance. I am fascinated to see you totally relaxed your wrista are and how you stroke the keys. Bless you and your family Valentina.
paulcopeland 1 year ago
Me fascina!!!
Alejoidd 1 year ago
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この人の演奏は凄いです。 この曲は弾きたくてしょうがないのですが
今はショパンエチュードで 手一杯です。
この人の弾き方はものすごく参考になります。
この曲の雰囲気はベートベンの月光に似ていて。 確か 月がこうこうと照る
影で密かに人が殺されるとかなんとか不気味な感想コメントが付けられたと思いました。
ショパンの曲の中では 冷たい なんとも 言えない 厳しさのある曲ですね。
koueiaheming 1 year ago
この人の演奏は凄いです。 この曲は弾きたくてしょうがないのですが
今はショパンエチュードで 手一杯です。
この人の弾き方はものすごく参考になります。
この曲の雰囲気はベートベンの月光に似ていて。 確か 月がこうこうと照る
影で密かに人が殺されるとかなんとか不気味なタイトルがついていたと思いました。
ショパンの曲の中では 冷たい なんとも 言えない 厳しさのある曲ですね。
koueiaheming 1 year ago
この人の演奏は凄いです。 この曲は弾きたくてしょうがないのですが
今はショパンエチュードで 手一杯です。
この人の弾き方はものすごく参考になります。
koueiaheming 1 year ago
@koueiaheming だいすき。
Troytatnell 1 year ago
there are here in the right top of the screen - find user madlovba2
Sashomei 1 year ago
Wow, such a great, amazing, intricate recording. Your thoughts are very interesting to read. I love the visual style of the video as well, with you and the grand being illuminated in front of pitch black darkness.
Verdegrand 1 year ago
2:05-2:15...I cannot get enough. You play it so fluidly and with such vigor!
Kaggypants 1 year ago
Incredible interpretation ... I have the good fortune to study piano in Poland and to hear great pianists, but I must say that nobody has been able to interpret this nocturne as Valentina Lisitsa .. I am moved ...
MrDodone84 1 year ago
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MrDodone84 1 year ago
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MrDodone84 1 year ago
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MrDodone84 1 year ago
please valentina post the concertos of chopin please pleaseeee with and without orchestra
Sashomei 1 year ago
guys, for those are addicted to her playing, i found a page with so many her performs (that she didnt post, :( unfortunately ) and pieces that we have never seen - waltzes, polonaises and so on - find the user madlovba2
Sashomei 1 year ago
@Sashomei what page? thanks
FernandoPaganni 1 year ago
so many chopin videos of you but i didnt find my favorite, op.66 :-(
melagads 1 year ago
3:10 through the end brought tears to my eyes. :(
Tribefull 1 year ago
Thank you for the wonderful clips on youtube. I love your playing.
montybeth 1 year ago
I tried to learn this most haunting piece (it is my favourite), but I couldn't master the left hand. I will keep trying, but I know I'll never ever have it close to how you are playing it. How beautiful...
canuckgirl100 1 year ago
I like to read the description when you write things about the pieces you play...
You are a born pianist and performer :)
esmine86 1 year ago
THX :-)
Mille09ful 1 year ago
I just realized why I like your interpretation so much (more so than any other). You do not put much emphasis on the e sharp at the end, leading into a major chord. It sounds more 'pleasant' to the ear. Do you think Chopin wanted this Nocturne to end using a major or minor sound?
To me, I think Chopin might have reflected upon the bitter sweetness that is 'love' in the last 7 or so measures. Maye the ending explains to us: "Love has its good moments but there will always be memory of the bad."
Kaggypants 1 year ago
Are you due in England anytime?
I'd give my right arm to watch you perform, but then I'd have no hope of matching your skills.
chocolatespacker 1 year ago
have you ever been to Fayetteville, NC to perform or will you ever be in Fayetteville?
pianoboypiano 1 year ago
@pianoboypiano I will be in Fayetteville in February palying run-out concert with North Carolina Symphony. Saint-Saens #2.
Would you like a ticket(s) , I get comps and I don't know anybody in Fayetteville so the tix will go to waste :-)
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa WOW!! Thanks you so much! I am a huge fan and would love to see you play live!
pianoboypiano 1 year ago
suits*
S14V1KPV 1 year ago
@S14V1KPV :-) I do it all the time
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago
Valentina, you are absolutely amazing. You are such a good musician and pianist; you give Chopin's pieces your own feelings, i can feel that, and i can feel how you enjoy playing the piano. i enjoy listening to you. please keep your good work! I like your style and your ability to play every note with meaning and emotion.
i suggest you to play Chopin's nocturne op 72. no.1 . it suites you so much, with your abilities and strong emotions.
S14V1KPV 1 year ago
I've been listening to your version of this piece for the past 3 days, Valentina. You seem to be the only one who has posted a successful YouTube recording of the ending of this nocturne...with the subtle juxtaposition of the G#, C#, E#, and G# chord against the final ending C# and E# chord (right hand) and C# in the left hand. You do it so well!!! Your recordings are always brilliant, though. :) I am looking forward to Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1. It's my favorite, by far. :)
Kaggypants 1 year ago
Really interesting! So, you too see colors in music... Scriabin, based on the circle of fifths, associated colors to each note, C is red! I think it's depend of the tonality. What do you think? I really would like to hear you playing Scriabin ...
MartinetPhilippe 1 year ago
So pretty. I was lucky enough to see you play in tennessee the other night. I will always remember that.
shamsam4 1 year ago
you play with such grace... Texas welcomes you.
openmindspace 1 year ago
I am just completely amazed by the strenght of your fingers. It is not just a pleasure hearing you but seeing your performances. I hope one day to see you live.
Greetings from Colombia
patofranco54 1 year ago
> For those visual people ( like myself LOL) here is a perfect visual match
This is interesting... I'm pretty visual myself but I always did bad at Math, lol
I think the reason is that I always tried to apply my "linguistic" brain modules instead of my "spatial" ones. Hey, if you take a look to some Algebraic expressions, they look pretty linguistic. My fault, anyway =p
Great rendition! =)
Lammero 1 year ago
@Lammero Funny you should mention that...I kinda laughed at the theta and delta signs in IPA when I was learning it the other day. I'm like...no this means change over time and this refers to trigonometric integral substitution!
I hate IPA. =)
Kaggypants 1 year ago
@Lammero I do terrible with numbers - I can't remember opus numbers no matter how hard I try . Ditto for phone numbers. but I could memorize the whole encyclopedia of chess opening when I needed to :-)
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa Its great to know that you play chess too. When I was little (around 7-8 yrs old), there were only two things I wanted to do for a living: either be a chess player OR be a pianist. I'm neither now (24 yrs old) but I play the piano regularly.. working on some basic repertoire (chopin op 25 no 2, beethoven tempest, bach preludes and fugues,etc) along with being a full time grad student. I was unfortunate in not having a conservatory in my country. Ah well,beautiful playing again!
liszt85 1 year ago
Wonderful.... I really liked the write-up, as well.
fireb0rn 1 year ago
Finally we can hear with the nocturnes, latyer of grand etudes and all those stuff, is great to hear with things that really speaks to the soul... one question; Is this in a DVD?
OceanbornSWT 1 year ago
@OceanbornSWT No , this is Youtube exclusive :-)
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago
Is that Waterhouse's Ophelia? I have that on my wall. A print, of couse.
Loved reading your analysis. I don't think we can hear music today the way they heard it it Chopin's day -- too much time and too many cultural differences. But to make it truly come alive, well, I hope you will continue to do that. And with Liszt.
edwardpiercy 1 year ago
It is the complicated nocturne that a major key, a minor key mingled very much. OP9 of the beginning was simple, but the interpretation of the music of Valentina was interesting and had a look at the nocturne of Chopin only with the work which I made carefully from OP15. Even if you surely all split open, I chose 7 in this concert. I will listen by a sound beautiful as usual with rapture, and thank you.
mamakokonao 1 year ago
Brigitte Engerer played it last night at Pinosocope festival in Beauvais france. She's a great pianist too... You surely know her...
A real pleasure to here you as usual...
Twane.
lePistolero 1 year ago
@lePistolero I had her LPs as a kid , greatly admired her. Maybe one day we shall meet.
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago
Valentina, your playing of this nocturne reveals an incredibly, deep musicality in your soul. Your understanding of Chopin's intentions are truly wonderful. I continue to be astounded and moved in equal measure by your Chopin, which for me is the greatest test of a truly great artist on the piano.. All I can do is sigh and let the odd tear fall, thank you.
rhiannonsdad 1 year ago
I love your description almost as much as your playing. Without knowing anything about Chopin, you can hear the dark undertones (the 'jealously'/'death'). The ending is a bit confusing, though. A goodbye between ex-lovers? I don't know if I agree or disagree with that. Such a cryptic nocturne!
Well played just the same. =)
Kaggypants 1 year ago
@Kaggypants That's quite possible ! Good explanation. True , the last few bars are in major , but they are so bittersweet .... It gives me chills when I get to them...
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago
I was hoping you would post this piece, thank you very much.
Triskelion202 1 year ago
It amazes me tht you know so many masterful piano works by heart. How do you come about learning these all so quickly? also i read a comment that you replied to. you're coming to Florida? what part?
hekanealiloa 1 year ago
@hekanealiloa Already left , today I am in West Virginia doing Prokofiev #3
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa Is it something that Lizst and Scriabin had as well?there is a lot of things said about synesthesia in the web but only if you come in contact with a person that had experienced it you can have actually have a clear picture, that is why I am asking if you could share with us a description of the phenomena...it would be of tremendous importance ...
dim19f 11 months ago
Magnificient ... and I adore your visual description once again ... "Con anima" ... well, being Italian I know very much what it -means- ... and you surely play "with soul" :-)
ALEClovesGENIALMUSIC 1 year ago
The dialogue before the coda is shorter but just as beautiful as that one of the Nocturne Op.27 # 2 (4:19 to 4:30).
Thank you for your comments and magnificent performances.
AlcidesConstante 1 year ago
Wow. I really like this. So many fine details. The bass octave cadenza at 2:54 .. you play it "bel canto" and not hurrying it away in a rushed etude manner (which *so* many pianists do). Thanks for this recording. Inspirational.
alinnman 1 year ago
I almost cried at the end... what a lot of emotion packed into 4 minutes and 48 seconds!
I like the fact that it's hard to discern a melody in this piece...but it was very hard for me to make sense of what events/emotions Chopin was trying to convey. Thank you for the very helpful commentary! It was extremely beneficial to my understanding of the piece, but I'm afraid I don't understand how you can tell when there is "death" at the end of a piece, rather that some other kind of...well, end.
hsviolinplayer 1 year ago
It's a pleasure listen to you playing piano. I look forward to your performance of Chopin's Ballade No. 1. Thanks for sharing all this and I hope to listen to a live your concert in Italy.
Luigi
lrmusiclab 1 year ago
@lrmusiclab I will do all Ballades in spring . I jjsut managed to record #2 this time .
I think I am coming to Festival de Brescia & Bergamo in May . With Liszt !
ValentinaLisitsa 1 year ago 10
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lrmusiclab 1 year ago
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lrmusiclab 1 year ago
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@ValentinaLisitsa Too far away for now, I'm from Naples. It's surprrising that you find time to respond to your fans: I guess you always play the piano! :)
Thanks a lot.
I started playing piano for a year ad since then I listen you all days while I go to work. I hope that in thirty years I can at least play a song like you.
Luigi
lrmusiclab 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa WhatWhatWhat?!??!?!? Give me the dates!!!!! I'm coming with you!!! But i want a photo with you :P
In the calendar aren't you :(
DentroUnPianoforte 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa Finally! *_* I will gladly travel 450 miles to see you :) You'd be the best gift ever!
IBlackRockI 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa OMG! i cant wait!!! i cant wait to see GREAT Valentina performing Ballades :))))))))))))
BassicStorm 1 year ago
@ValentinaLisitsa All the Ballades?! I can't wait!
bobomber 2 months ago
Bravo! Truly remarkable.
RDerois 1 year ago
I really do like the way you explained this, I read it as you play and it make much sense :D
SertavisSaviPianist 1 year ago
Do you realize how awesome you are?
What I wouldn't give to be able to play like you!
Death2Note 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I bet you are married. Typical.
OpulenceOfKnowledge 1 year ago
beautiful interpretation!!! BRAVA! did you ever play the chopin nocturn C sharp minor op. posthuma? i think you'll play it very well with a lot of love :)
chvchv90 1 year ago
Her hands flow like water
Jhh1771 1 year ago
Truely wonderful!! You always manage to wet my eyes while listening to your performaces :-)
You have a real star-status along me and so many friends of mine here in germany.
Although I started playing when i was 3 and playing ever since, I somehow regret not for having pushed my piano education further when I was a child...
I would really love to see you live in concert once.
Are you planing to come to munich someday?
Sincerely,
John
JohnDoerrie 1 year ago