Mikhail Pletnev plays Chopin

[12345qazx1]

exemplary

[saunsnaen]

gorgeous playing. Unmatched for this etude

[Tsotne16]

1:18 O.o

[dmitrykrivonosov]

best performance of this etude!!

[pupusman]

I don't remember if I commented already, but no matter: miraculous playing!! This study almost always laboured and unmusical - not so for Mr. Pletnev. THANK YOU truecrypt.

[ghostwriter11]

Crime or no crime, this is still one of the very best versions of this Etude posted on YouTube.

[uhartchristian]

what a pity that we don t have the video of this.... It is as quick as Valentina Lisitza but its much better in interpretation as it has more character and differences in sound. A very intelligent interpretation of one of the most difficult etudes of Chopin

[tombennettpiano]

@uhartchristian Agreed...Pletnev is truly a master, very imaginative, and creative. He has his own voice. His Islamey is the same: technically perfect, musically deep and just downright cool. Thank God for Youtube.

[zloidz]

Can't believe a man like him raped a kid . But really why ppl in Thai got sex with kids and they were almost all safe but foreigners especially the famous ones always got problem ? GAY FOR SALE is really popular in Thai

[honjokun06]

@zloidz Actually, Thai senator Chalerm Phromlert got convicted and sentenced to 36 years in jail for sex with minors. As a Thai, I also believe in innocence until proven guilty, but it is undeniable that there are sleazy foreigners (not implicating Mr.Pletnev in any way) who come here to exploit children.

In any case, ars longa, vita brevis.

[1woytan]

1@woytan

So we have already decided that he raped? I feel distressed to see the source of a beauty and art getting destroyed by those whom i must call humans just because they walk upright!

[slapchopification]

So how do you feel about your friend being accused of raping a fourteen-year-old boy?

[truecrypt]

@slapchopification

Shoked... 

[Pogouldiwitz]

@truecrypt

My God! I hope that it turns out that this all is a "misunderstanding," as M. Pletnev claims. I don't want to lead to any conclusions and I do realize the "real world" seriousness of the matter but I don't believe I'd be able to continue to listen to any of his recordings if it turns out that M. Pletnev did commit these crimes.

[truecrypt]

@Pogouldiwitz

Let's wait and see...

But even if worse comes to worst, the art will continue to live it's own life.

[Pogouldiwitz]

@truecrypt

Of course, the brilliance of Pletnev's recordings will always remain. And on a purely aesthetic level, my admiration wouldn't diminish. However the aesthetic experience would be tarnished because of this "knowledge." The emotional catharsis and "escape from reality" element of listening to his recordings would be severed. Anyway, I hope that these allegations turn out to be false.

[Alanargus]

@truecrypt

Absolutely agree.

IMHO This is his own life even if it is truth. He is still one of the greatest pianists in the whole history of piano. If we start to mix art and private life we will lose a huge amount of great creators. So in this ocasion it needs not to allow ourselves to demonstrate a pathological ability of people to adjudicate others.

[Martel211996]

@Pogouldiwitz Their is no evidence of raping. That city where he was in, was one of the biggest for child prostitution. Hes not stupid. He wouldent commit such a crime, knowing that if people found out, he would be ruined

[TheCookie30]

@slapchopification

all I can say: there are millions of asses and there is only one Pletnev!! I hope you heard this one and will ask stupid questions publicly!

[slapchopification]

@TheCookie30 Wait, there are millions of asses out there for Pletnev to enjoy? I certainly hope they don't all belong to young boys.

[TheCookie30]

@slapchopification

who cares! we will NEVER KNOW! and I am not interested who these asses belong to! I am interested in Pletnev!! and NOT in asses!

[slapchopification]

@TheCookie30 To be fair, you're the one who brought up asses in the first place. Also, how do you know that there are "millions" of them? How did you come up with such an exact number? What are you hiding, Mr. TheCookie30?

[TheCookie30]

@slapchopification

If "millions" for you represents an "exact number" then all I  hid before was that you are a moron!, but now I am forced to let all others know. Do not bother to answer. Not interested.

[lovesGenet]

WOw.the left hand is so well done I forgot to listen to his thirds.This is unbelievable ! Truly no percussive element in his chord playing.thisis fabulous. ghostly charachter playing.There is no finer # 6 anywhere.Lhevinne would be proud !

[mjmckenzie7]

he is almighty at the piano

[henseltetude]

Tell me , Truecrypt , is there any video of Pletnev conducting?

[truecrypt]

@henseltetude

Check out RNOtv channel- they should have some nice videos there!

[Biffer5]

One of my favorite pianists! Just fantastic playing. Thanks for posting.

[trolola]

I love him as a conductor !!!

[concerto35]

Great and original interpretation!!!

[violinartist1]

AMAZING!!!  I love his interpretation!

[Pischnaholic]

YES!

[ipvac1]

Thanks truecrypt, really amazing... he make 1:19 with two hands??I can't believe only a hand can do that!

[1donpizarro]

But he can do it - and easily, so far I remember! -

[PhilPhilUSA]

Thank you truecrypt! the pictures are great!...what a thing to know such an artist...yet I know from browsing that you are great , too! I watch the Hippowitz rare contribution of Mr. Pletnev's Mephisto Waltz every day...i find it so inspiring. I will use it to teach drawing students...as that little pause before the explosive ending shows such unearthly composure that

it is very informational to everyone in the creative arts.

[hatake16]

I like his technique, but I really like how he uses the pedal. He's not so heavy and muddy like most. He's my favorite concert pianist of today.

[madlutist]

Though I'd recommend Konstantin Scherbakov, if you don't know his work. He has a number of recordings of things that I'd usually think practically unplayable, and plays them beautifully. Beethoven's symphonies transcribed by Liszt, Tchaikovsky's piano concertos, etc.  Both Pletnev and Scherbakov just have a tremendous ease to their sounds.

... is it me, or are all the best pianists Russian? I mean, most people's technique where I live in the U.S. is terrible...

[BenMcCormack91]

For the record, he said that the best pianists are Russians, not that all Russians are good pianists.

[corlando80]

but well....thats absolutely true.... GUYS ...open the eyes.... this is the reality. As longer than more than 50 percent of pianists are gay or bisexual ... for exeample the violonist are never. I do not know a violonist gay. maybe one or two... you see... thats strange but is part of reality. ANYWAY... GAY or NOT GAY...they bring us this fenomen inimaginabil what is called .....music...;

[japanesesweet]

@corlando80 ...of course,i can think of exceptions but in the main this is true.Maybe someone who is trained in psychology can offer an explanation. I daren't have a go.

What a wonderful video and such RARE photos. I have heard him live on a few occasions-Beethoven's 2nd Concerto was wonderful-he caught the impish humour brilliantly- -and the Bach saraband is gorgeous.

[morvensky]

his thirds are insane

[Gravichick343]

They ARE! :o I could never do that xD

[troppofiato]

Check out Sergio Tiempo and Ashkenazy for really insane thirds.

[1donpizarro]

Aren't they ?

[NOSEhow2LIV]

One of the very rare occasions when an artist has the liberty to do exactly what he wants in this piece(rather than just staying afloat!).And his musical choices,seeming so spontaneous:natural curves,bubbly chattering left hand textures,fantastic fantasy of filigree in thirds...A jewelled sound-poem of the finest sort.

[jpoiyacneo]

This is Chopin as robustly charming gallantry. Whoever called it "sterile arte-deco vapidry" is advised to see a psychoacoustic specialist asap.

[ipublica]

The pedaling is unheard-of, and the sound so crisp, so present, I am sure this is a youth recording, what a genius this pianist is, and yet largely unknown within the mainstream music world. I think of the young Cziffra and the early Ashkenazy ...

[ipublica]

A novel interpretation, defying even the famous Pollini rendering of this etude, absolutely fresh and amazing, thanks so much!!! It is innocent, spontaneous, childlike and powerful, and yet so difficult to play...

[weikko79]

I didn't know that you knew Mikhail Pletnev personally. You must be rather a famous pianist yourself then!

[rolandonavarro]

Pletnev is not just a pianists, he is a MUSICIAN. Everything he touches became a masterpiece. I hope a very long and fruitfull life for this great musician.

Best Regards from Venezuela,

Rolando N.

[armpiano]

There is something very russian in his game!!

This pianist is a great russian! Whatever he plays you feel the russianness in his interpretation!

[mltube]

This is such an interesting, "impressionistic" interpretation. Very convincing and incredibly well played. When it works, it works. :-)

[leighshen]

it's great. the music and the photo.i've never seen these.

thank you very much for sharing.

[CHOPINasVAPIDtone]

I AWARD THIS 5 TUBERCULAR FITS...What a demonstration of modernism at it's worst.Stunning execution and tone in lieu of the vaguest vestige of every other aspect of music.This is only for a technique-obssessed pianist...or a dilettante who has read enough to want to imitate one...

[pianopera]

Dear Fagotto,

It's time to send you back to the Devil.

Manuscripts and YouTube comments don't burn, but hell is a hot place -- just the thing for you. Send my regards to Behemoth,

P.

[truecrypt]

...better to Azazello though... ;)

[pianopera]

All right, first we send Fagot-Smith to Azazello so that he can paint his face with cream for the next photo-session and teach him some "beat-placements"; from there straight to Satan's Great Ball where he can play the guitar wearing nothing but a heavy chain with a poodle...

[truecrypt]

Hm... Do you think he will look gallant enough?

[pianopera]

Well...maybe not. Better dress him like the Marquise Smithius de Brinvilliers...and you know what happened with the Marquise's head!

[truecrypt]

Great idea! What a nice cup we'll have!

I have a toast - to a new life!

[truecrypt]

Сравнения типа "лутше/худше" не имеют большой ценности без объективных критериев и точных формулировок. А "бросать кость" и ждать когда глупые споры начнутся, - дело недостойное.

[fartlestucks]

Fantastic playing by any standards,anytime,and,for me,sensual in the highest way,with nobility&sobriety allowing the natural curves to speak.I find him the most deeply provocative of the current greatRussians,sometimes HATING half of a concert as much as i adored the other half!He is also,for me the widest-ranging,particularly stilumating in classic&preclassic:CPE Bach,Arsclatti,Hide-in,Boathav­en..Maybe on the dry side for the lay-traumantix but kant hav all qualities for such a wide range.

[flugelmaniac]

slightly mechanical feel to it overall.

[Kelimu]

Похоже, что это не запись с конкурса. Та была еще более гениальной!

[truecrypt]

Это не конкурсная, конечно...

[smithsherman]

It's a seriously sad statement that...

"Argerich's Schumann surpasses all others today".What a lack of individuality

and imagination today...if that's the case.

[rigel48]

Dear Smith, in order to show you that Argerich has as much individuality and imagination than your favorite pianists of the past, I just upload a "video" with both de Pachmann and Argerich playing the same work by Schumann (Grillen from op 12). Maybe this will make you change your mind(I know it's difficult if not impossible).

[chad410]

he talks and knows nothing about music. and has twice asked me to listen to two modern pianists and how you compare them to Argerichs recording of the Fantasy or Kreisleriana that i think though over oedalled is in the same league only as Neuhaus. i think he is a phoney acting on behalf of other pianists . Be warned.

[chad410]

you once told me more than once to listen to feddy kemf. i listened and said nothing not cos it was bad but i have heard Schumann played by the Argerich. who by the way is not the only pianist i like.... now that s a surprise.

[suzettegm]

My son and I heard him play in an all Chopin

program in Amsterdam I think one, maybe two years ago. it was extraordinary...sometimes extremely beautiful, but sometimes almost too affective (i don't mean this etude). He's a great perfectionist. Personally I like him best as a conductor.

[chad410]

well it must be tough being a famous pianist , christ i find it tough being a fugitive pianist. am I working out? have been but that pic is an experimental in modern Ort. Is your son that wonderful pianist? You know Martha was often critisised for doing things for effect but I think she was playing with timbres.Her Schumann surpasses most if not all famous pianists of today.

[smithsherman]

Dear Viktor,You tend to say that all beyond a fine technique is subjective.I respectfully disagree.The elevation of execution to the

"only objective" thing is...a fetish.

[truecrypt]

Dear Smith;

I didn't say that *all* beyond technique is subjective. But performance, as a whole, consists of many "ingredients". In THIS particular case the technique has become an art by itself, though it doesn't mean there is nothing in Pletenev' s playing except technique, as you assume. Quite the opposite - most of the people do hear wonderful music... Where *objective/subjective* starts or ends is also... subjective...

[thunder1909]

I agree. This Etude [and most other Chopin Etudes] are very musical, and to play them well you can't rely on technique alone. There is much beyond technique in Mike's playing.

[smithsherman]

Dear Viktor,You didn't say it...but oft you have seemed to imply it.I've said nothing of Pletnev's playing here as a whole...but remarked on this performance alone.This last statement is inarguably true.

[chad410]

well it s phenomanally well executed. when s his next concert?. unfortuanately im poor at moment so must be fairly near. im losing weight especially for the occcasion :)

[suzettegm]

Yeah...aren't you working out on your channel profile picture..I'm not sure though :-)

[chad410]

does he take the last descending thirds with 2 hands.:))?

[truecrypt]

just a little bit of history... ;)

Pletnev played this etude during the first round of the Tchaikovsky competition.

I was sitting on the right side of the balcony and could see the profiles of all jury members. When Misha started #18 all jaws dropped simultaneously! It was quite a picture! ;)

[1donpizarro]

@chad410 No; I think one hand is enough for him!

[znanto]

at parts(1:11-1:22)he's the best I've heard, other parts (1:30-1:36) he just seems bored.. overall: I wouldn't listen to it again, but I don't regret the experience.

[smithsherman]

It would help if the 3rds were tuned in the temperment that Chopin used...as his performance practice has already been dispensed with.

[truecrypt]

Dear Smith;

So, are we back in business? ;)

- Orchestral pitch of the Paris Opera in 1829 was 440.0

- Pianoforte at the Paris Opera in 1829 was 425.5

- Pleyel's Piano (Delezenne in 1859) was 446.0

Chopin was familiar with A=440 and probably could tolerate it. Why shouldn't we?

As for "performance practice" -- the amount of "microaccelerandi" and "unpredictable phrasing" is a matter of performer's taste. BTW Chopin himself didn't like excessive *sensuality*...

[smithsherman]

Dear Viktor.....We're not talking of pitch...we're talking temperment...and this one is clearly 20th century. Nobody in the 19th century played Chopin

this way that I've heard....there must be sensuality before there can be excess....

Here we have dry bagpaper in Equal temperment

[truecrypt]

Dear Smith,

I couldn't find a term "temperment"... did you mean - "piano temperament" - in this case it's a matter of pitch.

Both sensuality and/or excessiveness is very much in the eyes of the beholder. Different people hear (or don't) different qualities in the same performance. For my taste this is absolutely exceptional implementation!

[smithsherman]

Dear Viktor,Temperment means....how sharp,flat or pure the intervals are in a key.

If you love this it's okay with me...

The physical execution is transcendent...everything else...is...well...

.....

[truecrypt]

Yes, I understand what the "piano temperament" is about. Unlike non-tempered instruments' performers, pianists are in hands of tuners though...

[chad410]

the best thirds I ve ever heard. now pletnev are you free this evening ;)

[eAGer4]

I hope to one day go to a Pletnev concert, I learnt about him, but have not met him, from a mutual friend in Thailand and my life is richer for his music.

[chad410]

btw how did you make the thirds so light? i played this at college very badly but i got in anyhow.

[smithsherman]

Dear Gerry,If this is a "5-Star-Performance,lets expand the category maximum to 100 stars.Then I agree.This is a 5 Star performance!

[gerryrains]

Wonderfully played! A true five star performance! The competitors will really have to improve to match Pletnev and I still think that they have no hope of reaching his level. Two future possibilities are Gavrilov and Lisitsa. They are constantly improving. Sorry Kissin, you have no hope.

[belemuski]

And Lugansky, Volodos or Hamelin what?

[marcelmombeekeigen]

I was told that the lhevine recordings where speeded-up... I don't know if it is true, but he was a great interpret... Rachmaninoff as an interpret I do not like very much (you know) but as a componist he was realy great.

[truecrypt]

I know you don't like Rachmaninoff, Richter, Michelangeli, Rubinstein, Pollini... It's OK ;)

I'm sure you'll outgrow this period of "childishness" and in a while will acknowledge the relativity of "improvisational" and "objective" approach. Enjoy more Sofronitsky!

[marcelmombeekeigen]

hi truecrypt: you wrote "Never in my life I've seen and heard this Etude played like that"... listen to lhevine!!!

[truecrypt]

I know Lhevinne's recording, but I've never heard and *seen* such speed and precision with my own eyes... BTW Lhevine and Rachmaninoff graduated the same year from the Conservatory and Lhevinne got the highest award as a pianist, Rachmaninoff was second ;) As a composer he graduated with highest honors. He started to practice *seriously* only after leaving Russia.

[alterjosef]

I wish him all the best for his future. I don't know a greater living musical personality then him!

[alterjosef]

Pletnev is actually the best pianist on earth I know. He is complete, with a perfect technique and an extraordinery musical understanding. He stands in the tradition of great names like Horowitz, Rubinstein and Rachmaninoff and in my opinion his music is much better than the praised music from Kissin, Volodos or Lang. Especially I like his interpretations of Russian music to which he has a great affinity. I think he is not only an outstanding pianist, he is also a phenomenal conductor.

[asorescu]

I agree with alterjosef - he is the best pianist on earth, playing with profound but refined emotions. One does not need to be loud or flashy to be perfect. He plays this piece heavenly - it is technically very difficult - double notes etc. But he make it sound so easy, so subtle, so cleverly wispered... I knew him personally at the Conservatory in Moscow and he was in a league of his own, including his amazing intellect.

[smithsherman]

Mein Liebe AlterJosef,Tut mir leid daB Pletnev ist am besten,was Sie gehört haben.

Aber mein Komment hat mit dieser Vorführung zu tun.

[smithsherman]

I've listened to a lot of Pletnev's playing in the last couple of years.He feels tired and without inspiration.There is an exuberance here which I no longer feel from him.

[chad410]

aaaah sweet pic :)