Yeah, the live performance is a little tough to take -- I can't imagine it having been possible to breathe, let alone cough, during a Gilels concert. This is one of those sacred works of Chopin (others include the B Minor Sonata, the 4 Ballades, the Op. 39 Scherzo, the F Minor Fantasy) -- music of such intense sublimity as to be almost unbearable. Gilels' enduring legacy is that he could go straight to the heart of such pieces...he was consistently miraculous.
Tempo is perfect...some artists drag it out, others play it too quickly. I like the way he shapes it--he doesn't pull at the phrases or insert a lot of mannered rubatos. Terrific octave buildup! Beautiful ending. I just wish they'd passed around some cough drops before the 2nd (live) performance!
Yeah, the live performance is a little tough to take -- I can't imagine it having been possible to breathe, let alone cough, during a Gilels concert. This is one of those sacred works of Chopin (others include the B Minor Sonata, the 4 Ballades, the Op. 39 Scherzo, the F Minor Fantasy) -- music of such intense sublimity as to be almost unbearable. Gilels' enduring legacy is that he could go straight to the heart of such pieces...he was consistently miraculous.
briandonohue100 9 months ago 2
I love, love, love this interpretation! Definitely my favorite
3pianists 1 year ago
Tempo is perfect...some artists drag it out, others play it too quickly. I like the way he shapes it--he doesn't pull at the phrases or insert a lot of mannered rubatos. Terrific octave buildup! Beautiful ending. I just wish they'd passed around some cough drops before the 2nd (live) performance!
soami2u 2 years ago 6
This is GREAT!!!
volodya2 2 years ago 2