@mikeinverizon venturing only a guess; he started out with the Lizst piano sonata; i'm guessing he's practicing part of the run within the piece. My best guess; i've not played the piece in years, dont' remember...
How is nationality, or religion for that matter, coming into this? Van Cliburn is at his best playing either Russian composers or German ones. What is Texan about that beats me. And Tchaikosvsky was homosexual, that could then perhaps also have somethi to do with the musical aspects? Well, if this then convibces you that God and Texas love homosexuals, I can only applaud it.
Yet another Christ-loving idiot. It's really cool that you "now" God loves him and his music. Does God also love grammar? Because your grammar sucks. :)
Well Mr. freeqwerqwer, I don't see you winning piano competitions or performing the worlds best concert halls with the greatest symphony orchestras or selling albums worldwide with your playing. I wasn't impressed much by your playing in your video. You are in no position to judge a great pianists while you sound like an advanced amateur. You drown your playing by over pedaling, you are the one tone deaf...
@fourstringburn What a stupid response. Really. There are plenty of idiots out there (Lang Lang for example) who do the same thing to the same effect. Are you really suggesting that YOU are the expert here? Why don't you go fuck off? With a smile? :)
@mattandtrissy Everyone is entitled to an opinion and criticism just as you are doing here. However, You haven't the maturity or intellect to convey yours in a civilized manner. Therefore you are only one brain cell above the Neanderthal. Grow up and act like a respectful adult and maybe people may respect you.
I always considered his interpretations as a bit wooden. I don't mean that entirely in a negative way: wood as in solid oak, but still there is something of the loggerhead in his interpretations. Some works could have that; Rachmaninov, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, but the more lyrical aspects might not always come out best. This clip shows what I mean.
@kyaume21 Hey, boring isn't a dirty word. That's exactly what every Cliburn interpretation ends up. Musical? To some degree. Slow and boring? Big time. Guy was in the right place at the right time. His peers included John Browning. Sorry, 10 times the pianist that Cliburn is. Cliburn is a hickish whitey that American loved to love. At least at the time. He is completely ZZZZZZZZ for any serious pianist.
Don't believe all your stereotypes about Texas. There are an awful lot of gay people here. Also, Fort Worth has some of the greatest art museums (multiple) in the country. Many wonderful pianists visit here and play... Unless you live in New York or Chicago, I'm guessing the cultural life in Dallas-Fort Worth has far more to offer than where you live... diversity too!
And this is why Cliburn is my favorite concert pianist. Virtuosity like no other - amazing technique (those feathery, liquid ethereal arpeggios), the majestic, golden tone-never harsh. NO ONE plays like Van Cliburn (or ever will)-the beautiful rubatto, heart melting expressiveness & noble majesty. To hear Mr. Cliburn in concert, which I have nearly a dozen times, is one of THE truly great experiences in life. It doesn't get any better. He is one of the GREATS. (Liszt...Rachmaninoff...Cliburn).
@Denise2302 LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Virtuosity like no other? Really? Cliburn is on nothing but the slow side when it comes to tempo. Are you deaf? Cliburn = Boredom. You must be really, really old to have heard him so many times. Maybe when you get older you simply hear "virtuosity". :)
Watch the Thirteenth Van Cliburn Competition live starting May 22 through June 7 at the Cliburn website. The webcast will feature live streaming of the performances, online voting, commentary, backstage access, all chamber music rehearsals with the Takacs Quartet and orchestral rehearsals with James Conlon, and more. Its free and open to everyone.
I am sitting in that very living room in Mr Cliburn's old home in Tucson. The view from the giant picture window is almost as it was when he practiced that Liszt and Chopin. Mr Cliburn owned this great estate for 32 years from 1961 until I purchased it from him in 1993. It still sits on 5 almost untouched desert acres, now in central Tucson, but at that time on the outskirts of the city. Some neighbors still remember hearing him practice here in the 60's. I have a Steinway B waiting for him.
"There are three types of pianists: Jewish, gay, and bad"-V. Horowitz (yes, it's a joke people).
He still concertizes (played with my city's SO just a few years ago), just not as frequently, and he has every right to play, or not play, as he sees fit. Most artists have periods of reclusiveness: it probably has some merit.
I thought it was well known he lives in Texas and pretty much always has (except, of course, when he was away at school): did/does he have another home in AZ?
van has lived in fort worth, tx, my home town, for years and years, longer than the 28 i have been alive. it is not a secret that van cliburn is homosexual, however, he is a pillar of the community and one of fort worth's favorite sons.
I really don't worry about his gender preference. The man can play the piano better than anyone I have ever heard and I will always be grateful he was on this earth to give us his music. The rest is up to God and I now God loves him and his music.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Cliburn was a fine pianist, but nobody really knows if he's any good any more because he practically retired from public life in 1978 at the advanced age of 44.
He is gay. In 1998 he was the subject of a lawsuit filed by his former lover.
You're an idiot...he played for Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, and then again for pres. Bush. Anyone who has something negative to say about someone of this talent and respect is retarded.
@Justin0124 I'm totally agree with you.But I usually don't insult people who do not agree with me about everythink.I discuss respecting every opinion...in general.
I so agree! Appreciate his music, respect his privacy. His sexuality is his own business. I don't know why it is important that people speculate about such a matter.
@mattandtrissy Kindly link to your website or your YouTube video so that we may do a side-by-side analysis of your playing with that of Cliburn.
rekab7070 2 months ago
Comment removed
rekab7070 2 months ago
His fingers are so long he has to curl them or tuck them under sometimes either to get out the way or some kind of technique. Interesting.
BroadwayG 3 months ago
@BroadwayG I see what you mean, from about 2.25- his second finger in the left hand during the double octave passage.
paulybarr 11 hours ago
Can anyone tell me what scale/exercise he's playing between :44 and 1:17?
mikeinverizon 6 months ago
@mikeinverizon venturing only a guess; he started out with the Lizst piano sonata; i'm guessing he's practicing part of the run within the piece. My best guess; i've not played the piece in years, dont' remember...
techrxgb 5 months ago
Comment removed
fourstringburn 6 months ago
How is nationality, or religion for that matter, coming into this? Van Cliburn is at his best playing either Russian composers or German ones. What is Texan about that beats me. And Tchaikosvsky was homosexual, that could then perhaps also have somethi to do with the musical aspects? Well, if this then convibces you that God and Texas love homosexuals, I can only applaud it.
kyaume21 6 months ago
Yet another Christ-loving idiot. It's really cool that you "now" God loves him and his music. Does God also love grammar? Because your grammar sucks. :)
mattandtrissy 6 months ago
@mattandtrissy You sound very bitter and hateful??? Why?
Albertanator 1 month ago
those are some speedy scales-in-3rds... wow!
brianbernsteintv 1 year ago
this man is an American treasure and should be recognized as such.
utubuser10 1 year ago
Well Mr. freeqwerqwer, I don't see you winning piano competitions or performing the worlds best concert halls with the greatest symphony orchestras or selling albums worldwide with your playing. I wasn't impressed much by your playing in your video. You are in no position to judge a great pianists while you sound like an advanced amateur. You drown your playing by over pedaling, you are the one tone deaf...
fourstringburn 1 year ago
@fourstringburn What a stupid response. Really. There are plenty of idiots out there (Lang Lang for example) who do the same thing to the same effect. Are you really suggesting that YOU are the expert here? Why don't you go fuck off? With a smile? :)
mattandtrissy 6 months ago
@mattandtrissy Everyone is entitled to an opinion and criticism just as you are doing here. However, You haven't the maturity or intellect to convey yours in a civilized manner. Therefore you are only one brain cell above the Neanderthal. Grow up and act like a respectful adult and maybe people may respect you.
fourstringburn 6 months ago
Comment removed
fourstringburn 1 year ago
@freddi0815 , yes I do.....Bah Humbug !!!
leopianotuner 1 year ago
TEXAS ALWAYS HAS THE BEST!
ReturnOfTheStienway 1 year ago
I always considered his interpretations as a bit wooden. I don't mean that entirely in a negative way: wood as in solid oak, but still there is something of the loggerhead in his interpretations. Some works could have that; Rachmaninov, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, but the more lyrical aspects might not always come out best. This clip shows what I mean.
kyaume21 1 year ago
@kyaume21 Hey, boring isn't a dirty word. That's exactly what every Cliburn interpretation ends up. Musical? To some degree. Slow and boring? Big time. Guy was in the right place at the right time. His peers included John Browning. Sorry, 10 times the pianist that Cliburn is. Cliburn is a hickish whitey that American loved to love. At least at the time. He is completely ZZZZZZZZ for any serious pianist.
mattandtrissy 6 months ago
Comment removed
kyaume21 1 year ago
At 0:03 a UFO passed !
The55555SSSSS 1 year ago
Van Cliburn - one of the greats.
I have met him three times in my life - he struck me as a man both courtly and courteous - a mensch!!
Nobody, not even Richter (much as I love him) brings such a spiritual, special quality to Rachmaninoff's music.
wirewoman 1 year ago
@wirewoman Most especially if he wanted to plug something up your bottom. :)
mattandtrissy 6 months ago
I can player faster!
brassmonkeyjew 1 year ago
@brassmonkeyjew nobody cares
pianomaster272 1 year ago
@brassmonkeyjew and ur mother can suck faster. who cares.
John19182004 1 year ago
What is he playing?
TheCinemaization 2 years ago
liszt sonata in b minor
mikejr41387 2 years ago
Don't believe all your stereotypes about Texas. There are an awful lot of gay people here. Also, Fort Worth has some of the greatest art museums (multiple) in the country. Many wonderful pianists visit here and play... Unless you live in New York or Chicago, I'm guessing the cultural life in Dallas-Fort Worth has far more to offer than where you live... diversity too!
dallaspianophile 2 years ago
Go it Van !
Troybeallad 2 years ago
I love the way his hands move from the treble to the bass cleft in that run. Wonderful and light!
Dollytxno1 2 years ago
@Dollytxno1 I simply love how simply stupid you are. :)
mattandtrissy 6 months ago
And this is why Cliburn is my favorite concert pianist. Virtuosity like no other - amazing technique (those feathery, liquid ethereal arpeggios), the majestic, golden tone-never harsh. NO ONE plays like Van Cliburn (or ever will)-the beautiful rubatto, heart melting expressiveness & noble majesty. To hear Mr. Cliburn in concert, which I have nearly a dozen times, is one of THE truly great experiences in life. It doesn't get any better. He is one of the GREATS. (Liszt...Rachmaninoff...Cliburn).
Denise2302 2 years ago 7
@Denise2302 LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Virtuosity like no other? Really? Cliburn is on nothing but the slow side when it comes to tempo. Are you deaf? Cliburn = Boredom. You must be really, really old to have heard him so many times. Maybe when you get older you simply hear "virtuosity". :)
mattandtrissy 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Watch the Thirteenth Van Cliburn Competition live starting May 22 through June 7 at the Cliburn website. The webcast will feature live streaming of the performances, online voting, commentary, backstage access, all chamber music rehearsals with the Takacs Quartet and orchestral rehearsals with James Conlon, and more. Its free and open to everyone.
VanCliburnFoundation 2 years ago
Bahhh.
Lokopiano
lokopiano 2 years ago
talent is a force..knows no bounds
phillipone 3 years ago
I am sitting in that very living room in Mr Cliburn's old home in Tucson. The view from the giant picture window is almost as it was when he practiced that Liszt and Chopin. Mr Cliburn owned this great estate for 32 years from 1961 until I purchased it from him in 1993. It still sits on 5 almost untouched desert acres, now in central Tucson, but at that time on the outskirts of the city. Some neighbors still remember hearing him practice here in the 60's. I have a Steinway B waiting for him.
JohnJSwain 3 years ago 3
"There are three types of pianists: Jewish, gay, and bad"-V. Horowitz (yes, it's a joke people).
He still concertizes (played with my city's SO just a few years ago), just not as frequently, and he has every right to play, or not play, as he sees fit. Most artists have periods of reclusiveness: it probably has some merit.
danceofthegoblins 3 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I laughed...
everythingistken1291 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Well both Horowitz and Van Cliburn are gay. Cliburn kepts getting sued by his mortician lover. LOL.
EMPERORMIKI 3 years ago
yeah & Horowitz was all three
Bruce88keys 2 years ago
I thought it was well known he lives in Texas and pretty much always has (except, of course, when he was away at school): did/does he have another home in AZ?
danceofthegoblins 3 years ago
His gift is genius. To label him anything else only shows ignorance.
Ronbo710 3 years ago 7
He's just wonderful, i adore his great talent and sentiment !-)))
Berceuse59 3 years ago 3
so;sexy cant be gay???????give me a break///
peterlunow 3 years ago
van has lived in fort worth, tx, my home town, for years and years, longer than the 28 i have been alive. it is not a secret that van cliburn is homosexual, however, he is a pillar of the community and one of fort worth's favorite sons.
buckkarr 2 years ago
poor guy, being gay and liveing in t tx the most backward state
MrMorriz1 2 years ago
I really don't worry about his gender preference. The man can play the piano better than anyone I have ever heard and I will always be grateful he was on this earth to give us his music. The rest is up to God and I now God loves him and his music.
omybeethoven 3 years ago 17
Comment removed
bersa888 7 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Cliburn was a fine pianist, but nobody really knows if he's any good any more because he practically retired from public life in 1978 at the advanced age of 44.
He is gay. In 1998 he was the subject of a lawsuit filed by his former lover.
hillwills 3 years ago
You're an idiot...he played for Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, and then again for pres. Bush. Anyone who has something negative to say about someone of this talent and respect is retarded.
Justin0124 3 years ago 30
@Justin0124 I'm totally agree with you.But I usually don't insult people who do not agree with me about everythink.I discuss respecting every opinion...in general.
Ellinidara 1 year ago
He never said he is gay and maybe would be nice to respect his privacy and not spread rumors. And yes, he's still quite good looking...
ZZoe77 3 years ago 5
I so agree! Appreciate his music, respect his privacy. His sexuality is his own business. I don't know why it is important that people speculate about such a matter.
OriginalMoonbeam 3 years ago 7
5 Stars, adding to favs, first one of Cliburn's cngrts
wildejag 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
It is true Cliburn is a fruit cup. And also a great pianist.
mrmonkeybuns 3 years ago
Brilliant , i'm speechless ...,
so breathtaking, gay or not , he's wonderful !
Berceuse59 3 years ago 6
love this stuff, love van, cant say what hasnt been said already, didnt know he was gay(who cares),peace
markmarshall39 3 years ago 5
Van Cliburn is a genius...... such emotion in how he plays... I love to watch his face as he plays...
he's a great American too. He has did so much to warm relations with the Soviet Union... Van is a real Treasure.
pincesskaren 3 years ago 5
First was an excerpt from Liszt's Sonata in B Minor, then the scales, then Chopin's Scherzo No.3
MarcInStereo 3 years ago
is he playing in a very modern style?
luiarthur 3 years ago
what is he playing in this clip?
luiarthur 3 years ago
hes practicing brahms
lawtrip 3 years ago
first he plays Liszt Sonata in B minor then a few scales and at last Chopins 3rd Scherzo
blablobie 3 years ago
It's almost discouraging to watch him play scales!
stxer 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Heck I can play them almost as fast! He has a better piano than me, that's all.
slobone 3 years ago
As fast? Maybe. Playing a scale at a particular speed is a far cry from having such incredible control.
dnephi 3 years ago
God i wish i had hands his size so many pieces would be easier to play
Pianist237 4 years ago
Loved it, familiar scores...cp
myfare65 4 years ago
Thanks - I've seen this video and enjoyed it. Glad you posted this terrific excerpt.
Verified1 4 years ago 2
Thank you very very much for sharing this. Truly one of the greatest virtousos living today. Amazing.
nightblade37 4 years ago 4
without a doubt one of the best ever
scottbos68 4 years ago 5