Liberace (Franz Liszt) 14th Hungarian Rhapsody

[albanybeardguy]

Not the greatest pianist in the world, but my god he had style!

[imayocu]

One of the foremost pianist of the 20th century, period. If he would have been a composer with his technique he would have been equal to Rachmaninov, Chopin and the likes.

Absolutely impecable playing.

[mariloubm]

Incredible and no music score reading - all from memory?

[marcellpvisser]

Rock and Roll!!

[rrryyy666]

I am tired of classical snobs.

He had an excellent technique and great touch.

Nothing wrong in combing Classical,Romantic music with pop and jazz.

Even my college professor who is a very conservative teacher.

Said he had it all.He decided to move to Las Vegas and make money.

He had just as much talent as Rubinstein and Horowitz.

[Accurate4103]

@rrryyy666 Well Said.

[DICACIO1]

Epic pianist

[paciepac]

watch this girl Claire Maidin, her show has ALLOT of Liberace. and is also ALLOT better on the eye ;-) and also great vocal. she pretty much has everything, talent and stunning to look at! have a look!

[parthree123]

don t forget he had a brother named george that used to be on his show also.he was part of it.they were the greatest at the time.could nt everyone play the saber dance.it was tough. parthree123

[carrascalconlurdes]

It looks like Cziffra in his interpretation of the Hungarian Fantasia (this is like Rhapsody and half fantasy half), but it is much slower. sorry for my English.

[Robinicat]

Wow! Such dexterity! Not many pianists have that ability to move their fingers so independently of one another. You have to give Liberace credit for popularizing classical music back in the day...and even sensitizing people to homosexuality.

[yellingLoL]

This isn't the 14th Hungarian Rhapsody. This is Liszt's Hungarian Fantasy.

[feelgoodaboutit]

Most remembered for his extravagant costumes and trademark candelabra placed on the lids of his flashy pianos, Liberace was loved by his audiences for his music talent and unique showmanship. He was born as Wladziu Valentino Liberace on May 16, 1919 into a musical family in Wisconsin. Even death will not blow out Liberace’s candelabra. He is burned into our memory.

[nomiclas]

@feelgoodaboutit absolutely!

[pbryld]

Loving the outfit!

[Crussman499]

Liverace was great. And that ain't no typo.

[movadooo]

he was and will be the greatest pianist ever , its so sad the his great museum closed at last 17 october , and what about all his costumes and pocessions ?

[dmmm1121]

who knew; i love this man

[TheAtma]

Not the most talented pianist of the 20th century, but easily the most brilliant pianist of the contemporary/modern genre pianists.

[keyboardmagic]

A excellent version of Liszt's 14th Hungarian Rhapsody, by Liberace.  He was by far, the most talented pianist/entertainer of the 20th century. It's wonderful to see that his memory lives on through YouTube and the Liberace Museum.

[pianoplaylist]

Well said. His music sends chills up my spine. And to have the privilege of time travel via Youtube to watch him perform live is an unspeakable privilege.

[yellingLoL]

This isn't the 14th rhapsody, but a botched version of liszt's hungarian fantasy.

[balto4]

keyboardmagic: I am glad it lives on,as I am still fairly young(28)and most of Liberace's stuff was unfortunately before my time. I agree he was by far the most talented,it's also unfortunate most people my age don't listen to decent music. I want to visit the Liberace museum one day

[Helpme345]

@keyboardmagic Art Tatum?

[Gibson29]

@keyboardmagic Infuriating- Not even CLOSE to the most talented pianist of the 20th century. You have obviously never heard Cziffra or Godowsky, even GOULD would put Liberace to shame in a piano duel.

I am not disregarding his talent, but to say "by far" the most talented performer is a horrible insult to the greats of the 20th century.

[keyboardmagic]

@Gibson29 ..I'm sorry you didn't appreciate my comment about Liberace. It's only a personal opinion. Even Liberace himself use to say he was never the greatest pianist; but what he was able to do was to give the average person an appreciation of good music. The 'showman' actually happen by chance. There is a story about how the costumes came about.

[Gibson29]

@keyboardmagic However; I do appreciate the fact that Liberace appealed certain music to a wider audience that otherwise would likely not have heard it.

[loknloll]

@keyboardmagic maybe one of the most talented entertainers, and even that is negotiable by a long shot. most definitely not the most talented pianists. he was a showman, and his classical knowledge and repertoire (and memory) certainly impressive.

but he pales considerably compared to the mighty sviatoslav richter or even glen gould.

[keyboardmagic]

@loknloll ...Liberace actually started out as an all-classical pianist, but soon became the ultimate entertainer, He always wanted to have 'fun' with his audiences and loved to see them smile. Also, his personality played not only an important role in his early television shows, but to his 'live' performances as well. He was more than just a showman, he was a kind, sincere and wonderful person,

[loknloll]

@keyboardmagic  was he your boyfriend? you seem to be speaking as if you knew him personally

[keyboardmagic]

@loknloll ....Yes, I knew Liberace personally for many years, mainly through fan clubs and attending receptions & parties in his honor with my husband. We were both avid fans and as time went on we became aquainted with others in his organization. We were also his special guests at the LV Hilton for our anniversary one year. We have some great memories of his generosity....

[hedunlap]

@keyboardmagic The museum is gone. It closed up last year and all the stuff was carted off to who knows where.

[keyboardmagic]

@hedunlap...Just to clarify things; the Museum is not gone, and although the public areas were closed to the public, Liberace's things are still there. However, in Spring of this year they will begin a National Tour of Liberace's artifacts in St. Louis, MO. The exhibit will include, 20 costumes, 3 pianos, 1-4 cars, candelabras & other collectibles, audio & film footage, and so much more; over 300 artifacts in all. All the proceeds from the tour will go to the Liberace Foundation.

[markmarshall39]

Classic Liberace!

[TurkBlart]

I want to wake up to this wonderful music every afternoon.