What an inspiring performance, Andrei. You've retained in this recording that which is the goal of any performer: to merge with the spirit of the music while expressing that which is unique and true to your spirit as a human being.
Easily and by far the best interpretation of a Chopin nocturne (well, Chopin in general) I've heard from a youtube-user! Brb, checking out your other stuff. ;)
You've cheated, listening to the older pianists and playing with style. Bravo! Kissin, who people keep mentioning, is a clown (with hair to match), a visual artist who cares more about how the audience perceives him (like Lang Lang) than being a conduit for the music. Of course, pianists in the past were boring, just sitting upright and playing beautifully. Did you steal Cortot's Pleyel?
Thank you! ;) I don't share your views re Kissin though - he is *real* and getting better and better... re Lang Lang - I think he is one "successful victim" of circumstances. He needs to take 2 years off and re-think what to do and where to go... But you're right - I love those unjustly forgotten musicians! I never try "imitate" old masters - useless and impossible... but may be something just trickled down a little... ;)
Truecrypt, I know what music is good. You make very good music. You are a world class pianist. Even though you said you were not performing nor teaching. For me, I also received professional training but never really got a professional performing career, nor teaching. Right now, I am practising a lot to widen my repertoire. I love music, to learn good music.
Thanks for your sharing of your music. One day, your music will be recognized
This how I know many Georgian pianists - most of them studied in Moscow too, including Nodar Gabunia, Gizi Amiredjibi, Alex Nijaradze and many others... Georgian piano school in many ways was formed under the influence of Russian musicians - Neuhaus, Goldenweiser,Oborin, Ioheles, Feinberg, Zak have taught several generations of famous Georian pianists.
As for Nocturne here - next time I'll try to do better! ;)
I have spent this evening listening to many recorded versions of this piece by the likes of Backhaus, Godowsky, Sofronistsky, Lang Lang, Byron Janis, Gabriela Montero, Soloman and numerous others. Yours is up there with the best Truecrypt. I read somewhere that you consider Argerich to be a massive talent, but Richter to be a true genius. Which other pianists would you classify as geniuses? Please say as I very much respect your opinions and would like to hone my own critical abilities.
It's difficult to summarize all properties/requirements for a *genius* in piano performance... Still I would consider such as "global impact" on piano history, width of repertoire, lasting artistic impression, unique technical abilities. Please add to this list...Despite of a "gray area", I think such giants as Hofmann, Rachmaninoff, Richter, Gould, Michelangeli are indisputable geniuses. Again, I hate to categorize, but sometimes I'm forced to do so in sake of argumentation.
I agree with you, messiaen2000. You know, I didn't sleep all night after I heard truecrypt's recordings! (I was busy comparing with recordings by famous pianists to see which one of he might be!) :-D Anyway, if he thinks he "didn't make it", it is HIS (incorrect) idea. Commentators don't seem to agree do they?
diar truecrypt,once again you have done a wonderfull job here.i won't overeact by saying that this is my favourite,but still it is a one that i would love to have on a cd with me. very intresting,with emotional depth,not just easy going melody,wich i hate on chopins music by some other ''proffesional'' pianist and that has nothing to do with chopin after all. so thank you once again,and for replying to my messages to.
I played this piece on my second doctoral recital at a conservatory. You play it so much more beautifully than I did!! I'm surprised when you say you didn't make it. You are quite possibly my favorite pianist now, along with Murray Perahia and Martha Argerich. Do you play any Bach? I would love to hear it!
well isn t that ironic.lollll. perhaps . gavrilov s endevour to change is one of his greatest assets. and I think Richter saw in him much greatness because of this. to just have arrived is useless but to journey is beautiful. I think this actually could be gavrilov.
I said below about waltz no 3. it is one of my favourite pieces by Chopin, and i have lot's of recordings of this waltz, but i don't like any of them particularly, majorly because some are performed too playfully, i think that it should be played more nocturne-like. Have you ever recorded it? if so please upload it. I really think that you would do justice with this piece. success again
You are too modest. I LOVE this performance, and the piano's not too bad either. I am intersted to hear your reasons for likeing Hofmann's Chopin. I do also but so many reject his playing. I think that his is extraordinarily imaginative playing.
Rachmaninoff said: "Kreisler is considered the best violinist. After him, or rather alongside him, comes Jascha Heifetz. The best pianist, I daresay, is still Hofmann, but on the condition that he's in the mood, or 'in form'."
As for those who "reject" his playing, let them enjoy "better" performances ;)
though i am not a proffesional pianist, am just an amateur, i found your playing very exquisite and not mechanical, it is really gorgeous. just awesome, and thanks for sharing these videos of rosenthals and others, it so kind of you, you have great touch by the way, i always think listening to your playing that you are soomebody really from chopins era :d. great job. why not try to record waltz no3 or no 7? it would be great, hope that you love them too. regards
When i was studying piano at my school, i didn't like it very much, though i have never been given chopin to play ;). after i discovered chopin's music, i have become really influenced by him and began to love playing piano, i studied lot's of Chopins works myself. i have listened to this recording by lippati, pollini, rubinstein, argerich, ida chernicka, schmalfuss, but truely i found yours the best. I think that it is due to the colour of the tone you produce. and of course great tecnique
You are a boldly soulful pianist with a sparkling expressive style, who conveys great sensitivity through your playing.
What attracts me is the feel of your zeal that surrounds your playing- as it is, like the feel of a burning fuse... while you know the gentle art of arousing expectations,
you make no effort in revealing your true identity. Where there are reasons for it, these reasons are not what win over such tinderbox of unseen genius.
You know, compliments (even if undeserved as in this case) always find the way to performer's heart! It's not exactly true when performers say they don't care about people's opinion... I agree with you - playing reveals one's true identity!
Oh? So this is you playing? You´re a true master! (one of the best renditions I´ve heard.) So why don´t you do any recordings? (CD:s I mean.) And why can´t we SEE you? (we have become very curious.) (anonymous masters are RARE.) Are you some sort of "new David Helfgott"? (or perhaps some very famous pianist wanting to be anymous for a while.) (I still don´t like Sofronitsky, though. I think YOU are better!) Haha now I surprised you! (I have very good ears. Right?)
I don't comment very often because, at 70yo, I'm just learning to type, and it's a very slow process. But I have to tell you: I have played this piece for nearly 50 years, and as you might imagine, it has become very personal to me. In all this time, I can probably count on the fingers of one hand the performances of it I truly love (or even merely like). Cortot's is one, yours is another. Your playing has truly moved me, and that's not easy to do.
This is so beautiful! I've listened to it many times. Thank you truecrypt for posting your own work! - to me this piece alone is a greater gift than should you upload the whole of your record collection.
I guess I've just lost a comment I wrote... so here we go again. Please do not mention missed notes or cold fingers - the performance is about the whole experience. I've seen note chasers here on youtube... either they are emotionally handicapped or they understand very little about the forest because of the trees.
Again, it's not about myself but more about performers I deeply respect and love. My only goal with self-posting was to establish a bit of credibility - I'm embarrassed by comments like "who are you?" or "can you play yourself?"
I will gladly post some of my recordings later but meanwhile please enjoy and discuss great pianists here. BTW when Heuhaus was asked who is better - Richter or Sofronitsky - he replied: "Both are BETTER!"
One should play as if one is in the century of the composition. Ideally all Chopin should be played on the fortepiano. See Ax - Chopin concerto No. 1. Period fortepiano - magnificent!!! With the exception of a few missed notes this is a truly outstanding performance. Five stars all the way - composer and pianist.
Virtuosity in the long forgotten tradition of the golden age of playing the piano. Perfect balance, inflection & profound understanding of rubato. The Italian Pollini could learn something about tempo and aristocratic taste from this recording.
OMG! Contratulations!!!!
supersmashmike45 2 weeks ago
What an inspiring performance, Andrei. You've retained in this recording that which is the goal of any performer: to merge with the spirit of the music while expressing that which is unique and true to your spirit as a human being.
Pogouldiwitz 3 weeks ago
Easily and by far the best interpretation of a Chopin nocturne (well, Chopin in general) I've heard from a youtube-user! Brb, checking out your other stuff. ;)
descara3 8 months ago
Very profound and aristocratic interpretation! I admire your playing very much!
I wonder if you know my father, he also studied at the Moscow Conservatory, he is a student of Lev Nikolaevich Naumov, graduated in 1972.
pianoholic89 11 months ago
@pianoholic89
I knew Lev Nikolaevich very well and could know your father...
But you better send me a message ;)
truecrypt 11 months ago
You've cheated, listening to the older pianists and playing with style. Bravo! Kissin, who people keep mentioning, is a clown (with hair to match), a visual artist who cares more about how the audience perceives him (like Lang Lang) than being a conduit for the music. Of course, pianists in the past were boring, just sitting upright and playing beautifully. Did you steal Cortot's Pleyel?
2ndviolinist 11 months ago
@2ndviolinist
Thank you! ;) I don't share your views re Kissin though - he is *real* and getting better and better... re Lang Lang - I think he is one "successful victim" of circumstances. He needs to take 2 years off and re-think what to do and where to go... But you're right - I love those unjustly forgotten musicians! I never try "imitate" old masters - useless and impossible... but may be something just trickled down a little... ;)
truecrypt 11 months ago
Mein Gott! What's next???? I must have heard this piece a million times, but this... this is unbelievable.
EdwinRywalt 1 year ago
very nice
ibclappin 1 year ago
beautifully done.. are you professional ?
ll0llll0ll 1 year ago
Beautiful Sound! Bravo
What Piano are you using?, If I may ask...
TheSoundPolaroidsNY 1 year ago
Truecrypt, I know what music is good. You make very good music. You are a world class pianist. Even though you said you were not performing nor teaching. For me, I also received professional training but never really got a professional performing career, nor teaching. Right now, I am practising a lot to widen my repertoire. I love music, to learn good music.
Thanks for your sharing of your music. One day, your music will be recognized
terrygowork 1 year ago
The best version I've ever heard...really... for me, this is just wonderful...
The tempo... the pedal... the crescendos... the use of rubato... and clear "speaking" mind within the interpretation... just wonderful!!!!!
All my best wishes for you and your beautiful talent!!!!
a little admiring musician =)
Chopin1986 1 year ago
light and beautiful as snowflakes. a transportative performance.
edkriege 2 years ago
This is so beautifully played. I love it.
Bognarfan 2 years ago
Ну и кантилена у Вас, господин truecrypt!!!!! Примите моё уважение и мою благодарность за ваше прекрасное исполнение!!!!!
angel0exterminador 2 years ago 2
Спасибо! Thank you!
truecrypt 2 years ago
i love your playing, but my opinion is that you must play chopin more musical, more piano, creshendo, because it is chopin.
where did you study in conservatory? in georgia or in france?
yuldashevgiorgi 2 years ago
Dear Giorgi,
I studied in Moscow, but it was a long time ago.
This how I know many Georgian pianists - most of them studied in Moscow too, including Nodar Gabunia, Gizi Amiredjibi, Alex Nijaradze and many others... Georgian piano school in many ways was formed under the influence of Russian musicians - Neuhaus, Goldenweiser,Oborin, Ioheles, Feinberg, Zak have taught several generations of famous Georian pianists.
As for Nocturne here - next time I'll try to do better! ;)
truecrypt 2 years ago
do you know sasha korsantias mother?
yuldashevgiorgi 2 years ago
This is really Amazing....and great!!!!
hjchang87 2 years ago
Amazing singing tone that just leaves me breathless.
Pogouldiwitz 2 years ago
I have spent this evening listening to many recorded versions of this piece by the likes of Backhaus, Godowsky, Sofronistsky, Lang Lang, Byron Janis, Gabriela Montero, Soloman and numerous others. Yours is up there with the best Truecrypt. I read somewhere that you consider Argerich to be a massive talent, but Richter to be a true genius. Which other pianists would you classify as geniuses? Please say as I very much respect your opinions and would like to hone my own critical abilities.
gwatts12 2 years ago
It's difficult to summarize all properties/requirements for a *genius* in piano performance... Still I would consider such as "global impact" on piano history, width of repertoire, lasting artistic impression, unique technical abilities. Please add to this list...Despite of a "gray area", I think such giants as Hofmann, Rachmaninoff, Richter, Gould, Michelangeli are indisputable geniuses. Again, I hate to categorize, but sometimes I'm forced to do so in sake of argumentation.
truecrypt 2 years ago
Such a great singing tone! What piano do you play on?
AvidHobbyist 2 years ago
This performance is touch the my heart every time I hear it.
morinoroba 2 years ago
I agree with you, messiaen2000. You know, I didn't sleep all night after I heard truecrypt's recordings! (I was busy comparing with recordings by famous pianists to see which one of he might be!) :-D Anyway, if he thinks he "didn't make it", it is HIS (incorrect) idea. Commentators don't seem to agree do they?
ellandelachapelle 2 years ago
I must say... after listening to this almost 8 months ago, I still find this recording great.
This kind of cantabile is very hard, if not impossible to achieve.
aewanko300 2 years ago
This is a musical performance！
Thank you.☆☆☆☆☆
morinoroba 2 years ago
Félicitations : une très belle main gauche !!
PhilippeLouis69There 2 years ago
Teach me!
talaska 2 years ago
I'm well trained but *really* an unknown one! ;)
truecrypt 2 years ago
I knew and still know many great pianists and only few of them actually smoke. I don't smoke though I did a bit many years ago to "look cool" ;)
I don't perform publicly any more... just occasionally for charities or in a circle of friends.
truecrypt 2 years ago
great tone! i think you've just got a new fan, haha!
trms83br 2 years ago
Ahh...a beauty!
GetMeThere1 3 years ago
You always did keep your playing "alive" no matter what piece it was Andre.
bineblies 3 years ago 2
diar truecrypt,once again you have done a wonderfull job here.i won't overeact by saying that this is my favourite,but still it is a one that i would love to have on a cd with me. very intresting,with emotional depth,not just easy going melody,wich i hate on chopins music by some other ''proffesional'' pianist and that has nothing to do with chopin after all. so thank you once again,and for replying to my messages to.
chopinopus28 3 years ago
You are welcome......and thanks for your reply.
aardvaark069 3 years ago
Beautiful - thank you.
palcsi 3 years ago
This is lovely in both conception and execution. Bravo to you!
mjs488 3 years ago
Amazing. It's perfect!
You didn't seem to miss notes.
That kind of playing is not the "cold-hands" playing.
Please record more, if you wouldn't mind.
aewanko300 3 years ago
TC is very talented.
CeaserXIX 3 years ago
I played this piece on my second doctoral recital at a conservatory. You play it so much more beautifully than I did!! I'm surprised when you say you didn't make it. You are quite possibly my favorite pianist now, along with Murray Perahia and Martha Argerich. Do you play any Bach? I would love to hear it!
formenlehre 3 years ago 2
Pollini is legend Truecrypt is future!
Thanhk you for this amazing performance!
MagicDonDino 3 years ago
I have no need to search for other interpretations of Chopin.
RenoRaider 3 years ago 5
truecrypt, This is playing of the highest order!
You put Gavrilov to shame! Just perfect I say.
LVB1770 3 years ago 6
Just don't tell Gavrilov about it! ;)
truecrypt 3 years ago
well isn t that ironic.lollll. perhaps . gavrilov s endevour to change is one of his greatest assets. and I think Richter saw in him much greatness because of this. to just have arrived is useless but to journey is beautiful. I think this actually could be gavrilov.
chad410 3 years ago
superb stuff! It's great to hear the middle parts being properly voiced through the texture when they hold the primary line.
cziffra1980 3 years ago
Wow! Do you perform in public? This is refined, and you make it all your's I think. It was a pleasure listening. Thank you truecrypt.
wildejag 3 years ago 3
about a year-two ago...
truecrypt 3 years ago
I said below about waltz no 3. it is one of my favourite pieces by Chopin, and i have lot's of recordings of this waltz, but i don't like any of them particularly, majorly because some are performed too playfully, i think that it should be played more nocturne-like. Have you ever recorded it? if so please upload it. I really think that you would do justice with this piece. success again
ika2312 3 years ago
by the way, i wonder, who is your favourite chopin performer?
ika2312 3 years ago
Too many to list... Probably the most influential would be Hofmann, Sofronitsky, Oborin, Rubinstein, Richter, Neuhaus (both father and son).
truecrypt 3 years ago
You are too modest. I LOVE this performance, and the piano's not too bad either. I am intersted to hear your reasons for likeing Hofmann's Chopin. I do also but so many reject his playing. I think that his is extraordinarily imaginative playing.
aardvaark069 3 years ago
Rachmaninoff said: "Kreisler is considered the best violinist. After him, or rather alongside him, comes Jascha Heifetz. The best pianist, I daresay, is still Hofmann, but on the condition that he's in the mood, or 'in form'."
As for those who "reject" his playing, let them enjoy "better" performances ;)
P.S. Thank you for compliment!
truecrypt 3 years ago
though i am not a proffesional pianist, am just an amateur, i found your playing very exquisite and not mechanical, it is really gorgeous. just awesome, and thanks for sharing these videos of rosenthals and others, it so kind of you, you have great touch by the way, i always think listening to your playing that you are soomebody really from chopins era :d. great job. why not try to record waltz no3 or no 7? it would be great, hope that you love them too. regards
ika2312 3 years ago
Gamarjobat, ika;
Thank you for kind words! BTW I owe quite a lot to Georgian piano school!
truecrypt 3 years ago
When i was studying piano at my school, i didn't like it very much, though i have never been given chopin to play ;). after i discovered chopin's music, i have become really influenced by him and began to love playing piano, i studied lot's of Chopins works myself. i have listened to this recording by lippati, pollini, rubinstein, argerich, ida chernicka, schmalfuss, but truely i found yours the best. I think that it is due to the colour of the tone you produce. and of course great tecnique
ika2312 3 years ago
really, and what particularly? gamarjoba :)
ika2312 3 years ago
S P L E N D I D.
You are a boldly soulful pianist with a sparkling expressive style, who conveys great sensitivity through your playing.
What attracts me is the feel of your zeal that surrounds your playing- as it is, like the feel of a burning fuse... while you know the gentle art of arousing expectations,
you make no effort in revealing your true identity. Where there are reasons for it, these reasons are not what win over such tinderbox of unseen genius.
willistara 3 years ago 2
thank you, thank you!
You know, compliments (even if undeserved as in this case) always find the way to performer's heart! It's not exactly true when performers say they don't care about people's opinion... I agree with you - playing reveals one's true identity!
truecrypt 3 years ago
Great playing style and wonderful rendition
of this masterwork. Bravo!
SarrasaniPianoCircus 3 years ago
Oh? So this is you playing? You´re a true master! (one of the best renditions I´ve heard.) So why don´t you do any recordings? (CD:s I mean.) And why can´t we SEE you? (we have become very curious.) (anonymous masters are RARE.) Are you some sort of "new David Helfgott"? (or perhaps some very famous pianist wanting to be anymous for a while.) (I still don´t like Sofronitsky, though. I think YOU are better!) Haha now I surprised you! (I have very good ears. Right?)
ellandelachapelle 3 years ago
Thank you!
I'm not an active performer. I'm one of those who "didn't make it" and have no bitter feelings about it.
2 reasons to stay anonymous:
1. I'm not after any kind of fame - on other hand this is my answer to the most common argument - "can you play yourself"?
2. There are many evil, perverted and simply sick people... I treasure my privacy!
3. I'm sure you'll change your mind on Sofronitsky after listening him more.
And, of course, there is no way I'm better than him! ;)
truecrypt 3 years ago
I don't comment very often because, at 70yo, I'm just learning to type, and it's a very slow process. But I have to tell you: I have played this piece for nearly 50 years, and as you might imagine, it has become very personal to me. In all this time, I can probably count on the fingers of one hand the performances of it I truly love (or even merely like). Cortot's is one, yours is another. Your playing has truly moved me, and that's not easy to do.
Thank you, my friend.--Stuart
snaaptaker 3 years ago
Thank you, Stuart!
I'm really touched by your comment!
... and humbled too!
truecrypt 3 years ago
This is so beautiful! I've listened to it many times. Thank you truecrypt for posting your own work! - to me this piece alone is a greater gift than should you upload the whole of your record collection.
xAmandine 3 years ago
!! deep musicality and sensitivity, georgeous phrasing : youtube brings many suprises...
Did you study piano in Russia, dear anonymous pianist?
bhairava2 3 years ago
Thank you, bhairava2;
Yes, I studied in Russia (then the Soviet Union) and had a privilege to be around the very best musicians...
truecrypt 3 years ago
i am happy to see that the spirit of the golden age still lives among us. thank you for this wonderful rendition
nikolaimedtner 3 years ago 3
I would much rather listen to this anyday then the sterile performance of this work by Pollini.
Your playing is atmospheric and takes the listener away on a journey.....that stands for far more.
Didn't notice missed note and thought the
overall sound of the piano and recording quality excellent.....much better then some
high flying pro recordings with their added
'electronic ambience'
flugelmaniac 3 years ago 2
beautifully played
flugelmaniac 3 years ago 2
I guess I've just lost a comment I wrote... so here we go again. Please do not mention missed notes or cold fingers - the performance is about the whole experience. I've seen note chasers here on youtube... either they are emotionally handicapped or they understand very little about the forest because of the trees.
Thanks for posting all this.
asorescu 4 years ago 5
Bravo!!!
cygnusne 4 years ago 4
Now if only this Ultimate Concert Hall had a better sound quality...
pianopera 4 years ago
Thank you ALL for nice words!
Again, it's not about myself but more about performers I deeply respect and love. My only goal with self-posting was to establish a bit of credibility - I'm embarrassed by comments like "who are you?" or "can you play yourself?"
I will gladly post some of my recordings later but meanwhile please enjoy and discuss great pianists here. BTW when Heuhaus was asked who is better - Richter or Sofronitsky - he replied: "Both are BETTER!"
truecrypt 4 years ago
One should play as if one is in the century of the composition. Ideally all Chopin should be played on the fortepiano. See Ax - Chopin concerto No. 1. Period fortepiano - magnificent!!! With the exception of a few missed notes this is a truly outstanding performance. Five stars all the way - composer and pianist.
gerryrains 4 years ago
Virtuosity in the long forgotten tradition of the golden age of playing the piano. Perfect balance, inflection & profound understanding of rubato. The Italian Pollini could learn something about tempo and aristocratic taste from this recording.
4realrussiansonly 4 years ago 3