Kemal Gekic plays Chopin's op 25-12 etude live

[oyerkanov]

i loik this. This is real pianist!

[amadeusforever1]

c'est très intéressant comme version, quelques notes un peu trafiquées par di par là, mais quelle merveille, ce début "piano", si doux, comme du velours.....

[sunamiassault]

nice. can this be called the gekic transcription? (he added notes in there).

[chrissyluvspeace]

his voices are so clear, and the crescendos add lots of power to this ocean. a brilliant preformance

[gerardbedecarter]

Gekic seems to introduce some extra, interesting, accents (and air pause).

[ellisnew]

I am an amateur attempting to learn this piece because it's harmonies have become part of my soul. Gekic's interpretation has also become my favorite, not because of his melodic liberties, but because of his artful variation in dynamics and pedaling. After the unusual intro he launches into a more traditional interpretation with the smoothest grandiose arpeggios of any performance. Most Ocean Etudes are pleasingly powerful, but too monotonous. In Gekic's hands this piece springs to life!

[FirstPublicChannel]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[iagofranqueira]

genial, se ha atrevido a innovar en la interpretación de este estudio. no digo que sea la correcta pero si es comercial! genial

[arod68993]

absolutely beautiful



[avb20540]

I like this. It's a different type of ocean from many other versions.

[lovesGenet]

He places accents on 5th finger later returns to thumbs...but there really is much more going on than that.He hs rethought this music.The wave have heft here diff from there have sheen or diff texture.He really knows a piano. His ideas are tremendous.Thisis what players need to offer.We have heeard it all a million times before.Some thought on music is a good thing.They are have fabulous training. there is nothing today's virtuosi cant do.Godowsky's generation they are.

[chimai14]

Evidently! This is an authentic ocean, because ocean don't must to be a wild and noise. Ocean is a monumental mystery.

[MarkusAndreasMayer]

Great interpretation - sounds perfect. I think it has been manipulated a lot by a very qualified audio engineer but that should not downgrade the performance.

[MissElsa74]

I looooove this version!!!!!! He makes lots of nuances!!! It's interessant, soothing and BEAUTIFUL!!! I LOVE!!! He has a big talent!

[1fattyfatman]

The pianist Pogorelich wishes he could be..

[SarrasaniPianoCircus]

so good!!

[joule162534]

wow it's so beautiful... you can really hear the ocean

[VonSauer1]

How wonderful to hear this often-played piece in such a new light. The way this pianist builds the climaxes and voices the melodic line is absolutely marvellous. Gekic is a genius.

[stefthe80]

why is he changing the score? lol, this is not the right way to make an impression. Despite this,it's a relatively good performance

[brassmonkeyjew]

@stefthe80

He didn't change the score. He's just interpreting it in a different way.

[Martel211996]

@brassmonkeyjew He did change the score. Instead of playing the Low melodic notes, he transposes it an octave higher.

[88Woland]

@Martel211996 At that particular spot this is marked in the score, Kalmus edition, which claims it comes from Liszt, although it is more likely it comes from his pupils, most likely Arthur Friedheim

[Martel211996]

@88Woland Kalmus? This is not the Chopin edition? Where can I get this score?

[88Woland]

@Martel211996 Probably you can order it online directly from Kalmus. They advertise it as a Liszt edition, although I believe it is A. Friedheim. Knowing how well he knew Liszt, and knowing how often has Liszt listened to Chopin's playing, it can not be easily dismissed.There might be a direct influence by Chopin himself

[Klavicus]

I Think, he plays Kemal Gekic but he plays not what Chopin mean. It is free interpretation from "ocean".

Kemal Gekic is a very good technican on piano!

[OrangeSodaKing]

You know, the interpretation is different, but the decrescendos and crescendos he adds makes it seem like a more "interesting" ocean... instead of just the same ole' wave coming and going, the ocean gets calmer and then more violent, and this performance just seems so colorful too. I really like this, 5-stars.

[jacoman1234567]

In my opinion this is one of the most brilliant versions of this piece, bravo!!!

[peppersprayinthebutt]

So different!?!

[OrangeSodaKing]

This is very interesting. But it's great to listen to nonetheless! Gekic is a wonderful pianist.

[allegrissimo]

This is a great performance, full of fatasy, drive and intellect: it has everything! Great example artistry of the highest level, which is so scarce these days. Bravo!

[paradajz13]

Very good and inovative performance.

[josephstef]

Inspirational! He really makes something new to be heard here! What a tonal study he makes . Who knows if Chopin would have approved ( i like to think he might) This interpretation has so much direction in it. Kemal Gekic!!! I hope he comes to our city someday soon.

[BoristheONEandonly]

BRAVO KEMALE !!!!

[sam0xin]

Very interesting interpretation ! Fresh,modern at the same time forceful ideas...1:02 & 1:29 ! .. LOVED it ..I respect all musicians(classical..) with RISK & POSITIVE IDEAS ! Thanks for audio AntonioDGO !

[kokerman4life]

Sorry to burst your bubble paulostroff99 but Kemal Gekic is not turkish, he is Croatian. In fact him being from the former Yugoslavia, I am sure he does not want Kemal Ataturk-the father of modern Turkey and the consummator of the Armenian Genocide to be associated with him in the least, let alone proud of him.

[theculture2010]

@kokerman4life

"AS A CROAT" HE CERTAINLY MUST BE VERY PROUD OF JASENOVAC HOLOCAUST WHEN hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Jews, and Romas, as well as anti-fascists of many nationalities, were murdered at the death camp known as Jasenovac. not to mention atrocities in Bosnia against Bosniaks, therefore his talent and artistry and not nationality is what is most important

[paulostroff99]

A true Turkish delight. Kemal Ataturk-the father of modern Turkey,would have been very proud.He plays this with great personal passion and great feeling at every turn..Bravo! TY-K.

[scottyschumann18]

hmmmmm

[egitnyc]

This is such a strange interpretation of this piece. When I first heard it I thought it was awful.

Now I think it may be true genius. Such control. Such balance. Wow. I'm rethinking what I think of this piece.

[AryaStarkTube]

He is not so academic... This is not an example to listen if you want to know how should be played this etude...

This is like a cover of the original version of this etude. But I really really like it... xD

His playing is unique and personal...

He is very creative!

[squishym]

I've never heard so this piece played with so much nuance! Very interesting indeed.

[marinanarim]

AAAAAAHHHHH...can you post some more by him?for example Haendel Suites 2&5 or Scriabine Sonata-Fantasy?

[musicpiano14]

best performance of this fantastic etude!

[klausknulp]

how nice! i enjoy listen to a very unique artist. mostly we hear this music like it is a bodybuilder training. but he has passion, phantasy, marvellous sound and is couraged! absolut top!

[davidbaker03]

wow this is very unique. not really fallowing what is written, but it is beautifully very beautifully! I like it.

[Zoaguyver]

WOW!!! IM INSPIRED!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant believe how unique it sounds!

[Aul1kki]

I agree, but I can't decide what is better. Made totally new performance like this or more strictly follow composer markings. But I was amazed too when I first time heard this. This is just so amazing!

[javacisnotrecognized]

'I can't decide what is better. Made totally new performance like this or more strictly follow composer markings.' In some cases, neither of these are better. Do what results in the best music! (But how you decide what makes the best music is up to you ..)

[caijpp]

Very unique performance...beautiful indeed...

[josephstef]

What an inspirational performance!! He did so many different things. The melodic chnges in the beginning. He really 'studied' this study and made something unique with it!

[Aul1kki]

If this wouldn't be by Kemal Gekic I would think this is played by somebody who didn't have enough time to master this piece, so he hide his unprepareness with tempo changes and stuff. But when I listened this couple of times this is really interesting. That is true that he doesn't follow chopin's markings, but it doesn't bother me this time. Just awesome!

[Elicgt]

Murray Perahia's interpretation is the best.

He combines the power and the power and speed without losing the touch and the emotions even a little. that's how this piece shoud be played.

[berlioz1830]

I agree! All the others who don't play like MP should be executed on the spot. only one interpretation should exist

[Dancsins]

Very interesting interpretation! I like it much more than Lisitsa.

[Tatsu999999]

Too free, even for chopin... Some emotions and drama are always necessary... But this is too much... Also, there is to much contrast from the delicate intro and the reexposition, a lot of improvisation in this interpretation (if you dont believe me check the score), sorry, but there are other ways to gain attention for a good interpretation...

[jero13595]

Gekic does not really improvise much he plays according to the score except that he adds octaves to the first bass note of every passage from 2:14 to 2:36 which quite a number of other pianists like Horowitz, Cziffra do too.

[Tatsu999999]

Insist, Too free, even for chopin... Some emotions and drama are always necessary... But this is too much... Also, there is to much contrast from the delicate intro and the reexposition... and what do you say about the change of tempo? He´s doing like the half of real tempo at the introductiond, a wrong conception of freedom... And please dont use the excuse of great pianist improvising, because they also do soo much sometimes...

[pnowrld]

who are all these people leaving these fanatical comments? yeah, it really makes somebody a genius is you play most of the notes pp, almost inaudible, and slam the 'melody', and mess up here and there....i mean so unique right?

[Florestan1207]

Very unusual and personal interpretation, though still in line with the musics spirit. The beginning is the most fearsome Ive ever heard, like a giant wave gathering its immense forces. Those first bars are remarkably beautifully played.

[JakWho92]

wow, havent heart the melody so clearly by anybody till now ^^

[mordent17]

This is gorgeus on Gekic's hands! It's played sooo emotively! I mean, the etude IMO expresses fear at the beginning, and he just makes it sing with marcatos (0:18) and the comforting lullaby from 0:29 to 1:00 shelters like it has to. The 1:00 part lets the same fear in and it develops superbly. The transitions from A to B and from B to A are perfect (ABA form). The end is pure triumph. Wow. He is a genius.

[FerozaLaBonne]

Very tasteful and at the same time an original and personal interpretation.

[elhijo234]

amazing amazing maybe chopin was play like kemal gekic woaw

[SwePianoholic]

A most personal performance indeed!

[Gerround]

Extraordinary! Fantastic!

[toomash]

Incredible.

[cziffra1980]

Excellent! I hadn't been particularly gripped by any of the Gekic recordings I've heard before, but this is superb.

[MaksutovCG]

I have no idea what he does at 1:29 - 1:33, seems a bit of jibberish to me. other then that, this interpretation is awesome.

[DougtheAsian]

wow, I would NEVER have thought of playing those accents, interesting.

[stephenTGV]

Fantastic. Wonderful musical ideas. Superb pianist.

[antoinezygfryd]

merveilleuse interprétation ,une autre vision,une autre peinture.

Une mine d'or,ce musicien!

[alexongcs]

EXCELLENT.

[jero13595]

OMG! How stupid and ignorant was I to say Lisitsa is better!

[berlioz1830]

why did you change your mind?

[jero13595]

Dear berlioz1830, I'm still a maturing fickle-minded 13-year-old youth, so my tastes are changing every second!

[alexongcs]

That''s a good saying jq, i'm maturing too.

[berlioz1830]

dear Jero, it is your mind and you have the right to change it as often as you like, of course...I was just curious, no intent to argue whatsoever

[jero13595]

Dear berlioz1830, I apologise if I sounded imprudent or aggresive, I had no intention to argue with you. However, what do you mean by "All the others who don't play like MP should be executed on the spot. only one interpretation should exist"?

[berlioz1830]

It was my sarcastic comment on Elicgt's input below" Murray Perahia is..."etc. . I love those guys who use phrases like " it SHOULD be played like" this or that,"he MUST play like this".My absolute favourite is " too much" like Tatsu999999. All of this smells of narrow-mindedness and arrogance badly concealed under a layer of "expert" criticism, which is not expert at all

[caijpp]

Your comment is just as narrow-minded as your concept of others'.

[berlioz1830]

Cajipp,sorry...I did not understand your message. Would you kindly explain?Wjat comment and what concept of others?

[caijpp]

When you say people are narrow-minded because they prefer MP's playing to this or any others, aren't you excluding yourself from the category in which you so un-nicely placed others because of their different views but from which you nicely separated yourself because you think your opinion is somehow intrinsically different from or superior to those of others, which consequently makes you have the illusion that you are much more "open-minded", but in fact you are not.

[berlioz1830]

Very valuable point! Actually, it would have been, had I said what you say I said. But I criticised someone not because they prefer MP, but because they believe in something "definitive" in art. Art does change, but does not progress necessarily. Beethoven is not an upgraded Bach or Mozart...To say you prefer MP is Ok with me. To say this is the "best" and it "must "be played like this or that, is a mistake, which the life itself always easily proves wrong

[berlioz1830]

Welcome to YT! I am trying not to be so personal and criticise people...rather, I criticise ideas. People die, and ideas do not. People can have different ideas at different time in life...it is better to discuss ideas than people

[caijpp]

I see...you are another high priest who is too unworldly for human emotions and too kind to wage personal attacks...Don't worry, I'm mostly like you and used to people like you.

I like your last argument, but I want to add that "changing" and "definitive" are not mutually exclusive in art. I believe every artwork has a soul, and every soul has a purpose. Time, people, places, ideas etc. all change around the art, but the soul doesn't.

[Zael1986]

Wow, this completly original interpretation o_O Still like Lisitsa's more

[gabledvoid]

Nobody moved me more playing this piece since Cortot! What an individual interpretation - somebody with a character - rare like white crows.

[stringendo]

Thanks for uploading! I am a BIG fans of Kemal Gekic, of course and Liszt!!!

I love his Etudes d'exécution Transcendante very

much! and he is truely a Lisztian as well!

Can I have his Chopin Nocturne op48 No.1?

[xAmandine]

yea thanks to nikolaimedtner (one of my fav. players) coz I found her in his favorites and theoshow2 for posting. I never heard of her before either, seems there's only this one recording on utube

[xAmandine]

I love this ocean (..btw 1.05 sounds exactly like Fanny Bloomfield playing Nocturne 48.1)

[88Woland]

Thanks for posting! Where did you find this recording? Is there more?

[AntonioDGO]

Yes, you can actually buy the CD of the recital from US Amazon. Don't hesitate, it is one of the great piano recitals ever caught on tape. The performance of scherzo 1 has no rival, except perhaps Natan Brand (another pianist all should hear), though the Gekic performance is just something else. He really has the devil in him (a good thing :) )...

[88Woland]

Never heard a performance of this piece even remotely comparable to this one!

[stephenTGV]

Excellent, beautifully played with very interesting voices and ideas.