Sviatoslav Richter - Mendelssohn Variations Serieuses op. 54

[onlymusiciansallowed]

I think this performance is much much better, it's realy creative...

watch?v=0kEzy4NAg70

[109PIANO]

Why are you so amazing

[gkollias14]

Try to hear also the long story that Richter sustains throughout the piece and then compare with other pianists.

[gkollias14]

How can the top comment be a negative one about this sublime performance that cannot be surpassed by any living pianist. The difference between Jung Lin and Richter is 'Great' and a different era. Richter seems to build more tension even thought it is not so passionate. That should be it. Richter's performance is perfectly balanced with tension throught out the whole piece. Just listen to the last variations before the climax.

[Beethoven403]

Isnt this composition for organ?

[BassicStorm]

@Beethoven403 nope?^^'

[mcrohof]

Hephzibah Menuhin's performance from 1968 trumps them all. Pity the only uploader's account was terminated a few days ago. I find it hard to find even one variation where Richter gets anywhere close, and the approach has me raising my eyebrows a few times. I'm not judging, just listening. Richter is an awesome pianist, and the Variations Sérieuses is my favourite set of music in Classical. Masterpiece by Mendelssohn.

[MrCinemuso]

@mcrohof

Im not familiar with Hepzibah's performance - but just want to say Murray Perahia's version of these variations are one of the most uniquely amazing performances Ive heard in *all* piano repertoire recorded in last 20 years. I know Richter went to see Perahia play.

[mrnanovideos]

5:45. My favorite variation.

[coriolan62]

quiet stupid (Sebastien loong). Born in 1811, how could be "persecuted" and "insulted" by Beethoven, dead when he was 16, by Schubert, a year later? He was a "genuine jew? Converted catholic, nevertheless; But no interessed. By Wagner? Yes, it's (finally) right. But don't avance things without any historic conscience;

[SebastienLoong]

@coriolan62 You're right - I used the wrong word with Schubert or Beethoven. But it seems he was protestant. but I read something about Beethoven saying he lacked the technique fully required to express himself clearly.

[Panzerino02]

This is unbelievable... really.

Richter is really THE greatest pianist of the 20 th Century.

DG agree too- they just issue 6 CD named " Richter- THE Pianist of the Century".

Maestro RIP- we have you in our hearts. No matter that the UK radio "Classic FM" pretend that you never exist, and never play EVEN single your record there. We forgive them- they are illiterate in music.

[Slothorama]

Those were some serious variations!

[CLASSICALFAN100]

Trivia Question: I believe that there are multiple diagonal braces under Richter's piano, to keep it stationary during his performance. I don't believe that I've seen this type of bracing used elsewhere by concert artists...any thoughts?

[willistara]

The Master manifests a beautiful blend of strength and sensitivity with a tremendous depth of passion, expressiveness and virtuosity...

[kontrapunkti]

6:14-

I always admire his polyphonical writing

[abajour]

This is what I call POWER!!!

[Sylvain894]

Very nice for 1965; i think maybe earlier performance ! What a sound, piano year ????

[Ianthe22]

Does Richter ever attempt a piece unsuccessfully? I think the only one who says he/she doesn't like it is himself.

[stilldirrtylover]

A perfect performance of an amazing piece. I love Richter.

[ReturnOfTheStienway]

he plays like nobody else!

[1susanasf1]

OUTSTANDING FOR A PIANIST IN HIS LATE 50'S. IT IS THE BEST: OP54!

[afertyus1000]

@1susanasf1 OUTSTANDING FOR ANY PIANIST SURELY

[ann03071874]

Christ this is good.

[OrangeSodaKing]

@ann03071874 It sure is. I'm falling in love with this work all over again! I played it, but want to relearn it and play it again!

[ann03071874]

@OrangeSodaKing I would recommend Mark Gasser's rendition, superb playing and excellent audio :) 

[afertyus1000]

@ann03071874 this audio is good enough for anyone who wants to learn the piece? i prefer this to gasser

[Varese13]

@Sebastien Loong Forgive me, but when did Beethoven or Schubert ever insult Mendelssohn? I mean, Wagner's insults were written down on paper for all the world to see. But, as far as I know, neither Beethoven nor Schubert were aware of Mendelssohn at all. Additionally, Mendelssohn's family converted to Christianity when he was a boy, though granted, that didn't stop certain people from citing his Jewish beginnings. The Jewish philosopher, Moses Mendelssohn, was his grandfather, after all.

[robalupa]

Ridiculously outstanding rendition. Maestro.

[4785689]

1966

[sonarrat]

This is volcanic. Mendelssohn never sounded like this before.

[4785689]

haha looks like mussolini O.o

[gbshalev]

I played this beautiful piece a few years ago. Richter is wonderful. Him, Horowitz and maybe Pollini are the greatest pianists of our generation.

[nonogilb]

The piano is a Blüthner, isn't it?

[12345qazx1]

@nonogilb  ja i think so

[bratupir]

CUANTIC MUSIC

[barbarossa333]

Have you heard Jung Lin's live performance at the IKIF? she performs with unreal technique, more passion, more tempo, better dynamics and pure emotion :-) Mendellsohn was a great great composer and this is one of the most beautiful and intense piano compositions ever :-)

[afertyus1000]

@barbarossa333 i don't think so she is shit compared to RICHTER

[smulli36]

@barbarossa333&afertyus1000ect­.. I understand the enthusiasm 4 both performances. For me each is sublime in its own right. I agree Lin's builds more emotive tension throughout the musical development & is superbly clean. A master unfolding before us like the blossom of a flower. Yet Richter seems to play for or from his very essence. Its not as clean because there is no effort. It just is.Thats Richter. He exposed his raw soul through his music because he had no other choice. Thats who he was.

[barbarossa333]

@smulli36 Everything Richter performed is a treasure, never would I say anything critical of him. On the v. serieuses, I was awed by Jung Lin's performance, her interpretation.

[andibonnington]

@barbarossa333

In that case of modern pianists performances, you should listen to Thibaudet, you will change your opinion about Lin's performance, I must say which on the other hand I respect her playing very much.

[barbarossa333]

@andibonnington In Thibaudet's Chopin I heard little dynamics, little tone, no rubato, an overall minimalist approach, though otherwise he clearly is very accomplished. Listen to Jung Lin's and you will hear what I have in mind about how Chopin should optimally be performed, though in some quarters Lin's approach and artistry would not be considered "modern", and that is regrettable.

[andibonnington]

@barbarossa333

Well, I thought we were talking about Mendelssohn's variations here not Chopin. Regards.

[MaximPodolsky]

@barbarossa333 She plays the second part, 7:50 in this video, very differently from the way Richter plays it. And it was the way he plays it that got me hooked in the first place. Sorry, I am not very good at discribing music, but she plays it way too "smooth" in my opinion, I like very much the way Richter plays the notes clearly, perhaps he uses the pedal less. And honestly I don't see any "unreal technique" in her performance, she definitely lacks the power and, well, authority.

[barbarossa333]

@MaximPodolsky I think it's intent, interpretation and how Richter approaches this, and he is one of the greatest. Jung Lin's approach is totally different, it's lyrical, it's not "flat", it evokes emotion. And yes she does have supreme technique, uses little pedal, and her clarity and phrasing are unreal. Very few pianists can make Mendelssohn sound like Rach, assuming that is what one prefers :-)

[MaximPodolsky]

@barbarossa333 It evokes emotion? And this performance by Richter doesn't? I guess to each his own then! I know one thing for sure - I don't listen to Mendelssohn much, but this piece hooked me because of RIchter's performance, if I listened to Jung Lin first, I doubt it'd be the same. And making it sound like Rach, well, I guess you mean make it sound similar to how people play Rachmaninoff nowdays, but it surely not how Rachmaninoff played himself.

[barbarossa333]

@MaximPodolsky Rach and Richter were different pianists. They were totally opposite in how they approached and performed Mendelssohn and all other composers. I prefer Rachmaninoff. Ms. Lin, in her interpretation of this piece, makes this sound like it is a composition by Rach, no small feat and that takes supreme technique and expression :-) When I hear Richter play this, and everything I have heard from him, I am in awe of how great he was :-)

[MrHaydn9]

@barbarossa333 

[MrHaydn9]

@barbarossa333 I heard her too. THE worst performance I have ever heard. No passion, student like, mediocre, no imagination. Stop lying!

[barbarossa333]

@MrHaydn9 You must be deaf or you probably love unemotional performers! Jung Lin is the only pianist who has ever brought alive Mendelssohn's music, she's all passion and emotion. Her technique AND musicality is by far the best among pianists performing today, she's the only pianist who has been invited to do an all-Mendelssohn concert at the IKIF. Here's what Garrick Ohlsson said about her "Jung Lin is a pianists of extraordinary musicianship with a glowing tone"

[Classicfan94]

@barbarossa333 Richter is unemotional ???......

[TheMCAWA]

@barbarossa333 When Hes unemotional for you, personal for you why you listen to him and compare the way he plays Piano with Jung Lin every pianist has his own special way to play piano.. i can only say please you can tell your opinions but not in a way to insult a Pianist Genius and compare him with something absolutley different..

its nearly the same like to compare Beethoven with Mozart the only difference is that they were both composers and pianists.....from a different Time :{

[jbrahms1833]

Awesome performance! And if anyone thinks that Mendelssohn's music is inferior has not heard these Variations Serieuses.

[AnnMarry19]

I love this piece, melody is really beautifull and Richter... Amazing performance

[mcrohof]

Hephzibah Menuhin, HEPHZIBAH MENUHIN -- is far superior in the Classic Archive rendition which is available on DVD, leider not on Youtube...

Richter sounds like a wood chopper compared to her. WORLD of difference. She also easily surpasses Horowitz' version.

[SebastienLoong]

@mcrohof Richter is not a wood chopper, can you not that bel canto tone, and even when plays with power and passion you can still hear it.

[afertyus1000]

@mcrohof talking rubbish mate he's not all that Richter could blow him away with his little pinky

[PianoE32]

@88Woland You are absolutely right - and this is THE definitive interpretation!! Everything Richter performed was extraordinary :-))

[mrjlowitz]

For those of you Richter fans try to find a copy of the DVD "The Enigma." Utterley fascinating.

[SebastienLoong]

Where was this performed?

[minasgekos]

thanx for the upload its a major one.

[teofrasto51]

Superbo! Una domanda: in un racconto di Aldous Huxley, l'eroe, seduto distrattamente al pianoforte, suonava alcune note- la prima era un mi- che formavano " l'accordo caro a Mendelssohn". Non ho più il libro; qualcuno sa quali erano quelle note?

[teofrasto51]

Ne cherchez plus! Ho ritrovato il libro. Era un'ottava di sol a sinistra e fa, si bemolle, mi, a destra...

[edopiano88]

impressionante

[OrangeSodaKing]

I'm learning this piece now! It's so wonderful and intense.

[SebastienLoong]

Poor Mendelssohn. Throughout his life he was persecuted and insulted by soo many including Wagner, Schubert and Beethoven.

And although he had success, it is clear by this music that he went through deep inner suffering.

He was a true Romantic, and a geniune Jew.

Rest in Peace Mendelssohn.

[leomulder]

Persecuted and insulted by Wagner, Schubert and Beethoven?! What are you talking about?

[SebastienLoong]

It is said that Wagner persecuted him because of anti-semitic emotions, and Schubert and Beethoven made negative comments about his music, but his music is actually really nice.

[wefasdf23]

True, Wagner and Berlioz were more radical contemporaries of Mendelssohn, who chose to remain musically conservative. They rebuked Mendelssohn for being stuck in the past (read documents and journals of Mendelssohn).

[MrOliverKjaerulff]

@SebastienLoong I can only agree with you, you can also hear in his music what a kind loving person he must have been.

Another thing, Mendelssohn is actually responsible for the fact that Bach is such a well known composer today. From approx. 1750 - 1850 Bach was completely forgotten, until Mendelssohn found his Saint Matthew Passion and performed it in public with full orchestra and choir. I think every musician owe's him great respect, despite what other composer may have thought of him

[Barbapippo]

@SebastienLoong I'm almost sure neither Beethoven nor Schubert knew about Mendelssohn's existence...

[agent885]

@SebastienLoong

LOL Mendelssohn grew up in a wealthy, educated home with access to the musical and literary luminaries of his day including Goethe. He had advantages most other composers never had. He was admired the world over for his music and was especially honored by Queen Victoria and Albert. He toured the world and was offered a very flattering post in New York. Schubert never new him, as Schubert died in 1828, before Mendelssohn was an established composer.

[SebastienLoong]

@agent885 Thank you for your insight. I probably read wrong info about Beethoven and other composers on Mendelssohn - to be fair - I'm not confident about that information. But I know he was wealthy, if I had thought otherwise I would have said "outer sufferings", and I never said ALL of his music had 'inner suffering, notice I said "it is clear by THIS" music that he went through inner suffering - which in his lifetime the stresses of life got to him several times.

[agent885]

@SebastienLoong

Additionally, Mendelssohn was taken to perform before Beethoven who was very complimentary, saying Mendelssohn "...shows much promise." Schumann adored Mendelssohn, as did Moscheles, Hummel, and most other early Romantic composers. As for his "...deep inner suffering...", most of Mendelssohn's music reflected his confident conservatism and general contentedness.  It was when his sister Fanny died that his music reflected suffering, but this was years after these variations.

[chokedad]

@SebastienLoong Wagner doesn't surprise me. But do you have citations for the Schubert and Beethoven?

[thebloads]

@SebastienLoong a genuine jew? Does anybody ever want to be called that?

[SebastienLoong]

@thebloads It was meant with the most honorable intentions, and who knows? The world's a big place.

[slsherwoodwells]

@thebloads I would HOPE so ..Christ was born from GOD AS a JEWISH man!!- and for the first 200 years after + or - --the first Christians were Jews!! -and there are still many Messienic Jewish now. (visit a Messienic church and you will be beautifully amazed how devout and "enlightened" these beautiful Christians are.....! ) ...also leave the Jewish alone..to God...if you are a real Christian.......

[thebloads]

@slsherwoodwells haha take it will a little levity will you? Its not christian bigotry, its more like modern american stereotyping that im aiming for.

[smerus]

@SebastienLoong Sorry, this is nonsense. Mendelssohn was never persecuted or insulted by by Beethoven or Schubert (he was about 18 or 20 years old when they died; there is no reason to suppose they ever heard of them). He was not attacked by Wagner until after he was dead. He had an extremely successful career throughout Europe. He was not a 'genuine Jew' but a practising Lutheran. We should admire him because he was a very great musician, not for sentimental inventions like the above comment.

[SebastienLoong]

@smerus Ok yeah, I used excessive language regarding Beethoven and Schubert - but it read somewhere that Beethoven felt that Mendelssohn lacked the necessary technique to express himself clearly. And yeah, his career was sucessful but you ignore conveniently the stresses it caused in his life - at one point blowing up around his parents. Equally, he converted to Lutheranism, but was said to have some feelings towards his own heritage. And as for his music - there is great sentimentality. :)

[justwarren]

He was a true virtuoso. This clip illustrates his incomparable technique and wonderful musicality. Bravo!

[morvensky]

I had been told that he was bi but preferred the company of men.

This should not be a big issue, who really cares if he was gay, bi or straight?

[88Woland]

@morvensky

he was straight,if you are talking of Mendelssohn.Richter is another matter. But it doesn't really matter anyway.That issue is not connected with music

[Maurizio8182]

Ottima interpretazione! Very good!

[Maurizio8182]

Ottima interpretazione!

[nycanonymous]

An anonymous venue, an anonymous piano, an anonymous sound engineer, an anonymous cameraman. Yet this is one of the few performances that truly encapsulates the complete essence of Richter -- idiosyncratic, plain-speaking, heroic, reserved, lyrical, virtuosic and perhaps above all, profoundly enigmatic. If this were the only proof we had of Richter's art he would still be one of the immortals.

[laskfarvortok1]

"super super super super super super genius"

[SebastienLoong]

You couldn't have put it any better.

[djuit]

this is also my favourite version, but the one of bolet is pretty well played !! but completly other way of playin' :)

hf.

[Irelandlass7789]

Richter is pure genius. This is so well done!!

[FranzofL]

Incredible!

[SebastienLoong]

The best.

[hahahakek]

최고

[SebastienLoong]

Jodo dongi hamnida.

[hansmeyer111]

I agree!

[GImonica]

fantastic! He makes it look so easy...

[Ecthelon]

there's always something special about Richter's playing.

[SebastienLoong]

Richter had a very difficult sad life, before he made it in the US. He was able to put this into his music. That's why its so desperately musical.

Secondly, Horowitz said "there are three kinds of pianist. Jewish pianists, Homosexual pianists, and Bad pianists." Like Horowitz, Richter was the second.

[michaelpiano1]

As i know horowitz was non was he?.. sory if i don't know somethin =)

[michaelpiano1]

Jewish is true.. but i didn't know that he was homosexual.. why did he mary his wife then??

[Shumeshi]

Well being married to someone of opposite sex doesnt mean being straight... Some things are done because it's the way to do them in a society. I think Tchaikovsky was married as well, no?

[morvensky]

Horowitz was bi I thought? Horowitz was obviously kidding.

[Euclid34]

so. freaking. hard. how. the. hell. am. i. gonna. learn. this.

[kobiianardo]

while there are many good pianists out there and richter is by no means no.1 in piano playing, i believe his physical performance/dance at the piano tops any other pianists for me.

[kevinburg777]

I play the song and this version is very good and fast :- )XD

[OrangeSodaKing]

My piano teacher played this in college. I'd like to learn it, but I'm not sure if I could ever play it quite as well as Richter does here.

[Shumeshi]

Ha! If anyone really could... Maybe Volods can, other than him there's no one else nowdays who can compare. That shouldn't stop anyone from playing of course.

[blade42251]

try horowitz.... i honestly think his interpretation has a lot of things in it sound wise. so many colors... makes me shudder...

[bakafolas]

Long to memorize, Richter is one of the top 10 pianists of all time

[sephirothpuppet]

This is unbelievably precise and I love the drive!

[dewvey]

That's not unbelievably precise. But so great!

For something very precise, listen to Matthias Kirschnereit.

[sephirothpuppet]

I should be less absolutist; I wasn't trying to call it flawless. :) I will certainly look into the Kirschnereit version - thanks for the recommendation!

[bomkekeke]

この曲難しいんだよなあ・・・

[tchebinai71]

oh ben je suis pas d'accord, mais bon si t'aimes pas c pas grave. les deux premières j'aime pas trop non plus.

Essaie les par Nikita Magaloff ,ce sont pour moi les meilleures. je crois pas qu'elles soient sur utube .

Et en plus j'aime pas scriabine ;)

[godelike]

Voici des opinions bien tranchées et bien butées... Et surtout non justifiées!...

[antoinezygfryd]

Une opinion tranchée n'est pas nécessairement butée ni injustifiée.

[wing19831228]

I can hear S.Richer expression.

he perform this piece for encore!!!@@

[powerpiano]

really fantastic concentration and unbelievably legato...

[kandutery]

fucking genius

[pvenditti]

There's a wonderful Slavic fire and fierceness in this performance, I think. It's my favorite of all the ones I've sen and heard. (Whether Mendelssohn would approve, I don't know...)

[weikko79]

Wow! I never knew that a complete version of this EXISTS! Thank you so much!

[jungwirthmartin]

please if someone has this in MP3 file, the recording from the USA, I will be happy to contact me. Thanks.

[wefasdf23]

I love his posture. This seriously needs more views.

[capitantotti]

This is the complete version. First and second half are both here.

[skryabyn]

I love it. What about the other half? Somehow the complete version is now unavailable. Might you have the second half?