Chopin Fantasie Impromptu Final Version (1835) Rubinstein

[Chopinrocks71]

One of if not the best artist to play Chopin. Such grace this man conveys...I still have the Rubinstein Impromptus CD I bought 23 years ago.

[Ponnybit]

432hz

[laongcameaspider]

well too bad no matter what you say... rubinstein is still considered the bestchopin player ever

[JamesinLA1]

Valentina Lisitsa, are you kidding me? Not to take anything away from her artistry, however, Rubinstein can't be touched. Listen to the beauty he acheives in the slow section, perfection of rubato and inevenitability. Also, the way he handles the finale, the dramatic and structural clarity.

[Pilpellon]

Sorry Arthur, but Valentina does it better

[kzelmer]

@Pilpellon

No. Rubinstein is Rubinstein. Valentina Lisitsa cant be compared to Rubinstein in any sense.

[Pilpellon]

@kzelmer I meant Valentina Igoshina :-)

[163388416]

0:08 to 0:20 always gives me goosebumps

[Isospinsymmetries]

Although aesthetic approbation is difficult this is completely magnificent. Merci. Danke. Thanks.

[Aliciaclaw]

After playing Clock Tower 3, I had to look this up. This is awesome! :D

[haKittehh]

Flat.. Rather.. Flat.. 

[dbspd4d29]

@Beckmesser2 I jolly like it.

[dbspd4d29]

What good playing!

[Natasha77571]

Thank you Beckmesser2

[paopaomanalansan]

I prefer the first version of Fantaisie Impromptu. But, this is still beautiful.

[TheShotgunNinja]

Someone posted a movie score on Facebook claiming it was "One of the most brilliant pieces of score ever written" I posted "No." and posted this in response.

[F4TB0Y69]

@TheShotgunNinja hahaha awesome my friend xD made me smile there =]

[pikachu31011]

ive actually been taking piano lessons on and off for a few years and every time i hear a master piece like this it fuels me to keep up with it. i always skip levels and what not and at the rate im going maybe ill be able to play this in another year.

[30inventionman]

I began working on this piece on 27 last month, still , like , but I am giving up on it already. Maybe , Chopin got bored with this , too. That is why it is not published in his time. I still like this song, tho.

[30inventionman]

How do you play this? I have to perform this in a week?

[ImmortalSpecies]

@30inventionman A tip from me is to play the right hand louder and make the accents more clear. Don't pedal too much, those are the things I've improved at. And don't forget it's P

[MsPepperminta]

Breathtaking.

[ILOVECLASSICALify]

Hm... I find this more staccato then other versions of this piece.

[iam0iq]

Already have speed, but the volume is difficult to control=<

[Alanpini]

well played, sir....but what did I expect??...lol

[Galoot5]

I thought my piano was out of tune when I heared this 0,0

But great piece, very nicely interpreted ^^

[krisevan1]

he makes it sound so easy but its not lol

[maestroadam]

damn Rubinstein, you're good.

[Alquatari]

It's wonderful but the recording... am I right that this isn't c# minor? My ears suffer.

[Beckmesser2]

@Alquatari It is in C# minor.

[124235346]

@Beckmesser2 its not in c sharp minor...its like in the middle between C# and C! the piano is tuned 0.5 halfsteps lower.. but thanks a lot for uploading this! i really thought this was the draft version :) but still thought it was better..since i heard this recording time ago, ive always played F# instead of G# at 1:05. do u have the score?

[brandonscherrer]

@Beckmesser2 I think the piano is slightly flat.

[HomsyTeddy]

@Alquatari The piano used is old so it does not perfectly appear as C#minor

[Alquatari]

@HomsyTeddy And that's probably what I meant. :-) I wasn't sure so I asked.

[BigGermanBassoonist]

@Alquatari

I think the issue you're having is that the recording is somewhat flat. Comparing it with other recordings, it almost sounds like it's in C minor.

[gysebok]

@Alquatari The original piece is in C sharp minor, and yes, this recording is somehow lower than that, with almost a semitone, you're right about both. I guess maybe the piano's tuning could be different, or (more likely) as this is a nearly 50-years-old copy, the original vinyl could've been somewhat damaged already, when they made the digital version.

[DiegoJGorzynski]

@Alquatari You are right it doens't sound tunned in 440 it's a little lower than that. Thumbs up for your ear!!!!! Funny, people kept insisting in saying the tone of this piece written regardless to the tone that it sounds in this recording.

[guitarfreak23397]

@Alquatari piano is tuned a few steps lower...

[coffemuse]

@Alquatari The slow section is in D flat.

[clare602]

I don't know how many times I have listened to this but let's just say it's never enough.

[shonarenee1995]

chopin is one of my ancestors or what ever like my great great great great great great great uncle or something. pretty awesome.

[excalibur1812]

@shonarenee1995

How lucky for you. He produced some of the most exquisite music ever written. I would be blessed to be one of his descendants!! One can only imagine the processes going on inside his brain!!!

[shonarenee1995]

@excalibur1812 yeaah i only found out at the start of the year, it was a great start to 2011! and i am "naturally talented," as mum would say. haha she keeps trying to send me to peter voxx to do lessons and stuff

[DusToken]

the best interpretation that i ever heard...

[jwilliams575]

this sounds great even on an out of tune piano

[marcsfutures]

Someone correct me if I am mistaken, but I believe after hearing this over and over again, that Arthur left out a few bars of the second to last page after the crashing cadenza. The few bars should repeat the E E D# D# C#, E E D# D# C#I'm basing this off of studying the urtext signature edition of this final version.

[otternox2]

@marcsfutures nah, final version leaves this bit out, making it a few bars shorter. This doesn't mean its easier, though - the left hand arpeggios in the 1st and last sections are much harder to play than in the draft version.

there are actually quite a few differences - if I were you I'd buy a copy (look for GREAT PERFORMERS EDITION published by Rubinstein :p), i've got one and its awesome

[marcsfutures]

@otternox2 Umm I'm looking at the final edition now Urtext, the bars are left in, Rubinstein shortened it. If you listen to Suguru Ito, a rendition that is quite interesting but nonetheless the final edition, the bars are left in.

[otternox2]

@marcsfutures nah, final version leaves this bit out, making it a few bars shorter. This doesn't mean its easier, though - the left hand arpeggios in the 1st and last sections are much harder to play than in the draft version.

there are actually quite a few differences - if I were you I'd buy a copy (look for GREAT PERFORMERS EDITION published by Rubinstein :p), i've got one and its awesome

[mystryaabbie]

currently practicing this. am gonna post a video of me playing this soon!

out of all the composers i love chopin the most.

[jellytroid]

guys it is c# minor. just look at the key signature

[terrybeaton]

Chopin never really composed for other instruments or for Orchestra. Yet everything he did compose for piano is so brilliant. And so original!

[utubuser10]

pogorelich and arrau both play this version (or at least some semblance of it). i for one am not a fan of this version. the elimination of some of the syncopation and rubato as well as some of the small harmonic and rhythmic alterations do not add interest to the piece and at times even mars its forward momentum.

[swanniG2]

This is Zhanna Arshanskaya's song!

[ilioo90]

@igorstanivuk I appreciate your arrogant sarcasm, ser. If you mind to know, I am only in high school and have not taken a huge interest within the area of "Musical Repertoire or Musical Theory." I pray you understand, so please stop acting like an arrogant asshole. Thank you much :)

[stibgo]

Rubinstein found this so called "autograph" of Chopin Op 66. It is more difficult than the "Fontana" edition. To most people, the two versions sound the same but I dare say that at least 15% of the notes are different, especially in the left hand.

Get the Henle music for Chopin Impromptus and these are 4a (autograph) and 4b (Fontana).

[monicacmt]

my favourite

[shadox662]

no... i think its in C# minor... xD

you can hear it out! ;D

'(at the beginning it sounds like the moonlight sonata...^^)

Sorry for bad english. xD

[Beckmesser2]

@shadox662 Es ist in C scharfem moll.

[RavenLavender]

@shadox662 No no! Don't compare it like that. Do you realize that Chopin didn't want this piece published because he felt the same way? It was only after his death, a friend he had bestowed it to and specifically told not to publish, ended up for the greater good, doing just the opposite. This piece is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorites. As is Chopin my favorite composer.

[Redrab182]

@shadox66the first and 3rd movement are in C# minor the 2nd movement is actually in Dflat major or C# major. This is the exact same type of modulation as the moonlight sonata.

[dbspd4d29]

@Redrab182 i suppose you don't know the word "third".

[dbspd4d29]

@shadox662 Arigatou for you writing sorry for bad english

[brandonscherrer]

@shadox662 It has many of the same aspects used in moonlight movement 3.

[ilioo90]

@Sword1479 And how is this not a song?

[igorstanivuk]

@ilioo90 Song usually requires words, and I don't believe that u can hear any words in this, as u say "song"!

Therefore, we call this kind of musical pieces a Compositions, or when Arthur plays it, just incredibly beautiful piece of music.. :) Take care, and if u need any other definitions, like maybe what is a piano or violin, just send message, and I will find some time to clarify these terms for you!!

[johnnynoirman]

To me the Fantasie Impromptu is always been two pieces..

A mad graveyard at midnight..romp of a scherzo..

and a profoundly beautiful nocturne..lover's moon rise.

I enjoyed the way Rubenstien plays the first theme almost like

a mazurka rhythm..and the way he really brings in that harp sound..

on the second theme is something to behold.

[bloorstreetwest]

Nice job but did u use the pedal?:l

[Beckmesser2]

@bloorstreetwest Thank you for your complement, but this is the legendary Arthur Rubinstein playing.

[ilioo90]

Chopin was an utter genius for his time. I have never heard anything as beautiful as a Chopin masterpiece. There is a difference C minor and C# Minor (which this song is in.) Just letting everyone know.

[Sword1479]

@ilioo90 And this isn't a song, just letting you know.

[Alsgirlfriend]

Wow. I'm 13 and I find this to be simply wonderful. <3

[threelttlpigs]

soo beautiful (:

[kimkwatson]

What are the chords he plays at :58 with the left hand at the bottom of the chromatic scale? Do you have the sheet music? Can you tell me what they are?

[thrashercharged]

@kimkwatson - I believe that's measure 35. The LH starts that measure with a low G#, C#, E, middle G# eighth note chord (2/2 time) which is the ending note of the previous measure's phrase (RH ending on a high G# 16th note). There's a 16th rest in the RH, and a Chromatic scale of 16th notes starting at G# an octave above. Then on count 2 the LH goes to a F double sharp, C#, E, F# quarter note chord. The RH hits a D natural on that chord as it chromatics down to the middle C#.

[dudedudedude94]

IT'S NOT IN C MINOR PEOPLE.

[riptonks]

Aww god, it's gorgeous in C minor.

[doc105]

What a lovley touch (:

[fischerpilne]

Ahhh! Yep, that's the one! I used to play it over and over on my father;s 'record player' ! Havent heard it in years! Chills, and goosebumps..I can smell the summer breeze,,,what perfection!. Thank you thankyouthankyou. ! Martha

[Jesavee]

Just lovely.

[henrique1944]

I think the manunscript is a falsification. It is not Chopin hand writting.! It is my oppinion.

[oldman1966]

Know nothing about music; keys, etc, only that I really like this! Could someone point me to something similar by other pianists? Does not have to be Chopin but nothing too slow! lol

Thanks from someone who is appreciating and trying to understand!

[pianorags]

@oldman1966 - lookup "chopin Valentina Igoshina"

[uptonman666]

@oldman1966 you might like some of the Beethoven sonatas and Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody. 

[dcarroll74]

Oh yes I have. Not only that, heard Leslie Crowther play, and sing to it live. He, who was Phil Lynotts Father-in-law.

[CheesecakePower]

Beautiful!!! omgsh <3 im in love with this

[Nicoleisous]

*Shiver*

Clock Tower

o.o

[MegaManoman]

What a talented man.

[LittleJade07]

I adore this piece... One of my favorites from Chopin.

[MoondawgJM]

where can i get a sheet music for this????????

[ThePVGS1]

@MoondawgJM Look in your inbox.

[rose7art]

why is rubinstein so freak'n amazing??!!!

i love him

[theodorehui]

wow really is a jewel

[KevinBeethoven]

oooh ive never heard it in c minor!

[Beckmesser2]

@KevinBeethoven

Nor have I.

[bomberchicken]

@Beckmesser2 yeah but the intonation's a bit flat on the old recording

[Sanitoeter666]

@Beckmesser2 that's because it's not in C Minor but in C# Minor, isn't it? ;)

[Beckmesser2]

@Sanitoeter666

Of course!

[lugia888]

@KevinBeethoven A at his time was a semitone lower

[MrRicksStudio]

@KevinBeethoven And yhou're not hearing it in c minor now.  If you think you have absolute pitch, perhaps you should invest in tighter underwear.

[KevinBeethoven]

@MrRicksStudio wtf???

[MrRicksStudio]

@KevinBeethoven If you're hearing it in C minor, your pitch memory is screwed. Too much crack?

[KevinBeethoven]

@MrRicksStudio no, the piano is not tuned very well, dipshit. it was very very common

[henrique1944]

@KevinBeethoven I don't understood! It is in C# minor, and not c minor.

[KevinBeethoven]

@henrique1944 the piano is not tuned very well so it SOUNDS like its in c minor

[pmglp]

amazing! :)

[19checco80]

Ua i che mostr

[uperstupid]

@19checco80 whats that mean?

[19checco80]

@uperstupid

Means (in Neapolitan dialect, Naples, Italy): VERY GOOD

[uperstupid]

@19checco80 thanks I have this song on my playlists you should check the playlist out.

[fearhasaglare]

Brilliant finish.

[fledgehog]

anyone know where i can get sheet music for this version?

[T3hL337Sesshy]

Just listening to this version as compared to the earlier draft, I can see why he hated it. The changes he made are so tiny, so meticulous, I get the sense that he had a really tough time getting it to sound the way he wanted. Ironic that his most popular piece was one we were never intended to hear.

[cynmaiden1976]

wow!!!

[satyu131089]

the best i've ever heard...better than horowitz, yundi li...probably even ashkenazy..

[otternox]

ROdblIS: the only reason Chopin didn't want the draft version published is because he sold the final version to the Baroness d'Este. If you buy the final edition from Schirmer, you can read all about it in the prologue Rubinstein wrote.

[valcma1]

Wonderful! I wish I could play like him someday! Let's celebrate the 200 years of Chopin's birth!

[NagiGseesyou1]

Unbelievable piece Fantasie Impromptu is unbelievable in more ways than one. A true masterpiece!

[tsunade1708]

Magnifique

[musicalprodigy7]

This is absolutely amazing

[CrapHoesActNdGo]

i find the 2nd part could be more mellow and ringing. he plays it in a cut short manner. overall rest very well done.

[BrianDaNoob]

so flat but still sounds good

[ilikewiigames]

@BrianDaNoob yeh, it's like the first note.. "bwahhh" then... all is good after that. ur ears adjust

[TrueChristian84]

@BrianDaNoob actually he changes many notes and i really don't like the first and final part, just the middle that i would say it was singing to some extent.

[Clockmouth]

i love love love the sound of this piano!!

[betta248]

Best I have ever heard so far.

Wonderful, succinct and crisp.

Simply a musical genius...

[Mariofan582]

I play the other version. It's better and go watch my video of it.

Type this:

"Mariofan582- Chopin Fantasie Improptu Op.66 in C# Minor"

[alexop1]

A S T O N I S H I N G ! ! !

[Solstasis]

Can someone please send me this final version of this impromptu? Please contact me.

[nanadzdz]

give your email

[BNp03]

@Solstasis buy the urtext edition ^^

[Chuckles543]

So smooth, yet so crisp....

[onewdubu]

lol u made me laugh

[tuxdcat]

Rubinstein was the best Chopin period!

[susan1195]

hermoso!!! que mas puedo decir es simplemente una de las mejores piezas y una de las mas hermosas que e escuchado en mi vida

[XpolyGraphXbitchkidX]

thank u for putting the most beautiful score on here for people to enjoy

[thuyng9]

Thank you for this beautiful piece of music !!! Love Chopin's music !!!

[gerryrains]

This performance is a gem. And the final version is far superior to the draft. Rubinstein must have been practicing before this recording :)

[Lustre1987]

My favourite interpretation. Thanks for sharing!

[bigifu]

i quote, this is very better than any other, for me.

[pmglp]

@Lustre1987 and my ,too

[ClassicSteinwayJonas]

what does it mean by final virsion?

[Beckmesser2]

I have placed Chopin's 1834 first draft of the Fantasie Impromptu on You Tube. Please read the accompanying information.

[marcsfutures]

Chopin made a few versions of the Fantaisie-impromptu. This is the Final developed version Chopin produced. Every note played is meant to compliment the first and proceeding note with a balance of grace and agitation. This method produces an atmosphere of a beauteous despair with a longing for freedom. This piece balances chaos and harmony, and for that it is my favorite.

[layfon08]

@marcsfutures the way you described that made me want to cry lol but your right :)

[ShakerLouie]

@marcsfutures I love how it sounds. Sounds really graceful and full~

[TheMorning7dew]

@marcsfutures Absolutely true!..and wonderfully said!!!:)

[itsanthonyhere]

@Beckmesser2 The accompanying information simply says it's on youtube. Could you post a link because you have over 500 videos so sift through-

[mangafeli]

wow!this song is really beautiful!

[uknowurright9]

i still like the other version more... the small changes in this one make it sound less powerful in some places although it could have a bit to do with the interpretation as well

[ROdblS]

Keep in mind, the story behind this song was that Chopin made it up on the fly basically. He was playing a concert and just whipped this thing up, so god only knows what the original sounded like. Plus, after he wrote it, he wished he never had because he hated it to the day he died.

[RenzoFaber]

straordinario.

[pacholino]

kokot

[sdthird10]

owned

[pinkanimesmiles]

do you have the sheet music for this version?

[jordanbbuu]

i have, but i don't think it is the final version...

[aewanko300]

Maybe Henle or others has published this version.

[j67123]

So cool to hear an "alternate" version of a famous piece like this! Thanks for posting!

[Cleroth]

Yeah... Except it's written Fantaisie-Impromptu.