There is room for aesthetics in music whether it's music or human aesthetics. And sometime her personal charm does give a certain human feeling to her performance. That is plausible and perfectly acceptable IMHO.
Beyond every discussion; here she's not that worthy to be listened, she is at times lacking in intensity, lacking in grace, lacking in artistry...but then, beyond that, she's very cute and I bet there are a number of people in the musical world that counts, that had surely some fun, it's the only way I can explain myself her career till now...
When I heard this I thought: Wow, different... Somehow I missed the structure but It's her recital and she's got the right to play a romantic composer a little strange. Especially many of Rachmaninovs pieces invite players to lose theirselves al little time. All in all she had better versions of the Etudes-tableaux but those two definitely are worth being listened. (Sorry if mistakes; no native-speaker)
outstanding! ubelievable how many colors she creates in such a short time... definately a world class pianist.
i made a recording of this piece on my own, and i would really like to get some feedback on it... please visit my channel or just insert this into the url to get to the video:
watch?v=GIXiec0gb8s
thanks a lot! i'm happy for every comment about my playing...
"In 1985 she won first prize at the Conservatory and the Grand Prix du Disque of the Académie Charles Cros for her recording of the Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Sonata No. 2. The Académie Charles-Cros, (Charles Cros Academy) is an organization in France that acts as an intermediary between government cultural policy makers and professionals in music and the recording industry.The academy is composed of fifty members specializing in music criticism, sound recording, and culture."
I'm surprised that she started to play right off the bat (particulary when she started the second etudes tableaux) , instead of taking her time... Like if she was in a hurry. Anyway, she is so skillful, I guess she doesn't have to take her time to concentrate as I do :)
could somebody help me ... iam looking for the sheet music of the first piece: Etudes Tableaux op. 33 No 2. Would be more than happy if somebody could help me ! Thank you so much !
Taking into account the career of Ms. Grimaud and comparing that with the level of her playing, she certainly has overachieved. Most pianists with her level of career have greater command of the instrument, as well as a greater ability to take virtuoso music and create stunning performances. Grimaud is basically an ordinary pianist at best for someone of her career - one who has been aided by her personality and looks.
@Solplova If you think Grimaud is a top pianist, clearly your standards are quite low. Pianists like Sokolov, Volodos, Kissin, Bronfman, Freire, Argerich, Lugansky, Sudbin, and many others are just at another level. My guess is you have not carefully listened to half of the greats out there.
@classicalalways "The forest would be a quiet place if the only birds that sang were those that sang the best...." You make a good point that she's not as spectacular as Lugansky or Argerich, but just because she isn't THE BEST, doesn't mean she isn't very good still.
@John19182004 Since everyone tells me my daughter should model, I guess I am ok. But anyone who has heard Lugansky, Kissin, and Lifshitz (just today's pianists alone) can clearly hear that Grimaud is not a top Rachmaninoff player. And if you were to look at her Chopin, Beethoven, and Schumann and compare it to today's finest pianists - she certainly falls quite short. If you can't enjoy Sokolov more than Grimaud, there are plenty of other attractive pianists to blind yourself with.
@John19182004 Since you can't appreciate talent, be as vulgar as you wish and hope it brings happiness to your life. Deep down of course, you'll know that you have not heard most recordings of the Rachmaninoff Etudes Tableaux such as Richter and Kissin and therefore speaking out of your .... I won't be vulgar.
I don't think anyone plays Rachmaninov better than she does, she is such a great pianist. of all the women pianist I think she comes third behind Martha Argerich and Mitsuko Uchida.
I really enjoyed this highly musical & committed performance of these etutes, I think she's also lovely to look at, though it's a chore having to wade through & ignore all those who just can't resist an opportunity to moan & criticise. I do notice a consistent absence of THEIR perfromances on You Tube for our consideration. There's a saying: "Those can can - do, those that can't - Teach!" Here's another: "Those that can - do, those that can't - become You Tube Critics!"
People are criticizing her movements and why? People are always so quick to judge someone as a performer Youtube because of some pre-conceived notion of how they think someone is supposed to act, look or sound. I see nothing with the way she moves. People need to read what people said about Franz Listz and his performances. His performances were so wild and intense he literaly damaged pianos. And Helene Grimaud certainly is no Lang Lang so what is the big deal? Hater!
Cada interprete tiene su personalidad, y su interpretación es unica, personal e intransferible. ¿que critico puede poner en duda esto ? Personal interpretación , juventud y belleza incuestionable ¿no son signos indiscutibles de ser Grimaud una criatura tocada por la mano de Dios? A mi asi me lo parece, si existe algun exceso de afectación en sus intepretaciones, el tiempo se lo corregirá, no el publico. Desde Plasencia (Cáceres), Spain. Saludos , everybody.
Actually, she looks beautiful. Anyway I am here to listen to her wonderful performance and not to discuss fashions.. Would you criticise Bach for being too old-fashioned?
Helene's theatricals and antics are somewhat annoying... but she's an outstanding pianist and, man she especially OWNS Rachmaninov's etudes-tableaux (though I think she played them better when she was a teenager than now).
Well, i dont understand as much as you do of technic and Rachmaninoffs interpretations, but i can say: when i listen to Grimauds music,im touched so deeply, especially when i hear the interpretation of rachmaninoffs 2nd piano sonata. ive never heared anyone playing with as much feeling as her. like shes singing on the piano!
I think u guys r very much in love-if this would b an ugly old man u wouldn`t even bother,and u Jbigula,go and take a pill.I will not visit this horny site again so don`t bother with any offenses anymore.I go practise-any 2nd piansit can play better.Bye,have fun.
The pills say, dashatsh on them, and they keep making me throw up. Please tell me you got better at analyzing music. And I'm gay, so this horny stuff doesn't appeal to me. Are you a male? I'm joking, but yeah, I scared you. dude, you don't seem to understand the idea that the recordings don't exhibit the real sound of that performance. And don't be embarrassed, because there are plenty like you. I went to this, and it was nothing like the recording. That's why I'm pms-ing.
I'll be frank like you. You suck. Examine yourself jesus, before descending to us mortals and imparting your wisdom shit(you're not the only one). Oh, and don't criticize the quality. You're only able to hear the texture that the sound recording is able to register.
Hey dianemercier, your "extraordinary" and "profound" knowledge(or lack thereof)does not give you the right to a pompous attitude. congratulations on making yourself out to be an ass.
Sorry everybody, the way she plays still gives me indigestion...have any of you heard Rachmaninov play Rachmaninov? So subtle in everything he does, not like Grimaud's soporific, gross exaggeration of everything, rubato, timing, banging (loudness, BANGY sound), unclear phrasing, unclear pedalling, just a bunch of notes punched out or sea-sickness-phrasing in the non rhythmical parts...Grimaud is a real tragedy that is still out on the stage disserving classical music...
We really must not be listening to the same thing...
Her interpretation of 33 n2 is beyond what words can describe (in a good way of course haha)! I can't really judge 33 n1 since I don't understand the piece. She has an amazing touch on the piano. I've never heard anyone play with as much control as Ms. Grimaud. Also, I wouldn't trust any of the "Rachmaninoff" recordings on youtube. They give him a bad name.
I liked she playing These études, she played with lirism. Really good.But Beethoven and Brahms...I did´nt understand nothin listening the Rhapsodies and the Beethoven Sonata ¨The Tempest¨ (Beaucoup de pedal). One thing: she is really beautiful.
This was very very well played. Her voicings are incredible! I say this as a professional piano teacher. I think the rachmaninoff studies must be her best repertoire.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Soporific phony playing, loud and bangy, no thank you...need more true heartfelt emotions, please, but alas, not possible from this individual! Poor Rachmaninov...
Her arms may appear stiff because she has small hands. It is hard to reach in Rachmaninoff without without appearing a little awkward if your hands are too small. Mine are slightly larger than hers and I still find it not as comfortable as it could be playing this piece.
I was looking for another piece to start learning this, and saw your interpretation of Op 33 No 1 here, and resolved to get the music and start learning it right away! The part towards the end, with 3 clefs, do you play the middle clef with your right hand and the other two with your left? I was having a little trouble with it. thanks!
Good question. My fingers (male) are avg/small & I sometimes envy the large span of others. There are many famous prodigies with extra small hand spans, i.e. Scriabin (who wrote music requiring HUGE spans), Josef Hoffman who had Steinway build him a special piano w/smaller keyboard. I dont believe finger/hand size matters more than "gift" & I see Grimaud as having fairly long fingers. I love her version of this 2nd Etude, play it myself, & enjoy many other interpretations. A sublime piece.
Larger hands are also harder to strengthen and can impede your movement. If your hands aren't big enough to play a particular song just choose another one. Theres only a bazillion out there
Hélène est comparable à l'albatros: devant un piano, elle déploie ses ailes, prend son essor et retrouve sa liberté primitive, tout comme les loups qu'elle aime et qu'elle protège. Et l'oeuvre en ressort embellie et
rajeunie comme une forêt au printemps. Tout cela pour le bonheur de nos yeux et de nos oreilles si nous savons faire taire nos préjugés et faire silence en nous et autour de nous pour recevoir Sa musique. Fermez les yeux si le visuel vous gêne.
Si j'ai bien compris la teneur de certains messages, un pianiste devrait jouer guindé, raide et digne ? Ce serait d'un ennui! Au contraire, dans cette étude-tableau merveilleusement jouée, Hélène est débordante du génie et de la musique qui sont en elle, de ce flot généreux, harmonieux, incandescent qui naît de ses doigts, de son coeur et de tout son corps, et c'est pour cela qu'elle bouge, qu'elle est vivante, qu'elle danse devant son clavier!
the body can help with rythm and meaning.Read ABBY WHITESIDE on the CHOPIN ETUDES> U kids kill me withyour sophomore unlerarned comments. GO TO THE MASTERS AND LEARN FOR A CHANGE >Grimaud has a great control of sound not small like so many female players.ARGERICH never had a problem.UCHIDA miht haven't heardher live.
I mean I'm only 16, and not entirely accomplised on the piano, as the etude 33 she played above was difficult for me to learn, but that's just what I feel from my experience so far.
When I play, I don't move at all until I have it down and memorized, then, as I don't have to concentrate so much on technical stuff, the moving helps me to bring feeling out of my piece. A conductor wouldn't be a very good conductor at all if he didn't move, because the musician should see the piece of music flowing out of the conductor. I feel the same way with certain pieces, I feel as if they're flowing out of me, and I have to move to let that feeling come out in my playing.
Is it better to express oneself with movement when playing a piece or is it ok to sit there and be in deep concentration? Which is the better way to perform, I suppose is what I am asking?
I don't understand why ppl are disturbed by her movements in this vid. She hardly moves at all imo. There are so many traditions and norms around classical music that disturbs me more. Just shut up and listen to her play.
Not sure what is wrong with gesticulation while playing... as long as it doesn't interfere with her playing, heck, it may help her play with more feeling. Close your eyes and listen to the nice music if it is a distraction for you.
look, not to be sexist, but i think most women look redliculous at a piano, but this performer takes this to a whole new level, the playing is immaculate dont get me wrong, but lady... u just look like a fool =)
I have to agree, I am a girl, but some women (and Men) just take "emotional" to a whole new level. She plays nice, not saying that they all don't but their movements are a distraction and you hardly pay attention to anything but their "expressiveness"
Why, yes, I am a pianist, an amateur but still I play. And I totally agree with people wanting to see that showmanship part of it also. If anybody just sat there and played, no matter how beautiful the piece, people would get bored. Some movement is ok, if it is appropriate for the piece, but just flailing around on the stool looks ridiculous.
indeed, the "flailing" about is quite jokes, but i see why pianists do it, when u can play like a madman, which im sure u will do with practice, its hard not to literally leap up from ue stool when u smash out a big chord. just, the pianist needs to have the sense of elegance and style to make it look appropriate
I have to agree with that too; there's absolutely no right or wrong answer to this situation. When I play Rachmaninoff, I know exactly the feeling, it's so powerful and by the end of the piece you just feel so pumped up. I think sometimes my movements become a little exaggerated. Lol, my brother says I've started to really get into it because I lean my body towards the piano a lot more. But you certainly make a valid point that any pianist would agree with.
if you ever paid attention to feeling you will notice that when you move your body (not saying that you should)it brings more focus to your hands if you hold your hands in good position kinda like the hands dont want to leave the keys :P and your bodies trying its best to get away but the hands dont want to leave just yet.
So good hand position means that your body doesn't want to stay put? Lol, I think moving takes less focus away from your hands because then you're concentrating on more than one thing besides playing the piece. I don't know, I asked for people's opinion and I value every one of them, thank you :)
consider though that some people do expressivness really well, i for one as a pianist LOVE to move about, its all about show, and even more so when conducting, people like to see a bit of UMPH
Authur Rubenstein once commented on pianist moving about in slow pieces. Said something like, why do they weave about as if they are trying to follow a fly? Nothing against Grimaud but generally I just think there is a bad culture of weaving about in slow pieces to almost to say "look at me how musical I am."
Listen to the music! You don't have to like her interpretation but criticizing her movements... sheesh! Playing music is like making love, you move the way you feel. I guess all of you people wanting less movement are necrophiliacs!
Grimaud is more interesting when talking about woolves than while playing the piano. No artistry unfortunately, just pose! Sorry for not being able to say nice lies.
I know pianist who spend day and night usually develop a rocking back and forth movement to keep themself awake or the anxiety of staying up to late the rocking back and forth focuses your body on one thing as in it cant find anything else to feel... but her movements seem like it helps her remember when to do something. dancing with the piece is what people want to do all the time.
The first Etuce in C Major compares very favorably with others I've heard, including my favorite, an old recording by Horowitz on Columbia (during the days he was not doing live concerts).
I prefer almost no movement, but try to remember that movement is greatly exaggerated in close-ups, and you can always listen, which what musicians do. :)
Interesting assertion, mbruzzo....so if that's true, then why do pianists appear in public at all?? Why not open the curtain and play a recording from an iPod hooked to the PA? You're full of shit, but in Grimaud's case this could be an excellent idea, actually....we would be spared the barefoot wolf-costume crap and all her other cloying affectations.
i don't like the way she's bowing and how she just rushes into the performance. to me, it just says she's nervous. however, one can't deny she's got talent and the musical ability. wonderfully played.
She's gorgeous. Almost made me forget how gorgeous her playing was.
thejesusfreak919 1 month ago
@thejesusfreak919 yes it is in my score its different she spreads the first chord and does an acciacatura in bar 4 r/h c?
afertyus1000 3 weeks ago
@afertyus1000
Ah yeah most interpretations are usually different it doesn't mean it's wrong, though.
thejesusfreak919 3 weeks ago
@thejesusfreak919 no i know just saying i will try it like that
afertyus1000 3 weeks ago
There is room for aesthetics in music whether it's music or human aesthetics. And sometime her personal charm does give a certain human feeling to her performance. That is plausible and perfectly acceptable IMHO.
TheSteveSteele 4 months ago
Etude tableaux op.33 n.2 (played first) was close to perfect. I think it can be played better but I can't imagine how.
gsprpltv 4 months ago 2
Beyond every discussion; here she's not that worthy to be listened, she is at times lacking in intensity, lacking in grace, lacking in artistry...but then, beyond that, she's very cute and I bet there are a number of people in the musical world that counts, that had surely some fun, it's the only way I can explain myself her career till now...
wehwalte 5 months ago
god everyone criticizes her movements, damn, I would become epileptic if it meant I could play like that!
Caldo0Italiano 5 months ago
When I heard this I thought: Wow, different... Somehow I missed the structure but It's her recital and she's got the right to play a romantic composer a little strange. Especially many of Rachmaninovs pieces invite players to lose theirselves al little time. All in all she had better versions of the Etudes-tableaux but those two definitely are worth being listened. (Sorry if mistakes; no native-speaker)
vansinniger 7 months ago
33/2 is spine-tingling, what a masterful performance.
speedy4500 7 months ago
@abidoful You're right, she can't play piano...
plpicher 8 months ago
Such inspiring playing!!! Breathed through me like a magical wind
jezHB333 9 months ago
outstanding! ubelievable how many colors she creates in such a short time... definately a world class pianist.
i made a recording of this piece on my own, and i would really like to get some feedback on it... please visit my channel or just insert this into the url to get to the video:
watch?v=GIXiec0gb8s
thanks a lot! i'm happy for every comment about my playing...
enecee13 9 months ago
i got extreme chills at 2:00
love this piece, outstanding performance too
doubleknavery 10 months ago
"In 1985 she won first prize at the Conservatory and the Grand Prix du Disque of the Académie Charles Cros for her recording of the Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Sonata No. 2. The Académie Charles-Cros, (Charles Cros Academy) is an organization in France that acts as an intermediary between government cultural policy makers and professionals in music and the recording industry.The academy is composed of fifty members specializing in music criticism, sound recording, and culture."
gerhold101 11 months ago
I've heard this once, and everthing about it is SEXY.
jezHB333 11 months ago
This is by far the best rendition of this particular etude I've ever listened to!
jack079 1 year ago
Exelent Helene. BRAVO
jovad1 1 year ago
you're very funny, she's one of the 10 best piano players in the world... feel free to post your videos...
Loki2612 1 year ago
op.33 nr2 -
op33. nr1 f moll - 3/5
SzychaDestruktor 1 year ago
jodor vous y maiter plein de sntiment un toucher delica exelente interpetation
bh49498 1 year ago
This is very good performance, listen to her dynamics and pedalling and tone quality
It's brilliant
Wish I could play like that.
scotty123123 1 year ago
Performance is good... Transition to F minor instead of original E minor is questionable
LordAkaneon 1 year ago
o m g she is beautiful
nasimonma 1 year ago
I'm surprised that she started to play right off the bat (particulary when she started the second etudes tableaux) , instead of taking her time... Like if she was in a hurry. Anyway, she is so skillful, I guess she doesn't have to take her time to concentrate as I do :)
bouniii 1 year ago
a raw and rich talent :) music is my life what's yours?
sarabeth1410 1 year ago
she plays beutifully, amazingly! But she moves likes shes possesed.
TheNachoKat 1 year ago
@TheNachoKat you have to be possessed when you play rachmaninov
eudes45 1 year ago 5
are there bis?
v4liumfrance 1 year ago
could somebody help me ... iam looking for the sheet music of the first piece: Etudes Tableaux op. 33 No 2. Would be more than happy if somebody could help me ! Thank you so much !
Klaviermusik81 1 year ago
Taking into account the career of Ms. Grimaud and comparing that with the level of her playing, she certainly has overachieved. Most pianists with her level of career have greater command of the instrument, as well as a greater ability to take virtuoso music and create stunning performances. Grimaud is basically an ordinary pianist at best for someone of her career - one who has been aided by her personality and looks.
PIanoReview 1 year ago
It's best that you review something other than piano.
Solplova 1 year ago
@Solplova If you think Grimaud is a top pianist, clearly your standards are quite low. Pianists like Sokolov, Volodos, Kissin, Bronfman, Freire, Argerich, Lugansky, Sudbin, and many others are just at another level. My guess is you have not carefully listened to half of the greats out there.
classicalalways 1 year ago
@classicalalways "The forest would be a quiet place if the only birds that sang were those that sang the best...." You make a good point that she's not as spectacular as Lugansky or Argerich, but just because she isn't THE BEST, doesn't mean she isn't very good still.
mattcabideinchrist 11 months ago
@PIanoReview obviously you are hideously ugly and likely untalented in everything including life.
John19182004 1 year ago
@John19182004 Since everyone tells me my daughter should model, I guess I am ok. But anyone who has heard Lugansky, Kissin, and Lifshitz (just today's pianists alone) can clearly hear that Grimaud is not a top Rachmaninoff player. And if you were to look at her Chopin, Beethoven, and Schumann and compare it to today's finest pianists - she certainly falls quite short. If you can't enjoy Sokolov more than Grimaud, there are plenty of other attractive pianists to blind yourself with.
classicalalways 1 year ago
@classicalalways wasn't TALKING to you, ASSwipe.
Your life is a failure, deal with it. If you can't appreciate talent, which you obviously can't, then go masturbate to gay porn.
John19182004 1 year ago
@John19182004 Since you can't appreciate talent, be as vulgar as you wish and hope it brings happiness to your life. Deep down of course, you'll know that you have not heard most recordings of the Rachmaninoff Etudes Tableaux such as Richter and Kissin and therefore speaking out of your .... I won't be vulgar.
classicalalways 1 year ago
I think the playing suffers from a kind of rhythmic lethargy... and what's with reversing the order of these 2 pieces?
mephyman 1 year ago
Ok - the second - was awesome as well.
She is fantastic -
So musical.
I love it.
fgbowen 2 years ago
Oh - THAT was the most stunning
performance.
Absolutely stunning.
I've heard the first one only - still others to come.
( :
fgbowen 2 years ago
She looks amazing though. And her playing is just as stunning.
bae215 2 years ago 2
a great pianist, no doubt
jewish1972 2 years ago
Mustn't she have very big hands as rachmaninov had monstorous hands?
HjalmarGuitarMaster 2 years ago
...all I can say is that you are VERY wrong :))...keep searching for REAL artists..not fake artists! ;) all the best!
cretzulin88 2 years ago
are u saying that none of these women are awesome pianist?
jcrogers14 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I am afraid I have to agree with you, the pianist is not as good as others who can be found on YouTube
SirGlennGould 2 years ago
I don't think anyone plays Rachmaninov better than she does, she is such a great pianist. of all the women pianist I think she comes third behind Martha Argerich and Mitsuko Uchida.
jcrogers14 2 years ago 5
there is no recording of Clara Wieck, she was the very best pianist of her time
jewish1972 2 years ago
Very well played and sounded very pure too for an etudes that is very complex and one mistake could ruin the sequence. Thank you for the video.
koooraman 2 years ago
I really enjoyed this highly musical & committed performance of these etutes, I think she's also lovely to look at, though it's a chore having to wade through & ignore all those who just can't resist an opportunity to moan & criticise. I do notice a consistent absence of THEIR perfromances on You Tube for our consideration. There's a saying: "Those can can - do, those that can't - Teach!" Here's another: "Those that can - do, those that can't - become You Tube Critics!"
beilliatoy 2 years ago 2
she's hot
trunks2861 2 years ago
People are criticizing her movements and why? People are always so quick to judge someone as a performer Youtube because of some pre-conceived notion of how they think someone is supposed to act, look or sound. I see nothing with the way she moves. People need to read what people said about Franz Listz and his performances. His performances were so wild and intense he literaly damaged pianos. And Helene Grimaud certainly is no Lang Lang so what is the big deal? Hater!
Hervinbalfour 2 years ago 19
I agree, her interpretation was quite amazing
mrchristkngo 2 years ago 3
yup, ur right indeed!
lottoformulier 2 years ago
Cada interprete tiene su personalidad, y su interpretación es unica, personal e intransferible. ¿que critico puede poner en duda esto ? Personal interpretación , juventud y belleza incuestionable ¿no son signos indiscutibles de ser Grimaud una criatura tocada por la mano de Dios? A mi asi me lo parece, si existe algun exceso de afectación en sus intepretaciones, el tiempo se lo corregirá, no el publico. Desde Plasencia (Cáceres), Spain. Saludos , everybody.
28jadufer 2 years ago
Elle joue du piano avec son coeur et son
different sentiment passionné du chague seul note.
Et les font elle déjà particulièrement. ...de moi, Rung, 15 age
0763992799 2 years ago
I have the best interpretation of etudes tableaux on my channel, you absolutely have to watch these stunning video!!!!
davidavid2009 2 years ago
what else did she perform in this recital?
Yaniss 2 years ago
phenomenal performance
puccini4711 3 years ago
I hope to play on a grand piano like that one day. That'll be so cool.
Very nice video. Thanks for posting it :)
wonderingsoul11 3 years ago
where is this recorded?
horses1 3 years ago
She looks like she's wearing pyjamas.
Waldszenen 3 years ago
Bet you wish she wasn't!!
NiallMS 2 years ago
yeah when i saw here in november she had dark clothes and long hair, that looks cooler.
i am also of the opinion that her look here sucks
werner99 3 years ago
Does it really matter whatsoever what a pianist wears? it's completely irrelevant.
blckcat28 2 years ago
She dresses too old - as if she were past her 50s ...
chiefthegreat 3 years ago
Actually, she looks beautiful. Anyway I am here to listen to her wonderful performance and not to discuss fashions.. Would you criticise Bach for being too old-fashioned?
mephaz85 3 years ago 35
@mephaz85 I guess everyone has its own way to cope with the stage and people looking at you night after night :)
rustyspo0ns 1 year ago
@mephaz85 why not
Cathoubinou1 4 months ago
@chiefthegreat and ur mommy probably still dresses you in diapers.
John19182004 1 year ago
Great performance !
stkopiano 3 years ago
saw here yesterday performing rach2. :)
in dortmund with london orchestra
werner99 3 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I live to play in front of thousands.
My goal is to play for 100,000 people. I've only peoformed infront of 2,000 people. Good start though.
333aaron333 3 years ago
perfeection absolue
argentor16 3 years ago
Her acknowledgement of the audience is a bit on the conceited side, but she is very talented. Of that there is no doubt
Grigor99 3 years ago
Helene's theatricals and antics are somewhat annoying... but she's an outstanding pianist and, man she especially OWNS Rachmaninov's etudes-tableaux (though I think she played them better when she was a teenager than now).
Madrachus 3 years ago
Well, i dont understand as much as you do of technic and Rachmaninoffs interpretations, but i can say: when i listen to Grimauds music,im touched so deeply, especially when i hear the interpretation of rachmaninoffs 2nd piano sonata. ive never heared anyone playing with as much feeling as her. like shes singing on the piano!
hotbebimauz 3 years ago
I think u guys r very much in love-if this would b an ugly old man u wouldn`t even bother,and u Jbigula,go and take a pill.I will not visit this horny site again so don`t bother with any offenses anymore.I go practise-any 2nd piansit can play better.Bye,have fun.
dashatsh 3 years ago
The pills say, dashatsh on them, and they keep making me throw up. Please tell me you got better at analyzing music. And I'm gay, so this horny stuff doesn't appeal to me. Are you a male? I'm joking, but yeah, I scared you. dude, you don't seem to understand the idea that the recordings don't exhibit the real sound of that performance. And don't be embarrassed, because there are plenty like you. I went to this, and it was nothing like the recording. That's why I'm pms-ing.
Jbigula 3 years ago
quite amateur-like.many mistakes and tasteless
dashatsh 3 years ago
I'll be frank like you. You suck. Examine yourself jesus, before descending to us mortals and imparting your wisdom shit(you're not the only one). Oh, and don't criticize the quality. You're only able to hear the texture that the sound recording is able to register.
Jbigula 3 years ago
fantastic performance of 33.n2!
voolare 3 years ago
Hey dianemercier, your "extraordinary" and "profound" knowledge(or lack thereof)does not give you the right to a pompous attitude. congratulations on making yourself out to be an ass.
clumpofdirt77 3 years ago
woah that was really an outstanding performance, especially n2.
i am going to see her in dortmund in november performing rach2
werner99 3 years ago
Oh dear
samiea4444 3 years ago
Sorry everybody, the way she plays still gives me indigestion...have any of you heard Rachmaninov play Rachmaninov? So subtle in everything he does, not like Grimaud's soporific, gross exaggeration of everything, rubato, timing, banging (loudness, BANGY sound), unclear phrasing, unclear pedalling, just a bunch of notes punched out or sea-sickness-phrasing in the non rhythmical parts...Grimaud is a real tragedy that is still out on the stage disserving classical music...
dianemercier 3 years ago
We really must not be listening to the same thing...
Her interpretation of 33 n2 is beyond what words can describe (in a good way of course haha)! I can't really judge 33 n1 since I don't understand the piece. She has an amazing touch on the piano. I've never heard anyone play with as much control as Ms. Grimaud. Also, I wouldn't trust any of the "Rachmaninoff" recordings on youtube. They give him a bad name.
L33TOboist 3 years ago
Well, I disagree with what you say, but it is true that I've heard more Grimaud playing Rach than he playing himself.
So, I'm curious about what you've said.
Do you reccomend any footage here in youtube, for comparison? I'm too lazy to search myself =D
luizmarcco 3 years ago
she plays like an all around very frustrated person.
dianemercier 3 years ago
Extraordinary. Great pianist. I like it
leocoral 3 years ago
What a beautiful and talented pianist! I love the Op.33 No.1
IloveAlexisBledel689 3 years ago
I liked she playing These études, she played with lirism. Really good.But Beethoven and Brahms...I did´nt understand nothin listening the Rhapsodies and the Beethoven Sonata ¨The Tempest¨ (Beaucoup de pedal). One thing: she is really beautiful.
bernardocarmopiano 3 years ago 3
Elle est pas belle à cause de son visage.
Elle est belle parce que son âme et sa musique est belle.
She is beautiful not because of her facial appearance.
She is beautiful because her soul and her music is beautiful.
bokensdorf 3 years ago
This was very very well played. Her voicings are incredible! I say this as a professional piano teacher. I think the rachmaninoff studies must be her best repertoire.
PseudoApollodorus 3 years ago
I agree.
jamesrphone 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Soporific phony playing, loud and bangy, no thank you...need more true heartfelt emotions, please, but alas, not possible from this individual! Poor Rachmaninov...
dianemercier 3 years ago
I could not agree more with you. She plays like she wants to please. Her arms are so stiff and everything sounds similar no color.
galapz 3 years ago
Her arms may appear stiff because she has small hands. It is hard to reach in Rachmaninoff without without appearing a little awkward if your hands are too small. Mine are slightly larger than hers and I still find it not as comfortable as it could be playing this piece.
jamesrphone 3 years ago
it is meant to be slightly soporific, i found it enchanting and vibrant,still each to their own
afertyus1000 3 years ago
can we hear it from a pianist?
orpheus63 3 years ago
I was looking for another piece to start learning this, and saw your interpretation of Op 33 No 1 here, and resolved to get the music and start learning it right away! The part towards the end, with 3 clefs, do you play the middle clef with your right hand and the other two with your left? I was having a little trouble with it. thanks!
armegeddon7 3 years ago
She is such a showman. I like her interpretation.
OorvakanSar 3 years ago 2
this must sound way too stupid..
but i wanna ask sth:
her fingers look quite short to me ... ( lol)at about 1:26
Are they really short ? and what impact does the lenght of one's fingers have on piano playing ( and especially Rachmaninov)
Earaem 4 years ago
Good question. My fingers (male) are avg/small & I sometimes envy the large span of others. There are many famous prodigies with extra small hand spans, i.e. Scriabin (who wrote music requiring HUGE spans), Josef Hoffman who had Steinway build him a special piano w/smaller keyboard. I dont believe finger/hand size matters more than "gift" & I see Grimaud as having fairly long fingers. I love her version of this 2nd Etude, play it myself, & enjoy many other interpretations. A sublime piece.
saintansele 4 years ago
Larger hands are also harder to strengthen and can impede your movement. If your hands aren't big enough to play a particular song just choose another one. Theres only a bazillion out there
ratopal 3 years ago
It is amazing! She plays with even more articulation than both Lang Lang and Kissin!
saintdracula 4 years ago 2
Hélène est comparable à l'albatros: devant un piano, elle déploie ses ailes, prend son essor et retrouve sa liberté primitive, tout comme les loups qu'elle aime et qu'elle protège. Et l'oeuvre en ressort embellie et
rajeunie comme une forêt au printemps. Tout cela pour le bonheur de nos yeux et de nos oreilles si nous savons faire taire nos préjugés et faire silence en nous et autour de nous pour recevoir Sa musique. Fermez les yeux si le visuel vous gêne.
misterjmd 4 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Comparable to an albatross? An albatross who loves and protects wolves? Get back on your meds, fella.
vmsvms2006 4 years ago
vmsvms2006, you probably never have read Baudelaire!!!
isabelbleuet 3 years ago
Si j'ai bien compris la teneur de certains messages, un pianiste devrait jouer guindé, raide et digne ? Ce serait d'un ennui! Au contraire, dans cette étude-tableau merveilleusement jouée, Hélène est débordante du génie et de la musique qui sont en elle, de ce flot généreux, harmonieux, incandescent qui naît de ses doigts, de son coeur et de tout son corps, et c'est pour cela qu'elle bouge, qu'elle est vivante, qu'elle danse devant son clavier!
misterjmd 4 years ago 2
I know i may sound stupid but how hard is the etude tableaux no 1???
coaster1000 4 years ago
And i mean no.1 op 33
coaster1000 4 years ago
Excellent and very sensitive playing.
cattleman6420012000 4 years ago 2
my favorite etude, extremely emotional performance... awesome
pfbinh 4 years ago 5
the body can help with rythm and meaning.Read ABBY WHITESIDE on the CHOPIN ETUDES> U kids kill me withyour sophomore unlerarned comments. GO TO THE MASTERS AND LEARN FOR A CHANGE >Grimaud has a great control of sound not small like so many female players.ARGERICH never had a problem.UCHIDA miht haven't heardher live.
lovesGenet 4 years ago 4
Genius! She feels the music!
Look at my fathers Piano Medley under the keyword "Sepp Zink Piano". It sounds different. But you will like it!
Have a nice day!
zinke86 4 years ago
I don't like her hair this way. I like it in her other vids a lot better.
formenlehre 4 years ago
I mean I'm only 16, and not entirely accomplised on the piano, as the etude 33 she played above was difficult for me to learn, but that's just what I feel from my experience so far.
neoanderson48 4 years ago
When I play, I don't move at all until I have it down and memorized, then, as I don't have to concentrate so much on technical stuff, the moving helps me to bring feeling out of my piece. A conductor wouldn't be a very good conductor at all if he didn't move, because the musician should see the piece of music flowing out of the conductor. I feel the same way with certain pieces, I feel as if they're flowing out of me, and I have to move to let that feeling come out in my playing.
neoanderson48 4 years ago
sexy
sviatoslavberezovsky 4 years ago
Is it better to express oneself with movement when playing a piece or is it ok to sit there and be in deep concentration? Which is the better way to perform, I suppose is what I am asking?
Goldenkitten4 4 years ago
I guess it depends on how you move. If you are playing moonlight sonata and jumping and shaking your ass it might be better to not move at all :/
ManWithManyShurikens 4 years ago
Lol, nice analogy. I guess it just depends on what piece you are playing then. Thanks!
Goldenkitten4 4 years ago
I don't understand why ppl are disturbed by her movements in this vid. She hardly moves at all imo. There are so many traditions and norms around classical music that disturbs me more. Just shut up and listen to her play.
Zooter81 4 years ago 3
Not sure what is wrong with gesticulation while playing... as long as it doesn't interfere with her playing, heck, it may help her play with more feeling. Close your eyes and listen to the nice music if it is a distraction for you.
DocMaynard 4 years ago 3
look, not to be sexist, but i think most women look redliculous at a piano, but this performer takes this to a whole new level, the playing is immaculate dont get me wrong, but lady... u just look like a fool =)
frliszt 4 years ago
I have to agree, I am a girl, but some women (and Men) just take "emotional" to a whole new level. She plays nice, not saying that they all don't but their movements are a distraction and you hardly pay attention to anything but their "expressiveness"
Goldenkitten4 4 years ago
lol, u read me like a book, say, are you a pianist also???
frliszt 4 years ago
Why, yes, I am a pianist, an amateur but still I play. And I totally agree with people wanting to see that showmanship part of it also. If anybody just sat there and played, no matter how beautiful the piece, people would get bored. Some movement is ok, if it is appropriate for the piece, but just flailing around on the stool looks ridiculous.
Goldenkitten4 4 years ago
indeed, the "flailing" about is quite jokes, but i see why pianists do it, when u can play like a madman, which im sure u will do with practice, its hard not to literally leap up from ue stool when u smash out a big chord. just, the pianist needs to have the sense of elegance and style to make it look appropriate
frliszt 4 years ago
I have to agree with that too; there's absolutely no right or wrong answer to this situation. When I play Rachmaninoff, I know exactly the feeling, it's so powerful and by the end of the piece you just feel so pumped up. I think sometimes my movements become a little exaggerated. Lol, my brother says I've started to really get into it because I lean my body towards the piano a lot more. But you certainly make a valid point that any pianist would agree with.
Goldenkitten4 4 years ago
(And thanks for the compliment about me becoming a madman pianist with practice, I really appreciated that, and I'm sure you're awesome too, ;)
Goldenkitten4 4 years ago
if you ever paid attention to feeling you will notice that when you move your body (not saying that you should)it brings more focus to your hands if you hold your hands in good position kinda like the hands dont want to leave the keys :P and your bodies trying its best to get away but the hands dont want to leave just yet.
ChrisWatch 4 years ago
So good hand position means that your body doesn't want to stay put? Lol, I think moving takes less focus away from your hands because then you're concentrating on more than one thing besides playing the piece. I don't know, I asked for people's opinion and I value every one of them, thank you :)
Goldenkitten4 4 years ago
consider though that some people do expressivness really well, i for one as a pianist LOVE to move about, its all about show, and even more so when conducting, people like to see a bit of UMPH
frliszt 4 years ago
loved the second one
ManWithManyShurikens 4 years ago
Helene, at least learn how to bow! You seem just like one who has entered the hall with stomachache, looking for a toilet! :D
liszt80 4 years ago 2
@liszt80 why don't u go suck ur thumb.
John19182004 1 year ago
Authur Rubenstein once commented on pianist moving about in slow pieces. Said something like, why do they weave about as if they are trying to follow a fly? Nothing against Grimaud but generally I just think there is a bad culture of weaving about in slow pieces to almost to say "look at me how musical I am."
HandsomeWJL 4 years ago
lol, indeed.
jmt768 4 years ago
Listen to the music! You don't have to like her interpretation but criticizing her movements... sheesh! Playing music is like making love, you move the way you feel. I guess all of you people wanting less movement are necrophiliacs!
Nimisubo 4 years ago 2
Great analogy :)
mbruzzo 4 years ago
@mbruzzo What DVD is this?
jcrogers14 1 year ago
Me like!
Laffe3070 4 years ago
H2lène Grimaud réalise là, une vraie performance, ces études tableaux sont très difficiles et c'est très beau ! Bravo Hélène !
Ethan0028 4 years ago
that is beautiful!! Thanks for posting this!
IloveAlexisBledel689 4 years ago
Grimaud is more interesting when talking about woolves than while playing the piano. No artistry unfortunately, just pose! Sorry for not being able to say nice lies.
Klautenbogg 4 years ago
Encore ce mec!!!
macapo 4 years ago
I love her!! I love to listen her piano
takashi927 4 years ago
I know pianist who spend day and night usually develop a rocking back and forth movement to keep themself awake or the anxiety of staying up to late the rocking back and forth focuses your body on one thing as in it cant find anything else to feel... but her movements seem like it helps her remember when to do something. dancing with the piece is what people want to do all the time.
ChrisWatch 4 years ago 3
I think Lang Lang would be the exception. =/
jmt768 4 years ago
Well there are many videos of him basically being a nutcase on the piano...
ChrisWatch 4 years ago
The first Etuce in C Major compares very favorably with others I've heard, including my favorite, an old recording by Horowitz on Columbia (during the days he was not doing live concerts).
I prefer almost no movement, but try to remember that movement is greatly exaggerated in close-ups, and you can always listen, which what musicians do. :)
gaerduane 4 years ago
she is really good. I loved this interpretations.
ifclause 4 years ago
great...bravissima,very sensitive and energic execution
giangiman 4 years ago
i like this interpretation ,,Helene Grimaud est une grande pianiste
nicoss007 4 years ago
Hélène Grimaud est une des plus grandes pianistes de la planète.
Gridou7 4 years ago
Cut the extraneous bullshit...why snap your head back whenever a melody kicks in? Is it to alert the tone-deaf audience members?
Brianjonestown 4 years ago
I think it's just her way to feel the music, the audience is there to hear the music, not to see a pianist.
mbruzzo 4 years ago
Interesting assertion, mbruzzo....so if that's true, then why do pianists appear in public at all?? Why not open the curtain and play a recording from an iPod hooked to the PA? You're full of shit, but in Grimaud's case this could be an excellent idea, actually....we would be spared the barefoot wolf-costume crap and all her other cloying affectations.
Brianjonestown 4 years ago
Was it really necessary to be rude?
You go to a live concert to hear something different, new and unrepeatable, nothing more, nothing less.
Thanks for your comments, even though you were really discourteous.
mbruzzo 4 years ago
You don't get it. It's a sexual expression. Nothing more.
dalethomasdewitt 4 years ago
haha bare feet i love it.. but to be fair i practice all the time in bare feet so performing like thats not a bad idea
JstAnothrVirtuoso 4 years ago
She is great!
walter728 4 years ago
I love it!
solosteven37 4 years ago
very convincing and sincere musician , great
nicoss007 4 years ago
i don't like the way she's bowing and how she just rushes into the performance. to me, it just says she's nervous. however, one can't deny she's got talent and the musical ability. wonderfully played.
perfectdevyil 5 years ago
Two studies seldom played from the genius Rachmaninoff.
A great pianist like Hélène Grimaud gives us here the ful pleasure and a lot of technial and musical performance. Great !
BalladForYou 5 years ago
it's like the piano is talking
loves2listen 5 years ago
Her movements piss me the fuck off; she is not musical enough to warrant them... What's with the unalternating trill?
uhrkraft 5 years ago