Gilels plays Beethoven Sonata Op. 26

[lissy300]

wouldn't it be a lot easier if he was a skinhead?

[rva25]

Pollini plays it much better, but especially Richter!

[deandusk]

i think not even pollini could agree with your statement

[rva25]

why is that? his recording is just magnificent... I think he is the best here!

[snakefl]

This is an astounding and original interpretation. It really held my attention. Quite hypnotic and moving. Beethoven I'm certain would approve. So masterfully performed.

[Zurigo1886]

I think he plays the marcia funebre far too slowly. In a "marcia" you should be able to walk with the music. Beethoven doesn't write "adagio" or "lento". But he writes, that in the middle part (2.18...) you shall play the "drum" (taratatatatam) with the right pedal, then stop and play the "trumpet exclamation" without pedal. And Gilels plays everything in one pedal. Gilels doesn't play badly, but he plays in a tradition of romantic Beethoven interpretations.

[deandusk]

how original .. :) nice

[aewanko300]

The complete name of this movement is: marcia funebre sulla mort d'un eroe, which translates to "(A) funeral march for the death of a hero".

[luis1261]

Beethoven el genio mas grande que pudo existir. llega hasta las fibras mas profundas de un ser humano. hace brotar las lágrimas aunque uno quiera contenerlas.

[kellnergram]

se pasa lo mismo conmigo cuando corto cebollas. . . lastima

[fraternalsword]

comentario muy estupido

[volodya2]

i'm crying :(

[kph2105]

Gilels is a wonderful pianist, but I'm not sure he is really playing what Beethoven wants - I don't feel any deep sorrow or despair.

[exponentu]

how the f*** could you or anyone else know what Beethoven wants (sic)? Ok there are the markings in the score, but do YOU know what Beethoven wanted from each of them? Do you think you're inside the mind of long-dead super-genius. Idiots like you abound on YouTube, and you haven't the intelligence to know what you write is RUBBISH, nor the good grace to keep your ridiculous pronouncements to yourselves. I certainly feel sorrow and despair - when I read posts like yours!

[icslook]

@exponentu My impression of Beethoven is that he was a passionate larger-than-life character given to dramatic performances. Gilels is in keeping with that and my guess is that he is closer to 'authentic' Beethoven than many others. That said, the music is great enough to allow different but valid interpretations. Performance is a partnership between composer, player and listener. I am sure Beethoven appreciated that, and that his music would lead a life of its own.

[Bac9I6]

Yeh, he's got there even more expression in his hair then in Rachmaninov 23.5.

[JimiHendrixANDVADER]

Hahaha, i noticed that too. Note how he has to put his hair back when his hands are free Haha

[SepHir0tH77]

lol at 2:31 after all that, "lets just make sure we're looking good! ok i'm sexy, lets go again!" dont mean to joke, probably my fav performer! great interpretation here!

[Bac9I6]

Ooops)

[Bac9I6]

my favourite musik ever.

Gileles. nobody else.

[pianoholickyp]

It was relaxing and yes it was a very good performance but i wanted him to express more sorrow- if you get me. Yet it was a very good interpration

[deandusk]

of course

[kosmosleha]

Looks like people enjoy

[pianotalent]

Yes, he played like that only in Moscow...

[2mamabird]

If my research is correct, this is Moscow Conservatory performed on 12/27/77.

[stan724]

Where was this performance?

[afertyus1000]

seeing as its a funeral piece it could'nt get more relaxing!!

[panamarox704]

Interesting yet relaxing, thanks for posting the video. Great performance.

[chickeminnie]

thanks for posting this video! Its a rare performance