Chopin ballade no 4 opus 52 Rubinstein

[flippert0]

I listened now to 10 different performances of this piece. It's simple: no one can capture the nobleness and grandezza and poetry of Chopin like Rubinstein.

[Radiohead203U29]

This piece brings out the deepest emotions in me; a feeling I can not describe in words. It frightens me just from thinking about a piece so evil yet beautiful at the same time.

[xFirebird925x]

Love love love...just my opinion though, but I like the last few minutes a bit more dramatic...more "emotional" ;)

[badas45]

i first heard this when my ipod broke and i borrowed my brothers ipod for work lets just say im glad that mine broke...

[fcg2367]

Beautifully moving!! 

[tedly10027]

RUBINSTEIN does that to you...:-)

as pianist myself and knowing these works rather well and having heard countless versions -- Rubinstein's versions remain the most COMPLETE in every way -- pianistically, color and atmosphere, expressiveness, grandeur and brilliance and sweep and in details AND spontaneity...

it's really beyond mere words...rubinstein's chopin.

[geoped1]

@tedly10027 Would you discuss 'spontaneity' for a moment. In what way does a classical musician get to display his/her spontaneity in performing a work written with dynamics stipulated in the sheet music? I've often wondered what part, beyond mere interpretation that certainly will vary from performing artist to the next, personal spontaneity might play. Obviously, jazz allows a large field for that aspect/improvisation.  Thanks for your thoughts.

[tedly10027]

@geoped1 just my personal views of course: once something is "set" such as in a recording, jazz or otherwise, we know it is cemented. whether or not a performance has "spontaneiety" , i think depends on perception and even preferences or expectations. for example: performance that "veers from" the exact notation (as in jazz, or different tempi, dynamics, etc in classical) can be PERCEIVED as "spontaneous" partly in relation to the generally recognized versions.

[tedly10027]

2) BUT that doesn't mean that the performer did NOT plan it in advance and even "practiced" it so it sounds like that. naturally , only a true improvisation, something that is literally "instantaneously invented" by a performer (jazz or great classical church organists who actually are VERY ingrained in the art of real improvisation) might be considered "true spontaneiety" AS FAR as actually CREATING new musical ideas.

[tedly10027]

3)on the other hand "spontaneiety" in PERFORMING , or rather "expressing in a NEW way" applies to jazz OR classical music even if the classical is notated to be performed as the structure was notated. IN THIS case - classical music -

[tedly10027]

4)the performer, if truly spontaneous and had NOT PRE_planned or "practiced" a particular INTERPRETATION of particular phrases or the piece as a whole, might actually create a "NEW" POINT OF VIEW - and this is what I would call "spontaneiety" in classical music performance. in this manner, it has its own great difficulties and challenges. it might WORK or it might not, to persuade listeners to "hear" the music "in a different way" .

[tedly10027]

5)in both jazz and classical -- are their corresponding "spontaneieties":

where a jazz artist "spontaneously" extemporizes because that is the nature of jazz, to take a theme and then elaborate upon it "on the spot" according to jazz idiom, figurations, scale and harmonic patterns and structures,

[tedly10027]

6)while a classical soloist "extemporizes" UPON the written notes THROUGH imagining a DIFFERENT approach to the notes (slower, faster, louder, rather than the "usual" or expected because he "envisions" a different way of presenting the structure) - they are both "extemporizing" and spontaneous in their particular disciplines.

[tedly10027]

7)the point is doing something that is "on the spot" whether it is producing NEW notes (as in jazz) or "new feelings" as in classical music on a given notation. of course the high artistic aim would be to introduce "something different" or "new" or as we say "spontaneous" so as to sound as IF "un-premeditated"

[tedly10027]

8)YET persuasively logical for the structure of the piece..like it's both "unusual" within the piece or as a WHOLE view of the piece, yet also LOGICAL to the piece, as if to say "that's different -- but it WORKS" we have to remember -- MERELY being spontaneous , even if it is TRULY "on the spot" does NOT mean the attempt is "artistically successful" ..

[tedly10027]

9)a jazz player can improvise BAD new figures - or a classical pianist can "improvise" NEW "feelings" with the written notes and the piece falls apart instead. largely - we can only know that the only REAL "improvisation" is when the performer is known to be creating entirely NEW music (such as on a given theme in jazz or classical organists do) .

[tedly10027]

10)but in classical where the notes are already written -- the "spontaneiety" would have more to do with whether the "new ideas" that a performer gives are PERCEIVED to be "explored or discovered" AS THE PERFORMER IS playing it in that moment. an "impression" - so to say, of doing things "on the spot" . so it's more like a "quality" of "spontaneiety" of "feeling one's way around" like seeing the house in a "new way" . .

[tedly10027]

11) for me a FINE example of "spontaneiety" from Rubinstein is in the way he strikes 2 notes in the main theme of the First ballade in Gminor...the notes are in the melody: Enatural TO F# in the second measure of the theme...in the OPENING of the ballade he strikes the E somewhat louder , sounding it with more "tension" before resolving to the F# more softly ...

[tedly10027]

12)in the LAST pages when this theme repeats before the final climax - he strikes the REVERSE way - the E natural is more gentle than the resolving and fuller F#...for anyone that "follows" how rubinstein began and build the piece, scene by scene, character by character like telling a story (the ballade is "story telling" after all) -

[tedly10027]

13)one almost instantly notices "something different" the last time around...and it becomes "spontaneous" - it is not just a "strict" repeat of the previous appearance of the theme...because perhaps this time rubinstein sees a "new" door or new perspective of the last appearance of the theme that prepares the way to the final climax. 

[tedly10027]

14)listen to it somewhere on youtube -- and look for it, and i think you will see my point. rubinstein does many things that way , VERY, very subtle but MOMENTOUS in their importance. and that's why I think especially in chopin - he was truly a genius in his own way. he recorded the ballades , i think, FOUR different versions -

[tedly10027]

15)and in each - he finds new ways ,and subtleties or "unrehearsed" expressions WITHIN the new concepts. he himself said this: "to find at least ONE point that is totally new and unplanned" ..but of course it had to be a CONVINCING one to him. otherwise -- why try something that is not a "good idea" at all?

[tedly10027]

@geoped1 hi --i'd like to add one other thought: I think spontaneiety in classical performance can be likened to our daily lives: say that you are reading from a script in public speaking - and each time you slightly change your inflexion of your delivery depending on the atmosphere, the hall, whether people are attentive, or maybe the space is too small, too much echo, your own mood or thoughts, so you "adjust" in certain moments for your delivery to "speak" better. the SAME Noun or Adjective

[tedly10027]

2) ...are STILL important as "noun and adjective" (composer might indicate a chord FORTE) but you deliver it slightly differently in your voice, perhaps more STRIDENTLY "Forte" or less FULL "forte" -whether in speaking or singing, or playing the instrument. whether in music or in oratory. you might say or play somewhat different in the "allegro" - perhaps faster or slower "allegro" - etc...innumerable possibilities really , depending on the "moment" as you feel like it or as your judgement goes

[123mazeppa]

Wow!! 0 dislikes = awesome pianist :P

*gives thumbs up*

[OisirM]

I used to never really like Chopin. Then I heard this piece. Now I'm steadily learning it and Chopin has turned out to be one of my favorite composers of all time. This piece can be played to a hardcore, most dark, obsessive metal head in the average high school, and it would make him cry his eyes out.

[tedly10027]

@OisirM for me as a classical pianist - to hear what you say is a WONDERFUL thing ...

[jim3maykil]

No words to say...

[w0l23]

8:57 - 9:36 Just epic!

[audreyhsux5727]

@w0l23 0:00-10:48 is epic

[eduardopescado]

@audreyhsux5727

I want to watch some m0:00re!!!

[xFirebird925x]

my friend played this...his interpretation isn't much different from this :)

[lclk0192]

There just wasn't anybody like Rubenstein playing Chopin....they were meant for one another. I have yet to hear anybody play this or any of the other Ballades the way Artur does.

[OT711]

I can't imagine anyone listening to this and not feeling something.

[wickrev]

Don't anybody think this is rushed through?

[sdgpiano]

@wickrev no.

[TripleRhu]

@wickrev not at all

[LivingSam]

This is the best interpretation I've heard on youtube.

[neveka]

on this piece Rubinstein is the best!!!!!

[Adamoslossuperos]

Great pianist, and polish patriot!

[MrRoofusPadumelon]

i have never heard this before in my life but i can swear it has been in my dreams.

[sidewinderxx]

@MrRoofusPadumelon well said



[Popher]

Chopin eh... bit of a ledge!

[Robotman42]

I prefer Zimerman's interpretation for its greater use of pedal and rubato.

[rekab7070]

@Robotman42 I heard Zimmerman play this for Rubinstein, who was impressed with the young man's mastery, and commenting that he did not think Zimmerman needed any further lessons.

[frogmanpiano]

This comes from a CD which includes performances of the 4 Ballades and 4 Scherzos, made in the Manhattan Center New York: The Ballades on April, 28th & 29th 1959, the 4 Scherzos March 25t h&26th 1959. I would imagine that like most of Rubinstein's Chopin recordings they are still available today R was 72 when he made these recortdings....

[ClassicalMusicPL]

Is this recording from 50's or later?

[frogmanpiano]

A last comment : to be a good interpreter -most say: it helps 2 have a rounded education & live life in full. R had an abundance!  Many "Technicians" 4 example were more interested in the " wow" aspects of presentation -sometimes their involvement in Life outside of "piano playing" - was somewhat truncated. It's been said of Horowitz that he would agonize over technical issues. R spoke 8 languages -passionately involved in life's vicissitudes -he was a real person & had faults 2 -like us all

[frogmanpiano]

Ruby as model 4 us 2day: the level of appreciation & recognition & value of art 4 arts sake is almost eroded by venality of society via corporatism. Evidence confirms study of musical instrument over time enhances intellectual & cognitive development -if there is something 2 start with! Music is life affirming & encourages Empathy collegiality & celebration of difference The Humanities r dying -losing out 2 G Gecko's ethos. Risible comments abound. Humanities education must rise again!

[acousticheadphones]

a truly brilliant and beautiful interpretation

[acousticheadphones]

what a beautiful interpretation

[poofball0502]

Man.. love this piece, makes me go emotional......for no reason.

[cbodien]

I am totally love with his playing of this piece!!!!

[alucoq]

This was the best pianist of the 20th century

[ultracoolhomies]

0 dislikes.

[TheMrClamberto]

@ultracoolhomies Yet only 141 likes.

[bineblies]

why does this always put a tear in my eye?

[sandyhiker]

I consider Aurthur Rubinstein my hero as a great interpreter of Chopin. It is a if Chopin was playing the piece himself. You can't get any closer then the way Rubinstein plays him.

[Orlasd]

great pianist for the best ballade...

[HyperLisztFan]

It's amazing how he takes time to breathe in between the phrases

[84Fish48Fish]

One of the best Chopin interpretations come from Rubinstein.

When he plays, he never loses my attention (unlike some pianists where I tune them out after one or two minutes).

[pwthepro]

This is a good interpretation. The best one I´ve heard so far.

[paulphilip1]

@pwthepro listen to the perlemuter version the four ballades are on you tube but not many people seem to listen to them they are fantastic. This is good also

[Ellinidara]

Wow Phenomenal. !

[kwastormayt]

its like a travel in time

[juanbenyjuanbeny]

that is exactly what i perceive

[paulhorn27]

This piece destroys me.

[robertslistening]

I can hear this in the background of a movie. Rubenstein was a known romantic in his interpretations. Doesn't matter if there are other so-called better interpretations. This is Rubenstein. Appreciate it, for being Rubenstein.

All concert pianists have their particular feelings about how a piece should sound. They are great musicians. I like them for their independence also.

[organman52]

It sounds like you don't consider how the composer thought the piece should sound. Is that the case?

[jtg2525]

@freeqwerqwer This comment of yours reveals your inability to grasp the many positive ways a piece could be interpreted. I've heard many versions of this ballade and cannot see how it would rank anywhere except in the top 3

[xXWeezerXx]

If you listen to these notes with your earholes, you will like how they sound.

[rlf1810]

My favorite pianist. My favorite piece of music. Unbelievable..

[Toweley22992]

The opening here is unparalleled in its simplicity and warmth. Others play the piano; Rubenstein plays the music.

[seeker7001]

In this rendition, Rubinstein takes on dispair and turns it into hope. This performance speaks to the soul with its honesty and sincerity.  Words cannot match its power and yet its almost spontaneous simplicity.

[nousernamewhatsoever]

"Other pianists may be on the floor

Dear,but my eyes will see only you

Only you have that magic technique

When you play I go weak"

:P

[1981Grigorian]

All my life I will try to make music. But as he did, I will never succeed.

[Deimosxsz]

I do agree that the comparison between wordly music and this cannot be. I should not even be talk about that. We all know the difference between the people of soul and the souless and superficial ones.

To me, this composition its one of the greatest samples of despair that a man can show.

Remember not only the superficial side of the music, and how it has to be played, but what does the music express, and what the composer felt in his soul in the moment that he composed it.

[RomanticNotes]

omg........

[TJFNYC212]

as always Rubinstein gives clear expression of the music and NOT the virtuosity, This is a poetic and gorgeous interpretation............. I shut up

[stlivermore]

There was something deeply noble, selfless and yet heroic and olympian about Artur Rubinstein that purifies and cleanses the spirit like no other pianist I have ever heard. No one compares as far as I'm concerned, for both bravura and apollinean, aristocratic finesse at the same time. I just love him. The world is a better, nobler and more beautiful place for his contributions. Thanks for posting these ballades.

[orlandigianfranco]

very correct interpretation...and noble...

Rubinstein is unique, if you listen with attention , you'll listen to his breath , in the lower part also... he comes into the opus and you hear the difference...

[stlivermore]

He was the humblest of individuals and yet bigger than life, a wonderful personality, and holds a secure place among the greatest musical legends of all time. I was extremely saddened when he passed away. No one has ever quite filled his place in my pantheon of revered and beloved musical figures..

[TheAspenTom]

If I could play like that, I'd give up my sparkling personality.

[mach37]

@stlivermore  - YES!

[frogmanpiano]

@stlivermore I think U've hit the nail on the head as they say. R was know all his life for the way he could shape a long line in the music & give meaning to the expression of emotion . It has been said that after you came out of a R concert the world seemed a better place. Someone once said that he was the last civilized man. The point about R was that he was a complete person who loved "life" unreservedly. he was not just a "pianist" he loved movies, books & was raconteur -he loved people!

[stlivermore]

@frogmanpiano He was a good man whose additional good fortune it was to have been a renowned virtuoso and an aesthete in the arts. His memory sustains me in the belief that art can transform our lives into something worthwhile and good.. His legacy is truly wonderful and unique..

[HarvestMoonGirlFarmr]

This is song is beautiful. Pop music is so ridiclous when there are beautiful songs like this out there

[crackapolo]

we can't all be great musisians, but its true when I hear the next pussy cat song. or our favorite german Alexander Marcus

[NinoMig]

Look... I totally agree, I love Chopin too, and not so much pussycat dolls but,

The music you want to listen to depend on what your current fealings are.

Sometimes you just want to listen some crap when you are tired or excited, don't you?

probably I m not clea

[NinoMig]

-r enough

[crackapolo]

yes yes

[sargentmajor]

@NinoMig hong dong chong bong nong

music of "artistic quality" can run the gamut from background music, passionate, jubilant, excited, angry, sad, etc.

Saying that you need a modern song to fill some emotional niche or feeling is ridiculous.

Not to say all modern music is complete crap, but most of it is. And artistically speaking it almost all is, especially in comparison to for sake of example Chopin.

[godswiph]

its because the masses don't DEMAND good pop music. therefore, "the machine" refuses to manufacture it... or it could be the other way around.... either way, people need to demand better music or else we're gonna leave future generations to be doomed and uninspired. yeah... but this is one of my favorite pieces... so many different interpretations but, this is the best i've heard online i think.

[iebpk]

simple music for the simple-minded :)

too bad not everyone can grasp chopin

[adnar88]

@HarvestMoonGirlFarmr this is not even a song, lol

[pablogregorian]

@HarvestMoonGirlFarmr why is pop music ridiculous?

[Nizlopi2]

@HarvestMoonGirlFarmr I don't think that's entirely fair. Cultural mores change and it's inevitable that music changes with them. No, you can't compare much of the music today to this or a Beethoven symphony, but then, how can you? They were written in completely different styles in completely different circumstances. Would I say that this is more difficult to play and more technically beautiful than a Radiohead song? Yes. But that doesn't make Radiohead bad in its own right.

[Rastaleus2]

@Nizlopi2 yes, and it is possible for a society to exhaust its creative juices...as, obviously, we have done. Now, all we can do is sit and wait for a new "Renniassance", technical or otherwise, that will enable a harnessing of a new level of creativity.....contemporary creativity is tired, defeated....worn out....(pardon me) plain SHIT!

[heroicpolonaise]

i pee on the final part, :DD, thats why i love his chopin's interpretationc, cuz he said, "chopin should be played in a noble way", i'll never forget that, and each time i play chopin i try to play in a noble way, and when i know there is something wrong i think on what would say, and there i correct and it goes better, (i think), (Y). RUBINSTIEN ROCKS!!!!

[TheTradge]

although Rubinstein is AWESOME and I have always loved him, I'm not too crazy about his Ballade 4 =( I think I prefer Bolet's interpretation

[Vancouverite39]

One of the great recordings of this piece.  Perhaps the standard to compare others to.