Wilhelm BACKHAUS -Chopin Etude no.2 0p.10 (1928)

[chrisczajasager]

ah, the immaculate and effortless technique a n d musicianship,

creative pedalling, variety of accentuation

my favorite recorded performance of this devilishly-challenging etude!

the old Bösendorfer played by its greatest player, Backhaus !

[Starwalker6978]

I like the pedal!

[robertslistening]

I didn't think Backhaus was this good. This etude is a real test of finger independence and strength for the 3,4 and 5 fingers. I've listened to at least 10 other famous pianists and Backhaus has excellent speed and dexterity. (faster than most)

[gerardbedecarter]

Wow!

[geuros]

I have two favourite interprets of Chopin etudes - Wilhelm Backhaus and Murray Perahia. For example, this piece i rather listen by Backhaus but 10/1 - I have not listened better recording than the Perahia's - only recommend you ;)

[atlantargh]

Is this still in - print as a CD? and if so, could you kindly provide the details? Thanks for posting (I like WB's little flourish at the end of the Am etude - a different era...)

[lovesGenet]

I can't believe the polish here. Backhaus was a worker indeed. Noone plays it at this speed even if they can . DARING and colossal strength in some of the others!

[tchykovsky]

@lovesGenet That's not true, Lazar Berman can play it fast and he does play it fast.

[chexg]

I like his addition at the end. Makes it so much more personal.

[uhartchristian]

even cziffra did not reach that tempo in this etude....

[brassmonkeyjew]

It's fast but i have heard faster! Decent technique at best. But he is old so i guess he was better when he was younger.

[lospazio]

@brassmonkeyjew Old? What do you mean? He was 44 when he recorded this.

[brassmonkeyjew]

@lospazio

Case and point! ;)

[bennettpiano]

@brassmonkeyjew in 1928 I don't believe they did 100's of studio takes to get the best performance as is done now. This is pretty darned good for such a brutal piece of music.

[ericclark2]

holy crap

[nearenough3]

Fast, light and a special ending!

[Haydenbrooks83]

There is an ethereal quality to his playing of this etude. He makes so much more out of it than other players.

[marcxopoco]

He was famous for playing this piece. Often his audiences called for it as an encore.

The sheen and the touch he has in the top voice are light years beyond Askenazi, Cziffra, etc.

[ElGuapoNYC]

ghostly

[superbemaison]

Wonderful!!

Please don't ever lose these treasures!!!!

[PianoClassMan]

Not only the fastest for #2 in a minor but very pleasing musically!

[carlhopkinson]

Backhaus is one of the greatest technicians who ever lived.

[Pischnaholic]

AMEN, Carl!

Only Claire Huangsci plays it better.

And CORTOT is the most musical and interesting of all. He finds a wonderful tenor voice and brings it out very deftly without losing tempo.

[filippeo85]

I will post it no problem :)

 I have VERY big collection of Gould

[brianCIM]

that would be great filippeo. i heard several people mention it but i can't find it. ty.

[K43TOC]

Glenn Gould: Hereafter (Part 5)

[brianCIM]

MANY THANKS K43TOC! i am going to listen to it now. a good way to start the day. TY!

[Achtelnote]

please could you help me.i cant find the video where gould plays this etude.there is no hereafter 5.

[pianopera]

Haha, the ending is very original!

Have you heard Glenn Gould in this, it's very good! (I'm not joking...)

[brianCIM]

i am dying to hear gould play this but i cant find out. help me out pianopera.

[pianopera]

Sorry Brian,

I can't find it, so let's see if Filippe can help you.

[brianCIM]

ok. thank you pianopera for looking.

[filippeo85]

and when hi recorde etudes,hi didn't speed up,like some pianist I know.And in some etudes you can hear mistakes - no.8 op10 and 11 0p.25

and his recordings of Bet. sonatas and concertos are GREAT!!!

[brianCIM]

AMAZING! so much for the theory that today's pianists have better techniques than those of yesteryear