Josef Hofmann plays Chopin Nocturne in C-minor Op. 48, #1

Chopin Nocturne in C-minor Op. 48, #1

Category:

Music

Tags:

• josef
• hofmann
• chopin
• nocturne
• piano
• classical

[licentiousOne]

TheHannoverguy-- he's actually using Schirmer edition. The major variation between editions is mostly the glissandi in the second section. Some note that all this is a matter of 'opinion'. Well, no, it's not. It's a mix of objective analysis, logical reasoning, and informed opinion. And he fails on all three here. If you guys think it can be argued that it's all opinion, then when a cat runs across the keyboard I guess one has the right to call that legendary, too. It's all a matter of opinion!

[truecrypt]

Dear licentiousOne,

You speak about "objective analysis, logical reasoning, and informed opinion" and accuse Hoffman in "falling on all three here"?

I must confess - your comments equally moronic and entertaining. I hope you don't mind me sharing your "expertise" with my friends-pianists. Just love it! ;)

[truecrypt]

@cellotune

This is not an example of Hofmann's top... At that period his art was in decline (relatively speaking, of course...)

Hofmann probably played this Nocturne "by ear" - he was famous for playing pieces without practice for years.

Despite all technical imperfections phrasing and intonation are amazing. Consider this as a "rough draft" made by great artist. There is a lot to learn from Hofmann even when he wasn't at his best.

[truecrypt]

Dear licentiousOne,

I never stop marveling at human rudeness, ignorance and unwillingness to see something bigger beyond missed notes. Sometimes great art opens to chosen ones only - those with kind heart, open mind and clean hands. It's only logical you can't see beauty here - you don't deserve it.

[JamesinLA1]

I think it's a great interpretation.

[olivleonardo]

@truecrypt @cellotune You're trying to find an explanation for an interpretation whose conception you didn't understand, but Hofmann doesn't need it. If @cellotune didn't like it, this is not a problem. Hofmann was an artist of many decades ago, he certainly had different aesthetic concerns from ours. Anyway, listening to it I'm impressed: it is very much higher than the simplistic criticism of @cellotune.

[ccdrz]

"This is how WE play ..." as he teacher said. I am incredulous that anyone would bring up missing notes in light of such a performance - and I am an an as much iconoclast as any ... but please his playing was among the most greatest. Pianists are far to conservative in my opinion. It seems to be due to this egregious, pervasive, and seemingly contagious epidemic of pedantry amid piano audiences.

[camaysar222]

Who else could this be but Hofmann? Every note is stamped with his unique identity as pianist and interpreter. His inimitable melodic declamation and shaping, his orchestral vertical dynamic relations, and not least, his understanding of the psychology of Chopin's message. Hofmann's restraint in the doppio movimento keeps the music in character, solidifying the pathetic drama. No apologies are necessary for this masterful performance!

[nunezpete]

This is the first time I've heard this piece. I was initially compelled to skip through this piece.....but the magnificent playing kept me from doing so.

[soami2u]

Absolutely magnificent.

[henrique1944]

He is a Semi-God!! amazing interpretation.