Josef Hofmann, 1937 Golden Jubilee - Chopin: Berceuse Op. 57

Josef Hofmann, 1937 Golden Jubilee - Chopin: Berceuse Op. 57
Photos of Hofmann are from LIFE magazine taken by Gjon Mili, 1940.
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Another "HD video" (audio only basically)-
Add &fmt=22 to this to dramatically increase picture/sound quality.

Enjoy :)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• josef
• hofmann
• chopin
• berceuse

[alextierno98]

Fantastic but remember Michelangeli's version also, available on YT. IMO, at least 20% of Hofmann's output available to us must be considered among the most precious performances. The more I listen to him and others play those works, the more it seems clear that he was probably the most outstanding pianist of the 20th century (in terms of interpretation and technical ability) ... no offense to other greats!

[RabidCh]

Paderewski and Solomon recorded amazing renditions too. Friedman had an interesting one.

I'm a bit indifferent to Michelangeli's, to me it seems perfect in the "ordinary" sense.

[snaaptaker]

This is the only recording of the Berceuse I care to listen to. Nice photos, too, from the Life Magazine archives.

Between this and your postings of Solomon's "Waldstein" and Michelangeli's Ravel Concerto, you've made my Christmas.

I've just subscribed to your channel.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[RabidCh]

Thanks :)

[stephenjoeagi]

This level of pianism has almost disappeared in our days. A combination of supreme dynamic control, exquisite taste, and unbelievable virtuosity.

[klausknulp]

its just incredible. cannot find words! unbleavable his left hand, about his right hand we know already. and the bells on 2:28 + is made in heaven.

[VVKY10]

It is a real shame that this video has been viewed less than 10,000 times whereas Horowitz's Chopin Ballade 1 rendition has been viewed fully 3.5 million times. Brittney's "Hold It Against Me" has been viewed 88 million times but that is another story.

[stoklund]

@ancientone22 It says on your profile that you are 45 years old. How is it possible for you to be at this concert in 1937? I'd love to join you next time you use your time machine! :-D

[fredericfranc]

...never mind if Mr.Hofmann can play the freaking Berceuse...can he ever play the freaking PIANO!...which is something a bit different...

[ignaz1882]

@ancientone22 Wow, were you ever blessed!

[fledgehog]

why so fast?

[ZelosEnt]

@lwstat Amen to that! Modern peformers sound so heavy in comparison. Funny how the pendulum swings - back in his time he and Rachmaninoff were considered the new "modern" school because of their clear, unsentimental approach. Now Hofmann is considered eccentric! How times change.

[ZelosEnt]

The thing about Hofmann is that he will NEVER play any piece the way you expect. When I was younger I used to dissapprove of interpretations that weren't in accordance with my views. Now it's the opposite - you learn nothing when performers play a piece that's fits right in with your expectations.

I've been listening to Hofmann for over 15 years now and his playing still blows me away with its sheer brilliance and intellectual verve.

[ancientone22]

i was at this recital it was history ..... what a wonderful and masterful pianist ......

[rekab7070]

Brilliant technique. If he played this just slightly better, he would not be drawing our attention to his deft articulation. Nevertheless, a very fascinating document, and a unique interpretation.

[stoklund]

@alextierno98 Yes!!! youtube.com/watch?v=H1Gt3i3OHU­o