Emanuel Ax Plays Chopin Scherzo 1 Opus 20

Best performer of Chopin Scherzos that I have found.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Emanuel
• Ax
• Plays
• Chopin
• Scherzo
• 1
• Opus
• 20

[Ernesto7608]

As a fan of Yundi Li his interpretation of this scherzo is the most satisfying to me. But this version does not stand second to it in any way. I find myself a fan of Ax too. His performance of the Ballades is the best I have heard. Two favorites, double the pleasure.

[EuphoricDan]

@Ernesto7608

I am not a fan of Yundi Li, but I mean... saying pianists on his level are bad is just childish.

In any case, I have come to greatly enjoy Pogolerich's interpretations... and they are certainly the most "interpretive" I've ever heard, lol. At times imperfect and even "unbalanced" I might be inclined, on a very quirky day to say that I enjoy his versions best.

Anyway, they are most definitely worth a listen, it is certainly original.

[Ernesto7608]

@EuphoricDan

I agree, Pogolerich's interpretations have originality. It is satisfying to hear such differences in expression that are correct in their own right. It's a pity that Argerich didn't get her way and he had received a major prize at the Chopin competition at the time. This would have given him more prestige and more recognition to his style, and we would have a richer set of versions today.

[EuphoricDan]

@Ernesto7608

Have you heard Pogolerich's more recent playing? I won't claim to be an expert on the man, but his "uneven" style has become so much more accentuated as he has progressed that it makes for an amazing listening experience. His interpretations leave one to believe that the man may be on the brink of madness. To hear such virtuosity mashed with what seems to be insanity is quite simply breath taking.

[88Woland]

I think both Ax and Li are very good. Almost on level with David Helfgott...but I think David has more emotion

[EuphoricDan]

@88Woland

I haven't heard your guy, David Helfgot...  Do you have a link?

[gaussboy1]

It is not rushed, true, but i don't think i can see how you can measure how much emotion he put into this. I still like Yundi Li's version a lot better. I just think it sounds a lot better. That's just my opinion. Again, I'm not super pro at piano so i guess i wouldn't really know. Its just my personal taste.

[trigalg693]

That is with the exception of Richter, who also plays very well :)

[smotan1000]

This lacks fire, culmination in the b part, not the middle part.... The tempo is quite good, but the drama is missing. However, Ax is great professional, everything is under control.... sound, texture, he shows the musical motives wich is very important!

[MASTERMIKEEE]

The slow middle section is so breathtaking, so beautiful.

[anonymousQ45]

AX is an incredible virtouso! not just hear but many Chopin recordings hes stands out with Zimerman and Rubinstein, the essence of musical understanding

[cedricrlongreen]

Emanuel Axe really captured the essence of Chopin

[GianniBarbarona]

Ax was obviously imitating Richter's playing here.

[snakez05]

@Ernesto7608 Funny you said Yundi Li I was about to mention him too. Yes Yundi Li i sthe master to me for this this piece. However Ax has done a nice job, however I do find he plays this a little slow Yundi Li has the correct tempo and speed to make your heart melt. However, nice find and a great upload. Thanks