Chopin Nocturne Op 48 No.1 C minor

One of Chopin's most priceless performance remarks is at the beginning of this Nocturne -- "sotto voce". Just like that : not a girlish "piano" , not an ambivalent "mezzo forte" , not even meaty forte ( the last thing you want here is an "opera" voice for this melody ).It effectively bars all over-the-top cheap and showy "expressive emotions" -- no eye rolling allowed , no hair flailing, no hands flying , no sobs , no visible tears.... A musical equivalent of the famed British " keeping a stiff upper lip "- this "sotto voce" gives us the right sense of what this piece is about .Just as Chopin's 2nd sonata this nocturne deals directly and openly with such tragic subjects as death, loss and grief ... except , here you are allowed to leave personal comments. 2nd sonata is a depiction of all those things , this Nocturne is a commentary- or an epitaph.....the fifth movement that would come after the Finale ...If you ever visit La Madeleine in Paris ( Chopin's parish church where his funeral was held on October 30th ) think about this Nocturne , OK?

PS. Talking about parallels between Rachmaninoff and Chopin works , don't you think that "doppio movimento" part ( last pages ) sounds ominously like Rachmaninoff Etude-Tableau E flat Minor Op39?

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[shenkeey]

@chopin8765 Don't agree with you, it really shows desperation this way

[myfunnylittlelife]

This is probably my favorite version of this nocturne. Thank you so much for it!

[troyarmstrong434]

Such grace.

[alterego2288]

congratulations vale.... it was a marvelous performance. it is the most beautiful and deeper piece of chopin. of course it is so difficult as well. see you and thanks a lot

[ingenieriacivil000]

@PortgasD88rach Yes Valentina, we want the ballades and the preludes... Please...

[AnouarTahiri]

Masterly. Both the composer and the executor.

[cardcuts96]

I like this version better than perlemuter..,sorry =]

[Elsenrail29]

Please folks check the version of Perlemuter... It pales this one. Still a very good version... but Perlemuter's is exalted...

[conklicle]

interesting Technique! i love your interpretation of this piece!

[clickhazard]

I like how the hands touch the keyboard. so suave.

[Triskelion202]

You're awesome!!!!!

[PortgasD88rach]

@ValentinaLisitsa Dear Valentina, why don't You upload videos in which You play Chopin's 4 Ballades?:-)