My jaw dropped after watching this, Chopin was not human. This structure genuinely blows my mind. Thank you mr greg for your kindness, you are doing a great job representing the actual story behind these pieces.
The descending arpeggio patterns proceeded by forte base octaves is one of the most beautiful piano passages I have ever heard. There was a graduate student working on this when I was an undergrad. That chorale was always the part I looked foward to.
Just found your channel and love this video. I love the Polish people that I meet. I had a relative (by marraige) that was Polish and his brother was Pope John Paul II's personal secretary! He was also in a German concentration camp, but survived. One day I hope to visit from USA.
I love all of your videos! I've been playing classical piano since 5 and chopin has always been one of my very favorite composer. I love your interpretations and analysis and how passionate and knowledgeable you are. Very, very inspiring and thank you for these wonderful videos!
You really do make my piano life easier 😂❤ all the stories and imaginations how u describe each part and the way how to think while playing it really is wonderful and I’m now able to play the piano with the meaning like I’m telling a story too! Thank you very much Greg.
Vraiment merci pour cette merveilleuse vidéo ! J'adore ce Scherzo et j'aimerais beaucoup le travailler. Grace à vous, j'aurais déjà des bases d'interprétation, des renseignements sur l'«état d'esprit» de Chopin lorsqu'il l'a composé... Vous m'apportez énormément de choses grâce à vos analyses des œuvres de Chopin, et je vous en remercie 🙏 J'aime beaucoup la façon dont vous expliquez, avec beaucoup de simplicité, mais également avec profondeur et humilité. Vous montrez bien les intentions de Chopin, selon vous, évidemment, personne ne peut prétendre penser exactement comme lui, mais vous le dites, et votre analyse n'en est que plus digne de foi. Merci pour tout !!🤩
Absolutely fantastic !!! Your wise way of approaching such a monumental work, clearly reveals both, upper level of mind and extreme emotional ability to get always into the point. Your analytical method within the framework of other masterpieces in the field of the piano classical literature, helps all of us realize not only the basis and motifs of all the Chopin works, but also make them part of our being in a permanent way, sealed by your fervor, sensibility and spontaneity. I chose this superb scherzo right after Prelude no 10, op 28. No need to explain in more words the reason ... C sharp minor and E major keys, have always been challenging my mind and soul throughout the whole Chopin works, and not only ... E major also appears in Ballade op 23 no 1, enriching exultation of the listeners to a heavenly space of pure delight. In Scherzo no 3, op 39 this mixture has a different effect which inevitably ends in a metaphysic "major" and arbitrary, to a certain extent, question which will not be answered by anyone, as long as the humans are on earth ... The least i can say, is a huge thank you to you, Mo Niemczuk !!!
Terrific talk and performance! That ending, if it was on a crashing minor it would deliver a real punch. But Chopin asserting it in such a glorious C# major delivers the punch plus goosebumps!
I am learning this piece and you have enlightened me on many things. I will try to bring out these prayers and angels descending from heaven and this fight against the beast. Thank you very much for this analysis.
Amazing! I love the scherzos especially 2 and 3, I always wanted to understand the deeper meaning and emotion behind number 3. I have to say, I agree with you at 16:44, chopin never composed a bad piece!
Normally I practice like that. It's because my wife is also a pianist and he is downstairs having another grand piano and practicing! So we are doing everything possible no to disturb each other
Nobody plays and understands Chopin like you, Can you please recommend me some biographies and books about Chopin because I really want to understand the beauty of his soul, passion, and compositions.Extraordinary!!
Thanks for your enthusiastic unpicking of this. the chorale and it's cascades are so satisfying to play and that special moment when it comes in e minor. the LH C natural marked with an accent is the first clue. I hope your concert tour in Norway comes to fruition.
It's also interesting to point out that this is the only scherzo ending with a Picardy Third and one of the only three pieces which use the Bb in the lowest register (a note Chopin never used anywhere except for in the Fantasie, the ending of the first movement of the second sonata and this piece. Otherwise the lowest note he used would be C1).
@@gregniemczuk also, after the chorale appears a second time, when it turns into E minor, I get reminded of this passage in Rachmaninoff's 2nd sonata (it's at 12:36 on this video: th-cam.com/video/C_lOOYSzoBc/w-d-xo.html). Same gloomy melody interrupted by some notes in the higher register.
@@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji I could of course do another kind of analyses, more professional and indepth but during COVID-19 I decided that I will address total amateurs, music lovers, because there was not so much content like this for such people.
@@gregniemczukhaha, I totally understand. I just felt like sharing the similarity between the two passages. It's a wonderful explanation nonetheless.
That is a beautiful Kawai you have. They are one of the best makers out there. Kawai, Baldwin, and Bosendurfer have been the best pianos I have had the pleasure to play on. Steinway is way overrated in my possibly "blasphemous" opinion. The sweet, gorgeous sound, and superior touch of Bosendurfer is why I insisted on using the Bosendurfer Imperial grand for my senior recital over the two Steinways available. The poor thing was rarely pulled out of the cage.
@@gregniemczuk I am not saying Steinway is "bad", they are of the utmost quality. I own a Steinway upright and I have never seen a better built upright model. It is a 1893 model, and was unfortunately neglected for a long time before I got it. The body, soundboard, plate, and strings are still im prestine condition, but due to neglect, the wooden mechanisms on the action have become brittle and will inevitably fall apart. I was still able to get the action repinned and felted for a bargain getting it functional again. Ultimately, the action would need to be sent to Steinway for a complete rebuild which is way out of my price range I can afford.
Incredible video master Greg, really instructive and enriching. By the way, do you think Chopin could had inspiration from Beethoven's 9 symphony 2nd movement opening to write this Scherzo A theme?. Thank you!
@@gregniemczuk I think they are in my range, more than the 4th Ballade, which I love more, but am afraid to play it in such an important exam. I was thinking the 3rd Scherzo would be maybe too short. (?)
I don't think it's too short. It's still a Chopin's Scherzo! A few minutes difference is not important. You still have to build this piece , it's narration and story.
I was listening to Beethoven's larghetto from the Symphony №2 (the second movement) and I was struck by the similarity between Chopin's chorale of the third scherzo and the main theme from that movement. Do you think Chopin could have used this melody intentionaly, as an homage to Beethoven?
Thanks for this great videos. I am very greatful about! now i have a question regarding this Scherzo, which i love to play: Do you feel that there is a motivic connection between the Main octave section and the angelic interruptions of the chorale? its both three notes of falling thirds. In the coda, we have this great left hand leaps in octaves which consists of rising augmented lines. the main direction of the octaves is falling so far. is this the change or the attempt to change the main motive to the side of hope? .....i think so.... Anyway....your videos are full of inspiration! thank you so much!!
Thank you for this comment! It's very interesting. It makes a lot of sense! I didn't think about it before but now I must say that it is very probable. It's amazing how many different things we can find in Chopin's masterpieces!
@@gregniemczuk thi piece seems for me to be obsessed by three falling notes within a third even in the rigth hand figuration of the coda. it is as you said a piece which is surprising. its no typical Chopin (if a typical Chopin exists)
Hi Do you think there is a link between the choral sequence in Chopin's third scherzo, and the choral sequence in the finale of Mendelssohn"s 2nd piano trio ??? I can't believe there is no relationship between these two passages..... Is it possible that Mendelssohn quoted Chopin here ?
Well spotted!!! We will never know. The idea is exactly the same, melody is similar but not literal quotation. Might be a coincidence or inspiration taken from Chopin. I don't think it's a literal quotation here.
best chopin teacher on youtube
My jaw dropped after watching this, Chopin was not human. This structure genuinely blows my mind. Thank you mr greg for your kindness, you are doing a great job representing the actual story behind these pieces.
Thanks! Yes! He was a total genius!
You are an amazing lecturer. Greatly appreciate your insights and playing, Maestro. Bravo!
Thank you very much! I love doing that!
The descending arpeggio patterns proceeded by forte base octaves is one of the most beautiful piano passages I have ever heard. There was a graduate student working on this when I was an undergrad. That chorale was always the part I looked foward to.
Thank you for your comment. Yes indeed! That's fantastically written!
The coda is so amazing with the fast jump in left hand and scale in right hand!
Just found your channel and love this video. I love the Polish people that I meet. I had a relative (by marraige) that was Polish and his brother was Pope John Paul II's personal secretary! He was also in a German concentration camp, but survived. One day I hope to visit from USA.
Amazing!!! Thank you so much Tor your comment
I love all of your videos! I've been playing classical piano since 5 and chopin has always been one of my very favorite composer. I love your interpretations and analysis and how passionate and knowledgeable you are. Very, very inspiring and thank you for these wonderful videos!
Thanks Jaden!!
@@gregniemczuk I hope you will do Scriabin, Rachmaninov and Liszt too I love the romantic era
Thank you so much for putting into words what I have deeply felt for this masterpiece the first time I heard it. So profoundly beautiful!
Thank you Michael! I really appreciate your words and presence here! Greetings!
You really do make my piano life easier 😂❤ all the stories and imaginations how u describe each part and the way how to think while playing it really is wonderful and I’m now able to play the piano with the meaning like I’m telling a story too! Thank you very much Greg.
I learn so much from your videos. The in-depth understanding of the piece inspires and enhances my playing. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much Vincy!! Welcome to my chanel!
This is why I love TH-cam - thanks so much for another wonderful video.
You're welcome! Thank you for being here!
You play this choral part so amazingly beautiful!!! I can feel every single note❤
Thank you!!!
Vraiment merci pour cette merveilleuse vidéo ! J'adore ce Scherzo et j'aimerais beaucoup le travailler. Grace à vous, j'aurais déjà des bases d'interprétation, des renseignements sur l'«état d'esprit» de Chopin lorsqu'il l'a composé... Vous m'apportez énormément de choses grâce à vos analyses des œuvres de Chopin, et je vous en remercie 🙏 J'aime beaucoup la façon dont vous expliquez, avec beaucoup de simplicité, mais également avec profondeur et humilité. Vous montrez bien les intentions de Chopin, selon vous, évidemment, personne ne peut prétendre penser exactement comme lui, mais vous le dites, et votre analyse n'en est que plus digne de foi. Merci pour tout !!🤩
Beautiful playing beautiful explanations so delightful to losten to you thank you so much!!!!
Thank you!
You are a legendary man, and you're videos making me speechless every time.
Awww... Thanks!!!
I love listening you telling amazing stories behind the music. It adds so much - Thank you!
Thank you!
Absolutely fantastic !!! Your wise way of approaching such a monumental work, clearly reveals both, upper level of mind and extreme emotional ability to get always into the point. Your analytical method within the framework of other masterpieces in the field of the piano classical literature, helps all of us realize not only the basis and motifs of all the Chopin works, but also make them part of our being in a permanent way, sealed by your fervor, sensibility and spontaneity. I chose this superb scherzo right after Prelude no 10, op 28. No need to explain in more words the reason ... C sharp minor and E major keys, have always been challenging my mind and soul throughout the whole Chopin works, and not only ... E major also appears in Ballade op 23 no 1, enriching exultation of the listeners to a heavenly space of pure delight. In Scherzo no 3, op 39 this mixture has a different effect which inevitably ends in a metaphysic "major" and arbitrary, to a certain extent, question which will not be answered by anyone, as long as the humans are on earth ... The least i can say, is a huge thank you to you, Mo Niemczuk !!!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Much love for making this video. Every minute was eye-opening. Beautiful piece and story. Thanks for bringing it to life!
Thanks!! I appreciate that!
Terrific talk and performance! That ending, if it was on a crashing minor it would deliver a real punch. But Chopin asserting it in such a glorious C# major delivers the punch plus goosebumps!
Yes!!!!!
Thank you
Great content!!!! Amazing insights and instructions !!! A real lecture ! Thank you!!!
I am learning this piece and you have enlightened me on many things. I will try to bring out these prayers and angels descending from heaven and this fight against the beast. Thank you very much for this analysis.
Superb!!!!
Thank you very much!!
You are amazing! Thank you ever so much for sharing your insights! Very inspiring, catching and helpful at the same time!
Thank you so much!
Thank you, really appreciated your work.
I really enjoyed your lecture. You are the best!
Thanks!
Amazing! I love the scherzos especially 2 and 3, I always wanted to understand the deeper meaning and emotion behind number 3. I have to say, I agree with you at 16:44, chopin never composed a bad piece!
Hahahah, thanks!
Hi Greg! Love your conception and interpretation of this scherzo. Your work is very usefull for me. Thanks for this💜
Thank you!!!
Amazing! I love your interpretation and will use this when I study this piece! Thank you:)
Do you have your music desk on top of the closed lid? And is there a blanket? Is that to keep the piano as quiet as possible?
Normally I practice like that. It's because my wife is also a pianist and he is downstairs having another grand piano and practicing! So we are doing everything possible no to disturb each other
Nobody plays and understands Chopin like you, Can you please recommend me some biographies and books about Chopin because I really want to understand the beauty of his soul, passion, and compositions.Extraordinary!!
In English because unfortunately I don’t understand polish.
Alan Walker - Chopin biography.
It's a great book
Thanks for your enthusiastic unpicking of this. the chorale and it's cascades are so satisfying to play and that special moment when it comes in e minor. the LH C natural marked with an accent is the first clue. I hope your concert tour in Norway comes to fruition.
Thank you so much! Thanks for watching!
شكرا علي الترجمه ...من مصر
My pleasure!
It's also interesting to point out that this is the only scherzo ending with a Picardy Third and one of the only three pieces which use the Bb in the lowest register (a note Chopin never used anywhere except for in the Fantasie, the ending of the first movement of the second sonata and this piece. Otherwise the lowest note he used would be C1).
Thank you very much for enriching this video with your comment. Yes!
Not all of my viewers know though what is a Picardy Third 😊.
@@gregniemczukYou're welcome and yes, I see that.
@@gregniemczuk also, after the chorale appears a second time, when it turns into E minor, I get reminded of this passage in Rachmaninoff's 2nd sonata (it's at 12:36 on this video: th-cam.com/video/C_lOOYSzoBc/w-d-xo.html). Same gloomy melody interrupted by some notes in the higher register.
@@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji I could of course do another kind of analyses, more professional and indepth but during COVID-19 I decided that I will address total amateurs, music lovers, because there was not so much content like this for such people.
@@gregniemczukhaha, I totally understand. I just felt like sharing the similarity between the two passages. It's a wonderful explanation nonetheless.
That is a beautiful Kawai you have. They are one of the best makers out there. Kawai, Baldwin, and Bosendurfer have been the best pianos I have had the pleasure to play on. Steinway is way overrated in my possibly "blasphemous" opinion. The sweet, gorgeous sound, and superior touch of Bosendurfer is why I insisted on using the Bosendurfer Imperial grand for my senior recital over the two Steinways available. The poor thing was rarely pulled out of the cage.
It depends on the model. Steinways also have great models. I also love Fazioli. Do you know Fazioli?
@@gregniemczuk I have heard of Fazioli, but have not had the opportunity to try one.
@@gregniemczuk I am not saying Steinway is "bad", they are of the utmost quality. I own a Steinway upright and I have never seen a better built upright model. It is a 1893 model, and was unfortunately neglected for a long time before I got it. The body, soundboard, plate, and strings are still im prestine condition, but due to neglect, the wooden mechanisms on the action have become brittle and will inevitably fall apart. I was still able to get the action repinned and felted for a bargain getting it functional again. Ultimately, the action would need to be sent to Steinway for a complete rebuild which is way out of my price range I can afford.
@@gregniemczuk Do you know who Laura Spitzer is?
@@bigl5343 oh no, who is she?
Incredible video master Greg, really instructive and enriching. By the way, do you think Chopin could had inspiration from Beethoven's 9 symphony 2nd movement opening to write this Scherzo A theme?. Thank you!
I've never thought about it but....maybe??? Indeed it can be! Consciously or subconsciously...
Wonderful analysis! I'm thinking of playing either this Scherzo or No.4 for my conservatory admission exam. Which one would you choose?
I would choose no.4 but it depends on your specific technique, your pros and cons, your musical personality. They are extremely different
@@gregniemczuk I think they are in my range, more than the 4th Ballade, which I love more, but am afraid to play it in such an important exam.
I was thinking the 3rd Scherzo would be maybe too short. (?)
I don't think it's too short. It's still a Chopin's Scherzo! A few minutes difference is not important. You still have to build this piece , it's narration and story.
@@gregniemczuk Yes, you are right. I think the 4th is more harmonically rich, though. Also, the analysis made me love it the most.
I was listening to Beethoven's larghetto from the Symphony №2 (the second movement) and I was struck by the similarity between Chopin's chorale of the third scherzo and the main theme from that movement. Do you think Chopin could have used this melody intentionaly, as an homage to Beethoven?
It's quite possible as Chopin took inspiration from Beethoven for his Scherzos and their construction
Thanks for this great videos. I am very greatful about!
now i have a question regarding this Scherzo, which i love to play:
Do you feel that there is a motivic connection between the Main octave section and the angelic interruptions of the chorale? its both three notes of falling thirds.
In the coda, we have this great left hand leaps in octaves which consists of rising augmented lines. the main direction of the octaves is falling so far. is this the change or the attempt to change the main motive to the side of hope?
.....i think so....
Anyway....your videos are full of inspiration! thank you so much!!
Thank you for this comment! It's very interesting. It makes a lot of sense! I didn't think about it before but now I must say that it is very probable. It's amazing how many different things we can find in Chopin's masterpieces!
@@gregniemczuk thi piece seems for me to be obsessed by three falling notes within a third even in the rigth hand figuration of the coda.
it is as you said a piece which is surprising. its no typical Chopin (if a typical Chopin exists)
Hi
Do you think there is a link between the choral sequence in Chopin's third scherzo, and the choral sequence in the finale of Mendelssohn"s 2nd piano trio ??? I can't believe there is no relationship between these two passages..... Is it possible that Mendelssohn quoted Chopin here ?
Well spotted!!!
We will never know. The idea is exactly the same, melody is similar but not literal quotation. Might be a coincidence or inspiration taken from Chopin. I don't think it's a literal quotation here.
I can not play the b major chord even if i try to play two notes with the thumb ☹️
Ehhh... Than just skip one note....
Yes i was going to do that, but it just didn't sound complete... It's very impractical to have small hands at the piano
Arthur Rubinstein commented that this piece taxed his strength particularly.