One awesome characteristic of Prokofiev is his sense of humour. He's very good at making something both sinister and hilarious at the same time - case in point, the third movement of this concerto. (He's not the only Russian composer of his time who does the same thing.)
It's one of those moments where virtuosity is fully translated into passion and intensity. Most people listen to it to be swept by the music rather than just wowed by the pianist's skill.
I knew you'd come around on this one! Prokofiev and Yuja brought the roof down! What a performance! This work is a flaming jewel of the world..it'll burn right through your hand 🔥🔥
I remember this being your introduction to Prokofiev. lol Now that you are a seasoned listener, it's interesting to see you revisit it. As you say, you are finally "ready". This is BTW IMO the definitive interpretation. The orchestra is on point, really hitting the rhythmical accents. Yuja is as ever. She doesn't slow down at the cadenza like everyone else and musically, it makes more sense. Ridiculous performance all around. Glad to see your reaction, especially compared to your first time.
he's having a similar listening experience to me lol. It's crazy how melodic and easy to listen to this piece is once you have more experience with Prokofiev's sound in general.
some i know would prefer the interpretation of yakov zak or sultanov, maybe not as technically accurate as yuja's performance but more dramatic, musical and emotional (although i do love yuja's performance of this concerto dont get me wrong, and this performance especilaly is amazing)
yeah it was the same for me, the third is just easier to get into for someone who doesnt listen to prokofiev so much, but most people end up enjoying the 2nd the most after listening to both enough. kind of similar to rach 2 and 3, people will like the 2nd more but then grow to like the 3rd better
Thank you for getting this music to a wider audience. As a pianist and general classical lover, i wish the community were less snobby and more inviting. The only way to beat that is to expand the audience base! Thank you! We need more interested and talented neurons engaged. Yuja is obviously a unique talent where the one in 7 billion convergence of talent, training, intelligence matched with a motor neuron coordination unlike ever seen (and beauty) happens. A great artist to appreciate not only for her performance, but she breaks the mold of a typical pianist in her style and approach. That being said - though i love her performance and this is one of my favorite concertos - vladimir ashkenazy's recording of this piece imho (especially her execution of the cadenza) is my #1. And that being said - she IS amazing and its even more amazing to see how easy she makes this all looks. Brings tears to my eyes and the hairs on the back of my hair stand up when the orchestra comes back in after the cadenza!
I just got into this piece a month or so ago, and Prokofiev’s style really is just something have to get used to, and then it becomes so enjoyable and fun to listen to! Same with Shostakovich and both of his concerti in my experience. (I played the first movement of his 2nd last year.)
If you think you’re ready to listen to the craziest prokofiev can probably get, listen to his second symphony. I personally like the London philharmonic recording :)
Great to see a newfound love for Prokofiev! For more stuff check out the 3rd Piano concerto, the 5th Symphony, The Romeo and Juliet Suite, Violin Concertos, and really any of the piano sonatas. If I were to pick out one or two works specifically I'd go with the 1st Violin concerto, which has a lot of that lyricism you commented on, and the 5th Symphony, which still has that lyricism but with lots of great contrasts and ingenious instrumentation. Enjoy your exploration of Prokofiev Gidi!
Your taste in music evolves!! What a lovely reaction. Some pieces are like the view on the ocean - you dream, you like it immediately. But some pieces are like the ocean - with peculiar depths and so on. Nothing wrong with both of them, but that is it all about. Diving into the ocean is work, but you will be more than compensated for this.
the reason the piece has so many emotions, from almost romance to anger is because this piece was written for his friend who committed suicide unfortunately. Its a chaotic piece of his emotions
i would recommend listening to his 3rd piano concerto too, i pesonally like the 2nd more but the 3rd is less dark and easier to listen to for someone who doesnt listen to lots of prokofiev (or have you already reacted to the 3rd i dont remember)
Audiences and most critics did not like this concerto when it came out in 1913. The first recording would not be made until 40 years later when the great Cuban-American pianist Jorge Bolet played it. Hiis recording in 1953 with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is still considered a reference recording for this piece (the orchestra played much faster than in this version.) Prokofiev was a pianist himself and he did not make it easy on the soloist. This is probably on of his finest works - along with his Piano Concerto No. 3, Symphony No.5, and Romeo and Juliett. For sheer craziness - see his Toccata for piano (Op.11). The one on YT by Yakov Zak is my favorite.
If you want a piece from him which may give you a hard time listening for the first time, I recommend his sixth sonata. It's definitely not very easy to listen to for the first time, but after a few listens, it's actually extremely enjoyable. I recommend lugansky's recording.
Yuja Wang is probably the greatest female pianist of her generation. The greatest of the older generation is arguably Marta Argerich. I advise you watch her playing Rachmaninov's 3rd piano concerto. Here is her most legendary version from 1982: th-cam.com/video/MOOfoW5_2iE/w-d-xo.html
Goes to show one has to listen to pieces multiples times... Your first reaction was quite disapoiting ahah but you did well on this one!! Not a fan of Yuja Wang though, it's not very deep, she's pressing buttons really fast :D
It really lacks drama. Not the integrety and intensity of Y. Avdeeva. Wang plays fast (especially in the candence) without being heavy or having the needed pulse. The orchestra part also isnt that convincing in my opinion. Sorry for blaming. Best regards.
While I do enjoy Avdeeva's overall performance more, I cannot discredit Wang's interpretation-- especially the cadenza. Her interpretation feels like a long thrill, without the need for theatrics, building up to the climax of the cadenza. Though not humble, it still shows her virtuosity.
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Damn this is a much better interpretation than her initial ones, she has improved a lot
One awesome characteristic of Prokofiev is his sense of humour. He's very good at making something both sinister and hilarious at the same time - case in point, the third movement of this concerto. (He's not the only Russian composer of his time who does the same thing.)
Hahahaha, ok, just got to 22:30 - Gidi gets it.
@@peterireland4344love that part, I always laugh when I listen to it because it sounds like an absolute disaster
The cadenza is one of the most mind-blowing thing I've seen
It's one of those moments where virtuosity is fully translated into passion and intensity. Most people listen to it to be swept by the music rather than just wowed by the pianist's skill.
I would kill to see her perform this live
Same!!!!
Yuja Wang is to our generation what Vladamir Askenazy was to the previous: THE APEX OF THE VERSATILE CLASSICAL PIANIST imho
Prokofiev's 6th symphony is one of his greatest pieces and one of my favorite symphonies. I highly recommend it
I love how Yuja speaks to the piano while she is playing
I knew you'd come around on this one! Prokofiev and Yuja brought the roof down! What a performance! This work is a flaming jewel of the world..it'll burn right through your hand 🔥🔥
I'd love to see another melodic reunion with Martha Argerich's performance of Prokofiev's third piano concerto with the Singapore Symphony!
This piece is actually, like enjoyable...
👁️👄👁️
I remember this being your introduction to Prokofiev. lol Now that you are a seasoned listener, it's interesting to see you revisit it. As you say, you are finally "ready". This is BTW IMO the definitive interpretation. The orchestra is on point, really hitting the rhythmical accents. Yuja is as ever. She doesn't slow down at the cadenza like everyone else and musically, it makes more sense. Ridiculous performance all around. Glad to see your reaction, especially compared to your first time.
he's having a similar listening experience to me lol. It's crazy how melodic and easy to listen to this piece is once you have more experience with Prokofiev's sound in general.
This is a truly great performance, but keep in mind that no recording is ever "definitive".
some i know would prefer the interpretation of yakov zak or sultanov, maybe not as technically accurate as yuja's performance but more dramatic, musical and emotional (although i do love yuja's performance of this concerto dont get me wrong, and this performance especilaly is amazing)
It's my favourite from all his 5 piano concertos. Took a little while and there was a time I did prefer number 3 but now I like this one best.
yeah it was the same for me, the third is just easier to get into for someone who doesnt listen to prokofiev so much, but most people end up enjoying the 2nd the most after listening to both enough. kind of similar to rach 2 and 3, people will like the 2nd more but then grow to like the 3rd better
@@karrotkakeThat is so true.
Thank you for getting this music to a wider audience. As a pianist and general classical lover, i wish the community were less snobby and more inviting. The only way to beat that is to expand the audience base! Thank you! We need more interested and talented neurons engaged.
Yuja is obviously a unique talent where the one in 7 billion convergence of talent, training, intelligence matched with a motor neuron coordination unlike ever seen (and beauty) happens. A great artist to appreciate not only for her performance, but she breaks the mold of a typical pianist in her style and approach.
That being said - though i love her performance and this is one of my favorite concertos - vladimir ashkenazy's recording of this piece imho (especially her execution of the cadenza) is my #1.
And that being said - she IS amazing and its even more amazing to see how easy she makes this all looks.
Brings tears to my eyes and the hairs on the back of my hair stand up when the orchestra comes back in after the cadenza!
I just got into this piece a month or so ago, and Prokofiev’s style really is just something have to get used to, and then it becomes so enjoyable and fun to listen to! Same with Shostakovich and both of his concerti in my experience. (I played the first movement of his 2nd last year.)
I JUST listened to this concerto yesterday!!! What? The timing lol!
If you think you’re ready to listen to the craziest prokofiev can probably get, listen to his second symphony. I personally like the London philharmonic recording :)
Definitely my favorite pianist
Di una bellezza sconvolgente, pari al suo virtuosismo...nel mirabile capolavoro di Prokofiev
you should try prokofiev's 6th symphony; in my opinion it's his greatest work. the romeo and juliet suites (1-3) are also amazing!
my fav piano concerto
Great to see a newfound love for Prokofiev! For more stuff check out the 3rd Piano concerto, the 5th Symphony, The Romeo and Juliet Suite, Violin Concertos, and really any of the piano sonatas. If I were to pick out one or two works specifically I'd go with the 1st Violin concerto, which has a lot of that lyricism you commented on, and the 5th Symphony, which still has that lyricism but with lots of great contrasts and ingenious instrumentation. Enjoy your exploration of Prokofiev Gidi!
I believe he's already reacted to all those things.
Listening to classics with you is the only outlet now after the tragedy in Moscow...thank you and all the virtuous people who are reading this
Watch her ravel's 'la valse' from the verbier festival. Best recording of that piece ever.
Your taste in music evolves!! What a lovely reaction. Some pieces are like the view on the ocean - you dream, you like it immediately. But some pieces are like the ocean - with peculiar depths and so on. Nothing wrong with both of them, but that is it all about. Diving into the ocean is work, but you will be more than compensated for this.
the reason the piece has so many emotions, from almost romance to anger is because this piece was written for his friend who committed suicide unfortunately. Its a chaotic piece of his emotions
i would recommend listening to his 3rd piano concerto too, i pesonally like the 2nd more but the 3rd is less dark and easier to listen to for someone who doesnt listen to lots of prokofiev (or have you already reacted to the 3rd i dont remember)
He listened to that one a few days ago!
Nah, we have to stop meeting like this! 😂 I definitely agree with your suggestion though.
Audiences and most critics did not like this concerto when it came out in 1913. The first recording would not be made until 40 years later when the great Cuban-American pianist Jorge Bolet played it. Hiis recording in 1953 with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is still considered a reference recording for this piece (the orchestra played much faster than in this version.) Prokofiev was a pianist himself and he did not make it easy on the soloist. This is probably on of his finest works - along with his Piano Concerto No. 3, Symphony No.5, and Romeo and Juliett. For sheer craziness - see his Toccata for piano (Op.11). The one on YT by Yakov Zak is my favorite.
I don't know if you have but you should totally listen to prokofiev's 6th sonata
Take a listen to "Visions Fugitives" by Prokofiev.
Maybe try listening to Prokofiev opus 12 because after you listen to them, Prokofiev feels a lot more understandable in a way.
If you want a piece from him which may give you a hard time listening for the first time, I recommend his sixth sonata. It's definitely not very easy to listen to for the first time, but after a few listens, it's actually extremely enjoyable. I recommend lugansky's recording.
Lets go GIDI!!!
Yuja Wang is probably the greatest female pianist of her generation. The greatest of the older generation is arguably Marta Argerich. I advise you watch her playing Rachmaninov's 3rd piano concerto. Here is her most legendary version from 1982: th-cam.com/video/MOOfoW5_2iE/w-d-xo.html
Bro I got a question. Are you a professional musician yourself?
No sir just an average music listener and enjoyer 😁
Goes to show one has to listen to pieces multiples times... Your first reaction was quite disapoiting ahah but you did well on this one!!
Not a fan of Yuja Wang though, it's not very deep, she's pressing buttons really fast :D
It really lacks drama. Not the integrety and intensity of Y. Avdeeva. Wang plays fast (especially in the candence) without being heavy or having the needed pulse. The orchestra part also isnt that convincing in my opinion. Sorry for blaming. Best regards.
While I do enjoy Avdeeva's overall performance more, I cannot discredit Wang's interpretation-- especially the cadenza. Her interpretation feels like a long thrill, without the need for theatrics, building up to the climax of the cadenza. Though not humble, it still shows her virtuosity.
@@jon9544 Thanks for the response. I will hear it one more time.
There is something disconcerting about this concerto
I'd love to hear your thoughts on his 5th symphony
He has reacted to 5th around a year ago
@@Draspber I see. I'll check it out if that's the case.