A man ruled by his emotions, Chopin met Aurore Dudevant, known to the world as the novelist George Sand, through the virtuoso pianist Liszt. Madame Sand was brilliant and domineering; her need to dominate complemented Chopin’s need to be ruled. She left a memorable account of the composer at work: "His creative power was spontaneous, miraculous. It came to him without effort or warning. . . . But then began the most heartrending labour I have ever witnessed..." For eight years, Chopin spent his summers with Sand although his health grew progressively worse and his relationship with Sand eventually ended in bitterness. His lonely despair pervades his last letters: “What has become of my art?. . . And my heart, where have I wasted it?” Chopin died of tuberculosis in Paris at the age of thirty-nine. The artistic world bid its farewell to the strains of the composer’s own funeral march, from his Piano Sonata in B-flat minor. Thank you for this beautiful performance, Yuja.
Chopin's need to be ruled?? Really? Don't you think that a man suffering from TB and a constant coughing and frailty might not recognize that they indeed need support from a strong individual? Would have been interesting if Chopin had not suffered from TB how that would have affected his relationship with Dudevant.
Record companies, please take note: this is what a piano is supposed to sound like. Why do they insist on over-processing the recordings and leave us with desiccated piano sound that completely destroys the considerable efforts pianists put into tone production? I've watched this performance before, and I remember the sound was a lot flatter in the video I watched. Thanks Peter for uploading this one!
@@skrutten_ The Yuja Wang Archives (see link in the description) has a better version of the Mendelssohn, but I have not published that on youtube since you should purchase the DVD for best quality.
It’s cold and dry. The recording maybe has something to do with lack of longevity of the sound ,but the problem is coming from inside of ms. Wong. I have to note that her recent performances of different repertoire are much more impressive.
@@privateprivate22 No. "Cold and dry" is clearly an artifact of subpar engineering. I've heard many of Yuja Wang's recordings dating back from 2001. Her sound hasn't gone through any fundamental change since at the latest 2007. DG's recordings are "cold and dry". Some broadcast recordings and audience recordings from the same period and of the same repertoire tell a vastly different story.
@@whrmccgah I’m listening to her almost every year in Carnegie Hall, her recent performances were much better, I even started to think that she was consulting with someone, but years ago, I don’t remember exactly the sound, but she was a superficial artist.
No this Italisn woman played it at Chopin competition UNFOTGETTSBLE MIND!!!it and it make U forget Rachmaninoff was Ever Recorded. THE FIRST MOVEMENT IS MUSIC TO END THE WORLD!!!
Clearly, Yuja Wang is an artist beyond compare. Just the brilliance of her memory for musical pieces is astounding. Let alone her exquisite taste on such a delicate piece. Thank GOD!, we have lived in the era of Yuja Wang. ----Eddy from Hollywood.
Yuja is stunning in all aspects. The incredible technique/virtuosity, the depth in interpretation of Chopin, sensitivity, passion and , on a lighter note, she understands “showbiz “. Who could not adore this woman.
Incredibly beautifully played! It's like hearing it for the very first time. It was a struck of genius to place the left hand chords an octave below in the final section of the funeral march, leaving the listener embossomed in pure darkness and despair after the cherished memories of the mid section. It also creates a scary, hollowish quality to the tone, appropriate for the context.
The sophisticated chord progression of this spectacular sonata sounds so much alike of what would be later used by Rachmaninoff. Yet they never met (Rachmaninoff was born nearly 25 years after Chopin's death). It's simply the most amazing phenomenon when one can travel freely in time.
Big agree. I’m deciding on rep for a comp and I’m thinking for round 2: Rach Sonata 2 mvmt 1, Beethoven 10.2 in F mvmt 1, then Chopin Sonata 2 mvmt 1 This b flat minor -> F -> b flat minor, I V I thing. Another interesting thing is the chopin sonata opens on an F octave, the Beethoven first mvmt ends with an F octave. Then, like you said the Rach and chopin comparison…
Unfortunately she follows the numerous editions that show the repeat beginning from “Doppio movimento.” Chopin wanted the repeat to begin with the Grave.
@@richardcarnes2834 We certainly don't know what Chopin wanted. The reason for the ambiguity lies in the difference between the first English and first German editions of the piece. For me, Johannes Brahms' opinion is conclusive: if we repeat the exposition of the first movement, it is together with the Grave motive because of its structural role in the development. Postscript: Brahms prepared his own edition of Chopin's oevre.
I agree. For the first couple of minutes, although she played well, I think she was a little nervous. After that, she played the whole of the rest as though under the influence of a demonic possession that produced superhuman results.
Very musical performance. Listening to classical piano music usually makes me uncomfortable but you make it easy to listen to because you play it with ease and musicality.
Of course, directly wrong, so the next (a bit) untrained ear. Oh dear, again and again these unfortunately somewhat simple-minded listeners who are quick to indulge in superlatives. So: she is technically known to be in the premier league, yes, and in this respect tonally commendably clear, but: this Chopin work, for example, is often too mechanical in her playing, as well as musically too unsubtle in the transition to other aspects of the piece. Later she became a little more level-headed, but still thunders too strongly on the keys. This is never the absolute highest mastery on the piano. On the other hand, she has an enormous memory + really does practise different works quickly.
It's fantastic to hear Chopin perfectly played, but Frédéric's deep nostalgia and cozy character are the opposite of Yuja's overflowing joy and intrepid character. Without his melancholic spirit, Yuja Wang stresses the poetic side of the composer and infuses her own point of view far more optimistic and positive on life.
Maybe you are right, I have not so much experience listening to this second sonata. But in my opinion there is also a melancolic spirit in this, and I like how the young Yuja takes care of the more poetic parts in this sonata. It is natural that we have different opinions, and I thank you for your opinion.
Yes, that's the impulsiveness of the zodiac sign Aquarius, haha. It does not necessarily do justice to Chopin's music. For example, machine-like sounding, noisy chord repetitions and too fast in the forte. A lack of subtle transitions. Unfortunately, sometimes clearly unsuitable. However, she is still quite young in this video, so she lacks the musical maturity to master such works by Chopin with true mastery.
Mmm, he was not really 17 yers old. He was born in 1810 and the sonata is dated 1839 and was published in 1840. Although the Funeral March was composed earlier, it is generally accepted it was in 1837 (perhaps 1835), so, he was 27 (perhaps 25) but certainly not 17. Cheers. :)
Yuja's playing of this piece is in line with her style of clean and crisp, with sensitivity and without sentimentality. It does bring a fresh breeze to this piece as most other pianists play it with more density. My number one choice of this piece is Ivo Progorelic's 1987 recording. It was lavishly beautiful and fully emotive yet clearly articulated. Such an enjoyment.
A bit better than my old Kimball Upright. Thanks for uploading and syncing the audio. Many of us enjoy classical and since Public Radio Stations have gone all talk/news TH-cam and Pandora are it.
I like the imperfect version of this sonata done by 16 Y/O Aimi Kobayoshi back in 2016. Her weaker, slower style captures nuances not captured here. Hi Peter,
I love u yuja wang I really want to love you as you do by playing in such performance as Chopin want it to be feeling and play it just matter of heart.. I love uuuj... Just I would love as you play as it must to play it...
O. M. G !! 👏👏. Stunning composition & performance 🏆 Definitely at one with this masterpiece. Phenomenal technical control of this beautiful & brilliant musical landscape !
Nice to meet a very young Yuja, long before her outfits on scene became an emblem for how a female artist also can dress. And an object for discussion. What I notice in this is that her playing already is very mature, and Chopin seems to be her old friend. Bravo!
Yuja's playing of Chopin was already excellent at age 14, even before she ever moved to Canada and then Curtis in the US to hone her pianistic skills. You can hear Yuja playing in the open section of a major piano competition at age 14 at th-cam.com/video/2PpnHtMoTg8/w-d-xo.html. [It was the only competition, I believe, where she failed to win first prize. She was third, but won the special prize for musicians under the age of 20.]
I consider this sonata one of the few most difficult piano works, technically and even more so musically. Yet Yujia played it so effortlessly beautiful. That said, I don't think I am a fan to the taste of her stage apparel. 😱😜
1:43 but for this moment you need to be desperate (I don't wish you that), because now =, in your rendition of today, it's lukewarm, tepid, with no sense. My eternal advice : DO NOT PLAY DESPERATE PIECES WHEN YOU ARE NOT DESPERATE YOURSELF. It's not complicated, for God's sake ! Be just logical !!
A man ruled by his emotions, Chopin met Aurore Dudevant, known to the world as the novelist George Sand, through the virtuoso pianist Liszt. Madame Sand was brilliant and domineering; her need to dominate complemented Chopin’s need to be ruled. She left a memorable account of the composer at work:
"His creative power was spontaneous, miraculous. It came to him without effort or warning. . . . But then began the most heartrending labour I have ever witnessed..."
For eight years, Chopin spent his summers with Sand although his health grew progressively worse and his relationship with Sand eventually ended in bitterness. His lonely despair pervades his last letters:
“What has become of my art?. . . And my heart, where have I wasted it?”
Chopin died of tuberculosis in Paris at the age of thirty-nine. The artistic world bid its farewell to the strains of the composer’s own funeral march, from his Piano Sonata in B-flat minor. Thank you for this beautiful performance, Yuja.
Chopin's need to be ruled?? Really? Don't you think that a man suffering from TB and a constant coughing and frailty might not recognize that they indeed need support from a strong individual? Would have been interesting if Chopin had not suffered from TB how that would have affected his relationship with Dudevant.
Record companies, please take note: this is what a piano is supposed to sound like. Why do they insist on over-processing the recordings and leave us with desiccated piano sound that completely destroys the considerable efforts pianists put into tone production? I've watched this performance before, and I remember the sound was a lot flatter in the video I watched. Thanks Peter for uploading this one!
Yes the original audio track was a bit flat. A friend had a separate audio track and synched it with the video for me, thanks Ling!
@@skrutten_ The Yuja Wang Archives (see link in the description) has a better version of the Mendelssohn, but I have not published that on youtube since you should purchase the DVD for best quality.
It’s cold and dry. The recording maybe has something to do with lack of longevity of the sound ,but the problem is coming from inside of ms. Wong. I have to note that her recent performances of different repertoire are much more impressive.
@@privateprivate22 No. "Cold and dry" is clearly an artifact of subpar engineering. I've heard many of Yuja Wang's recordings dating back from 2001. Her sound hasn't gone through any fundamental change since at the latest 2007. DG's recordings are "cold and dry". Some broadcast recordings and audience recordings from the same period and of the same repertoire tell a vastly different story.
@@whrmccgah I’m listening to her almost every year in Carnegie Hall, her recent performances were much better, I even started to think that she was consulting with someone, but years ago, I don’t remember exactly the sound, but she was a superficial artist.
This performance even exceeds that of every winner who played this at the Chopin competition ... That intro is incomparable
So true! And she's not even cared to put that much emphasis on Chopin.
The final too
No this Italisn woman played it at Chopin competition UNFOTGETTSBLE MIND!!!it and it make U forget Rachmaninoff was Ever Recorded. THE FIRST MOVEMENT IS MUSIC TO END THE WORLD!!!
Clearly, Yuja Wang is an artist beyond compare.
Just the brilliance of her memory for musical pieces is astounding.
Let alone her exquisite taste on such a delicate piece.
Thank GOD!, we have lived in the era of Yuja Wang.
----Eddy from Hollywood.
The baby crying in the 2nd movement though 😭
0:25 a fantastic out of breath "doppio movimento" ... thank you Yuja, you are great !
Yuja is stunning in all aspects. The incredible technique/virtuosity, the depth in interpretation of Chopin, sensitivity, passion and , on a lighter note, she understands “showbiz “. Who could not adore this woman.
When she plays she is at one with the piano. That is the mark of all great musicians. They are at one with the music and their instrument.
Nl
Correct.
Masterpiece of wrist and arm management
Sensitive and so pure
She really is a very special window into the composer
And she was only twenty two what incredible pianist!
Extraordinary!
At nine, already .
Charisma!Her imagination and ears and obviously her ability to work give the world an experience unlike any other.
Che delicatezza di esecuzione ha YUJA WANG ❤️. PRODIGIOSA.👋👋❤️
Incredibly beautifully played! It's like hearing it for the very first time. It was a struck of genius to place the left hand chords an octave below in the final section of the funeral march, leaving the listener embossomed in pure darkness and despair after the cherished memories of the mid section. It also creates a scary, hollowish quality to the tone, appropriate for the context.
Thank you Peter Chen. Simply Awesome
Bloody right too :)
The sophisticated chord progression of this spectacular sonata sounds so much alike of what would be later used by Rachmaninoff. Yet they never met (Rachmaninoff was born nearly 25 years after Chopin's death). It's simply the most amazing phenomenon when one can travel freely in time.
Interesting observation, thank you!
Big agree. I’m deciding on rep for a comp and I’m thinking for round 2:
Rach Sonata 2 mvmt 1,
Beethoven 10.2 in F mvmt 1,
then Chopin Sonata 2 mvmt 1
This b flat minor -> F -> b flat minor, I V I thing.
Another interesting thing is the chopin sonata opens on an F octave, the Beethoven first mvmt ends with an F octave.
Then, like you said the Rach and chopin comparison…
Nobody will ever reach her astounding level! She has truly illuminated the world of classical music. Great Yuja!
Mani favolose.Grazie Giovanni
@@brunamarini1576 💖
Played with such depth of passion! Incredible artist!!
stunning..excellent..she is just best of the best..
Questo è il tempo giusto da tenere per questa sonata! Elettrizzante!! Grande Yuja!!!
Inimitable Yuja. Love her voicing and touch. Wooohoooo
Spettacolare e coinvolgente! Brava Yuja!
Hauntingly beautiful.
This was awesome 🤩 the lighting was perfect 👌
I Love Yuja! Stunning as a Musician! Lovely as a Person! BEAUTIFUL as a Lady!!! I will Love Yuja FOREVER!!!
Very good comments!
Absolutely stunning. That 3rd movement!! What a revelation.
love that she plays the repeat in the first movement
Unfortunately she follows the numerous editions that show the repeat beginning from “Doppio movimento.” Chopin wanted the repeat to begin with the Grave.
@@richardcarnes2834 We certainly don't know what Chopin wanted. The reason for the ambiguity lies in the difference between the first English and first German editions of the piece. For me, Johannes Brahms' opinion is conclusive: if we repeat the exposition of the first movement, it is together with the Grave motive because of its structural role in the development.
Postscript: Brahms prepared his own edition of Chopin's oevre.
When she played it i thought some Polish ghost possessed her. Every tempo or dynamic choice she made was on point.
I agree. For the first couple of minutes, although she played well, I think she was a little nervous. After that, she played the whole of the rest as though under the influence of a demonic possession that produced superhuman results.
Debeis ser muy buenos para juzgar mada menos q a yuja😮
Ho sentito tantissime esecuzioni ma questa è insuperabile. Perfetta di tempo elettrizzante e nel contempo dolcissimo. Grande Yuja Wang
E aggiungerei inoltre che è l'unica a eseguire il ritornello dopo le terzine messo da Chopin che gli altri puntualmente saltano
Very musical performance. Listening to classical piano music usually makes me uncomfortable but you make it easy to listen to because you play it with ease and musicality.
That third movement gets me going
The greatest pianist ! Always a pleasure to listen to and see performing.
Interpretazione straordinaria ed emozionante, coinvolge l'anima in profondità
Of course, directly wrong, so the next (a bit) untrained ear. Oh dear, again and again these unfortunately somewhat simple-minded listeners who are quick to indulge in superlatives. So: she is technically known to be in the premier league, yes, and in this respect tonally commendably clear, but: this Chopin work, for example, is often too mechanical in her playing, as well as musically too unsubtle in the transition to other aspects of the piece. Later she became a little more level-headed, but still thunders too strongly on the keys. This is never the absolute highest mastery on the piano. On the other hand, she has an enormous memory + really does practise different works quickly.
Yuja Wang is not near the top, she is the TOP, and she is oh so beautiful~USA
Excellent performance. the artist at one with this very dramatic work.
Thank you Mr Chopin and thank you Ms Wang.
The best performance I have ever heard. Thank you for posting
This is only 1 year after she graduated from Curtiss. I heard an interview with her and she claims to love Verbier
Vrrbier
Who doesn't???
FANTASTIC!
Chopin by Yuja , always in my brain and heart.
Her bangs form a natural polarizing sunshade for the bright lights hitting the white keys
قممممممة الرووووووعة والإبداع والتألق والاحساس من أقوى وأشهر عازفة على مستوى العالم وانا اعشق عزفها واحساسها العالي جدا
Fabulous! ❤️
Really beautiful detail at 7:09, playing that Bflat more times than written
Marche funèbre is great but almost too well known, I like more the lovely theme that comes at 17:04, as if all is not only death and sorrow.
Interprétation splendide ✨✨
Fantastica esecuzione😚
It's fantastic to hear Chopin perfectly played, but Frédéric's deep nostalgia and cozy character are the opposite of Yuja's overflowing joy and intrepid character. Without his melancholic spirit, Yuja Wang stresses the poetic side of the composer and infuses her own point of view far more optimistic and positive on life.
Maybe you are right, I have not so much experience listening to this second sonata. But in my opinion there is also a melancolic spirit in this, and I like how the young Yuja takes care of the more poetic parts in this sonata. It is natural that we have different opinions, and I thank you for your opinion.
Yes, that's the impulsiveness of the zodiac sign Aquarius, haha. It does not necessarily do justice to Chopin's music. For example, machine-like sounding, noisy chord repetitions and too fast in the forte. A lack of subtle transitions. Unfortunately, sometimes clearly unsuitable. However, she is still quite young in this video, so she lacks the musical maturity to master such works by Chopin with true mastery.
Fantastica juya
She one of the best ever
Even better than the CD version imho
oke oke awesome;th-cam.com/video/KD1bQeeEo9M/w-d-xo.html
She does seem to get a 'vibe' from live performing...
i never tire listen.
I think this is the most brilliant piece of music, of any form, ever written. Chopin wrote it at the age of 17.
Mmm, he was not really 17 yers old. He was born in 1810 and the sonata is dated 1839 and was published in 1840. Although the Funeral March was composed earlier, it is generally accepted it was in 1837 (perhaps 1835), so, he was 27 (perhaps 25) but certainly not 17. Cheers. :)
Maybe a bit confusing this with his concerts !?
A "marcha fúnebre " desta sonata tem nesta versão com a Yuja , talvez, históricamente, sua mais significativa e emocionante interpretação. Bravo !
Absolutely fabulous!
Esta mujer poseida por un virtuosismo que trasciende toda espesion
fiirst time i ever heard this it s totally fabolous and she is great as always i can t write how i feel for her
Épatante pianiste YUJA WANG 👏👏👏👏🎼🎼👏
I LOVE YOU TOOOOOO
Same as me… thank you very much 🥰😄😆😍😘
A goddess,
Yuja's playing of this piece is in line with her style of clean and crisp, with sensitivity and without sentimentality. It does bring a fresh breeze to this piece as most other pianists play it with more density.
My number one choice of this piece is Ivo Progorelic's 1987 recording. It was lavishly beautiful and fully emotive yet clearly articulated. Such an enjoyment.
It is also my number one choice. Pogorelich understood the essence of Chopin and perhaps she cannot although she plays the notes well..............
YUJA WANG YUJA WANG YUJA WANG ❤️❤️👋👋
A tremendous new talent!! YUJA WANG ♡♡
New??
@@kevinm6790 hey, I don't get out much lol
@@bretfoley424 Lol!!
She IS a new talent!’
@@bretfoley424 lol lol lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very fine performance. I like how she plays.
Super!
I want her to come and play this for me when I pass away.
👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹😘
A bit better than my old Kimball Upright. Thanks for uploading and syncing the audio. Many of us enjoy classical and since Public Radio Stations have gone all talk/news TH-cam and Pandora are it.
The Introduction my favorite by Chopin, other than that most popular nocturne...
I can’t believe I said limited notes……sorry, but she makes it look so easy.
No sheets? How does she remember the entirety?
Very nice. But i like this sonata at a bit more slower.
I like the imperfect version of this sonata done by 16 Y/O Aimi Kobayoshi back in 2016. Her weaker, slower style captures nuances not captured here. Hi Peter,
I love u yuja wang I really want to love you as you do by playing in such performance as Chopin want it to be feeling and play it just matter of heart.. I love uuuj... Just I would love as you play as it must to play it...
O. M. G !! 👏👏. Stunning composition & performance 🏆 Definitely at one with this masterpiece. Phenomenal technical control of this beautiful & brilliant musical landscape !
For the funeral march,we have to go back to A.B.Michelangei to find such a performance...
What means Doppio Movimento in the first movement, double speed? I would rather call this movement: Presto - grave. Well played, young Yuja!
Really? Trills in the left hand with the 3rd and 4th fingers! Pianists could wish they had - but Wang does!
❤
17:05
That dry, loud bass at 00:25
0:09
Вы самая замечательная пианистка всех времён и народов. Вас слушать, счастье.
スゲー迫力😊でも10度の和音届かないのかな?😂
Nice to meet a very young Yuja, long before her outfits on scene became an emblem for how a female artist also can dress. And an object for discussion. What I notice in this is that her playing already is very mature, and Chopin seems to be her old friend. Bravo!
Yuja's playing of Chopin was already excellent at age 14, even before she ever moved to Canada and then Curtis in the US to hone her pianistic skills. You can hear Yuja playing in the open section of a major piano competition at age 14 at th-cam.com/video/2PpnHtMoTg8/w-d-xo.html. [It was the only competition, I believe, where she failed to win first prize. She was third, but won the special prize for musicians under the age of 20.]
I consider this sonata one of the few most difficult piano works, technically and even more so musically. Yet Yujia played it so effortlessly beautiful. That said, I don't think I am a fan to the taste of her stage apparel. 😱😜
IL PRODIGIO ASSOLUTO.👋👋👋👋👋🌏🌏🌏🌏🎼🎼🌌🌌🌌🌌🎼🎼🎼❤️❤️
누님 제자로 받아주세요
IMMENSA, STRAORDINARIA PIANIISTA👋👋👋👋🎼🎼🎼🎼 MEGAGALATTICA 🌌🌌🌌🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼💫💫🌈🌏🌏👋👋❤️❤️
I think Yuja must be thinking how beautiful this piece is with limited notes played ever so slowly
Yuja is like the utopian girl: so sexy and so talented.
like a young agerich
Ja, gut eingespielt alles, aber man vermisst doch die großen Ausdrucksebenen der alten Klaviermeister, - ich denke nur an Horowitz.
A dispetto di altre esecuzioni energiche, la morbidezza prevale
at the beginnng of Doppio Movimento and at the ending of Presto b-flat is not in the lower octave.
GOD bless Yuja in the name of Jesus, always!😁
1:43 but for this moment you need to be desperate (I don't wish you that), because now =, in your rendition of today, it's lukewarm, tepid, with no sense.
My eternal advice : DO NOT PLAY DESPERATE PIECES WHEN YOU ARE NOT DESPERATE YOURSELF.
It's not complicated, for God's sake ! Be just logical !!
She needs a hair band or a different hairstyle.
Long
Tecnica eccellente, ma mi ha spaccato le orecchie.
Tutto troppo “forte”…pochi “piano” “pianissimo”.
Preferisco, ancora, ABM!
広告入れるのはいいけど、曲の途中はやめて💢
the last movement always makes me wonder if Chopin is tired of composing 3 beautiful movements, and then decides to say" that's it..."
exactly what I was thinking...
After the Funeral March, this movement is about the wind and wisps running between the tombs... Both movements go together.
Her music aside, she is the most sexually attractive woman on Earth. Her skin, its colour and texture, poise...