The difference I hear between Gilels and so many other pianists is that Gilels puts 100% of his focus on the music and does not worry about technique or mistakes. Not saying he has bad technique or anything just that he does not seem to hold back and plays fearlessly.
Have listened to so many pianists on youtube. There are dozens of absolutely world class and sublime pianists to appreciate.......but, this guy is on another level for me, the best.
Даже сравнивать нельзя - ни с кем, это коллос, личность вселенской глубины и профессионал непревзойденной величины. А.Рубенштейн его высоко ценил - а это дорогого стоит!
I think what most impresses me with Gilels' playing, apart from his intelligent, crisp and clear rhythmic articulation, is his total control over the sonorities of the piano - including judicious pedal use - with such attention to a proper balance between all voices - it's quite uncanny, really...
In Memoriam of the Dear Maestro Emil Gilels* a Great Master Unique and Incomparable!!! Many thanks for sharing it with the World True Example from his Wonderful Legacy!!
a rather simple test of how good any concert pianists is ; give them any of the numerous hugely well known pieces such as this Chopin then listen - and, Gilels yet again demonstrates his brilliance !!! And for those not yet convinced , have listen to his performance of the Rach 3 piano concerto - its beyond belief !!!
Oh my god. Best version of this I have EVER heard. His interpretation and vocing are just sublime. It really feels heroic like the name, with a perfect choice of tempo. Not to mention his deep gorgeous sound and singing voice! Most exciting version of this piece.
Bravo! Bravo, Bravo!!!! This is how this piece should be played - the man exudes confidence, passion, tempo, and depth. Thanks so much for posting this great performance! He is a shining star!!!!
Another stupidity by the guy above. F is for the first name "FREDERICK" but we alwasys refer to composers by their last name. We do not say S prokofiev or F liszt.
no matter the 3 or 4 mistakes, the interpretation is sublime... such a pity that we can't listen to it with the sound quality that we can listen to pianists today Gilels is God
I like the dynamics of this performance. Within a range of Chopin perscribes for this piece it lacks the dullness that I find in most performances. It therefor has more organic coherence, with genuine build-ups and without abruptiveness in the motorics.
Simply incredible- love the tempo with his outstanding and unique interpretation- never mind the few mistakes- You can see by looking at him that he's probably been playing a while.
Unfortunately Gilels is died!!! I added you like a youtube friend!!! Everytime i listen this performance, i say: Oh my God, this men was a genius of the piano!
To Lang Lang, You see Music is not a race but a performance. There is plenty of speed here BUT also class and style. Listen to his Tchaikovsky 1st with Reiner, one of my desert island discs!
For a real musician , Music comes first , Lang Lang is a technician of music ,even not perfect ,some wrong notes.....but not a musician , for him the show must go on , firstly.....
The programm of the Gilels' concert 27.12.1977 includes: Schumann op.32; Brahms -Ballads, op.10; Chopin - Polonaise, C-moll Chopin -Sonata No 3; (bis) Chopin - Etude A flat major (post.) Chopin - Polonaise, A flat major (Op.53)
I had DG recording of polonaise in 1976. Which is my favorite. I don't need any other recording. To me, this polonaise is that recording period It has b minor sonata inside it, too. To me, b minor sonata is Gilels recording. I don't need any other recording period I lost my CD, so please upload those for me someone! It is unbelievably good. If everyone disagree, go to ear doctor period Sorry, wrong English and my request.
i like this interpretation....and it does sound very good, although there are some minor mistakes throughout, but doesn't matter, cause what truly makes the music sound good isn't how correct its played, its more about how well its interpreted
OF COURSE!!! The pianist of this level always plays and records Liszt's Sonata in B minor, it can not be otherwise. he recorded it in Russia and other countries, too
i wish i could play like this.........played this song for about 2-3 years now, listened to and imitated a number of versions of it, some of which were really different. I'm changing my style of playing this song so that its more similar to this one, cause i think its the best
Sorry, I am Gilels lover. He is truly one of finest pianists existed. If everyone disagree with this opinion, everyone must see ear doctor, no? Or everyone know nothing of piano at all. Rachmaninoff, Lhevinne, Hoffmann, Backhaus, Rubinstein, Gieseking, Arrau, Horowitz, Richter, Gould, Pollini, Argerich. All in class by themself. Gilels also.
The power and concentration of Gilels are unmatched. As I saw on another Gilels vid -- Sonata 26, someone said "Gilels is Beethoven." Well, I'm sure Beethoven would have loved Chopin. Chopin both taught and played Beethoven. As for Chopin and pianism, both Gilels and Richter looked to Sofronitsky. When Sofronitsky died, Gilels said the world had lost its greatest pianist.
I completely agree! I love Gilels since I heard his Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata......then in a moment I was sure he hasn't got the position in the pianistic world he should. He really should be known to anyone!
you think that, maybe, the great music flowing into those walls has seasoned them, like the oak in a barrel of fine wine. Weathered away the the awkward angles and added its own flow to the surface. So he music waves have created an atmosphere in which they can flow out and mature before fading away leaving room for the next waves. fun to think about
He striked me, on this piece, he's absolutely wonderful and have a very beatiful sound!!! And thes people who leave at the end pfff, it's ridiculous...
Well, compare this playing to that of Lang Lang or similar self-indulgeos exhibitionists and you will realize the whole misery we have to live in. This is a solid and true musicality in which I find inspiration and power.
Rubinstein takes a more strict rythm for this polonaise. I do prefer rubinsteins version but Gilels is great too. His arms are free which wasn t the case with Horowitz in the later years. Gilels shows a beautiful sound relaxed and powerfull. the bodyandarmweight which flows directly into the fingertips without loosing any energy, this was the secret of Gilels , Richter and Rubinstein.... they three had a similar singing sound because of this.
I am American and although I can see where you are coming from, believe me I live here haha, we're not all that bad. Some of us live for this sort of great artistry just like others all over the world. Generalization is a poor thing to go by :/
@fierydog Blechacz plays this with grace, variety of touch, and a nice respect of rhythmic details, capturing the character brilliantly. Argerich too has many wonderful qualities in her early performance including confidence, technical strength, agility, and power. I find her performance on the heavy side, harshly percussive playing in the main theme restatements. Her crescendos reach their apexes prematurely. Also, to my taste, both pianists play the middle section too fast; many do.
@AndreAx1985 I agree with you that Gilels is consistently good. I put him first on my list just I created an youtube account. In fact, if I had to choose only one pianist. I would choose Gilels. Note, however, that many praise pianists ONLY because they are famous. Other excellent renditions of this polonaise are Peter Frankl's and Rafal Blechacz's, much better than renditions by other famous pianists! However, as Blechacz is young and not SO famous many will "prefer" R, H, A, K, etc...
I have honestly never seen a performance from Emil Gilels that hasn't been outstanding
So perfect, the best pianist of all times!!!
The difference I hear between Gilels and so many other pianists is that Gilels puts 100% of his focus on the music and does not worry about technique or mistakes. Not saying he has bad technique or anything just that he does not seem to hold back and plays fearlessly.
I can't believe it's taken me all my life (I'm 74) to "discover" this genius. I'm about to purchase some of his works.
His Beethoven is superb
Welcome to the club!
Have listened to so many pianists on youtube.
There are dozens of absolutely world class and sublime pianists to appreciate.......but, this guy is on another level for me, the best.
Rafal Blechacz is performing great too.
Замечательное исполнение, легко, виртуозно, возвышенно ! Браво ! Вершина мастерства !
С каким то внутренним восторгом получилась музыка !
Даже сравнивать нельзя - ни с кем, это коллос, личность вселенской глубины и профессионал непревзойденной величины. А.Рубенштейн его высоко ценил - а это дорогого стоит!
Невероятный, гениальный романтик с пламенем в душе! Браво, Э. Гилельс!!!
Браво
Высшее мастерство исполнительского искусства!!!Браво!!!
Seriously, Gilels was the Piano God. Such clarity, that bell tone...
I think what most impresses me with Gilels' playing, apart from his intelligent, crisp and clear rhythmic articulation, is his total control over the sonorities of the piano - including judicious pedal use - with such attention to a proper balance between all voices - it's quite uncanny, really...
In Memoriam of the Dear Maestro Emil Gilels*
a Great Master Unique and Incomparable!!!
Many thanks for sharing it with the World
True Example from his Wonderful Legacy!!
Not a single forgotten voice! Wonderful performance!
For me the best and most accurate interpretation!
An outstanding performance of an outstanding piece of music!
Bravo Gilels, marvelous interpretacion of Chopin's Polonaise op. 53.
a rather simple test of how good any concert pianists is ; give them any of the numerous hugely well known pieces such as this Chopin then listen - and, Gilels yet again demonstrates his brilliance !!!
And for those not yet convinced , have listen to his performance of the Rach 3 piano concerto - its beyond belief !!!
What could be better? I was too little listening him alive, long ago. Love his art, and sole, forever!
Oh my god. Best version of this I have EVER heard. His interpretation and vocing are just sublime. It really feels heroic like the name, with a perfect choice of tempo. Not to mention his deep gorgeous sound and singing voice! Most exciting version of this piece.
same here, Park :)
Where is a stand up ovation? He deserves it. Fantastic performance.
Thank you very much Chopin and gilels for those kind of melodies and interpretations
Bravo! Bravo, Bravo!!!! This is how this piece should be played - the man exudes confidence, passion, tempo, and depth. Thanks so much for posting this great performance! He is a shining star!!!!
A Chopin favorite of mine.
Another stupidity by the guy above. F is for the first name "FREDERICK" but we alwasys refer to composers by their last name. We do not say S prokofiev or F liszt.
Aaaand someone didn't get the joke
no matter the 3 or 4 mistakes, the interpretation is sublime... such a pity that we can't listen to it with the sound quality that we can listen to pianists today
Gilels is God
I love Emil Gilels!
Me too...his phenomenal artist...Rachmaninoff considered him his successor
He and Rubinstein are my two favorite pianists. I love the way his hands dance on the keys
Che grande artista! Mi impressiona il carattere eroico, fiero e maestoso di questa magnifica interpretazione. Gilels: un gigante del piano!
For me is Gilels the best pianist.
finally found a perfect version...
Gilels and Argerich are the best pianists ever.
Wow. He made this piece a totally new experience. I especially love how he played 5:50-6:15. Can't get that out of my head.
I like the dynamics of this performance. Within a range of Chopin perscribes for this piece it lacks the dullness that I find in most performances. It therefor has more organic coherence, with genuine build-ups and without abruptiveness in the motorics.
Anche stasera guardando, con tanta emozione, le tue mani d'oro sulla tastiera, prego per te!
Very special emotional, and expressive like always...
Simply incredible- love the tempo with his outstanding and unique interpretation- never mind the few mistakes- You can see by looking at him that he's probably been playing a while.
3:50 insane clarity
Спасибо, Эмиль Григорьевич!
This is just wonderful!! Why could I not have seen him?? All of my favorite artists are dead!! He is my pianistic hero.
Unfortunately Gilels is died!!!
I added you like a youtube friend!!!
Everytime i listen this performance, i say: Oh my God, this men was a genius of the piano!
Lovely Great piano playing I enjoy it very mutch
The great master playing the great master.
The emphasis on the C's between 5:50 and 6:00, love it.
these guys are out here in a million listening ,and seeing stations for hundreds of yearsbet they would say 'wow.
To Lang Lang,
You see Music is not a race but a performance. There is plenty of speed here BUT also class and style. Listen to his Tchaikovsky 1st with Reiner, one of my desert island discs!
drjjpdc I agree. Lang Lang plays this piece way too fast.
Lang lang plays everything too fast and empty of meaning.
Totally agree Alla.
Alla Axelrod Then you didn’t hear his recording of the raindrop prelude
For a real musician , Music comes first , Lang Lang is a technician of music ,even not perfect ,some wrong notes.....but not a musician , for him the show must go on , firstly.....
how poetic! Every phrase like a human voice!
Какая красота! ГЕЕНИИААЛЬНООООООООО!
brilliant, that's just how I like the piece played.
What a master!
The 'maestro Gilels was definitvly my Idol
I think he understands a plays better this piece than many chopinists
The programm of the Gilels' concert 27.12.1977 includes:
Schumann op.32;
Brahms -Ballads, op.10;
Chopin - Polonaise, C-moll
Chopin -Sonata No 3;
(bis)
Chopin - Etude A flat major (post.)
Chopin - Polonaise, A flat major (Op.53)
Increible cuanto mas lo oigo me gusta más
His hands are so relaxed an just perfect. Ive always had a prob with my hands. (i'll fix it though).
Fixed it yet?
I wis i could play in that hall
legends have played that steinway
ΥΠΕΡΟΧΟ !!!!!!!!!!!!
I had DG recording of polonaise in 1976. Which is my favorite. I don't need any other recording. To me, this polonaise is that recording period It has b minor sonata inside it, too. To me, b minor sonata is Gilels recording. I don't need any other recording period I lost my CD, so please upload those for me someone! It is unbelievably good. If everyone disagree, go to ear doctor period Sorry, wrong English and my request.
i like this interpretation....and it does sound very good, although there are some minor mistakes throughout, but doesn't matter, cause what truly makes the music sound good isn't how correct its played, its more about how well its interpreted
Splendid!
OF COURSE!!! The pianist of this level always plays and records Liszt's Sonata in B minor, it can not be otherwise. he recorded it in Russia and other countries, too
Droiture, noblesse, sobrieté, fougue, du Gilels à l'état pur...
This is the Great Hall of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, the main concert venue in Moscow
i wish i could play like this.........played this song for about 2-3 years now, listened to and imitated a number of versions of it, some of which were really different. I'm changing my style of playing this song so that its more similar to this one, cause i think its the best
Sorry, I am Gilels lover. He is truly one of finest pianists existed. If everyone disagree with this opinion, everyone must see ear doctor, no? Or everyone know nothing of piano at all. Rachmaninoff, Lhevinne, Hoffmann, Backhaus, Rubinstein, Gieseking, Arrau, Horowitz, Richter, Gould, Pollini, Argerich. All in class by themself. Gilels also.
A wonderful performance !!!
O que mais me impressiona em Gilels é que conseguimos ouvir todas as notas, ele não deixa de tocar nenhuma nota com a devida ênfase de cada uma.
The power and concentration of Gilels are unmatched. As I saw on another Gilels vid -- Sonata 26, someone said "Gilels is Beethoven." Well, I'm sure Beethoven would have loved Chopin. Chopin both taught and played Beethoven. As for Chopin and pianism, both Gilels and Richter looked to Sofronitsky. When Sofronitsky died, Gilels said the world had lost its greatest pianist.
If there is only one artist I would be allowed to hear on a desert island that would be Emil Gilels on the piano. There is no other.
Maybe one of the most.Anton Rubinstein,s seven historical recitals must be epic too...
fortunately, this incredible pianist got at last the place he deserves
I like that analogy
@AndreAx1985 Richter was also his Studen ,he made up two wonderful pianistes.
He was dead before I was born. But this video makes him feel so alive to me.
Gilels has a great sense of Maestoso ,Rachmaninoff prelude op.23 no.2 is another example.
I completely agree! I love Gilels since I heard his Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata......then in a moment I was sure he hasn't got the position in the pianistic world he should. He really should be known to anyone!
My favourite pianist, my favourite version of this wonderful polonaise!
What theatre is this?
you think that, maybe, the great music flowing into those walls has seasoned them, like the oak in a barrel of fine wine. Weathered away the the awkward angles and added its own flow to the surface. So he music waves have created an atmosphere in which they can flow out and mature before fading away leaving room for the next waves. fun to think about
This is in the Grand Hall of Moscow Conservatory - the main piano performance stage of the world of the 20 century and even today...
I like his power 🔋
Gilels: it's absolutely beautiful. God would be proud. Some people's comments make me embarrassed for America. What's wrong with you people.
Thank you.
He striked me, on this piece, he's absolutely wonderful and have a very beatiful sound!!! And thes people who leave at the end pfff, it's ridiculous...
like a boss
Well, compare this playing to that of Lang Lang or similar self-indulgeos exhibitionists and you will realize the whole misery we have to live in. This is a solid and true musicality in which I find inspiration and power.
+generic user Eu não conseguiria elaborar um comentário tão contundente mas concordo com você.
Oh
I'd say the perfect version is Rubinstein,-> technically speaking. Althought, (in my opinion) this has some charm that undeniably makes it the best.
Rubinstein takes a more strict rythm for this polonaise. I do prefer rubinsteins version but Gilels is great too. His arms are free which wasn t the case with Horowitz in the later years. Gilels shows a beautiful sound relaxed and powerfull. the bodyandarmweight which flows directly into the fingertips without loosing any energy, this was the secret of Gilels , Richter and Rubinstein.... they three had a similar singing sound because of this.
What a Virtuoso..Emil Gilels FTW!
rather philosophical, hate him for dying before i was born
lmao wtf
better hate yourself for being born after he died. It would be more "philosophical."
Rachmaninoff's works were played few days before (24 & 25 of December)
this is impress!
Perfect maestoso
bello!!!!
WoW!Perfect !
and i'm picky!
most rewarding!
I am American and although I can see where you are coming from, believe me I live here haha, we're not all that bad. Some of us live for this sort of great artistry just like others all over the world. Generalization is a poor thing to go by :/
@fierydog Blechacz plays this with grace, variety of touch, and a nice respect of rhythmic details, capturing the character brilliantly. Argerich too has many wonderful qualities in her early performance including confidence, technical strength, agility, and power. I find her performance on the heavy side, harshly percussive playing in the main theme restatements. Her crescendos reach their apexes prematurely. Also, to my taste, both pianists play the middle section too fast; many do.
I am jealous. I wasn't even born during that performance :-/
starts in 00:25
Great know-how and know…what the music here means!…
@mstalcup Thanks, I appreciate your comments. I will listen with those points in mind and see how my opinion changes.
@AndreAx1985
I agree with you that Gilels is consistently good.
I put him first on my list just I created an youtube account.
In fact, if I had to choose only one pianist. I would choose Gilels.
Note, however, that many praise pianists ONLY because they are famous.
Other excellent renditions of this polonaise are Peter Frankl's and Rafal Blechacz's, much better than renditions by other famous pianists!
However, as Blechacz is young and not SO famous many will "prefer" R, H, A, K, etc...
@HJKey I agree that no one can beat Argerich, But I really think Gilels comes a VERY close second!