Chopin: 19 Nocturnes (Moravec)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2024
  • A capital-G Great Recording. Once in a very rare while one of these comes along that is so stubbornly & irreducibly beautiful that it's sort of hard to say anything sensible about it, which obviously leaves reviewers and aficionados with a bit of a problem. I don't think I really knew what legato playing was before I heard this recording, or what Chopin's long phrase marks were actually meant to mean *aurally*. There's too much to praise here: ultra-fine dynamic control, tempi neither fast or slow but always reverential, rubato as free as it is natural, the sheer glory of the tone as Moravec unfurls those long melodies. Even the relatively pedestrian opening of a nocturne like the 15.1 suddenly makes the breath catch. It's weird and deeply uplifting and makes you want to learn all the nocturnes but despair at actually doing it at the same time.
    Everyone likes Chopin's nocturnes, but perhaps because they're so generous and immediate in what they offer the listener, their quality is often underestimated: they aren't (at first blush) difficult or weird in the way that we sometimes expect really great music to be. But the nocturnes aren't just excellent pieces: you could plonk them down beside both books of the Well-Tempered Klavier and they wouldn't be out of place. They still stand as one of the all-time big feats of lyrical composition in any genre and time period: all the melodies sound songlike while being (for the most part) unsingable. Right from the first nocturne you've given a 22-tuplet, and then fiorituri (structural ones, not just ornamental fluff) and colouristic novelties and hidden countermelodies and harmonic innovations will deluge you until you reach the last one.
    Analysing just one nocturne is an exhausting affair, and I won't attempt an analysis of all 19 here. (Do check out Ohlsson's lecture on just one bit of the 27.2, though.) I guess I'll just make three very brief observations. First, the nocturnes closely track Chopin's stylistic maturation: he uses counterpoint more and more frequently as we approach the late nocturnes, culminating in 55.2, 62.1, and the middle (and very Bachian) section of 62.2. Second, there are in the nocturnes some sections that achieve a kind of late-Beethoven stillness: listen to some of the more minimalist middle sections that Chopin writes, for instance. And lastly: despite being relatively short pieces, some of these nocturnes cover a lot of musical ground in a very concentrated narrative-like structure, almost like ballades in miniature (see 15.3, which also has an interesting structure, 27.1, 62.1).
    00:00 - Op.9 No.1 in Bb Min
    05:37 - Op.9 No.2 in Eb Maj
    10:03 - Op.9 No.3 in B Maj
    16:28 - Op.15 No.1 in F Maj
    20:55 - Op.15 No.2 in F# Maj
    24:55 - Op.15 No.3 in G Min
    29:31 - Op.27 No.1 in C# Min
    34:47 - Op.27 No.2 in Db Maj
    42:04 - Op.32 No.1 in B Maj
    47:09 - Op.32 No.2 in Ab Maj
    52:40 - Op.37 No.1 in G Min
    58:57 - Op.37 No.2 in G Maj
    1:04:37 - Op.48 No.1 in C Min
    1:10:47 - Op.48 No.2 in F# Min
    1:17:44 - Op.55 No.1 in F Min
    1:22:40 - Op.55 No.2 in Eb Maj
    1:26:54 - Op.62 No.1 in B Maj
    1:33:59 - Op.62 No.2 in E Maj
    1:39:30 - Op.72 No.1 (posth.)
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ความคิดเห็น • 741

  • @OE1FEU
    @OE1FEU 3 ปีที่แล้ว +150

    This was recorded on a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial and the piano technician was - Ivan Moravec. He always traveled with a set of tools for tuning, regulating and voicing pianos. This is probably one of the most beautiful Bösendorfers on a recording that there is. And the Nocturnes are nothing short of spectacular.

    • @aerozden
      @aerozden 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you for this information! I was just about to write to ask what brand is the piano. It sounds truly different. I thought perhaps Yamaha, but no, the good old Bösendorfer...

    • @davisatdavis1
      @davisatdavis1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      ​@aerozden ya yamaha would be too bright for this sound. Bosendorfer explains it though. I couldn't figure out what sound it was. Bosendorfer you don't usually hear like this.

  • @PieInTheSky9
    @PieInTheSky9 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Chopin's Op. 62,1 is one of the most stunningly beautiful piano pieces ever written.

  • @charless1190
    @charless1190 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    This is my desert island recording. Had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Moravec perform Beethoven piano sonatas at Rutgers University in the mid-60s - I had never heard such beautiful playing. His performance of the Pastoral sonata (which differed in many respects from his later recording) is still embedded in my mind and his concert kindled my long love-affair with Beethoven’s sonatas . There are many wonderful recordings of the Nocturnes, but listening this recording always transports me to a complete state of harmony and joy.

  • @msotil
    @msotil 4 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Ivan Moravec was an unassuming man who never sought the limelight. He perfected his style by listening to his own recordings, which he made on tape. He was also very exacting when it came to the sound of the instrument and often carried with him a tool kit to do small fixes to the instrument he was going to play, like voicing a key with a harsh sound.

    • @marcone9265
      @marcone9265 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Many seem to mention his know-how when it came to tempering a piano, but lack to mention the recording process. Coupled with his pristine playing, the recording itself seems to be lacking a lot of high-end frequencies, giving it that slightly muffled sound, which fit perfectly with the nocturnal intent. Anyhow, love the pieces. Cheers

  • @caseym8385
    @caseym8385 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Bloody hell, bringing out that descending top voice of the left hand at 33:43 brought me to tears.

  • @zampai
    @zampai 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    The expressive potential of Chopin's melodies is jaw dropping.

  • @marielmiroslava8118
    @marielmiroslava8118 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    The first one reminds me to my baby, now she's gone but i remember when she couldn't sleep and would be crying, i used to hold her and hum this song to her while this very video was playing on the tv, at night. I really miss her.

    • @dap4699
      @dap4699 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You just gave me another point of view to enjoy the nocturnes. Thanks, and sorry for your baby.

  • @AshishXiangyiKumar
    @AshishXiangyiKumar  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1190

    One more small point of interest: this recording was made in 1965.

    • @burz96
      @burz96 7 ปีที่แล้ว +204

      Incredible quality for a recording of that age.

    • @pianomariusoriginal
      @pianomariusoriginal 7 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      wow i wouldve never imagined!

    • @CivicPiano1
      @CivicPiano1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Hey Ashish, how do you think Rubinstein's 1965 recording compares to this one?

    • @steveegallo3384
      @steveegallo3384 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Walter....It's NICE to compare and contrast....almost Fun and repudiates no one. Chill....Never worry!

    • @burz96
      @burz96 7 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Why is there anything wrong with comparing recordings? Different pianists equals different outcomes which means the differences will be discussed since music is so subjective. As long as you aren't putting down a musician I don't see why there is an issue.
      It would be interesting to hear from someone as articulate as Ashish on his opinion on another set of recordings and maybe some aspects he finds interesting about the Rubinstein one.

  • @mitchelllevy1207
    @mitchelllevy1207 7 ปีที่แล้ว +425

    One more small point of interest, the NY Times made this recording one of its five works to showcase the bicentennial of Chopin's birth.

    • @PKLevel99
      @PKLevel99 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      wow

    • @JohnDoe-dh8xc
      @JohnDoe-dh8xc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      And Confounded Bridge Productions is a TH-cam channel that seemingly uploads animations unnecessarily set to excerpts, some would say another propaganda machine, albeit a more low effort one.

    • @ConfoundedBridgeProductions
      @ConfoundedBridgeProductions 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@JohnDoe-dh8xc You're so smart.

    • @JohnDoe-dh8xc
      @JohnDoe-dh8xc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Confounded Bridge Productions and your contribution is?

    • @ConfoundedBridgeProductions
      @ConfoundedBridgeProductions 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@JohnDoe-dh8xc You're so right John Doe, you are obviously an opinion we should all take seriously, I have no merit to the world compared to you, I am crying right now as I type this, what hope is there for someone so hopelessly misguided as myself.

  • @JohnJohn-cz9jv
    @JohnJohn-cz9jv 6 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Rest in peace Ivan Moravec, a truly amazing pianist.

  • @PianothShaveck
    @PianothShaveck 7 ปีที่แล้ว +157

    22:35 that's SO beautiful played that way...

    • @Yotam1703
      @Yotam1703 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      thats the messiest way ive ever seen fornwriting eights on sixteens...

    • @smb123211
      @smb123211 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yes the 5 vs 2 has a strange sound when played correctly. Several commentators have noted that Chopin was not striving for exactness but an ephemeral, inexact sound. I finally learned the Op 55 E flat Major with the 5 vs 4 vs 3 etc. In a way the Agitato of the Op 62 (E maj) is just as difficult due to the inner melodies.

    • @lukelarson7762
      @lukelarson7762 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I thought the same thing! I had it playing in the background, and I had to check to see which nocturne I was listening to!

    • @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji
      @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​​@@smb123211 Schumann and Brahms also used such kinds of notations as they intended to emphasise certain notes and therefore rhythm was not their main concern. Now think of it this way, if you wanted to play those notes in a certain way when they're not as in the piece with accompaniment/other voices, you'd play it the way it's notated as opposed to the way it aligns with the accompaniment/other voices.

    • @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji
      @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@smb123211 in this case, you make sure the melody aligns with the lower voices but emphasise the melody but not in the same rhythm as written.

  • @elleinfinitea
    @elleinfinitea ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The ineffable beauty of Opus 9 No. 2 inspired me to teach myself how to read sheet music (And drastically improve my piano skills) so I could play it. I devoted myself to it for months and months. The piece is so beloved and dear to me so I have developed certain preferences to how it is expressed.
    I have listened to many recordings of different pianists expressing it beautifully but this version stopped me dead in a moment of sheer awe, joy and reverence as waves of tingles washed over me. The closest image I can conjure to illustrate the feeling this particular version gave me is like being a (great)grandparent watching their (great)grandchild play and laugh in pure peace and innocence. How simple and pure the moment is alongside the depth of time, circumstance and experience that is behind it while knowing the struggle of decades was all worth it 1000 times again.
    Opus 9 No. 2 also makes me feel like I am blissfully wandering around in the best dream I ever had while a child, before I had much of a name or understanding of any of the color, shapes and sounds all around me. Halfway between understanding and looking into the experience and being lost in the fantasy of what this newfound awareness means.
    So hearing an interpretation that expresses what I feel to be the core essence of the piece so simply yet adeptly allows me to sink into these feeling i so cherish.

  • @MJE112358132134
    @MJE112358132134 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This is what Chopin's Nocturnes are about. Probably the most wonderful Chopin performance I have ever heard, and one of the most wonderful performances of any music I have ever heard.
    I was given the 2-L.P. set of Ivan Moravec's wonderful performances of the complete set of 19 Nocturnes around 1970, when I was still in my late teens, and found these performances magical: dreamy when it's needed, and fiery when needed in other places. To this day, this is my model of how Chopin should be played, and it's quite possible this L.P. set deeply influenced the style of piano playing I developed after that.
    There is rubato, but it seems natural and not excessive - unlike the exaggerated rubato of some pianists, especially of the older school, which almost seems to be posturing to my mind.
    Moravec's skill with the sustaining pedal is sublime - and just what Chopin needs - especially pieces like the Nocturnes.
    As to the "last" Nocturne, Op. 72, no. 2 in E minor - I understand it is generally believed to be a very early work, and comes late in the published sequence because of posthumous publication. But Moravec's playing of it is able to persuade me that this really could be a late work of Chopin's.
    Thank you for posting this wonderful series of recordings.
    Does anyone know how much of Chopin's music Moravec recorded? I should look for more.

  • @AllValiant
    @AllValiant 7 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    Wow I fell I love with it. Never heard his recording, what a clear sound for 1965. Thanks for sharing with us all. Loved op. 37 no. 1

    • @josephavilag
      @josephavilag 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There's a recording of it made by Valery Afanassiev where he plays it even more slowly

    • @AllValiant
      @AllValiant 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Théophile Richart I know, it's almost hypnotizing. I makes me want to listen to more of Moravec's to hear how he interprets over pieces in his own way. It's beautiful really..

    • @MartinVanBoven
      @MartinVanBoven 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Théophile Richart Also in the posthumous one. Love the stillness of such a tempo. And no lack of drama, as he gets that from dynamics and rubato.

  • @willie2639
    @willie2639 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thoughts and memories of my dear mother, quite often brings me here to Op. 55 no. 2. Mom, I am so sorry that I never got the chance to say goodbye. Please, let this beautiful interpretation be an expression of my love for you. I miss you so. May everyone have a Wonderful and Happy Mother's Day🌺🌺🌷🌷.

    • @zomb7138
      @zomb7138 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      willie2639 Trust me, she sees this

    • @willie2639
      @willie2639 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@zomb7138 Thank you Zomb😥😓😥. Sadness, despair and loneliness pervades my pathetic existence. Nothing takes the place of a my dear mother.

  • @grandchampion7275
    @grandchampion7275 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I might’ve found my favorite Chopin interpreter.

  • @gabatar5961
    @gabatar5961 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    This is the best interpretation I have heard of Chopin's Nocturnes

  • @thomasminot9799
    @thomasminot9799 7 ปีที่แล้ว +160

    What an absolutely beautiful recording. I don't think I've ever heard Chopin's melodies played so gorgeously by anyone. Stunning.

    • @kathrynmcmorrow7170
      @kathrynmcmorrow7170 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Breathtaking ... Op.15 No.2 in F# Maj

    • @don4476
      @don4476 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yes, it's crazy good. How is it even humanly possible to play like that?

    • @harryk5918
      @harryk5918 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I bought this recording in my late 30's but could not bear to listen it all, too heartfelt melancholy and pure beauty. 20 years later I am able to listen its entirety and I am rediscovering it. Thanks !

    • @geuros
      @geuros 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@don4476 practise, practise, practise... passion, obsession... Moravec simply was not ever satisfied. Always wanted better sound. You can see how meticulous he was from this recording - not only he understood mechanics and the physics of the piano, was able to tune it himself, even do some mechanical jobs. So he was able to express his preferences about piano to professional mechanics. Then he chose this audiophile studio to record with. I mean, I love Friedrich Gulda recordings, but they sound bad compared to standard of the era, while this recording of Moravec sounds better than nowadays recordings...

    • @militaryandemergencyservic3286
      @militaryandemergencyservic3286 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I do quite a passable a major prelude by Chopin on my channel, if you'd be so kind as to cast a glance at it?

  • @alexy6801
    @alexy6801 7 ปีที่แล้ว +270

    Amazing. I'm impressed by the coherence of the set and the incredible sustained abstraction. His tempi and rubato seem calculated to establish the nocturnes as a separate genre: he avoids the obvious waltz and mazurka references by making them un-danceable; he approaches a warm vocal tone, then breaks it with crystalline shards of sound; he approaches the drama of the ballades, but downshifts into gloriously shaded una corda playing. What you end up with is pure pianism coming from recognizable reference points, but completely transcending them. The nocturne is one of the genres that Chopin refrained from subtitling with -fantasie, perhaps because mercurial shape-shifting half-light is what actually defines them

    • @Ian24s
      @Ian24s 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Pure filth

    • @harryk5918
      @harryk5918 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I bought this recording in my late 30's but could not bear to listen it all, too heartfelt melancholy and pure beauty. 20 years later I am able to listen its entirety and I am rediscovering it. Thanks !

    • @khaotik.weirdo
      @khaotik.weirdo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I'm not music savvy but I like all the knowledge you put into this comment, which I tried my best to understand. For sure I'd agree with you if I was versed enough in the technicalities of music.

    • @klaasbil8459
      @klaasbil8459 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I for one don't like the strong rubato. It feels exaggerated to me. Like you seem to indicate with your term 'calculated', the tempo changes don't seem heartfelt to me, not emotion-driven, but rather cerebral and unnatural. They keep asking for undeserved attention. Please keep in mind that all of this is just my personal opinion, I'm not trying to convince anyone.

    • @charlesdavis7087
      @charlesdavis7087 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well........ all I've got to say to you is: Your evil and should have been destroyed when Atlantis fell. But noooooo. They are still allowing you to breathe the air of Earth. I like you. Most intelligent critic I've read in some time. Did you know Georges Sand's daughter thought Fredarick was an ungrateful shit head?

  • @NICUofficial
    @NICUofficial ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I just come back to this over and over as my idea of a "flawless" recording of Chopin's nocturnes
    Not just the best recording I know of for the complete Nocturne cycle, I will also put myself down as saying it's one of the finest audio recordings of any music from any point in human history

  • @maudegonne3740
    @maudegonne3740 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Discovering Chopin has been a life saver for me during these hard times.Thanks for making his sublime message of peace available to all.

    • @InnasWorld
      @InnasWorld 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I just teared up reading your comment

  • @danr.1299
    @danr.1299 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Op.9 no.1 is just extremely blissful, it takes me to a cold rainy fall day. I don’t know how people think music like this is boring. I get more into the music like this it just resonates with me and lets me relax and work through things in my head. Thank you to this channel who has given me my dose of beautiful music for many many years.

  • @ericsabourin7661
    @ericsabourin7661 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Everything about Chopin's Nocturnes well said sir, and this is my favorite version with the one fabulous of madame Ingrid Haebler on Vox (they were very hard on their female artists in studio, minimal "one take" rule for Guiomar Novaes for she had to pay the dear price of that...). Moravec was the most discrete man...astonishing in all even his 2 Brahms concertis with Belohlavek-Czech Phil. remain unknown and he equalled the Richter-Chicago-Leinsdorf and Leonskaya-Masur-Gewandhaus versions.

  • @SeitanoShuuki
    @SeitanoShuuki 7 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    I've been missing this all my life. This interpretation is lovely in just how unpretentious it is. It touches the heart because it is so very lyrical and yet so very simple. Leaves a really deep impression, but definitely leaves one without words with which to describe the sensation. Thank you for this upload!

    • @neiltassoni
      @neiltassoni 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thank you, Seitano-sama, for a poetic and cho-utsukushii manner of describing your emotions around these pieces.

    • @waffleman-
      @waffleman- 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@neiltassoni what weeb shit did i just witness

  • @ILoveMagic15
    @ILoveMagic15 6 ปีที่แล้ว +164

    I just wanted to thank you, Ashish, for the great work that you are doing. You provide the world with the blissful opportunity of listening to the most wonderful recordings and at the same time reading the score. Both sound and text are always in superb quality. Thank you so much for that and may karma return to you the joys that you have given me!

    • @neiltassoni
      @neiltassoni 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I agree totally....
      & might add only that you deserve not less credit for having selected the unfortunate Aleksander Scriabin as your 'avatar' image.
      If only he hadn't stopped living as a result of
      Infected Lip Carbunkle Blood Poisoning.
      Sort of sad.

    • @Chucky2240
      @Chucky2240 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      neil t k

    • @MichaelBrewick
      @MichaelBrewick 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@Chucky2240 good response, succinct.

    • @otakuxgirl6
      @otakuxgirl6 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Chucky2240 useless comment

  • @catherinekyngdon327
    @catherinekyngdon327 6 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    The most beautiful Chopin I've ever heard.

    • @smy3486
      @smy3486 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@militaryandemergencyservic3286 no one asked

    • @militaryandemergencyservic3286
      @militaryandemergencyservic3286 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@smy3486 yes indeed - how horrible of me. Sorry, Catherine! Yes, it is beautiful.

    • @catherinekyngdon327
      @catherinekyngdon327 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Андрей Бахарковскй I must listen to Rubinstein and hear his interpretation. I also read once that Chopin admitted to not playing many of his compositions the same "way" each time he sat down at the piano. Perhaps we can grant the great Chopin a little "artistic licence". But of course I'm speaking of interpretation.

  • @charlesdavis7087
    @charlesdavis7087 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've listened to this nocturne many times. And I can't help think... that this.... is proof... that intelligent life once existed on earth.
    Ivan Moravec = a channel for Fredarik. Listen as one who is un heaven... regardless of your humble origins or present circumstances. Be in heaven! Let the past pass away. No more tears, No more Pity, no more Shame, no more Regret, no Remorse. Get over it. "WhY?" Listen................................. and remember... why. Be the answer to your own highest prayer. BE.

  • @grobertoac2430
    @grobertoac2430 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I can't believe how such much beauty has been created from those baroque to modern composers. Chopin is one of my favorite

  • @geuros
    @geuros 7 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    don't forget, Moravec was mad about the sound quality, that's why his recordings sound so audiophile, he even got quite decent skill in tuning and optimizing the piano in the technical way, not just playing it... this recording sounds so remarkably deep... as I am writing, 9/2 plays and I am already so excited, that I really look forward the 9/3, my most favourite :) thank you Ashish, you've proved once again your excellent taste in music, which I can't tell objectively, but I feel most things the same way, like Lugansky/Rachmaninov similar to Rubinstein/Chopin.

    • @AshishXiangyiKumar
      @AshishXiangyiKumar  7 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      That's very nice to hear. :)

    • @onclassical
      @onclassical 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Actually the piano is almost out of tune in 48 #1. But, yes, you are right: he was extremely careful in all the recording process.

    • @238assante
      @238assante 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      but oddly, he takes certain liberties with Chopin's markings , omitting a crescendo here, or a sforzato there. It suits his aesthetic style , and i'm an utmost admirer of Moravec . I just would have loved to ask him "why?" .

    • @geuros
      @geuros 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@238assante yep, he had some secrets of creation. Rumors have it that Murray Perahia really wanted Moravec to reveal his secret to the first Ballade, not sure he did :-)

    • @cts9718
      @cts9718 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@238assante I once asked him (as young student) if it was a coincidence that I wasn't able to find any Rachmaninov recordings by him, and he told me, no, not a coincidence, there weren't any. "Maybe in another life," he joked. But WHY he never didn't play Rachmaninov (or Liszt for that matter), that he didn't tell me.

  • @charlesdavis7087
    @charlesdavis7087 7 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    In relationship to playing Chopin like Chopin, I think this recording may be the high-water mark for the planet. !! CVD

  • @aesthetewithoutacause3981
    @aesthetewithoutacause3981 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Chopin's nocturnes, especially when played so exquisitely, reall do speak to the core of my being. If I had to give someone an 'album' so to speak to show them who I am, it'd be this video. Serene but intense, and pure emotion and imagination.

  • @Disturbed4Life3
    @Disturbed4Life3 7 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Holly shit, the Op.48 No.1 in Cmin was sooooo good. I love how he played it super slowly with so much emphasis on every note. It's definitely my favorite interpretation of the piece

    • @MarceloLangone
      @MarceloLangone 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Martha Argerich version is better.

    • @minr6851
      @minr6851 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You should also try SungJin Cho.

    • @olafdavidsson1274
      @olafdavidsson1274 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Check out Brigitte Engerer, she takes some liberties but the effect is marvelous!

  • @alekseygunko4866
    @alekseygunko4866 6 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Chopin is my favourite composer!;

  • @raymondhummel5211
    @raymondhummel5211 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Delicate melodic lines, with under lining continuous patterns in the bass clef. Such lovely scored pieces of music. As the Nocturnes continue you are drawn in by their captivating beauty.

  • @williambunter3311
    @williambunter3311 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I glanced through the comments before starting to listen, and I thought they must be exaggerated, After all, it's easy to imagine something newly listened-to with enthusiasm as being the best ever. Having just listened to the first nocturne I see there is no exaggeration. This pianist is paying to the point of PERFECTION in every way. The legato, the touches of rubato, the light and dark. Wonderful!

  • @p-y8210
    @p-y8210 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    49:10 speechless

  • @kizpaws
    @kizpaws 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That first Nocturne was unbelievable... That would be my favorite.

  • @christianvennemann9008
    @christianvennemann9008 5 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    39:14-39:21 I absolutely love that part.

  • @user-vl8gn1kf8e
    @user-vl8gn1kf8e 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think that Moravec had the right impression of what 'nocturne' means.He is not of the usual climate but in some way he moves and dives into it,softy and gently!

  • @rasmus123re
    @rasmus123re 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Rarely do I discover anything this touching 55:31 - it's so calm. It reminds me a bit of Christian Chorales in churches, played on the organ.

    • @amerain1729
      @amerain1729 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Rasmus Jensen Yeah, this nocturne is my favorite of all 19. So touching...

  • @danielvalenciabegazo4325
    @danielvalenciabegazo4325 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hasta ahora no he escuchado mejor interpretación de los Nocturnos de Chopin que este gran intérprete. Extraordinaria belleza sale de los dedos de Moravec. Inigualable...e inalcanzable.

  • @charlesdavis7087
    @charlesdavis7087 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Here I am again... listening... and remembering having heard these master pieces... played many times before.... I'm old. I love Chopin works. And..... still.... I am in.......... love with Ivan's remarkable levels of restraint. Sometimes less is more. OUT STANDING!!! Thank god, it was recorded. Yea. Ivan.

  • @thegreenpianist7683
    @thegreenpianist7683 7 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    THIS RECORDING IS AMAZING , the melody sings so beautifully, rubato is spot on, I'm speechless !!

  • @lifestyleastherapyafterstr9423
    @lifestyleastherapyafterstr9423 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Personal points of interests
    Op 9 No 1: (0:54 undotted septuplet 1, 4:24 no septuplet 1), (0:50 no septuplet 2, 4:20 dotted septuplet 2)
    Op 9 No 2: 6:45 with triplet, 7:40 with quadruplet
    Op 9 No 3: 10:22 rhythmic continuation, 11:33 melancholic melody, 11:13 a pair of sparkles, 12:27, melancholic melody again but more compplex, 15:31 ascension instead of third return of melancholic melody, 15:53 double dotted whole note
    Op 15 No 1: 16:45 without septuplet, 19:19 with septuplet
    Op 15 No 2: 22:33 sextuplet of repeated note except for last and beginning of quintuplets, 23:37 catching run, 24:22 LH could improve
    Op 27 No 1: 31:45 fun groups of single and double dotted half notes, 32:44 irregular measure formatting
    Op 27 No 2: 39:55 palindrome, 41:30 scale but with 7 notes instead of 8
    Op 32 No 1: 45:35, final semi climax before ending
    Op 37 No 1: 54:48 C-C-D-C appogiaturas, no octave
    Op 48 No 1: 1:09:15 climax of third section with context
    Op 48 No 2: 1:16:23 visual illusion of 5 beats in one measure, 1:16:28(B-B-C#-B appogiaturas, octave)
    Op 55 No 1: 1:19:03 without septuplet, 1:19:49 with septuplet
    Op 55 No 2: 1:23:10 without septuplets, 1:24:34 with septuplets
    Op 62 No 1: 1:27:39 emphasis on RH repeated D#s, 1:29:38 beginning of middle section, 1:30:29, a pair of quarter note trills that sound like a single half note trill, 1:32:02, from sextuplet alternating accelerated 1-1/2-1/3-1/3 to trill, 1:33:25 ending
    Op 72 No 1:42:09 emotional heightening

    • @JoeLinux2000
      @JoeLinux2000 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You are looking at deviations in the petals of a rose and missing the beauty of the entire flower.

    • @chopinfanclub6672
      @chopinfanclub6672 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@JoeLinux2000 he just listed parts he liked and u made up a whole narrative about it😂

    • @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji
      @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      32:44 you meant to say it's a recitative? They're rare in Chopin

  • @kzelmer
    @kzelmer 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    op 55 no2 is my favourite one and I've always used Friedman as a benchmark for my own renditions but I have to say that Moravec's rendition is astonishing: it has the same cantabile freedom as Friedman's rendition but at the same time you can hear all the triplets with such clarity that the mix of the three voices is perfect.
    Friedman, Gilels and Moravec did an amazing work with this nocturne (I also like Horowitz's performance)

  • @fumikotsukumi017
    @fumikotsukumi017 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    That motif in Op. 9 No. 2 always gets me, especially this Moravec interpretation.

  • @militaryandemergencyservic3286
    @militaryandemergencyservic3286 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    "Chopin's scherzi are like the tasty fat of a lamb chop. His polonaises are the meat itself. The sonatas and the ballades are the vegetables. The preludes are the salt and pepper. The waltzes and nocturnes are the gravy. The sonatas and concerti are the plates and cutlery." - Alburt Einstein

  • @philiprutter1
    @philiprutter1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    "Extraordinary" is deeply inadequate. I feel like I never heard them before. One of the great strengths of TH-cam is this ability to hear different artists and performances immediately side by side. It's damnably addictive.

    • @militaryandemergencyservic3286
      @militaryandemergencyservic3286 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh doubly damnably damnable in a double dam sandwich prepared and then eaten, damn it, by Jean Claude Van Damme.

    • @GeometryDashDyno
      @GeometryDashDyno 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@militaryandemergencyservic3286 Took the words right out of my mouth

  • @ziegunerweiser
    @ziegunerweiser 6 ปีที่แล้ว +339

    These recordings have received approval by the most discriminating critic of all: my kitty cat

    • @funkymonks8333
      @funkymonks8333 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      good

    • @militaryandemergencyservic3286
      @militaryandemergencyservic3286 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      not by the hairs on my chiny-chin chin did your dscriminating kitty cat discriminate between so dicriminatory an indiscreminency.

    • @HariKangatharan
      @HariKangatharan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@militaryandemergencyservic3286 wow.

    • @saras6634
      @saras6634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Imagine having a cat that appreciate anything but Slayer. I did not theach her that, but it's the only thing that makes her fall asleep in the car.

    • @thomaspeters5889
      @thomaspeters5889 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love your kitty cat.

  • @jacobparasite
    @jacobparasite 7 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I've always wrestled between Engerer and Ashkenazy as my favourites for the Nocturnes but this... this is really something else. Stunning

    • @kathrynmcmorrow7170
      @kathrynmcmorrow7170 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I also love Engerer's.

    • @don4476
      @don4476 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Engerer's are my favorite. But this is great, too.

    • @militaryandemergencyservic3286
      @militaryandemergencyservic3286 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      What was it like wrestling between those two?

    • @ninjaassassin27
      @ninjaassassin27 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@militaryandemergencyservic3286 sweaty, I presume

  • @jeromeweingart5596
    @jeromeweingart5596 6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The sound quality is wonderful and the performance is a revelation. Mr. Kumar's commentary is incisive and poetic. I have not encountered its equal on TH-cam. Thanks, Ashish!

  • @moshimoshispidermandesu9932
    @moshimoshispidermandesu9932 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I understand nothing about what the comments say nor the paper sheets, but this is really enjoyable and beautiful

  • @philipk4475
    @philipk4475 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love the middle sections of these, they are choral-like and achingly gorgeous and Moravec brings such a warm and considered touch to them.

  • @gregoryprusak8130
    @gregoryprusak8130 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Someone else here has commented on Op 48, No. 1 as being the best interpretation of this nocturne. I agree...As much as I am fond of Ashkenazy's renditions of the nocturnes-especially Op 27, No 2- Moravec edges him easily on this particular nocturne. The triplets in the middle section, he make them sound easy, and as someone who only enjoys listening and can't play, I KNOW those octave triplets can't be easy to play cleanly and keep the phrasing intact. Kudos to Mr Moravec for an exciting performance on this piece! And thanks too, Mr Kumar, your taste is exquisite. Love your channel.

  • @jonhunt1086
    @jonhunt1086 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    WOW- I was listening in the background but 32:59's bass was just INCREDIBLE.

    • @stacia6678
      @stacia6678 ปีที่แล้ว

      Welp, that’s the power of a Bösendorfer XD

  • @narapo1911
    @narapo1911 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Unbelievable sound. I cannot believe this is the sound of a piano! Truly masterful playing, completely distinct from other interpretations.

  • @cserohs
    @cserohs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Like seeing the score while listening

  • @eytonshalom
    @eytonshalom 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    this is by light years the most remarkable of all the recordings i have heard. i love pollini's version, but this replaced pollini's for the one i feel like putting on when my spirit needs the nocturnes...

  • @keybawd4023
    @keybawd4023 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The performance of these nocturnes is nothing short of miraculous. What an incredible range of tones and colours. Not to mention, a rigorous attention to the score and yet playing with such breadth and freedom. A miracle indeed.

  • @chatterboXXIX
    @chatterboXXIX 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Love your channel and your picks. I got to meet Mr Moravec once and he told me that he was especially proud of how Op. 48/1 turned out in the studio: I really do think it is the best of an incredible set! Keep up the good work.

  • @AlanNelsonUNC
    @AlanNelsonUNC 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Every finger is perfectly weighted. Seeing Moravec live from the front row was a great experience.

  • @RichardFeynmanRules
    @RichardFeynmanRules 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    YES! In my view, these are still the greatest recordings of Chopin's Nocturnes ever made. Moravec is simply sublime with Chopin.

  • @UltraPenguin720
    @UltraPenguin720 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The emotion coming out of that piano. . . leaves me speechless. Incredible depth to this performance.

  • @TiticatFollies
    @TiticatFollies 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    BRAVO, IVAN, THE GREATEST! Thanks, Ashish, for posting the entire Nocturnes here.

  • @audreymcknight
    @audreymcknight 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can't believe this is from '65. What a clear, beautiful sound. The dynamic control is just stunning... when he plays soft, he plays soft. It's so gentle. Thanks for uploading this.

  • @IvyTeaRN
    @IvyTeaRN 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Op 32 no 2 is one of the best pieces in music history

    • @daveo2431
      @daveo2431 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's very nice, yes. Btw that's a great realistic photo you have there of Monsieur Chopin, probably the best I've seen.

    • @IvyTeaRN
      @IvyTeaRN 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@daveo2431 it's not a photo, it's a 3d render made by artist Hadi Karimi. Check him on Instagram.

    • @daveo2431
      @daveo2431 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@IvyTeaRN I see. thanks

  • @RanOutaNames
    @RanOutaNames 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Every time I listen to Nocturnes feels and sounds like the first time I listen to Nocturnes

  • @kpokpojiji
    @kpokpojiji 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ashish you are a real source of continued inspiration and joy, thank you! I had the pleasure of hearing Moravec several times in concert. At one concert, at the West Village Meeting house in Brattleboro Vermont (USA) the setting was so informal and intimate that I sat as close to him as a page turner would. One of the real hallmarks of his playing was the depth of his honesty and emotion. Not a single note ever felt insincere. An integrity of heart and soul that was transfiguring.

  • @svrfan
    @svrfan 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    what an absolute treasure! Thanks so much for uploading this and keep up the good work!!

  • @themagicbirdie
    @themagicbirdie 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love this video and your description. Thank you

  • @RaymondRobijns
    @RaymondRobijns 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Remarkable quality this recording from 1965. And I love the way it is played. Thank you very much.

  • @coolmuso6108
    @coolmuso6108 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    One of the most wonderful and magical listening experiences ever! I was transported to somewhere other-worldly...

  • @heyjianjing
    @heyjianjing 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Stunning touch! Absolutely delightful!

  • @violinimpulse
    @violinimpulse 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This has been one of my favorites for a long time. I also enjoyed your excellent description!

  • @LasagnaTheArtist
    @LasagnaTheArtist 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent music to study to. Just pristine vibes for over an hour. Thank you for posting this.

  • @elsaccc1708
    @elsaccc1708 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can't have enough of this,....it is just amazing!!

  • @lucasgust7720
    @lucasgust7720 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for uploading all Chopin's nocturnes with their respective scores!

  • @nilsfrederking62
    @nilsfrederking62 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The best recording of the Nocturnes I heard, much more touching than the Arrau recording. Very sensible and with the right amount of rubato, I cannot count how often I heard this recording from beginning to end, sometimes I get so relaxed and carried away that I fall asleep for some time - which is a high compliment in that context.

  • @klaasbil
    @klaasbil 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Brilliantly played. And thanks for including the sheet music in perfect sync!

  • @skylarlim4181
    @skylarlim4181 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing recording. I'm left speechless at the perfection of everything. Thank you so much for introducing this new world of sound to me.

  • @danwaffle56
    @danwaffle56 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your channel. helps me when i'm doing essays and writing. Keep up the good work.

  • @InnasWorld
    @InnasWorld 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Incredible channel! So much work. I am so happy to just have found it. Feels like a gold mine. Thank you so much!!!

  • @mintchoco5640
    @mintchoco5640 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Amazing touch in these recordings. Sounds like a musical box

  • @benatchison2371
    @benatchison2371 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This video was blocked in the USA and now I'm living back at home in Europe I can listen again!

  • @MrCinemuso
    @MrCinemuso 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Moravec, the Nocturnes and the score - great upload! Thanks for 1 + 3/4 hours of bliss.

  • @urospodboj7535
    @urospodboj7535 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    he was such a gentle soul

    • @segmentsAndCurves
      @segmentsAndCurves 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      is*
      Souls never die, they live within us.

  • @ArtimusClydeFroggie
    @ArtimusClydeFroggie 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Man i really enjoy coming to your channel from time to time. Also, thank you for your elaborate description and profound thoughts on every piece you upload. Keep up the great work :)

  • @misteranonymous9616
    @misteranonymous9616 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That 9/3 was by far the best version of it I've heard

  • @judithcarr-cave5412
    @judithcarr-cave5412 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My favourite Chopin nocturne I am addicted and play it over and over

  • @dizzybin4002
    @dizzybin4002 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    this music puts my mind in such a peaceful state. Thank you for letting me feel comfortable.

  • @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji
    @CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Highlighting some moments I really love very much: 13:23, 17:56, 22:36, 26:15 (27:17), 31:33, 32:24, (49:41) 49:48, 55:32, 1:08:36 (early Scriabin moment), 1:13:15 (nice humoresque-like section), 1:20:05, 1:35:45 (1:36:20 so badass)

  • @spotharriet
    @spotharriet 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Extraordinary playing. And his control of dynamic and colour is wonderful. Thanks for the post

  • @user-ir9ew5xl7k
    @user-ir9ew5xl7k 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My favorite Nocturnes:
    I - Op. 55 No. 2
    II - Op. 62 No. 1
    III - Op. 27 No. 1
    IV - Op. 48 No. 2
    To me, those are the most beautiful. Of course, there are others (Op. 48 No. 1, Op. 62 No. 2, Op. 37 No. 1, etc.), but for me, those four really stand out. And the fact that they're played superbly by Ivan Moravec also helps.

    • @WEEBLLOM
      @WEEBLLOM 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Based

  • @jeff2446
    @jeff2446 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gorgeous, stunning performance and recording.

  • @r0mmm
    @r0mmm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love how chopin modulates in the beginning of op 38 no 2 from g major to a minor!

  • @MariaMaltseva
    @MariaMaltseva 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is spectacularly beautiful.

  • @thinkitsimpossible8718
    @thinkitsimpossible8718 6 ปีที่แล้ว +308

    I listen to nocturnes in the day time want to fight

  • @efrenherrera6166
    @efrenherrera6166 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What an amazing talent the world was offered with Chopin’s music compositions. Simply a genius before his time.

  • @Dancingjulien
    @Dancingjulien 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your channel is amazing thanks

  • @Budy69able
    @Budy69able 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Gracias infinitas por ésta absoluta maravilla. :)