Beethoven: Sonata No.21 in C Major, "Waldstein" (Pletnev)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
  • This is one of Beethoven's most important works, often classed with the Appassionata and Les Aideux as one of the great sonatas of his middle period. There is too much to say about the structural/harmonic innovations of this piece, but I suppose the most notable features about it are the extended modulation to the mediant (E major) in the first movement (the same modulation also features prominently in one of the most important late sonatas, the Hammerklavier), the linking of the first movement's 1st and 2nd themes via a 5-note falling motif, and the daring (not to say virtuosic) textures of the final rondo.
    Movement I: 00:00
    Movement II: 10:30
    Movement III: 14:14*
    Pletnev's performance is incredibly lively and buoyant -- check out the Rondo, where he thankfully avoids the overpedaling that even other great pianists end up doing (Beethoven's long sustained pedal marks, which ignore changes of harmony, were appropriate on the dry instruments of his time, but are clearly out of place on the modern grand, with its rich sonorities and lush sustaining pedal.) It's always nice to hear a performance of a Beethoven sonata that its not wearingly overserious, and is willing to pull on the structure a bit to emphasise "in-the-moment" textures (see 20:40) -- although by any measure this is a very serious performance of a very important part of the piano literature.
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  • @charlesxii5804
    @charlesxii5804 3 ปีที่แล้ว +931

    All credits go to Ashish Xiangyi Kumar's other Waldstein video, I just made the times stamps accurate for this performance. If you have any other observations leave them below and I'll add them. Hopefully this helps someone!
    Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonate, Op. 53. Dedicated to Count Ferdinand Ernst Gabriel von Waldstein, composed in 1804.
    MVT I, Allegro con brio
    EXPOSITION
    00:00 - Theme 1
    00:34 - Transition
    00:52 - Theme 2, Part 1, in E(!) Major. The chorale, one of Beethoven’s typical melodic non-melodies, is built around the 5 descending notes in the RH of Theme 1. [0:04 and similar]
    01:20 - Theme 2, Part 2
    01:54 - Codetta (Note the “never-ending” modulating section at 1:59)
    DEVELOPMENT
    04:30 - The infinitely modulating section is expanded
    04:37 - Theme 1, modulating. Note the prevalence of the 5-descending-note motif
    04:56 - LH figuration from the transition joins Theme 1
    05:10 - Theme 2, Part 2, modulating
    05:55 - The 5-note descending motif appears in the LH, except now it’s shortened to 4 notes. Inversions of it then enter in the RH, then, at 6:10, figuration from the transition which leads to the
    RECAPITULATION
    06:16 - Theme 1
    06:34 - The unexpected landing on the Ab signals a little spurt of new material, which leads back into a restatement of the main idea
    07:00 - Transition, now in A min
    07:19 - Theme 2 Part 1, which when it enters is still not synced-up with Theme 1, as it’s stubbornly in A Major. It takes some time to wander to A min, and then finally lands on the “correct” key: C Major.
    07:46 - Theme 2 Part 2, C Major
    08:21 - The “Codetta”, with the modulating idea still attached, which leads into what is by all accounts a pretty substantial
    CODA
    08:46 - Theme 1 enters blithely in Bb Major, as if the entire movement is going to repeat itself. In fact this Bb Major section recalls the opening, where the main idea is stated in Bb Major immediately after it’s presented in C Major.
    08:50 - Well, now it’s clear this is not a repeat. More modulation and compression
    09:00 - A pause on the dominant, which leads to a syncopated RH descent over the pulsating chords of Theme 1.
    09:06 - Theme 1’s RH is now in the LH. Eventually it is used sequentially [9:12], and leads into a concerto-like cadenza [9:23].
    09:41 - Theme 2 enters right where you’d expect a final cadence
    10:16 - A final statement of Theme 1, leading into the ending cadence
    MVT II, Introduzione. Adagio molto
    10:33 - Prelude
    11:45 - Melody
    12:43 - Postlude
    MVT III, Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo
    14:14 - A SECTION
    15:20 - B SECTION
    15:58 - Transition
    16:23 - A SECTION
    17:29 - C SECTION
    18:18 - Transition
    18:43 - Syncopated modulations
    18:55 - Arpeggiated modulations, with the A theme implied by the LH
    19:31 - Eerie circling around the dominant
    20:00 - A SECTION
    20:32 - B SECTION
    21:07 - Transition. More extended dwelling on the dominant
    21:40 - A SECTION / CODA
    22:09 - Sudden modulating into Ab, with the A theme continuing in the LH
    22:31 - The notorious RH octave glissandi
    22:49 - Another gorgeous statement of the A theme, which slips into C min at 22:57, then into Ab, then into F min, then lands on an Italian sixth chord, before suspending itself on the dominant
    23:18 - A big, chordal statement of the A theme, which leads into the final cadence
    The Waldstein Sonata is one of Beethoven’s most expansive and uplifting works, but its instant likability sometimes obscures that fact that it’s a deeply restless and innovative work, structurally and texturally extraordinary in ways that sound natural only because the sonata is so well-put together.
    Take the opening of the first movement. What kind of a sound is this? It’s tense without being dramatic, ambiguous without being vague, motoric and shapeless and aurally without any sense of harmony even though it’s just a C maj chord in root position, of all things. There’s also the tonal restlessness of this work: right after the C maj chord we get a secondary dominant, almost immediately followed by an unprepared shift down to Bb maj. (This is one of those moments that be played either as a funny gesture, or as something more mysterious.) The second theme group (which has a surprising link to the first theme in the form of a 5-note descending motif) is in E major, rather than the more normal G maj/F maj/A min. And the recapitulation is surprisingly playful - there’s tiny dashes of new material, and the second theme group enters in the rather flippant A maj, another “wrong” key. (There’s more, like this little infinitely flexible modulating idea, but that will be singled out below.)
    The second movement, an extended introduction to the rondo, is one of Beethoven’s moat harmonically deceptive and moving slow movements, and the rondo itself is a blaze of wonder. There’s the A theme, hovering over a haze of blurred harmonies; a B theme which builds the second time it occurs into a huge orchestral peroration; a transitional motif, based on the A theme, which is both joyous and sad and noble at the same time; and an extended coda which is as developmental as it is brilliant. (The mere fact that the last movement is so weighty was pretty novel for the time - Beethoven gradually shifted the heavy lifting from the first to the last movements over his 32 sonatas.)

    • @charlesxii5804
      @charlesxii5804 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      @@SallesMusic I actually liked doing it because I got to effectively analyze the work, and I've never done that before

    • @cratowitdabag
      @cratowitdabag 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I'm a 13 year old inspiring pianist, any tips?

    • @charlesxii5804
      @charlesxii5804 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      @@cratowitdabag I'm 14 lol

    • @adrianwright8685
      @adrianwright8685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@cratowitdabag "aspiring" We'd have to here you to decide whether you are inspiring!

    • @xdgirl8886
      @xdgirl8886 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@charlesxii5804 Wow is this your first time analysing? I thought it was very well put together, and I love your little note at the end! Do you study music in depth? I definitely wasn't analysing when I was 14 hahaha. You sound very inspiring!

  • @ViceroyoftheDiptera
    @ViceroyoftheDiptera 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1561

    One of the finest examples of 'is a lot more difficult than it sounds despite the fact that it already sounds difficult'

    • @belume5917
      @belume5917 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      exactly, i love the magical sound 1:24 has, places like these show beethoven's genius

    • @TheMoon0946
      @TheMoon0946 2 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Yea its harder than moonlight sonata

    • @belume5917
      @belume5917 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      @@TheMoon0946 defenitely

    • @theowinckel
      @theowinckel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      @@TheMoon0946 moonlight isn't hard

    • @arandompianist7371
      @arandompianist7371 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@theowinckel Still challenging

  • @jospehas7850
    @jospehas7850 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1644

    YOU WANT MORE STACCATO?!

    • @alexisfiotakis8625
      @alexisfiotakis8625 6 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      Ludwig Van Beethoven That's creepy

    • @kami6705
      @kami6705 5 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      I thought you couldn’t hear😂 yes we want more pls add more...
      Oh...nvm.

    • @lisztomani4c
      @lisztomani4c 5 ปีที่แล้ว +115

      He can't that's why hes shouting at us

    • @cromorno8749
      @cromorno8749 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      This isn't staccato, this is separato.

    • @cromorno8749
      @cromorno8749 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It's lovely.

  • @Eric-xt3os
    @Eric-xt3os 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1011

    I read that this was the first thing Beethoven wrote after he got his 5th and final piano, the most modern and strong. This piece seems as a celebration of what he was finding the piano now capable of allowing.

    • @andreszentay7446
      @andreszentay7446 7 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Eric Bell now thats interesting, and sound logic, thanks!

    • @MrThrond
      @MrThrond 5 ปีที่แล้ว +78

      That's a true story. His last piano was an Erard he received in 1803 just before this sonata, that was widest than the other he had before so he could write and play on an extended range. The first measures are revaeling about this.

    • @peterjongsma2754
      @peterjongsma2754 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      But by then he was deaf.
      So what difference does it make?
      Beethoven broke multiple strings in his pianos trying to hear the music.

    • @RacinZilla003
      @RacinZilla003 4 ปีที่แล้ว +73

      @@peterjongsma2754 Except he was never completely deaf
      Incredibly hard of hearing but not deaf. Not only that but by 1803 he could still hear his piano and orchestral music. By 1812 was when he started pressing his head against the piano cover in order to hear it.

    • @LachlanTyrrell2003
      @LachlanTyrrell2003 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I don't think so. I believe that was for his hammerklavier sonata?

  • @ryanstraker7210
    @ryanstraker7210 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1411

    I can fail my education, bad things can happen, but this music will always exist.

    • @maulcs
      @maulcs 5 ปีที่แล้ว +58

      Until the human race ends, and all music, art, and technical achievements are wiped away like they never existed.

    • @davidepisanu1412
      @davidepisanu1412 5 ปีที่แล้ว +83

      @@maulcs So enjoy it at more as you can ;-D

    • @thorsten8790
      @thorsten8790 5 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      The only thing that seems to be eternal is the cycle of rebirth, even the universe seems to have collapsed several times and had several big bangs, it's likely it's not the first time a genius came up with this piece.

    • @ArianaAbedini
      @ArianaAbedini 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      So very true! By far one of my favourite composers, I am always happy when practising Beethoven on the piano, no matter how difficult his compositions are. Are you a pianist too?

    • @maulcs
      @maulcs 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      ​@@thorsten8790 That's basically the infinite monkey theorem, and the chances are unbelievably low, almost infinitely, barely above zero - essentially only relevant mathematically. Also, the universe is increasingly expanding, which doesn't bode well for the big crunch.

  • @huangfrancis8717
    @huangfrancis8717 4 ปีที่แล้ว +192

    Hanon made me hate the scales and arppegios
    while Beethoven made me fall in love with them.

    • @mydogskips2
      @mydogskips2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Same goes for Czerny and Mozart I think. ; )

    • @sunsun4724
      @sunsun4724 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Liszt makes me hate Chopin while Mozart makes me hate Beethoven

    • @prammar1951
      @prammar1951 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@sunsun4724 Same

    • @amerrylittlemonarch
      @amerrylittlemonarch 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@sunsun4724 *WHAT?!?!?! I AM GREATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

    • @DariusMo
      @DariusMo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@sunsun4724 Mozart makes me hate Mozart

  • @waldenhouse
    @waldenhouse 8 ปีที่แล้ว +961

    Demonstrates the importance of practicing scales and arpeggios!

    • @5610winston
      @5610winston 8 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      +RMLectronics East Yorks And hand crossings! The Rondo had insane hand crossings!

    • @candisandi1283
      @candisandi1283 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      @Max M I learned this Sonata and performed it a couple of times in college (music conservatory). I always found Beethoven easier after learning and practicing (crazy) Liszt music. Scales are so important, though. You're right.

    • @ArianaAbedini
      @ArianaAbedini 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Haha exactly! By far one of my favourite composers, I am always happy when practising Beethoven on the piano, no matter how difficult his compositions are. Are you a pianist too?

    • @FurbyCraftYT
      @FurbyCraftYT 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Max M You did this for ARCT? Must have been one of the hard ones. This is now one of the LRCM syllabus songs.

    • @marichristian1072
      @marichristian1072 5 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@FurbyCraftYT Songs have words. This is a piece of music.

  • @jakes3799
    @jakes3799 5 ปีที่แล้ว +606

    Can someone explain to me how the Moonlight, Pathetique, and Appassionata are the gold standards when the Waldstein is out there. This is one of those pieces you listen to and marvel at the fact that a human being actually created this.

    • @mariopizzol107
      @mariopizzol107 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Jeff Johnson:
      True!
      The same wonder and amazement that I feel every time I listen to those 2 bars equal first and then alternate ....
      Thank you.
      Greetings from Italy.

    • @Numberonesorabjifan
      @Numberonesorabjifan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +65

      Idk, I would include waldstein, hammerklavier and sonata 32 in the gold standard

    • @XenophonSoulis
      @XenophonSoulis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +57

      When the world was going insane over the Moonlight sonata, Beethoven said to Czerny that this (Moonlight Sonata) wasn't even one of the best pieces he wrote.

    • @jakes3799
      @jakes3799 4 ปีที่แล้ว +72

      @@XenophonSoulis He said, "Everyone's talking about the c# minor sonata. Surely I've written better things."

    • @XenophonSoulis
      @XenophonSoulis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jakes3799 Well, I didn't remember the exact expression. Thanks.

  • @grouchocatman
    @grouchocatman 8 ปีที่แล้ว +159

    His technical proficiency is astounding.

    • @ninjaassassin27
      @ninjaassassin27 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      To him, I doubt it even seems like 'technique'. It's all music.

    • @lymanmj
      @lymanmj 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I don't know about you, but I followed the score as I listened. I did not hear a single dropped note. Amazing.

    • @SinanAkkoyun
      @SinanAkkoyun 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@ninjaassassin27 Yes, exactly, you can't even spot the extreme difficulty of playing this, I had to look at the score to REALLY see how difficult it is

    • @quabbelfax5516
      @quabbelfax5516 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      it is just that one spot (the bars after 7:00 and the same in the exposition) at which many pianists lose the tempo/rhythm/hand alignment so you almost cannot identify the beat anymore. It also happens in the other Waldstein video on this channel

  • @retiredmeme2751
    @retiredmeme2751 2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    20:35 - 21:07 I have no words to describe it. Just incredible.

  • @Prometeur
    @Prometeur 3 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Oh man, the sudden modulation into Ab Major at 22:09 is gorgeous.

    • @opticalmixing23
      @opticalmixing23 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      He does that. He will go from stormy mood to lovely mood in the blink of an eye

  • @leighbrandt9835
    @leighbrandt9835 8 ปีที่แล้ว +534

    "Waldstein" is a piece of music that every human being should listen to at least once. A "Bucket List" essential.

    • @jospehas7850
      @jospehas7850 7 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      Leigh Brandt Liszt calls it the Bucket Liszt

    • @bennyhillschineseblokechar3689
      @bennyhillschineseblokechar3689 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Leigh Brandt. Yes indeed. This, and Frank Zappa's 'Inca Roads'.

    • @jkrai9684
      @jkrai9684 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      And Rhapsody in Blue

    • @danksamosa3952
      @danksamosa3952 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Symphony no 9

    • @5610winston
      @5610winston 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Borodin's Quartet no. 1 in A major, and his Scherzo in D major for String Quartet (sketch for the scherzo of the unfinished Third Symphony).

  • @8kanku
    @8kanku 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    That part at 18:56... those chromatic-ish arppegios! Those are so visionnary and daring for that era! Love it

    • @tarikeld11
      @tarikeld11 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      They almost sound impressionistic!

  • @Sherlock_Violin
    @Sherlock_Violin 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    What an extraordinary performance! This has perhaps become my favourite rendition of this fantastic piece...

  • @semtex9345
    @semtex9345 9 ปีที่แล้ว +188

    The 3rd movement is the most beautiful 'sunshine' i have ever heard so far.
    *_*

    • @Pakkens_Backyard
      @Pakkens_Backyard 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      *sunrise

    • @starlitt187
      @starlitt187 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Pakkens_Backyard lovely

    • @kenoliver8913
      @kenoliver8913 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      ESPECIALLY the way it just "emerges" from the Adagio. The first time I ever heard it (Roger Woodward performing at the Sydney OPpera Houise, circa 1980) I cried in public.

    • @segmentsAndCurves
      @segmentsAndCurves 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Try Chopin etude 'sunshine'.

    • @JoanKSX
      @JoanKSX 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yea, especially from Beethoven's work.
      His works always so vigorously grumpy expressivo.
      Whenever I'm in bad mood, Beethoven's work always make my mood gone worse >.< XD

  • @user-nu1xy3ps4r
    @user-nu1xy3ps4r 7 ปีที่แล้ว +203

    0:00 1
    10:34 2
    14:16 3

  • @zampettedainsetto
    @zampettedainsetto 5 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    This is the perfect music to listen to when you wake up in the morning. The perfect way to begin your day is with Beethoven

    • @brotherhood7596
      @brotherhood7596 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How about Grieg's "Morning mood"?

    • @zakironito
      @zakironito 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@brotherhood7596 how about Grieg's morning Wood?

    • @brotherhood7596
      @brotherhood7596 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@zakironito Lol

    • @Michevangelo03
      @Michevangelo03 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      How about chopin butterfly etude aka opus 25 no 9

    • @AlexBridgesKiev
      @AlexBridgesKiev 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How about Grieg's "Morning food"?

  • @menelaos.peistikos
    @menelaos.peistikos 7 ปีที่แล้ว +130

    At the third movement, even I have listened to this Sonata many times, I always wonder how far the basic theme can be extended? Beethoven pushes this simple but so clever music theme to the edge. It is like he is obssesed with it and doesn't want the piece to come to an end.

    • @professordeportugadoyt113
      @professordeportugadoyt113 7 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Μενελαος Πειστικος He was very inteligent

    • @EmdrGreg
      @EmdrGreg 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Good observation, Menelaus. I don't want it to end, either!

    • @seneresaartomus8982
      @seneresaartomus8982 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I have had the same thoughts. Beethoven was clearly exercising here his incredible skill for writing variations (also found in Op.34 , Op.35 , Op.129...).

    • @danmaia455
      @danmaia455 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      He was very inteligent and sensitive

    • @ludwigvanbeethoven4465
      @ludwigvanbeethoven4465 6 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Thanks

  • @hyramesshiramess1035
    @hyramesshiramess1035 9 ปีที่แล้ว +317

    One of the most satisfying accounts of this sonata I've ever heard. Pletnev is one of the greatest artists ever to touch a keyboard. His virtuosity is immense, his control total, his imagination boundless, his versatility awe inspiring, and his sincerity unquestionable.

    • @Highinsight7
      @Highinsight7 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hyramess Hiramess I like it... don't know what all the complaints are about...?

    • @Highinsight7
      @Highinsight7 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      me too...

    • @RichKelly-is-fred
      @RichKelly-is-fred 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +MrLisztian me 2 1/2

    • @benbroverman5150
      @benbroverman5150 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Couldnt agree more. Pletnev and brendal will always be my favorite

    • @bennyhillschineseblokechar3689
      @bennyhillschineseblokechar3689 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes indeed, the way his floating style almost transcends the overall enigmatic interfused chordal structures, mixed with the ascending scales of the basic form of the piece and the crescendo is most interesting. My favourite bit is definitely 5:50 - 5:53.

  • @user-jb4ni9jg6r
    @user-jb4ni9jg6r ปีที่แล้ว +4

    此のソナタは第3楽章の色彩の溢れる場面揃いなのが最高です。
    途中で同主調(哀しいハ短調)になる場面しかり、その後原調ハ長調に戻り雄々しく歌う場面しかり、圧巻は
    最後のクライマックス、プレスティッシモになる場面、これぞベートーヴェンの大ソナタと言わんばかりの曲ですね。

  • @segmentsAndCurves
    @segmentsAndCurves 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Happy 250th birthday Beethoven! This sonata has always left a big impression on me.

  • @snapewera
    @snapewera 2 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    1 часть
    ГП 0:01
    ПП 0:53
    ЗП 1:54
    2 часть
    Начало 10:34
    3 часть
    Рефрен 14:14
    1й эпизод 15:20
    2й эпизод 17:30

  • @RonnySwift01
    @RonnySwift01 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2200

    This and some morning coffee.

  • @kyliejordan4733
    @kyliejordan4733 6 ปีที่แล้ว +213

    Who else finds that the Rondo is especially beautiful!?!?

    • @domerbacher5430
      @domerbacher5430 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      One of the most beautiful melodies composed in the classical period

    • @edwardmeradith2419
      @edwardmeradith2419 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Absolutely!

    • @kenoliver8913
      @kenoliver8913 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      The first live concert I ever attended (Roger Woodward at the Sydney Opera House) I broke into silent tears at the sheer beauty of that theme's emergence at the start of the Rondo.

    • @nathanandrews8314
      @nathanandrews8314 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Can’t get the rondo out of my head

  • @ErikCPianoman
    @ErikCPianoman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +331

    The brisk tempo Pletnev takes for the first mvt really allows him to let the calmer phrases breath through rubato, leading to some lovely character changes, and a stark satisfying contrast to the bubbling passagework that surrounds them. Probably the best recording I’ve ever heard tbh.

    • @brendanhall3181
      @brendanhall3181 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Man seeing you comment on classical music gives me joy

    • @jwelihinda
      @jwelihinda 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Completely agree

    • @MrMeeseeksPiano
      @MrMeeseeksPiano 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Its Erik

    • @johorn2887
      @johorn2887 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      He doesnt play it pp though at the start or anywhere the composer has written it on the first 2 pages...

    • @ErikCPianoman
      @ErikCPianoman 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@johorn2887 I disagree. Imo he's clearly following the softer dynamics here. You can really hear the contrast of sound/dynamics when he actually brings out those louder dynamics, especially if you pay attention to the timbre of the sound/tone quality. The only reason it sounds kinda 'loud' has to do with how the microphones are set up and any sort of post mixing/processing they do here, if any.

  • @pickledellies
    @pickledellies 8 ปีที่แล้ว +542

    When you've had one of those days and you're surrounded by idiots and chaos; home, tea, the Waldstein and everything slots into place. Perfect.

  • @MicahKyler
    @MicahKyler 4 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    I love how everyone enjoys different parts. If you read through the comments, most people reference completely different times. A great piece through and through. :)

  • @judylo682
    @judylo682 5 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    The 3rd movement is so special, so refreshing, full of energy. Superb!

  • @peekpen
    @peekpen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The only thing holding TH-cam together is the recent tsunami of quality and quantity in classical music. Thank you very very much.

  • @notnotandrew
    @notnotandrew 7 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    I absolutely love how he references the first movement in the third at 19:15 :)

    • @GuilhermeMichel
      @GuilhermeMichel ปีที่แล้ว

      Yess

    • @potatopotato0715
      @potatopotato0715 ปีที่แล้ว

      What part of the first mvt does he reference?

    • @L1102
      @L1102 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@potatopotato0715 0:13 the sixteenth notes

  • @oscargomez5649
    @oscargomez5649 6 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    During my trip through Germany I listened to Beethoven and read his biography simultaneously. I couldn't hold back the tears of emotion I felt, knowing that such an incredible musical genius has asked for the misfortune of not being able to admire his own musical work because of his hearing problem, that feeling of sadness covered by a great admiration for all those masterpieces that he wrote and that allows us to enjoy it today at any time and feel that wonderful essence of his music, he was one of the most incredible composers this world has ever known without a doubt.
    Very good performance by this artist.

  • @tenpiano1920
    @tenpiano1920 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The pianist has muscles and tendons that move much faster than many machines can...incredible.

  • @user-fz8nl5te4w
    @user-fz8nl5te4w 5 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    17:30~18:18 I can't get enough of it!

  • @clinteastwood8323
    @clinteastwood8323 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    One of Beethoven's most unique pieces. My favorite piano sonata by him.

  • @tarikeld11
    @tarikeld11 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Wow, I just realized something interesting - if you listen closely to the top notes, you can hear at 15:21 - 15:28 the main theme of Andante Favori, which was supposed to be the second movement of the Waldstein!

  • @magicmulder
    @magicmulder 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Apart from its beauty this piece is also a brilliant prank for pianists. Starts out deceptively easy in C major, second movement is Largo but has 1/32nds, third movement has mostly 1/8ths but is Prestissimo…. Nice one, Ludwig!
    Imagine someone sight-reading this. “I can play that… Still easy… Sweet Moses are you kidding me??? Ah, finally an easy movement. What do you mean, prestissimo?”

    • @Trooman20
      @Trooman20 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      This piece being written in c major is in itself a difficulty(to some people atleast)

    • @s061078
      @s061078 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@Trooman20 I believe Chopin once said that C major is the hardest key to play, due to the lack of black keys for smooth finger movements

  • @sigurd1233
    @sigurd1233 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    People say "no human being could have written this", but I prefer "only a human being could have written this"

  • @adriennebeecker5000
    @adriennebeecker5000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    By now, I have heard many performances of the “Waldstein” on You Tube and in concert, and none as MAGNIFICENT as Maestro Pletnev’s ! THIS. IS THE BEST! HE is a GENIUS!

  • @Anonymous-wj6bu
    @Anonymous-wj6bu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    That repeating b note at 1:23 is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.

    • @thankyou62
      @thankyou62 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's like a heartbeat of joy.

    • @lerolerolero37
      @lerolerolero37 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It never fails to make me tear up, it's just too beautiful.

    • @quarkonium3795
      @quarkonium3795 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The section between 1:20 and 1:30 is one of my all-time favorite 10-second sections of classical music

  • @AndreVerGotti
    @AndreVerGotti 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Wonderfully played.
    In particular, 18:55 left me utterly spellbound

  • @miguelfontesmeira
    @miguelfontesmeira 2 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    This is beyond sublime... each and every second of this sonata is pure gold

  • @maxjohn6012
    @maxjohn6012 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    This blows my mind every time I listen. This piece deserves this performance.

  • @Henry-uv9xu
    @Henry-uv9xu 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    What a masterpiece! Truly Beethoven’s gift to humanity.

  • @danielendean3931
    @danielendean3931 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    just doesn't get old. I can listen to this for eternity

  • @Crosshill
    @Crosshill 8 ปีที่แล้ว +201

    All of a sudden, piano seems to shine for me, whereas before I didn't care much for them at all There are just so many playful and sparkling performances that just lifts your mood and makes your thoughts dance

    • @Moucheron1990
      @Moucheron1990 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You need to listen to some Scarlatti. "Fireworks on Piano" Try K1 for starters.

    • @Crosshill
      @Crosshill 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      J Mouch
      K1 feels like a sort of folksy but formal dancing, where the liveliness is suppressed by its somewhat slow beat, and the repetitiveness very reminiscent of the repetitiveness of ballroom dancing, going round and round. rather strange, but with a clear pleasant sound

    • @Crosshill
      @Crosshill 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      *****
      do you have some favorites of chopins? i know there are a few i adore, but i can never keep track of the names of these things

    • @matthewschachter5147
      @matthewschachter5147 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Some of my personal favorite Chopin pieces are his 4 ballades, his baracole, his grande polonaise brillante/andante sospino, fantasy in f minor, and various etudes (the most famous is revolutionary although all of them are good)

    • @matthewschachter5147
      @matthewschachter5147 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      also I highly recommend in sospiro by Liszt

  • @user-lk5pk6hm9e
    @user-lk5pk6hm9e 5 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Every human being should listen this. Incredible!

  • @marichristian1072
    @marichristian1072 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    You breathe a sigh of relief when you see that the sonata is in C major. You then flick through the score and see pages black with accidentals, and realize that you need a few more years of piano lessons with a few hours of practice every day- scales, arpeggios, chromatic scales to the max!

    • @cloverisfan818
      @cloverisfan818 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      a few hours is not enough. 40 hours a day will do.

    • @Jayantan846
      @Jayantan846 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      This piece gives more courage for me to practice for my examination.

  • @RafaelQuirinoVex
    @RafaelQuirinoVex 7 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    The whole piece is unbelievable but the Rondo part ... it's miraculous !!!

  • @yashsah6692
    @yashsah6692 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I can't emphasise how much I love this 😍😍😍😍😍

  • @NoahJohnson1810
    @NoahJohnson1810 7 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Pristine melodies, clear voicing, carefully crafted phrasing. Best interpretation by a long shot.

    • @SpaghettiToaster
      @SpaghettiToaster 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      What about Kempff, Gulda, Buchbinder etc. ?

    • @amerrylittlemonarch
      @amerrylittlemonarch 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      And yet morons still think I can’t write good melodies.

  • @Sman-dc1ow
    @Sman-dc1ow 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    My God. That is stunningly melodic... Gorgeous Beethoven.

  • @chopin65
    @chopin65 6 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    If you have a bad day listen to this recording. Suddenly, life is sweet again.

    • @chopin65
      @chopin65 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@likhochokri6849 Yes. Indeed.Imagine receiving a gift like this!

    • @FinalFantasyGamePlay2023
      @FinalFantasyGamePlay2023 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      No you are lie...I always bad day a long time...

    • @amerrylittlemonarch
      @amerrylittlemonarch 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@FinalFantasyGamePlay2023 ?

  • @alessandrodestruppi6173
    @alessandrodestruppi6173 9 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    This is really a GREAT execution, one of the best I ever heard!

  • @PianoGraceful
    @PianoGraceful 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    One of my favorite's of Beethoven's sonatas, definitely on my bucket list of pieces I hope to eventually play.

  • @ContessaCavalier
    @ContessaCavalier 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Wonderful! Thank you for taking the time linking it to the sheet music too. I've gone out and bought the CD and look forward to exploring other Pletnev performances.

  • @thinkOfMeAsAClassicalMusician
    @thinkOfMeAsAClassicalMusician 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    He is so amazing!! I love Pletnev. Look at the PERFECT articulation in the first movement and the intensity, the build-ups, the details and little variations in the second theme, etc
    Incredible performance

  • @jeanlucchapelon
    @jeanlucchapelon 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Pletnev incroyable !
    Quelle précision et quel éventail de dynamique !!!

  • @MadableStudios
    @MadableStudios 5 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    Man, Beethoven really was a genius.

  • @joshualevine9488
    @joshualevine9488 7 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    This has Pletnev's signature poetic sound all throughout. What a PLEASURE to listen to!

  • @herobrine1847
    @herobrine1847 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    22:30 those slow octave glissandos are perfect

  • @dmc1673
    @dmc1673 5 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    3:35 literal eargasm holy shit.

    • @stacia6678
      @stacia6678 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Thomas V That’s kewl

  • @aramkhachaturian8043
    @aramkhachaturian8043 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    It feels so light, definitely a piece I would listen to in the morning.

  •  4 ปีที่แล้ว +251

    I must say, Pletnev's is the best of all Waldstein recordings.

    • @jonathankuo4774
      @jonathankuo4774 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Have you heard Gilel's? I think it is better.😊

    • @tutusolrian7806
      @tutusolrian7806 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I love Brandel's

    • @tutusolrian7806
      @tutusolrian7806 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      6:14

    • @adrianwright8685
      @adrianwright8685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Presumably, in order to make that decision, you did listen to:
      Barenboim, Arrau, Jussen, Brendel, Argerich, Kodama, Levit,Lisitsa, Richter, Gilels, Horowitz, Ashkenazy, Kempff, Poon, Lupu, Brautigan, Kraus, Pollini, Kim, Buchbinder, Serkin, Gulda, Roberts, Schiff, Nat, Say, Kissin, Hofmann, Fischer, Giltburg, Zemach, Lim, Freire, Xiaoyu, Li, Guy, Lenner, Bogdanov, Janusevicius, Moisewitz, O'Connor, HERE on TH-cam amongst many others? !!!

    • @karoldettlaff5345
      @karoldettlaff5345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jonathankuo4774 agree nothing compares to Gilels

  • @qs___2449
    @qs___2449 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    There's something truly magical about this entire piece, I love it so much

  • @BlueParadoxical
    @BlueParadoxical 8 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    Some of the most wonderful music ever written. Beautifully performed, too.

  • @yilingguo2603
    @yilingguo2603 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Amazing, you get more and more from it every time you listen to it.

  • @catherineg.9470
    @catherineg.9470 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just keep listening to this over and over again. It's astonishing.

  • @federicoriva7928
    @federicoriva7928 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Hands down to the best version of this sonata on youtube

  • @bernardpierre631
    @bernardpierre631 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    This was one of My senior recital pieces at TSU..many hours of practice.Thanks Dr Jane Perkyns ,a Doctoral Graduate of Juilliard.She was an awesome piano professor.

  • @verycoolpersonguy
    @verycoolpersonguy 7 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I'm glad to have the opportunity to learn this piece. Currently working on the left hand. With my time working on this, I can honestly say that this is one of the best pieces I have ever played, if not the best. Such a beautiful piece.

  • @CL2K
    @CL2K 6 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    This piece is really what allowed me to play the piano much more seriously! Beautiful interpretation!

  • @east5871
    @east5871 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    It is said that Beethoven’s first thought when he sat down at the piano to compose was “I absolutely must make this hard as hell to play!”

  • @gwedielwch
    @gwedielwch 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very many thanks for uploading this great performance by Pletnev. And for your introduction, and for taking the trouble to include both the score and the start time for each movement. Exemplary. Thank you also for the views you express below on Pletnev's tempi, and on the general question of interpretation.

  • @leanderdato4764
    @leanderdato4764 4 ปีที่แล้ว +111

    Me, trying to work on my literature essay: just one more sonata

  • @xiyyea5205
    @xiyyea5205 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I love the intro part. The harmony is so “contemporary” almost. I just like, love it.

  • @sepfms
    @sepfms 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Pletev’s interpretation is absolutely stellar. This really lifts you up 😊

  • @adamnankadishmanshakine5272
    @adamnankadishmanshakine5272 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ashish thank you!! your Beethoven sonata videos are very handy and helpful and really make these extremely magnificent and complicated works much easier to tackle!

  •  2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    One of my habits of the day is listening to Beethoven😊

  • @Supricatedburst
    @Supricatedburst 8 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    best Waldstein recording/interpretation i have ever listened to. depicts in a full extent Beethoven's sharpness and wrath

  • @markswanson549
    @markswanson549 9 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Following the notes, or trying to follow the notes, makes you realize just how gargantuan this work is. Insanely brilliant!

  • @lucasdelliosiv7493
    @lucasdelliosiv7493 4 ปีที่แล้ว +335

    I'm currently studying this for my diploma, I need your prayers...

    • @iakovosarvanitis8812
      @iakovosarvanitis8812 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Lucas Dellios IV με τίς ευχές μου !!!

    • @dariogarcia4050
      @dariogarcia4050 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I'll pray for you . Good luck

    • @GreenGoblinCoryintheHouse
      @GreenGoblinCoryintheHouse 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      My younger brother's doing diploma and,I pray to him to study.

    • @DDCrp
      @DDCrp 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And Ill need your practice Log. You got this!!

    • @Breakbeat90s
      @Breakbeat90s 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      tfw I study this "just for fun" lol

  • @swordinair8168
    @swordinair8168 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The way he explores the E major tonality between 0:53 and the final cadence at 1:54 is just so beautiful and virtuosic at the same time

  • @danielhughes441
    @danielhughes441 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The if the finest rendition I have heard of this piece in years! He does everything on the page, yet brings own expressiveness into the work

  • @Highinsight7
    @Highinsight7 9 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    I really LOVE this performance...

    • @rayray99100
      @rayray99100 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dedicated to his close friend and patron Count Ferdinand Ernst Gabriel von Waldstein, from Vienna. LOVE the Viennese!!!
      Thanks, MrLisztian ...

    • @Highinsight7
      @Highinsight7 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      SUCH a wonderful work... I'm in the process of recording it myself.... BIG task...

    • @Highinsight7
      @Highinsight7 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +raymond ferland Hope you're doing okay dear Raymond....

    • @danmaia455
      @danmaia455 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      MrLisztian What about the Kiko?

  • @ianstafford2218
    @ianstafford2218 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Staggering performance. Thank you.

  • @lukedeggendorf8370
    @lukedeggendorf8370 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    No one who dislikes this video has any conception of not only musical, but intellectual genius.

  • @mauricioubillusmarchena6660
    @mauricioubillusmarchena6660 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Right, I've decided to take over this challenge. The fact that people say this is harder than it sounds, although this already sounds hard, is frightening.

  • @curaticac5391
    @curaticac5391 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great performance, as much as I can judge. Thank you for posting it and for the instructive comments.

  • @davidjames9935
    @davidjames9935 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I've heard other renditions of this piece but this one is my favorite so far. I like that tempo is maintained and doesn't drop off like in other renditions. Especially in the final movement, at 20:41 elapsed time.

  • @tube4beno
    @tube4beno 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The best of composers. What passion in this music.

  • @EetuRautio
    @EetuRautio 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The transition from the second movement to the third has to be one of the most magical moments in all of music.

    • @katttttt
      @katttttt 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yea where it kinda breaks if you know what I mean

  • @karin7449
    @karin7449 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    For me the most beautiful ever composed. It took me 6 years practice on the grand piano to be able to play it.....and never without goosebumps.

  • @vojtaklojta6852
    @vojtaklojta6852 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    18:40 this part sounds so much like Schubert to me, it's insane. I love it.

    • @Casutama
      @Casutama 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well, the time period is the same :)

    • @DaviSilva-oc7iv
      @DaviSilva-oc7iv 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Schubert sounds so much like that rather

  • @opticalmixing23
    @opticalmixing23 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This one is very dear to me. Brings back a lot of emotions and now I'm crying 😢

  • @bigfishtarpon4958
    @bigfishtarpon4958 5 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Hard to believe the man was this amazingly talented and gifted.

    • @mariopizzol107
      @mariopizzol107 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      !!!

    • @dawlims1334
      @dawlims1334 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      which one? pletnev or beethoven?

    • @TheMightyFork_
      @TheMightyFork_ 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes.. such a cheap bastard, he wouldn’t share his talent with us.

    • @Numberonesorabjifan
      @Numberonesorabjifan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dawlims1334 both

  • @dr_Pianoszek
    @dr_Pianoszek 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm browsing through classical piano content and it's just super exciting to see the difference in style, feeling, chord progressions, etc. between different composers. I went from Chopin, to Mozart and Beethoven, and now I have this feeling that Chopin was greatly inspired by those two guys. Awesome stuff.

  • @henryjones9812
    @henryjones9812 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That chord progression at measure 34 is so beautiful!

  • @metanano359
    @metanano359 3 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    17:30-18:18 itself is better than most composers entire set of works

    • @vitamc1213
      @vitamc1213 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Same with 20:43

    • @bluegiant13
      @bluegiant13 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Savage

    • @1193joao
      @1193joao 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@vitamc1213 thats when Beethoven transforms the piano into a whole string section

  • @Simsim0564
    @Simsim0564 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    By far the best version ive heard!

  • @fastfingers110
    @fastfingers110 7 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    20:32 the best moment in piano playing/composing history!!!!

    • @cantkeepitin
      @cantkeepitin 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yea, but here e.g. Gilels is much better.