I was a young amateur church organist at age 16, and Liberace's fun and flamboyant playing style was a great inspiration. He made classical music just plain FUN. His stage personality was different that the one in his personal life, but who can say that his performances and comedic and humble sharing of his wealth on stage did not make the world a better place?
Liberace, the ultimate showman and pianist. This medley shows his talents far exceeded playing the popular instrumentals of his day. Lee, you are missed.
Yes beautiful playing and diverse the once great Liberace 🙏♥️... I hated death... Our loves ones go too soon. Yes we miss beautiful charming talented musicians we will never see again so sad really... John Lennon, George Harrison, Bowie, Silvester, Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and so many more 🙏🥲
Absolutely beautiful. For somebody like me who prefers classic rock, hair metal, heavy metal and grunge to enjoy the classics performed by a master pianist says a lot. There is nobody like Liberace, rest in peace Lee:)!
I remember watching Liberace on TV when I was a kid and after ever show he sang I'll be seeing you. I was fascinated with him and his skills then and am so sorry I never had the chance to see him perform live. He was amazingly talented and his brother was an amazing violinist also.
A master! His performances of playing what makes him A true talent. Long lost and so good to see a True showman, super star without head phones, ear phones,JUST TALENT! God rest we lost a light!!!!
This is so beautiful it makes me weep every time I watch it. What an extraordinary sweet sensitive fellow Liberace was. He pours his all into every performance. Thank you showmanlee for sharing the joy!
You know I have been to many classical performances by "great" pianists - you know the type the chattering classes and newspaper commentators like. But this guy is a real performer. He never once allows the audience to get bored. The modern equivalent of Liszt or Pagannini. A showman, sure. But so were they. Still a musician, a real one. This guy's sense of rhythm is also incredible. Brilliant interplay with the orchestra you rarely see.
Thank you for showcasing Liberace. It has been years since I have heard him and they bring back such memories. what a talent he had for playing, showmanship.....a nice way remember him on You Tube.
Under all that glitter layed an amazing pianist. I always thought that Liberace was joking around with the music sometimes, because he was so perfect that it would have been boring for him to play it serious- but when you listen closely, you will sometimes hold your breath. His interpretation of the moonlight serenade made me hold mine.
What a beautiful comment! It is so true and especially so for those of us who saw him 'live' in concert. His playing was so brilliant plus he had that wonderful personality that just captivated his audiences.
Always liked him. Brought classical music to every audience. Liberace was classical music's Carl Sagan. Miss them both. And I liked his playing too. Great Medley done only the way he could it.
Last night I saw for the first time Liberace performing in 1985 with the London Philharmonic. I became an instant fan. He did a portion on the shown where he played the audience's requests. I loved all but cannot find one in particular. Sad! mary ann
Notice if you will he does this performance with no sheet music. It's all from his memory. I can't remember my car keys. He was a genius. His debut was with the Chicago symphony in 1940. He became mr showman of the piano. Under it all was the fact he was a great concert pianist
Let me, for a moment celebrate, and yes defend a long lost friend. I, as a youthful pianist found Liberace inspiring. His flamboyant arrangements of classical and popular music were intoxicating and soothing to my anxious adolescent soul. Of course, he became an icon for me and many others for reasons that are obvious. His persona and regalia are visual exclamation points of gayness now cemented in the public consciousness. Some might trivialize his body of work but for those who would critique the art of any medium, consider that the soul of an artist is transparent. It is crystalized in that moment of revelation you share as you digest his or her art. Liberace the artist was not only an interpretive virtuoso and extravagant showman, he was a composition unto himself. His colour palette included depths of blue desperation from a son seeking the approval and devotion of an abandoning father, purple ecstasy for the total unconditional acceptance and decades long adulation of a grateful public and finally, as his era could not condone acknowledged homosexuality without the constant torturous anxiety of certain humiliation and isolation, there is yellow to complete the triadic spectrum. Yellow is not for any cowardice on his part, but for the timid and awkward complicity of those cannibals such as Cassandra, who during his lifetime chose to critically undermine his success due to their own latent insecurities, All these colours blend intensities and values to distinguish each and every one of his performances as masterpieces. Those sitting in the audience were transported to another realm of reality and fantasy. This is what great artists, great performers do. Liberace was encouraged by Phyllis Diller to read a book entitled The Magic of Believing. In it the writer expounds on our potential for success, provided we believe in ourselves enough not to be defeated by any mere mortal circumstance. The reading of it transformed his life. Few would argue he was a tour de force with an ability to adapt and reinvent...characteristics that are celebrated today. For those who would compare his work to other pianists such as Van Cliburn, this is not unlike comparing Miro to Picasso. Let us leave greatness for the ages to judge. As for me I believe Liberace's heart was in his performance and he left the greater part of himself on stage. For those tender young things who would seek to be "an artist" in their own right, listen not to your detractors, trust in passion for your art. Water it with your tears. Tell it all your hopes and heartbreak and forsake it not. Seek it out for comfort, peace and inspiration. Perhaps one day, you will find that others have found these things through you, in your medium, your art. Now, I will rediscover my old friend on youtube and reminisce for a while, Gratefully, a Liberace Lover, Kev
@cbreeze1525 They were good friends. It was actually Liberace who started all the flashy costumes. As a matter of fact Liberace told Elvis he should dress up. There was a famous picture of Liberace and Elvis taken backstage in Vegas where Liberace and Elvis exchanged jackets for a picture. Also, Elvis was sitting at the piano and Liberace had Elvis' guitar.
Great man all around, in life he gave honesty in his incredible talent, and for that gift im sure theres a place in heaven now where his music is still being played,.
It's a medley of Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in b Flat Listz: Hingarian Rhapsody No. 2 Chopin: Harp Etude Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme from Paganini Listz: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata Opus 27 #2 First Movement Rachmaninoff: Prelude in C Sharp Minor and a bit of Warsaw Concerto
@hitmusicsingles That IS the phrase Liberace would use before he would play Chopsticks. He used that particular phrase for years and years. He wants to build the audience up....make them think that by saying "and now for my next number, I'd like to return to the classics. Perhaps the greatest classic in the world of music" Then he would say, "Yet I have been told that this is the first time this number has been performed with the (whatever) orchestra."...or place
I was absolutely fascinated by Liberace's gift as a pianist when a little boy and was the prime reason i took up the piano which led me into a larger world of the classical arena and many great classical pianists and have loved the piano ever since because of this great entertainer. it is a pity there are not more of his like around now. The world of show business is so boring now with no characters. He was a one off and will never see his like again.
My favorite portion of this selection is Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata --- I really love how the orchestra begins it at 5:26 with the "refreshing" music and percussion crescendos; it always produced a sensation like cool shredded-ice crystals being sprinkled on my face during a hot day :D
He was an amazing musician!! Just watch and listen to the 3:24 mark on this video, it is wonderful. He makes this concerto (and anything he ever did) look so easy to play. Just watch his technique! I wish he were still around. I didn't know much about him when he was still alive. Just heard the name a lot. Anyone know what year this was performed?
I think this is from 1985....and I have to agree with all of you...so...SOOO much better than any pianist today. I think the opening Tchaikovsky was the best I ever heard him play (even though it was just an excerpt). A Great man that will always be missed.
Brilliant arrangement, haven't heard this in a long long time. Anybody know what piece of music the final virtuoso run up and down the piano comes from (beginning around 10:00)?
The transition @5:39 and on is simply brilliant! Leberace delivers deliciously here.. it is beautiful... And was such a classy charming 🌟 ...he is missed like john Lennon & George Harrison, Elvis, Prince, Michael Jackson, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janice Japlin , James Brown, David Bowie and so many others. 🙏🥲♥️
It's the Warsaw Concerto , written by Richard Addinsell for the film Dangerous Moonlight.Possibly not to the purist's taste...but a fine pianist and great showman none-the-less.
WOOOO! LO MÁXIMO después de escuchar tantos pianista geniso este es supremo.... que gran pianista dentro de los más originales en la variedad. es un GENIO
@hitmusicsingles The time limit for adding videos on here is 10 minutes, unless that has changed. This one already was a little over 10 minutes so if I had added the intro then it probably wouldn't have uploaded
@hitmusicsingles I just went back and looked at the concert. There is NO intro to the Classic Concertos medley. He does talk about returning to the classics before he plays Chopsticks....
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS MUM AND ME WATCHING HIM ON TV IN ENGLAND LONDON THIS GENIOUS DAD ASLEEP IN ARM CHAIR MUM WAITING FOR THE WINK SHE LOVED HIM GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM R I P LEE AND MUM AND DAD
a brilliant showman, he puts alot of emotion into the warsaw concerto which is quite kitsch on its own! but a guilty pleasure, along with the likes of sound of music and abba.
@steinwaygrande1 With lady Gaga and some of the others he is not out there enough for the younger folk. His classical musical was great but he could play it all. He was a true virtuoso and a great entertainer. Personally I liked his renditions of classical music the best.
oh how i wish i could have scoped the many aspects of talent when they were there before me, of course in a non sexual embrace, this man was master of the keys, and earned his walk in a way that only today can say he was great,, for back in his years, liberance was a target
I was a young amateur church organist at age 16, and Liberace's fun and flamboyant playing style was a great inspiration. He made classical music just plain FUN. His stage personality was different that the one in his personal life, but who can say that his performances and comedic and humble sharing of his wealth on stage did not make the world a better place?
How can anyone dislike this?! He was a master of the piano. Amazing!
Just simply beautiful, the man, the music, the costumes, the stage. I love you, Lee
Lee was a talented pianist and showman. I never get tired of listening to him
Liberace, the ultimate showman and pianist. This medley shows his talents far exceeded playing the popular instrumentals of his day. Lee, you are missed.
Yes beautiful playing and diverse the once great Liberace 🙏♥️... I hated death... Our loves ones go too soon. Yes we miss beautiful charming talented musicians we will never see again so sad really... John Lennon, George Harrison, Bowie, Silvester, Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and so many more 🙏🥲
At last!! A celebrity who is famous for actually being good at something!!!!
Simply...the best.
I wish there were entertainers of this calibre around today.
I've seen this video at least 100 times and it never gets old!! The "Warsaw Concero" is timeless!!
This is the most wonderful music of all times!!! He was my favorite in my entire life!!
Absolutely beautiful. For somebody like me who prefers classic rock, hair metal, heavy metal and grunge to enjoy the classics performed by a master pianist says a lot. There is nobody like Liberace, rest in peace Lee:)!
I truly envy the genius of this man. It's amazing what someone can accomplish with work and talent as seen in this man. God bless him.
I remember watching Liberace on TV when I was a kid and after ever show he sang I'll be seeing you. I was fascinated with him and his skills then and am so sorry I never had the chance to see him perform live. He was amazingly talented and his brother was an amazing violinist also.
A master! His performances of playing what makes him A true talent. Long lost and so good to see a True showman, super star without head phones, ear phones,JUST TALENT! God rest we lost a light!!!!
Divinamente meravigliosamente PERFETTO COME SEMPRE. RAFFINATO AL MASSIMO. SUPERBO E UNICO.
I had forgotten what a great entertainer he was. The mastery of his playing is phenominal. Thank you for this fantastic clip.
Pure genius the men who wrote such beautiful haunting music, and same for all those who came after with the ability to play them! I'm awestruck.
I first saw Liberace in 1969 on television. Since then I still enjoy his music. This is my favorite of all. RIP Liberace.
I always loved watching Liberace when I was growing up, and never tired of hearing him. Excellent performer!
Thank GOD for youtube. A place to see and hear GREAT things of the past.
Each generation produces a few of extraordinary talent and professionalism. We are blessed to have been witness to the talent of Liberace.
This is so beautiful it makes me weep every time I watch it. What an extraordinary sweet sensitive fellow Liberace was. He pours his all into every performance. Thank you showmanlee for sharing the joy!
You know I have been to many classical performances by "great" pianists - you know the type the chattering classes and newspaper commentators like. But this guy is a real performer. He never once allows the audience to get bored. The modern equivalent of Liszt or Pagannini. A showman, sure. But so were they. Still a musician, a real one. This guy's sense of rhythm is also incredible. Brilliant interplay with the orchestra you rarely see.
Thank you for showcasing Liberace. It has been years since I have heard him and they bring back such memories. what a talent he had for playing, showmanship.....a nice way remember him on You Tube.
This man was a true gentleman and showman. He was a true star in every sense of the word.
His technique was flawless and I love his flamboyance and humor. RIP
Under all that glitter layed an amazing pianist. I always thought that Liberace was joking around with the music sometimes, because he was so perfect that it would have been boring for him to play it serious- but when you listen closely, you will sometimes hold your breath.
His interpretation of the moonlight serenade made me hold mine.
What a beautiful comment! It is so true and especially so for those of us who saw him 'live' in concert. His playing was so brilliant plus he had that wonderful personality that just captivated his audiences.
Simply the greatest pianist and showman ever. I never tire of listening to him. May he Rest In Peace.
Liberace was the best. I love this music
Always liked him. Brought classical music to every audience. Liberace was classical music's Carl Sagan. Miss them both. And I liked his playing too.
Great Medley done only the way he could it.
I was 7 the 1st time I saw Liberace, I was captivated then and I still am now, 33 years later!
What a wonderful showman and incredible pianist. Sadly missed as know one can take his place.
Simple the best,i love this guys musical talent,and how sad he,s not with us anymore,still we have his music for all time,thanks.
Last night I saw for the first time Liberace performing in 1985 with the London Philharmonic. I became an instant fan. He did a portion on the shown where he played the audience's requests. I loved all but cannot find one in particular. Sad! mary ann
Notice if you will he does this performance with no sheet music. It's all from his memory. I can't remember my car keys. He was a genius. His debut was with the Chicago symphony in 1940. He became mr showman of the piano. Under it all was the fact he was a great concert pianist
There I'll never be another may you rest in peace and his music bring joy to countless others
what a wonderfully talented man
Liberace was quite amazing a beautiful pianist wonderful
Let me, for a moment celebrate, and yes defend a long lost friend. I, as a youthful pianist found Liberace inspiring. His flamboyant arrangements of classical and popular music were intoxicating and soothing to my anxious adolescent soul. Of course, he became an icon for me and many others for reasons that are obvious. His persona and regalia are visual exclamation points of gayness now cemented in the public consciousness. Some might trivialize his body of work but for those who would critique the art of any medium, consider that the soul of an artist is transparent. It is crystalized in that moment of revelation you share as you digest his or her art. Liberace the artist was not only an interpretive virtuoso and extravagant showman, he was a composition unto himself. His colour palette included depths of blue desperation from a son seeking the approval and devotion of an abandoning father, purple ecstasy for the total unconditional acceptance and decades long adulation of a grateful public and finally, as his era could not condone acknowledged homosexuality without the constant torturous anxiety of certain humiliation and isolation, there is yellow to complete the triadic spectrum. Yellow is not for any cowardice on his part, but for the timid and awkward complicity of those cannibals such as Cassandra, who during his lifetime chose to critically undermine his success due to their own latent insecurities, All these colours blend intensities and values to distinguish each and every one of his performances as masterpieces. Those sitting in the audience were transported to another realm of reality and fantasy. This is what great artists, great performers do. Liberace was encouraged by Phyllis Diller to read a book entitled The Magic of Believing. In it the writer expounds on our potential for success, provided we believe in ourselves enough not to be defeated by any mere mortal circumstance. The reading of it transformed his life. Few would argue he was a tour de force with an ability to adapt and reinvent...characteristics that are celebrated today. For those who would compare his work to other pianists such as Van Cliburn, this is not unlike comparing Miro to Picasso. Let us leave greatness for the ages to judge. As for me I believe Liberace's heart was in his performance and he left the greater part of himself on stage. For those tender young things who would seek to be "an artist" in their own right, listen not to your detractors, trust in passion for your art. Water it with your tears. Tell it all your hopes and heartbreak and forsake it not. Seek it out for comfort, peace and inspiration. Perhaps one day, you will find that others have found these things through you, in your medium, your art. Now, I will rediscover my old friend on youtube and reminisce for a while, Gratefully, a Liberace Lover, Kev
@cbreeze1525 They were good friends. It was actually Liberace who started all the flashy costumes. As a matter of fact Liberace told Elvis he should dress up. There was a famous picture of Liberace and Elvis taken backstage in Vegas where Liberace and Elvis exchanged jackets for a picture. Also, Elvis was sitting at the piano and Liberace had Elvis' guitar.
So beautiful
god i love watching him play, and i cant help to think what london thought of his attire, i personally love it!
I wish I could give your comments one thousand thumbs up, because you are so right!!
Great man all around, in life he gave honesty in his incredible talent, and for that gift im sure theres a place in heaven now where his music is still being played,.
Thxs for posting. Great performance. Liberace was an excelent pianist and an even greater entertainer. He will be remembered dearly.
Happy New Year.
It's a medley of
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in b Flat
Listz: Hingarian Rhapsody No. 2
Chopin: Harp Etude
Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme from Paganini
Listz: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Flat
Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata Opus 27 #2 First Movement
Rachmaninoff: Prelude in C Sharp Minor
and a bit of Warsaw Concerto
His legacy lives on.
I should have known, he was so brilliant. What a beautiful passage.
Lee's shoes will never be filled by any one else never I can only add I am so glad mr showman extraordinary was in my life time thank you lee
i love it
A Genius!!!
@hitmusicsingles That IS the phrase Liberace would use before he would play Chopsticks. He used that particular phrase for years and years.
He wants to build the audience up....make them think that by saying "and now for my next number, I'd like to return to the classics. Perhaps the greatest classic in the world of music"
Then he would say, "Yet I have been told that this is the first time this number has been performed with the (whatever) orchestra."...or place
what can i say, such a pleasure!
mark m
I was absolutely fascinated by Liberace's gift as a pianist when a little boy and was the prime reason i took up the piano which led me into a larger world of the classical arena and many great classical pianists and have loved the piano ever since because of this great entertainer. it is a pity there are not more of his like around now. The world of show business is so boring now with no characters. He was a one off and will never see his like again.
just brilliant
The Warsaw Concerto...one of my favorite pieces!
I miss him...
My favorite portion of this selection is Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata --- I really love how the orchestra begins it at 5:26 with the "refreshing" music and percussion crescendos; it always produced a sensation like cool shredded-ice crystals being sprinkled on my face during a hot day :D
thnx! your mission is completed.
Very well!!!!
Bravo!! Magnificent...
Bravo! Bravo 👏!
Está fazendo muita falta no mundo atual esse mito da música, talentoso, virtuoso, carismático e de uma simplicidade contagiante...
Thanks for sharing this vid!
Excellent pianist¡
He was an amazing musician!! Just watch and listen to the 3:24 mark on this video, it is wonderful. He makes this concerto (and anything he ever did) look so easy to play. Just watch his technique! I wish he were still around. I didn't know much about him when he was still alive. Just heard the name a lot. Anyone know what year this was performed?
true a celebrity who was a famous for being good at something
I agree! *Beautiful*
Another treasure gone!RIP Lee, you will not be forgotten! =Stefan=
I think this is from 1985....and I have to agree with all of you...so...SOOO much better than any pianist today. I think the opening Tchaikovsky was the best I ever heard him play (even though it was just an excerpt).
A Great man that will always be missed.
He was the best
Brilliant arrangement, haven't heard this in a long long time.
Anybody know what piece of music the final virtuoso run up and down the piano comes from (beginning around 10:00)?
Please, can you tell us the name of each theme Liberace played????? thank you so much.
we miss you lee. I hope God is enjoying your playing?
I don't believe this guys can be replaced... :(
The transition @5:39 and on is simply brilliant! Leberace delivers deliciously here.. it is beautiful... And was such a classy charming 🌟 ...he is missed like john Lennon & George Harrison, Elvis, Prince, Michael Jackson, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janice Japlin , James Brown, David Bowie and so many others. 🙏🥲♥️
It's the Warsaw Concerto , written by Richard Addinsell for the film Dangerous Moonlight.Possibly not to the purist's taste...but a fine pianist and great showman none-the-less.
WOOOO! LO MÁXIMO después de escuchar tantos pianista geniso este es supremo.... que gran pianista dentro de los más originales en la variedad. es un GENIO
Muito lindo! Um grande pianista que Deus nos enviou.
Well said!
He was great. Some of today's so called music actually destroys ears.
His Rachmaninoff sent chills down my spine
Beautiful.
@hitmusicsingles The time limit for adding videos on here is 10 minutes, unless that has changed. This one already was a little over 10 minutes so if I had added the intro then it probably wouldn't have uploaded
Fantastic 😊😊😊
@nissaforyou This concert was filmed in 1983 at the Wembley Centre in London.
Uno de los ma grandes pianista que ha tenido el mundo, por su interpretaciones magnificas especialmente en musica clasica. Guillermo Pelaez C.
@hitmusicsingles I just went back and looked at the concert. There is NO intro to the Classic Concertos medley.
He does talk about returning to the classics before he plays Chopsticks....
Wonderfully camp!
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS MUM AND ME WATCHING HIM ON TV IN ENGLAND LONDON THIS GENIOUS DAD ASLEEP IN ARM CHAIR MUM WAITING FOR THE WINK SHE LOVED HIM GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM R I P LEE AND MUM AND DAD
a brilliant showman, he puts alot of emotion into the warsaw concerto which is quite kitsch on its own! but a guilty pleasure, along with the likes of sound of music and abba.
im so glad this man was an american!
35 dislikes? Cave people!!!
I totally understand and agree with you! It's very "eery!"
What is the haunting melody that starts around 6:45??? I've always loved that piece.
Uno de mis clásicos es música para soñar
Hey Mon, NIce candle holder !
"Play it again, please."
Cheers.
from,
del-boy.
This video was filmed in 1983 at the Wembley Center in London.
How does he manage to play so quickly with all those rings
@steinwaygrande1 With lady Gaga and some of the others he is not out there enough for the younger folk. His classical musical was great but he could play it all. He was a true virtuoso and a great entertainer. Personally I liked his renditions of classical music the best.
Wonderful
oh how i wish i could have scoped the many aspects of talent when they were there before me, of course in a non sexual embrace, this man was master of the keys, and earned his walk in a way that only today can say he was great,, for back in his years, liberance was a target