Here is Liberace Playing the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No 1 in B flat minor from Sincerely Yours in 1955 Also Checkout the Liberace Photo Vault Instagram Page
I can't believe that my wife and I met him one evening in 1979. We had been given tickets for a show at the Talk of the Town in London. Liberace was in the audience and sitting at a table next to the dance floor. During the dancing I went to his table and asked for his autograph. He asked if I would give him a few minutes and he would come over to our table. I never thought he would but he did. Not only that, he spent 15 minutes chatting with us. A real gentleman. He gave us his autograph and when I shook his hand it was putting my hand into a vice. A thoroughly decent man.
My grandparents had a similar experience at a BBQ joint in Hot Springs Arkansas (of all places!). They said almost the same thing. Even my old fart racist, homophobic grandfather was charmed.
For all we know of Liberace.....the one thing of which there has never been any doubt, is that he was not only a gifted performer, an audience pleaser, but more than anything....a BRILLIANT pianist. Genius is a word too often thrown around casually, but in every way, it fits Liberace perfectly. His playing is not only flawless, but his demeanor is such that he makes it look like it's not even an effort. Incredible to watch and truly enjoy the mastery he always exhibited.
@@TonyDeConcini You and everyone else have every right to say you liked his playing but to say he was the best pianist with excellent technique is an exaggeration and absolutely false. Any connoisseur could easily name dozens of better pianists of his time, really gifted, with better technique, vast repertoire, true professionals dedicated to classical piano music, the most difficult. Liberace was a showman.
If you look at his stuff from the 40s it's quite similar to this. Also he did a 2 hour collaboration with the London philharmonic orchestra if I'm not mistaken
The Greatest Showman !I was LUCKY enough to be In the Front Row in Vegas At 10 years old ..I think My Dad Brib some Guy to put us n front of the PIANO !!LOL I rember 100 dollar bill rolled in his hands in 1970 that was a big Deal .He got off the piano and said hey lil lady what are you here I said I play 🎹 I want to be like You And he showed all his Rings And Told me they Are Magic And if I Rub them I Will be Great 😻🎹🙌🏼adown and and that Year I played THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM on my Grand in front of everyone seamed like a 1000people I’m sure it was only 100 ...!Thank you for posting this My Dad Past last year and I stumbled upon this for no reason, Thank YOU DAD!
People love to talk about how flamboyant he was later in life and make jokes about him being gay. THIS is how he started. He was pure talent at the keyboard.
Debatable. He could only play the first 4 minutes of this concerto, which usually takes 35-40 minutes to perform in its entirety. You will never be able to find a clip of him performing the entire concerto, because he never learned to play the whole thing...
He is playing a very technical arrangement without music sheets. Do you realize how difficult it is to remember the amount of key strokes for this song? Yikes! That dude was supremely gifted and talented. Truly he was 1 in a billion.
Wonderful seeing the Patriots words as well as those of all fans who came here to express their appreciation for a marvelous musician that so many seemed to enjoy insulting, telling fans that he wasn’t really a great pianist, just a weird attention getter. It’s been several years since his death, yet here we are, gathering to thank him for his music.
I'm just a music teacher...but it is standard for a pianist to play a piano solo from memory. If fact, you play it a lot better and freer than from reading the score ...the latter, you haven't learnt it if u cannot play it from memory
I'm only one year ahead of you and I first saw Liberace play on a show on a small TV screen in the mid fifties. It was so many years ago, I can't remember. Apparently back in the fifties no one cared that he was gay and more than a little flamboyant as the queen of showmanship !
Breathtaking. Couldn’t give a hoot about his private life. A man that can play and love and deliver performances as he did (and light hearted entertainment too) is one of the best Immaculate! He is so missed! He brought huge smiles and laughter too. Thank you Liberace 👌🤗❤️
@@michaelfelsinger-k2iAll concert soloists perform from memory and they will all have dozens of complete concerti in a variety of styles commited to memory - not justbthe famous bits.
@Miraak Unfortunately. I play piano too and he was always rushed, so his technique was limited as far as time. He always the best, but for what he did, he was unparalleled.
OK, Waaay back in the 50' and 60's when I was growing up (I am 75 now), there was this man. Oh, what a joy it was to see Liberace play! Seeing these old videos brings back that same feeling. He was a real Master, and a great Showman.
LIBERACE was the "Rolls Royce of Pianists"...without question. He was a gift not only to the US but to the entire world. What a privilege it is for us to even hear such an immense talent.
I remember my HS English teacher, a very sophisticated man who had to leave his job as a dancer with the Joffrey Ballet due to serious injury he suffered. He returned to work as an 😄English Teacher. In my Jr year in HS I took a summer honors class in Drama that he taught. Before class, he would find his rowdy male student laughing and carrying on. The local newspaper had just published a article about a popular gay bar. The teacher told his hyperactive students that the article should never have been published because of their behavior, which made a mockery of gay culture. In his rant he mentioned Liberace as a whore , who sold his work instead of feeling blessed by his own talent.
Why are so many people upset with Liberace? He was a great showman. He had a great act and because of that, he made a lot of money. If you don't like his act, why are you watching these videos? Do you only watch videos of performers you don't like because your lives are so depressing that you only feel better when you can try to tear other people down? I personally watch videos of performers I like, I can't see any reason to watch performers I don't like.
He said he didn't invest in stocks, but in the fancy things he showed us and Real Estate, as he learned from Mae West!!! Yes, he was male next generation Mae West.🎉❤
He used to be on TV on a Sunday afternoon and he was my first crush and used to cry when he finished the show. Days of innocence and just loved his musical talent and his sparkling eyes and smile.
This concerto brings tears to my eyes. He was such a master of the keyboard. He was so handsome and I love when he used to wink while playing. He looked so happy bouncing around on the piano bench while playing. Rest In Peace dear Mr. Liberace.
OMG this is the first time I've seen Liberace when he's not entertaining in a dazzling suit with that famous smile. I knew he was good but I didn't know he was concert pianist good! Amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing his magnificent gift!!
@@cbboyle5117 What's incorrect in calling Liberace the best concert pianist there ever was? I've seen many but none who's fingers fly so easilly across the key board as his!
Trading Post back off Bozo! I believe it is incorrect that very few people knew he was gay. He was a fine pianist, but it is my opinion, and of course I am entitled to my opinion, as are you - that he was in no way “the greatest concert pianist there ever was.” He actually was not a concert pianist; that is not what he did for a living. He was an entertainer. “End of.”
@@cbboyle5117 He wasn't being a so called entertainer when he started, he was a concert pianist, he played Chopin & anyother type of music worldwide you could put your fingers on, if you drag yourself away from the later glitter etc you'd see just how good a pianist he really was, many modern & contemporary musicians have Liberace to thank, whatever you say it was his piano playing that made it, he was a concert pianist & through his style of ott dress he bought this music to the populous,
Mama loved him, raved about his music. I remember her talking about him when I was 10 yrs old. This is so special to me, because she passed away when I was 11. I have been watching the movie and bio’s about him all night. What a talented, wonderful entertainer. No wonder she was crazy about him! I am 75 yrs old now and can understand why now.
I'm 17 years old and my mum introduced me to his music about two days ago and I genuinely can't stop watching him, I am so sad we don't have people like him anymore
I was fortunate enough to see him perform at his last appearance at Radio City just a very few months before he passed. I am of an age that grew up thinking of Liberace as a bit of a joke, and a coworker and I went on a lark because we worked in the building next door. I was so wrong: it was a wonderful performance. He was an absolute riot in his interactions with the audience, and his playing was a revelation!
Sunday after church we would rushhome to watchh him on tv. Greatest entertainment I can’t say how I was his biggest fan. God bless his life and legend❤
Liberace and Victor Borge BOTH could have been fantastic and famous concert pianists, if they would have chosen to do so. They both had an incredible gift of musical ability at the piano, and possessed the talent to go that "extra mile" if this is what they decided. Though they chose to give their lives to entertaining the masses, instead of only the classical music community. In doing so, they helped bring classical music to MANY people, that otherwise might not have ever experienced such beautiful music. I believe one can honestly say, that in retrospect, they did more for classical music than the finest concert pianists that we have known....Thank you Liberace and Victor Borge, we all miss you.....Peace!
Music Shoppe, I beg to differ. In order to appreciate Victor Borge you already had to know classical music. His humor was based entirely around it. Liberace...??? He did not introduce people to classical music. He played hacked up short versions of some classical themes. That's all.
Liberace was a famous and fantastic pianist and showman, that's how he liked it, and that's how his audience (of billions) liked him. He had a better life than that of a concert pianist, believe me!
@@marilyns8497, what's a "better life"? Tons of money? Believe me, lives of real, honest-to-god artists is far more gratifying than the cheap crap that Liberace dished out. He was a great entertainer, no doubt. A fantastic pianist? What do you know about fantastic pianists? He was a mediocre pianist who knew how to dazzle people who don't know what true artistry is.
I truly have tears in my eyes, this concerto was my first encounter with classical music when I was a child in Russia and here so beautifully played. I don't think even the purists and great pianists of today would find a fault with this performance
There was only one. There may have been some better technicians, but let's see them try it with all those rings on their fingers like he did along with the incredible costumes that he later became famous for. It's called entertainment.
Ignoring all the sham and glitz with which he surrounded himself, Liberace was one of the finest pianists ever. Any idea how hard it is to perform classical piano with no sheet music? Liberace does it with grace and skill. I will always admire Liberace.
Liberace the man who could blur the keyboard with hand movement and raise his hands above the keyboard so high and continue in perfect timing. The head movement reflected what he was playing. Remember the joy he revealed as entertainment in the art he loved.
No one better, except possibly Chopin, Mozart, Bethoven; et al. I listened with my parents on TV as a child. Fabulous music and showmanship. RIP MR. LIBERACE, sorely missed.
Oh Lord,please bring this incredible human being back to us all.He was not only incredibly talented musicly,but the world's greatest entertainer! Magnetic in every sense of the word.He could make you laugh,make you cry,forget your worries.We know he had another life,but hey.In short he was an immensely loveable guy.A great loss to the world.
This man’s playing and singing where the first music I was exposed to as a young child. My Father was an Air Force medical doctor stationed at Lockbourne Airbase at Columbus, OH. My Mother worked at night as a Registered Nurse, but during the day, did housework while listening and watching Liberace on his first tv show. Whenever he came on, I was propped in front of the tv watching and listening. Many of his selections were classical, with some popular songs included, such as “I’ll Be Seeing You”. I can still see him singing while seated at the piano, looking into the camera at his home audience even now at 71. My desire to study the piano, teaching, singing opera, and composing are a direct result of my early exposure to him. Thanks Mr Liberace, where ever you are.🎹
Gary Burt so...I am classical musician who lives all kinds of music . My problem with what you wrote is not that you enjoyed Liberace and found him entertaining..and yes he made a shit Tim of money. My problem is you don't have the background or exposure to the "boring long-hair" greatest of the great artists like Horowitz! Who looses? You or Horowitz? It about standards of excellence. When a whole society learns the musical standards from American Idol, our culture starts to slide backwards. Not the you can enjoy pop music at all. It's that you or anybody else think it's great art.
Well...perhaps if a movie needed to pull "extras" off the street, put them in suits to populate the audience for a film. A few $$ in 1955 went a long way.
Liberace had a TV show in the 50's where he played alot of classical music. I was probably 4 or 5 years old and I just fell in love with his playing. He really inspired me. My mother and grandmother were accomplished pianists. Now I'm 73 and spent my life teaching music and performing. This brings back lovely memories
@@tiamia7139 Tia, that's very condescending. No need to imply someone is ignorant just because you assume they lack musical training. I have more classical training than most people and I love Liberace. Liberace was a classically trained concert pianist. He debuted with the Chicago symphony orchestra in 1940. He was an exceptional talent and a master pianist. His commercial success in no way diminishes that fact. So, don't be a snob. And yeah, we know about Rubinstein, Rachmaninoff, Liszt etc... Liberace was a masterful performer who made people happy. That's what's important.
Lee was terrific! In the 30s, 40s, and 50s he could have easily pursued a serious concert pianist. You can clearly hear and see that in this performance. His heart however was in being an entertainer. They way he could take classical music and embellish and arrange to add elements of ragtime, Dixieland, Boogie Woogie, and pop was incredible and brought in everyday people from all walks of life who did not always go to orchestra concerts. It's not until the mid 60s and after that we get the glitz and glamour of the outfits and all the stage antics. I didn't mind the later years but he was at his best in his early period (like most entertainers). He was so mistreated by the media and critics who were so nosy about his personal life, and that coupled with antiquated rules in this country and Europe (it was actually illegal to be gay at one time here in the U.S.) that he could not be who he really was publicly. The coroner who did his autopsy threw him under the bus publicly for political gain and to ruin his reputation. Hopefully someday people will remember him for his great performances, his talent, charm and wonderfully educated knowledge of music and ability to speak to audiences. Hopefully people will remember or learn that he was the first true star music entertainer of TV when television was in its infancy in America. He was also one of the first big stars on the Vegas strip in the 40s. No, he was not a composer and no he did not perform gis own music, but he brought to life the classics for the average person in a casual manner and he did so with style and flare. His killer piano skills from the 30s to mid 60s should be explored by many because the man was a marvel at the piano. Sure he ran into some mental issues in the 70s and 80s after failed relationships and multiple operations that led to drugs, alcohol, and at one point not being able to close his eyelids. Similar to Michael Jackson who seemed to change as he got older and more eccentric and out there. But I prefer to remember Lee for his heart and his impressive talent and willingness to entertain.
What a wonderful statement about thismarvelous, incredible man/musician/artist/entertainer/pianist. A lot has been written about how he wasn’t a great classical pianist. I have seen and heard hundreds of great classical pianists over my 77 years, many watching the wonderful competitors during 11 Cliburn competitions, and I don’t think very many of them could perform the incredible variety of musicianship Liberace produced. His love of music, love for his audience, love for budding musicians and his philanthropy was truly a gift to the whole world. I took my mother to see him in Las Vegas one month before she died, and she thanked me every day before she died for that trip, and I buried her in the dress she wore to that performance. I hope Liberace is performing through eternity for all the souls in heaven.
The first time I heard this work I fell in love with classical music. It was a Liberace record from my mother with this piece. It would be the year 1972. Deep memories of my childhood.
I knew without looking at the credits. I sneaked into the theatre in Rochester New York eleven times to watch this movie with the best pianist playing the piece composed by the GREATEST COMPOSER that ever wrote a note. I was 12 years of age and loving all my classical music.
My favourite music. He really took it to another level. When I saw this I was practising for concert finals. I kept watching this and played along. It took time but I like to think Liberace and I performed a duet! Thank you Maestro. Sweet dreams 😴.
Sem partitura,tudo de ouvido,e ainda transforma qualquer cancao, melhor que o original,gracas a s extraordinaria capacidade de improvisar,sem errar ima unica nota!nota se a admiracao do maestro!,!!
When I want to calm myself in this stressful world, I tune in to Liberace playing Tchaikovsky or playing Clare de lune.❤️❣️ He was a wonderful pianist and human being.
Words fail me. I'm thinking here is one of the worlds Greatest piano artists of all times! I have to come back to this piece every so often just to get my mental "battery" charged up.
Beautiful blonde Dorothy Malone in the audience. Feminine and lovely...not like the "stars" of today. I saw Liberace in concert in the 70's...what an entertainer! He said he didn't care if anyone criticized him...that he cried all the way to the bank!
@@cbboyle5117 That is correct! It's from the 1955 movie "Sincerely Yours". Dorothy Malone is beyond beautiful in this scene. It hurts to watch something so beautiful. Can you imagine being her date? Wow!
This video is a proof for what I always said: If Liberace had not been one of the greatest entertainers, he had most certainly been one of the greatest concert pianists. 🎹 👌🏼
I agree he played classical piano in a way that truly moved most people, and what an extraordinary showman! There were however, people who were very angry at him. My HS English teacher, a sophisticated man, who once danced with the Joffrey Ballet before teaching Drama and English, shocked our class when he went into a 5 **** rant about what a whore Liberace was,. the year was 1966. Yes, he used the word whore. There were classical musicians who did not approve of Popularizing serious music for the masses. I also recall a young Van Clybourn winning a prestigious Russian piano competition. Remembering his passionate performance of Tchaikovsky piano concerto, I wondered if Liberace had somehow inspired him.
@@frostysilverstein842 Some music professionals disagree with me and insist on Liberace being a great showman but he would not have been successful as a professional concert pianist. However, he was both for me.
He had the flair which some people resented but he could also musically deliver. My grandmother used to watch him on her small black and white television. She would comment on his black wavy hair. Older women adored Liberace.
Phenomenal!Bravo! I am very enjoyed your performance. It touched my heart with your Gifted Talent from God.My late Father always listen to this song when I am so young,he really loved it.I loved to watch your profile when you played this song,you are so handsome and beautiful like a status.I loved you and missed you,Rest In Peace in Heaven, Mr.Libetace.
A Piano Savant, pure genius always giving me an inner happiness. That Russian composer was also a Savant/Genius. Spectacular. Thank you for posting &;making my day.
You need to broaden your exposure to real classical pianists like Martha Argerich, Yuja Wang, Yefim Bronfman, A. Volodos, Valentina Lisitsa, the late great Van Cliburn (,who won the Tchaikovsky Competiton in Russia with the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1, Olga Kern won the Van Cliburn Competition in her own right, to see what a great classical pianist is. Liberace was a hack lounge entertainer.
@@ms.annthrope415 Earlier generations used the word razzmatazz. I could see it meant showy and flashy; but until recent times, never checked a dictionary to see what it really meant. Which was: "A flashy action or display intended to bewilder, confuse, or deceive". [American Heritage Dict. 3rd edit.] and the word razzle-dazzle: "showiness, brilliance, or virtuosity in technique or effect, often without concomitant substance, flashy theatricality" [Random House Webster's 1999]. Liberace was like a VW Beetle fitted with a Rolls-Royce front end. see: [Rolls-Royce Once Sued A Company For Making Beetles Look Like Their Cars].
Big “L” had a tv show in the daytime when I was a kid. Used to watch in amazement that he could and did play fantastic music in some of the super blinged suits and the rings, well, bunches of them. He was a great master of the piano!
Heard all these beautiful pieces on my dad's records years ago. I'm so thankful and happy to be introduced to this music in my childhood and to love and understand, appreciate and get the goose bumps, everytime I listen to them. Love Liberace and his music. Can't get tired of listening to him. He was a class apart.
Thank you for posting Liberace no one can ever fill his shoes I saw him as a kid several times when he would visit his mom in Doylestown PA at the Lady of Chestohva shine. A nice fellow, never charged to have his picture taken with you or sign an autograph. His talent cannot be duplicated and he always knew how to wow his audience. I still recall the last time was at the Latin Casino in NJ, my mom would die 2 yrs later from cancer, but that night she was so beautiful and Mr L, played her and my dad's fav song, Ave Maria. Talk about tears. She spoke of that even even up to her death. Thank You Mr L for the love of the people and your God given talents. I am sure he is playing to SRO up stairs. What always amazed me is how the heck he could play with all those giant rings on his hands. I play the organ and harpsichord and cannot have any kind of ring on my hand . If I had 1/100th of his talent I wud be happy... Pax+
Many years ago I saw Liberace at the South Shore Music Theatre in Cohasset MA. What a remarkable artist he was, also watched him on TV Sunday afternoons. Those were the days of wonderful entertainment. God Bless.
This was a movie my mom took me to see when I was 8. I loved it and was very moved by the entire story! Liberace was always very popular in our home. So wonderful to watch this scene again after so many years. Thank you for posting this!!!
Many people do not relaize that Liberace, Victor Borge, the Great Dane, were great concert artists, but they found the fun in music and went the route that they did. I also had the pleasure years ago at the Temple Univeristy Music Festival to hear Jack Benny on the violin and Phyliss Diller on the piano. They both were excellent and it is just an act when Mr.Benny wud play the violin.... To say folks were shocked with these 2 wonderful people playing music would be an understatement. RIP to all of these great men and women and THANK YOU for sharing your talents with the world. A special thanks to YOU TUBE and all of the folks who upload these videos.... Pax+
I can't believe that my wife and I met him one evening in 1979. We had been given tickets for a show at the Talk of the Town in London. Liberace was in the audience and sitting at a table next to the dance floor. During the dancing I went to his table and asked for his autograph. He asked if I would give him a few minutes and he would come over to our table. I never thought he would but he did. Not only that, he spent 15 minutes chatting with us. A real gentleman. He gave us his autograph and when I shook his hand it was putting my hand into a vice. A thoroughly decent man.
My grandparents had a similar experience at a BBQ joint in Hot Springs Arkansas (of all places!). They said almost the same thing. Even my old fart racist, homophobic grandfather was charmed.
Liberace was the greatest pianist and showman ever.
@@bsrlpar
Well, showman.
He set the bar so high it might never be reached by any human.
I don't care what the criticism might be, Liberace started this way as a musician, I like how he played.
For all we know of Liberace.....the one thing of which there has never been any doubt, is that he was not only a gifted performer, an audience pleaser, but more than anything....a BRILLIANT pianist. Genius is a word too often thrown around casually, but in every way, it fits Liberace perfectly. His playing is not only flawless, but his demeanor is such that he makes it look like it's not even an effort. Incredible to watch and truly enjoy the mastery he always exhibited.
I could not agree more.
Probably The GPOAT Greatest Pianist of all time
@@TonyDeConcini
You and everyone else have every right to say you liked his playing but to say he was the best pianist with excellent technique is an exaggeration and absolutely false. Any connoisseur could easily name dozens of better pianists of his time, really gifted, with better technique, vast repertoire, true professionals dedicated to classical piano music, the most difficult. Liberace was a showman.
he was a great performer
I have never seen Liberace perform as a concert pianist. This is a refreshing departure and shows a great level of skill in this gifted artist.
If you look at his stuff from the 40s it's quite similar to this. Also he did a 2 hour collaboration with the London philharmonic orchestra if I'm not mistaken
You still haven't !
@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234 And what do you mean by that crack?
@@EmilyTienne I'm assuming they're referring to this being from a movie and not an actual concert as your main comment suggested
@@Don_Rodrigo44 it’s from a movie, but it appears to be a real performance.
The Greatest Showman !I was LUCKY enough to be In the Front Row in Vegas At 10 years old ..I think My Dad Brib some Guy to put us n front of the PIANO !!LOL I rember 100 dollar bill rolled in his hands in 1970 that was a big Deal .He got off the piano and said hey lil lady what are you here I said I play 🎹 I want to be like You And he showed all his Rings And Told me they Are Magic And if I Rub them I Will be Great 😻🎹🙌🏼adown and and that Year I played THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM on my Grand in front of everyone seamed like a 1000people I’m sure it was only 100 ...!Thank you for posting this My Dad Past last year and I stumbled upon this for no reason, Thank YOU DAD!
Love this wonderful memory !
What a beautiful comment ! God bless you and your late dad !
People love to talk about how flamboyant he was later in life and make jokes about him being gay. THIS is how he started. He was pure talent at the keyboard.
A musical genius. God bless him
Debatable. He could only play the first 4 minutes of this concerto, which usually takes 35-40 minutes to perform in its entirety. You will never be able to find a clip of him performing the entire concerto, because he never learned to play the whole thing...
@DerekElrod go and play it yourself then
It just goes to show you can be both.
Eu assisti,o filme lindo, maravilhoso. Ameiiiiii
He is playing a very technical arrangement without music sheets. Do you realize how difficult it is to remember the amount of key strokes for this song? Yikes! That dude was supremely gifted and talented. Truly he was 1 in a billion.
If the world has 8 billion now, that means there are eight more of him! ...If only!
@karenj4854 we now went to digital Justin Biebers with computer voice 😮
Wonderful seeing the Patriots words as well as those of all fans who came here to express their appreciation for a marvelous musician that so many seemed to enjoy insulting, telling fans that he wasn’t really a great pianist, just a weird attention getter. It’s been several years since his death, yet here we are, gathering to thank him for his music.
I'm just a music teacher...but it is standard for a pianist to play a piano solo from memory.
If fact, you play it a lot better and freer than from reading the score ...the latter, you haven't learnt it if u cannot play it from memory
@@barbaradurham2688 great insight to us non-musicians!
Whatever people think about Liberace, he certainly had presence and strength of character.
Because he was the best pianist ever and then a showman….what a pleasure ….
I loved Liberace since I first heard him play the piano when I was five years old and I still love listening to his music today at 74 years young!
I'm only one year ahead of you and I first saw Liberace play on a show on a small TV screen in the mid fifties. It was so many years ago, I can't remember. Apparently back in the fifties no one cared that he was gay and more than a little flamboyant as the queen of showmanship !
@@benth162 thanks to
I first heard him when I was 16 and I'm still listening at 18 😂
Breathtaking. Couldn’t give a hoot about his private life. A man that can play and love and deliver performances as he did (and light hearted entertainment too) is one of the best Immaculate! He is so missed! He brought huge smiles and laughter too. Thank you Liberace 👌🤗❤️
I never doubted his talent. This way a rare glimpse into the man playing so serious and beautiful.
The best is that he's still having fun even if he's serious
simply a genius
No sheet music, it's all committed to memory, fantastic.
Yes, that was one of his great skills which the so-called concert performers never gave him credit for. All the best !
@@michaelfelsinger-k2iAll concert soloists perform from memory and they will all have dozens of complete concerti in a variety of styles commited to memory - not justbthe famous bits.
They can say whatever they want about this guy, but he truly was a Master Pianist. Just flawless performance.
Fantastic pianist/incredible musician and a very wonderful person ________
@@ronanportley4409 it's a scene in a movie not a concert.
@@cadaverdog1424 00999000
@Miraak Unfortunately. I play piano too and he was always rushed, so his technique was limited as far as time. He always the best, but for what he did, he was unparalleled.
My word processor changed it. He was never the best but he was much better than the critics believed. He did have a style of his own.
When Liberace plays, i Listen. And cry👏🏽👏🏽
OK, Waaay back in the 50' and 60's when I was growing up (I am 75 now), there was this man. Oh, what a joy it was to see Liberace play! Seeing these old videos brings back that same feeling. He was a real Master, and a great Showman.
LIBERACE was the "Rolls Royce of Pianists"...without question. He was a gift not only to the US but to the entire world. What a privilege it is for us to even hear such an immense talent.
Wonderful
I remember my HS English teacher, a very sophisticated man who had to leave his job as a dancer with the Joffrey Ballet due to serious injury he suffered. He returned to work as an 😄English Teacher. In my Jr year in HS I took a summer honors class in Drama that he taught. Before class, he would find his rowdy male student laughing and carrying on. The local newspaper had just published a article about a popular gay bar. The teacher told his hyperactive students that the article should never have been published because of their behavior, which made a mockery of gay culture. In his rant he mentioned Liberace as a whore , who sold his work instead of feeling blessed by his own talent.
Liszt was the Lamborghini, Beethoven the Hellcat, Bach the Maybach, and Chopin the Bugatti Chiron!
Why are so many people upset with Liberace? He was a great showman. He had a great act and because of that, he made a lot of money. If you don't like his act, why are you watching these videos? Do you only watch videos of performers you don't like because your lives are so depressing that you only feel better when you can try to tear other people down? I personally watch videos of performers I like, I can't see any reason to watch performers I don't like.
He said he didn't invest in stocks, but in the fancy things he showed us and Real Estate, as he learned from Mae West!!! Yes, he was male next generation Mae West.🎉❤
He used to be on TV on a Sunday afternoon and he was my first crush and used to cry when he finished the show. Days of innocence and just loved his musical talent and his sparkling eyes and smile.
So sweet.
This concerto brings tears to my eyes. He was such a master of the keyboard. He was so handsome and I love when he used to wink while playing. He looked so happy bouncing around on the piano bench while playing. Rest In Peace dear Mr. Liberace.
Me too... Sad I never got to see him perform live.
OMG this is the first time I've seen Liberace when he's not entertaining in a dazzling suit with that famous smile. I knew he was good but I didn't know he was concert pianist good! Amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing his magnificent gift!!
I’d be very surprised if that is correct!
@@cbboyle5117 He was the greatest concert pianist there ever was, he was all American & also the best ever piànist. end of.
@@cbboyle5117 What's incorrect in calling Liberace the best concert pianist there ever was? I've seen many but none who's fingers fly so easilly across the key board as his!
Trading Post back off Bozo! I believe it is incorrect that very few people knew he was gay. He was a fine pianist, but it is my opinion, and of course I am entitled to my opinion, as are you - that he was in no way “the greatest concert pianist there ever was.” He actually was not a concert pianist; that is not what he did for a living. He was an entertainer. “End of.”
@@cbboyle5117 He wasn't being a so called entertainer when he started, he was a concert pianist, he played Chopin & anyother type of music worldwide you could put your fingers on, if you drag yourself away from the later glitter etc you'd see just how good a pianist he really was, many modern & contemporary musicians have Liberace to thank, whatever you say it was his piano playing that made it, he was a concert pianist & through his style of ott dress he bought this music to the populous,
He was so young and beautiful. Loved watching his show he was amazing. Will miss his sweet soul.
Isso faz muito tempo , não?
Mama loved him, raved about his music. I remember her talking about him when I was 10 yrs old. This is so special to me, because she passed away when I was 11. I have been watching the movie and bio’s about him all night. What a talented, wonderful entertainer. No wonder she was crazy about him! I am 75 yrs old now and can understand why now.
Carolyn Madewell - my Mother Alice was Crazy about him and Appreciated his Abiityon the Piano! This is one Y Very Favorite Music on the Piano!
I'm 17 years old and my mum introduced me to his music about two days ago and I genuinely can't stop watching him, I am so sad we don't have people like him anymore
I feel the same way , he was outstanding
I was fortunate enough to see him perform at his last appearance at Radio City just a very few months before he passed. I am of an age that grew up thinking of Liberace as a bit of a joke, and a coworker and I went on a lark because we worked in the building next door. I was so wrong: it was a wonderful performance. He was an absolute riot in his interactions with the audience, and his playing was a revelation!
that's cool man!
The first three words of your narrative said it all. Thank you for sharing your experience. I envy you. Mac
I was also at his last show. Radio City November 2 Sunday 1986. He looked sick. The poor guy. Great talent
Sunday after church we would rushhome to watchh him on tv. Greatest entertainment I can’t say how I was his biggest fan. God bless his life and legend❤
Liberace and Victor Borge BOTH could have been fantastic and famous concert pianists, if they would have chosen to do so. They both had an incredible gift of musical ability at the piano, and possessed the talent to go that "extra mile" if this is what they decided. Though they chose to give their lives to entertaining the masses, instead of only the classical music community. In doing so, they helped bring classical music to MANY people, that otherwise might not have ever experienced such beautiful music. I believe one can honestly say, that in retrospect, they did more for classical music than the finest concert pianists that we have known....Thank you Liberace and Victor Borge, we all miss you.....Peace!
Music Shoppe, I beg to differ. In order to appreciate Victor Borge you already had to know classical music. His humor was based entirely around it. Liberace...??? He did not introduce people to classical music. He played hacked up short versions of some classical themes. That's all.
Music Shoppe you summarized it perfectly.
Liberace was a famous and fantastic pianist and showman, that's how he liked it, and that's how his audience (of billions) liked him. He had a better life than that of a concert pianist, believe me!
@@marilyns8497, what's a "better life"? Tons of money? Believe me, lives of real, honest-to-god artists is far more gratifying than the cheap crap that Liberace dished out. He was a great entertainer, no doubt. A fantastic pianist? What do you know about fantastic pianists? He was a mediocre pianist who knew how to dazzle people who don't know what true artistry is.
Well they did "go that extra mile" don't you think.? :)
I truly have tears in my eyes, this concerto was my first encounter with classical music when I was a child in Russia and here so beautifully played. I don't think even the purists and great pianists of today would find a fault with this performance
I agree 100 per. cent
That was truly awful, entertaining but awful.
@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234 What, sir?!?! What do you mean?! I think Liberace was wonderful and a great pianist!
Bytom you are very beautiful
@@davemiller7633 Thank you !
Bravo Liberace. The world will never again see his like.
Guy Williams had an uncredited role in this movie, "Sincerly Yours" as Dick Cosgrove. He is befiely seen up in the box seat area in this excerpt.
One of the gratest pianists of all time.
There was only one. There may have been some better technicians, but let's see them try it with all those rings on their fingers like he did along with the incredible costumes that he later became famous for. It's called entertainment.
It boils down to 'who would you rather watch?'. Liberace, of course!
Lol .... he was a show man..... not a virtuoso
@@ralphnuolo3359
He was actually better than what most people give him credit for;
th-cam.com/video/6_2UHz8OsJI/w-d-xo.html
@@tropicvibe yes but ..... I mean ..... compared to any standard piano concert artist, I even can’t mention Argerich, this is another level
na he was amazing but id rather hear horowitz lol
No doubting his talents as a showman and pianist.
Great perfomance.
Yeah...pianist PLUS showman brings more!!
Saw Liberace at NJ's Garden State Arts Center back in early 80's with my young son and Mom. AWESOME
Magnificent...nobody plays like Liberace....
Oh, how I loved Liberace. He was a technically marvelous pianist and a consummate showman!! Wonderful entertainer!!
It’s amazing how effortless he looks, as if playing such a super complicated piece is very easy!
How are you doing today my name is Bryan
My wife has just said what a good looking man Lee was in his younger days ,he could certainly play the classical music with ease.
Without the sheet music in front of him! Amazing!!!
Ignoring all the sham and glitz with which he surrounded himself, Liberace was one of the finest pianists ever. Any idea how hard it is to perform classical piano with no sheet music? Liberace does it with grace and skill. I will always admire Liberace.
Liberace the man who could blur the keyboard with hand movement and raise his hands above the keyboard so high and continue in perfect timing. The head movement reflected what he was playing. Remember the joy he revealed as entertainment in the art he loved.
No one better, except possibly Chopin, Mozart, Bethoven; et al. I listened with my parents on TV as a child. Fabulous music and showmanship. RIP MR. LIBERACE, sorely missed.
My favorite classical music piece. Wish I could have been there. Two artists I regret never having seen in person in concert- Liberace and Elvis! ☺️👍🏻
Greatest of the great, what man could have entertained more people than this man.
Beautiful piece of music, performed by the Master.
I listened to him the first time when i was a small girl he fascinated me, i always loved the way be played,. He was wonderful
Oh Lord,please bring this incredible human being back to us all.He was not only incredibly talented musicly,but the world's greatest entertainer! Magnetic in every sense of the word.He could make you laugh,make you cry,forget your worries.We know he had another life,but hey.In short he was an immensely loveable guy.A great loss to the world.
How are you doing today my name is Bryan
This man’s playing and singing where the first music I was exposed to as a young child. My Father was an Air Force medical doctor stationed at Lockbourne Airbase at Columbus, OH. My Mother worked at night as a Registered Nurse, but during the day, did housework while listening and watching Liberace on his first tv show. Whenever he came on, I was propped in front of the tv watching and listening. Many of his selections were classical, with some popular songs included, such as “I’ll Be Seeing You”. I can still see him singing while seated at the piano, looking into the camera at his home audience even now at 71. My desire to study the piano, teaching, singing opera, and composing are a direct result of my early exposure to him. Thanks Mr Liberace, where ever you are.🎹
There was really no one else like Liberace when it came to a piano performance. He pulls your full attention
I think many people tend to not take him seriously but really I am liking many of his interpretations regardless of what "many people" may judge
J Smith I don't know anything about music but I got what you meant in simple parlance. Thank you for clarifying things.
Gary Burt so...I am classical musician who lives all kinds of music . My problem with what you wrote is not that you enjoyed Liberace and found him entertaining..and yes he made a shit Tim of money. My problem is you don't have the background or exposure to the "boring long-hair" greatest of the great artists like Horowitz! Who looses? You or Horowitz? It about standards of excellence. When a whole society learns the musical standards from American Idol, our culture starts to slide backwards. Not the you can enjoy pop music at all. It's that you or anybody else think it's great art.
Well...perhaps if a movie needed to pull "extras" off the street, put them in suits to populate the audience for a film. A few $$ in 1955 went a long way.
So true...n there will never be another like him...he was awesome...
Liberace the worlds greatest pianist hands down, beautiful
my friend, you get NO argument from me. that he was ONE.
Good YES, the greatest- NEVER,
Liberace had a TV show in the 50's where he played alot of classical music. I was probably 4 or 5 years old and I just fell in love with his playing. He really inspired me. My mother and grandmother were accomplished pianists. Now I'm 73 and spent my life teaching music and performing. This brings back lovely memories
I can't believe....that me and about 49 other pianists played with Liberace in the Kentucky State Fair - with 50 pianos on stage!
Liberace was a grandmaster of the piano and a masterful performer.
Don't be silly! He was not a grandmaster, not even close. If you had any musical training, serious training, you would know this.
@@tiamia7139 Tia, that's very condescending. No need to imply someone is ignorant just because you assume they lack musical training. I have more classical training than most people and I love Liberace. Liberace was a classically trained concert pianist. He debuted with the Chicago symphony orchestra in 1940. He was an exceptional talent and a master pianist. His commercial success in no way diminishes that fact. So, don't be a snob. And yeah, we know about Rubinstein, Rachmaninoff, Liszt etc... Liberace was a masterful performer who made people happy. That's what's important.
scretching08 You think he was a better pianist than Jerry Lee ?
So was Phyllis Diller!
@@tiamia7139 Another Friggin knob. Why don't you just Flog Off!
Lee was terrific! In the 30s, 40s, and 50s he could have easily pursued a serious concert pianist. You can clearly hear and see that in this performance. His heart however was in being an entertainer. They way he could take classical music and embellish and arrange to add elements of ragtime, Dixieland, Boogie Woogie, and pop was incredible and brought in everyday people from all walks of life who did not always go to orchestra concerts. It's not until the mid 60s and after that we get the glitz and glamour of the outfits and all the stage antics. I didn't mind the later years but he was at his best in his early period (like most entertainers). He was so mistreated by the media and critics who were so nosy about his personal life, and that coupled with antiquated rules in this country and Europe (it was actually illegal to be gay at one time here in the U.S.) that he could not be who he really was publicly. The coroner who did his autopsy threw him under the bus publicly for political gain and to ruin his reputation. Hopefully someday people will remember him for his great performances, his talent, charm and wonderfully educated knowledge of music and ability to speak to audiences. Hopefully people will remember or learn that he was the first true star music entertainer of TV when television was in its infancy in America. He was also one of the first big stars on the Vegas strip in the 40s. No, he was not a composer and no he did not perform gis own music, but he brought to life the classics for the average person in a casual manner and he did so with style and flare. His killer piano skills from the 30s to mid 60s should be explored by many because the man was a marvel at the piano. Sure he ran into some mental issues in the 70s and 80s after failed relationships and multiple operations that led to drugs, alcohol, and at one point not being able to close his eyelids. Similar to Michael Jackson who seemed to change as he got older and more eccentric and out there. But I prefer to remember Lee for his heart and his impressive talent and willingness to entertain.
He was such a sweetheart and a wonderful pianist and entertainer. Nothing else said about matters to me....
Very nicely said, Jon.
Well said
What a wonderful statement about thismarvelous, incredible man/musician/artist/entertainer/pianist. A lot has been written about how he wasn’t a great classical pianist. I have seen and heard hundreds of great classical pianists over my 77 years, many watching the wonderful competitors during 11 Cliburn competitions, and I don’t think very many of them could perform the incredible variety of musicianship Liberace produced. His love of music, love for his audience, love for budding musicians and his philanthropy was truly a gift to the whole world. I took my mother to see him in Las Vegas one month before she died, and she thanked me every day before she died for that trip, and I buried her in the dress she wore to that performance. I hope Liberace is performing through eternity for all the souls in heaven.
@@wesdo77 Thank you bothe, very nice to concentrate in the piano performance,. Let's remember him just for it.
One of the greatest concerti in all piano literature and Liberace is handling it very capably. I like this version of his performance persona.
HIs hands alone are a work of art on the piano.
This is one of the most difficult piano pieces and Liberace got it just right.
Oh it is not one of the most difficult piano pieces. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
The first time I heard this work I fell in love with classical music. It was a Liberace record from my mother with this piece. It would be the year 1972. Deep memories of my childhood.
I have run out of superlatives to describe this man’s talent. Bravo!!
Genuine talent never dies. It never really ages either.
I knew without looking at the credits. I sneaked into the theatre in Rochester New York eleven times to watch this movie with the best pianist playing the piece composed by the GREATEST COMPOSER that ever wrote a note. I was 12 years of age and loving all my classical music.
I first heard him when I was about 10 years. I used to sit in front of TV & listen to his shows. “ lll be seeing you”
This is a classic treasure! Thanks for sharing it!
Wonderful pianist and real eye candy, too
My favourite music. He really took it to another level. When I saw this I was practising for concert finals. I kept watching this and played along. It took time but I like to think Liberace and I performed a duet! Thank you Maestro. Sweet dreams 😴.
Tchaikovsky's first work - people said it was a bomb LOL - what did they know? Liberace sure brought this to life....thanks for posting!
Sem partitura,tudo de ouvido,e ainda transforma qualquer cancao, melhor que o original,gracas a s extraordinaria capacidade de improvisar,sem errar ima unica nota!nota se a admiracao do maestro!,!!
When I want to calm myself in this stressful world, I tune in to Liberace playing Tchaikovsky or playing Clare de lune.❤️❣️ He was a wonderful pianist and human being.
He was absolutely brilliant ❤🎉
Masterful performance! There WAS only ONE LIBERACE -- and will never be again!
A wonderful Concerto which is greatly interpreted and played by Liberace, very well known in our day! Mrs. Rosa Larsen
One of the most beautiful pieces of music. I've loved this one for years !
Words fail me. I'm thinking here is one of the worlds Greatest piano artists of all times! I have to come back to this piece every so often just to get my mental "battery" charged up.
Beautiful blonde Dorothy Malone in the audience. Feminine and lovely...not like the "stars" of today.
I saw Liberace in concert in the 70's...what an entertainer! He said he didn't care if anyone criticized him...that he cried all the way to the bank!
Pretty sure this is a scene from an old movie but don’t know what. I’m sure I’ve seen this before on a late night tv screen
@@cbboyle5117 That is correct! It's from the 1955 movie "Sincerely Yours". Dorothy Malone is beyond beautiful in this scene. It hurts to watch something so beautiful. Can you imagine being her date? Wow!
Absolutely remarkably beautiful.
This video is a proof for what I always said: If Liberace had not been one of the greatest entertainers, he had most certainly been one of the greatest concert pianists. 🎹 👌🏼
Yeah, he chose to entertain the common folks rather than become a concert pianist. But that's what ultimately cemented his legend status.
I agree he played classical piano in a way that truly moved most people, and what an extraordinary showman! There were however, people who were very angry at him. My HS English teacher, a sophisticated man, who once danced with the Joffrey Ballet before teaching Drama and English, shocked our class when he went into a 5 **** rant about what a whore Liberace was,. the year was 1966. Yes, he used the word whore. There were classical musicians who did not approve of
Popularizing serious music for the masses. I also recall a young Van Clybourn winning a prestigious Russian piano competition. Remembering his passionate performance of Tchaikovsky piano concerto, I wondered if Liberace had somehow inspired him.
@@frostysilverstein842 Some music professionals disagree with me and insist on Liberace being a great showman but he would not have been successful as a professional concert pianist. However, he was both for me.
Ikr
Can't agree there. He was the greatest piano ENTERTAINER of all, not the greatest CONCERT pianist... don't confuse the two.
He had the flair which some people resented but he could also musically deliver. My grandmother used to watch him on her small black and white television. She would comment on his black wavy hair. Older women adored Liberace.
Say what you will about Liberace - he knew how to entertain an audience.
His own audience in particular.
In today's world, there's not thing say about Liberace. It was only in his era that there was.
A MUSICAL GENIUS!!
Including you, Elisabeth. You would not watch it otherwise...
Thomas, you are unknowingly showing your complete ignorance.
An utter showman, and master of the piano. A World-class musician, without a doubt, still sadly missed to this day.
This 1st movement is HUGE! I love it. Marvelous to see Liberace playing it!
It's one of my all-time favorite pieces of music.
Damn! The dude could play some serious piano. Fantastic!
An amazing man.I remember as a child listening ...just one gifted ,a gentleman as well
Bravo,
When a musician can ignite an emotional response through their performance.
That's A Gifted Artist!
The Legend
Valentino Liberace
RIP
Phenomenal!Bravo! I am very enjoyed your performance. It touched my heart with your Gifted Talent from God.My late Father always listen to this song when I am so young,he really loved it.I loved to watch your profile when you played this song,you are so handsome and beautiful like a status.I loved you and missed you,Rest In Peace in Heaven, Mr.Libetace.
Liberace the best, one always admires him for his talent, sympathy, very generous also in his personal life, very American
A Piano Savant, pure genius always giving me an inner happiness. That Russian composer was also a Savant/Genius. Spectacular. Thank you for posting &;making my day.
Even the conductor is amazed as he looks over to Liberace at 3:12. Amazing! ✨
Call me naive, but I think he was a great classical pianist. I just love it.
You need to broaden your exposure to real classical pianists like Martha Argerich, Yuja Wang, Yefim Bronfman, A. Volodos, Valentina Lisitsa, the late great Van Cliburn (,who won the Tchaikovsky Competiton in Russia with the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1, Olga Kern won the Van Cliburn Competition in her own right, to see what a great classical pianist is. Liberace was a hack lounge entertainer.
@@ms.annthrope415 Earlier generations used the word razzmatazz. I could see it meant showy and flashy; but until recent times, never checked a dictionary to see what it really meant. Which was: "A flashy action or display intended to bewilder, confuse, or deceive". [American Heritage Dict. 3rd edit.] and the word razzle-dazzle: "showiness, brilliance, or virtuosity in technique or effect, often without concomitant substance, flashy theatricality" [Random House Webster's 1999]. Liberace was like a VW Beetle fitted with a Rolls-Royce front end. see: [Rolls-Royce Once Sued A Company For Making Beetles Look Like Their Cars].
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Yep, that he was.
You are not naive. Of course Liberace was a great classical pianist. You can see it in this video.
A truly gifted man whose life was cut so short and before his time, Saw him perform at the Sydney Opera House and then at the Melbourne Concert Hall
No one else can radiate joy for the piano like he could
I keep coming back lmao
tchaikovsky and rachmaninoff extraordinary talented composers well played lee
First time I smiled today. Thank you
Big “L” had a tv show in the daytime when I was a kid. Used to watch in amazement that he could and did play fantastic music in some of the super blinged suits and the rings, well, bunches of them. He was a great master of the piano!
I just love this,my grandmother and I use to listentohim
He was a true artist and genius...thanks so much for sharing this amazing video!
You should see him play ragtime. A gifted, versatile, hip musician.
Wonderful artists ❤ Liberace sadly missed 😊
He was special and magic.
Heard all these beautiful pieces on my dad's records years ago. I'm so thankful and happy to be introduced to this music in my childhood and to love and understand, appreciate and get the goose bumps, everytime I listen to them. Love Liberace and his music. Can't get tired of listening to him. He was a class apart.
I grew up with lots of wonderful classical music....and also Liberace. I loved him then and now!
An outstanding historical rendering historical experience rendez-vous !!!!! Bravo and merci beaucoup from Paris France.
Thank you for posting
Liberace no one can ever fill his shoes
I saw him as a kid several times when he would visit his mom in Doylestown PA at the Lady of Chestohva shine.
A nice fellow, never charged to have his picture taken with you or sign an autograph.
His talent cannot be duplicated and he always knew how to wow his audience.
I still recall the last time was at the Latin Casino in NJ, my mom would die 2 yrs later from cancer, but that night she was so beautiful and Mr L, played her and my dad's fav song, Ave Maria.
Talk about tears.
She spoke of that even even up to her death.
Thank You Mr L for the love of the people and your God given talents.
I am sure he is playing to SRO up stairs.
What always amazed me is how the heck he could play with all those giant rings on his hands.
I play the organ and harpsichord and cannot have any kind of ring on my hand .
If I had 1/100th of his talent I wud be happy...
Pax+
Many years ago I saw Liberace at the South Shore Music Theatre in Cohasset MA. What a remarkable artist he was, also watched him on TV Sunday afternoons. Those were the days of wonderful entertainment. God Bless.
This was a movie my mom took me to see when I was 8. I loved it and was very moved by the entire story! Liberace was always very popular in our home. So wonderful to watch this scene again after so many years. Thank you for posting this!!!
Many people do not relaize that Liberace, Victor Borge, the Great Dane, were great concert artists, but they found the fun in music and went the route that they did.
I also had the pleasure years ago at the Temple Univeristy Music Festival to hear Jack Benny on the violin and Phyliss Diller on the piano.
They both were excellent and it is just an act when Mr.Benny wud play the violin....
To say folks were shocked with these 2 wonderful people playing music would be an understatement.
RIP to all of these great men and women and THANK YOU for sharing your talents with the world.
A special thanks to YOU TUBE and all of the folks who upload these videos....
Pax+