This is wonderful! I've played this piece for years and it is so rich in interpretative possibilities that I could never say who plays it "the best." And I'm sure great artists like Gilels, etc. never play it the same way twice. This Nocturne is a living, breathing thing that inspires awe in me. Bravo, Chopin.
This is the best rendition of Chopin's Nocturne No.1 I have heard. The lyrical and poetic depth, the intensity, the lack of rushed-ness especially in the second, faster repetition of the main motif, the gentle swaying feeling - this is perfect.
Today is the day Chopin died, 165 years ago, and astonishingly most of the comments on this video are more concerned with comparing different pianists than being grateful for what Chopin left for us in his too-short life.
lovely rich notes, with that resonance of dual pitch, an integral harmony, on the right hand, from a fine old piano weathered well, then those building chords, across the board, like dark clouds ascending, that bury one in their ominous majesty, and then paradoxically, provide cover for a wonderful release.
I'm always looking for new performances of this one. Fou Ts'ong remains my favorite for this particular nocturne. A lot of pianists do a decent job in the first section, but then it often falls apart by the third section. Fou's grows stronger all the way through. Very virtuosic and passionate in the finale.
One of the best renditions i have heard. This is one of my favorite nocturnes, please also try two other versions: Sofronitsky and Flier - both available on TH-cam
I agree Ashkenazy's recording of this is also incredible and actually very similar to this. I like Gilels' tone a bit more though. I've heard a lot of recordings of this nocturne and while I've been able to find some other convincing interpretations on youtube, I think Gilels and Ashkenazy are one of the only ones who truly captured and internalized the soul of this piece.
I've researched this for a shit load of time. You are right. Does a good Franck too! Well done and thanks for uploading!!!! Agree 100%. Look for Pauline Pidgeon based on his interpretation of CF.
J will always remember when j read " Bernard Gavoty " about the first Chopin-concerto : " Chopin= bavard " , since that day j have never read comments by a critic or a musicologist who writes this thing about a 19-years-old Chopin for his piano-concerto
@1110011000 Exactly! I have reached the point currently that after 3 Minutes I start to miss the "Genius-Gilels-Factor" with any other pianist (except my wife :-)).
Eric, I have listened to Hess and I like her somehow musically pure interpretation, but I strongly disagree with your subjectiv rating "the best". Gilels remains unique by his energy, his sensuality, his passion, the emotional depth of his personality and the manner he manages to transform pieces like this one into a novel, a thriller (which makes me lust for the subsequent note).
@artsloving i wouldn't say better, but of equal stature, the darkened interpretation of myra hess, i think there is a video on you tube, and a recording by yakov flier! which unfortunately doesn't exist here....
"anyone any better idea?" --> Yes, this has been my favorite work for piano for a long time. I have listened to several dozen pianists perform it. You can find a number of pianists who play the first part well, but maybe not the rest. The one that is clearly on top for me is Fou Ts'ong. It's because of the way he plays the last section. It is astoundingly perfect, virtuosic, and passionate. And I haven't heard anyone who approaches his level. I really like Gilels' interpretation; but it is somewhat messy/choppy.
For me the interpretation is good, just at some points I think it would be better to play differently, but did he make a mistake at 4:30? Some chords, for a second sound like major.
This is such a hard-to-interpret nocturne in my opinion. For me, the Samson Francois' interpretation is the most convincing. I like his dynamic and phrasing. It's really hard to get something like this out of the sheet.
Fine up to the doppio movimento at 3.50, where it all becomes a bit too tempestuous and overwrought for my liking. My own personal favourite performance is that of Stefan Askenase on Heliodor - much more restrained and perfectly controlled, closer to Chopin's original conception than Gilels' barnstorming.
Fritz Maisenbacher +1 Fritz, the classical music world is full of pretentious opinions, from people who can't play chopsticks. I'm trying to learn this piece and it is hard, big time. I'm surprised this audio is available really as there are lots of mistakes for someone like Gilels. Wonder if Remo Nannetti will ever give us the benefit of his intimate knowledge of Chopin's mind haha.
FreddysHamster Yes , you are right , but it is hard to understand why people have so curious taste .... there is THE version of Argerich , and it seems , at least for me : "period" . How would this op.48-1 be better ?
Fritz Maisenbacher Argerich is amazing, I've met her and have her autograph on my Chopin Concerto score, framed on my piano :-) Saw her play Prokofiev in London. Personally my favourite 48-1 is Ashkenazy, the doppio is also playable even for me at his tempo.
This is wonderful! I've played this piece for years and it is so rich in interpretative possibilities that I could never say who plays it "the best." And I'm sure great artists like Gilels, etc. never play it the same way twice. This Nocturne is a living, breathing thing that inspires awe in me. Bravo, Chopin.
even with 1949 Soviet recording technology, Gilels' golden tone and artistry shine through
Абсолютно верно!
This is the best rendition of Chopin's Nocturne No.1 I have heard. The lyrical and poetic depth, the intensity, the lack of rushed-ness especially in the second, faster repetition of the main motif, the gentle swaying feeling - this is perfect.
His touch and tone in this performance is out of this world. Almost makes the piano sound like not a mechanical device anymore
Today is the day Chopin died, 165 years ago, and astonishingly most of the comments on this video are more concerned with comparing different pianists than being grateful for what Chopin left for us in his too-short life.
Once again I see Gilels as uniquely insightful and capable. This performance is shattering in its depth and utter rightness in every meaningful way.
To me this is the best interpretation. I've been listening to this for over 10 years (that's almost half my age) 😀
The best interpretation in my opinion too. What a magical sound, absolute taste and delicacy towards the composition and the author.
Another beautiful interpretation. The highest honors of course go to the person who gave pianists such a perfect piece of art to shine with: Chopin.
Wonderful composer, wonderful pianist. How sublime!
lovely rich notes, with that resonance of dual pitch, an integral harmony, on the right hand, from a fine old piano weathered well, then those building chords, across the board, like dark clouds ascending, that bury one in their ominous majesty, and then paradoxically, provide cover for a wonderful release.
I died and went to heaven thanks to Gilels and hear Rubinstein saying the same thing.
Couldn't find a good recording of this piece so came here for master G since this dude never fails
For me, the Best interpretation of my favorite nocturne
From those first few shimmering notes I knew what a wonderful treat I was in for, and then it just got better
The best interpretation I've ever heard. In love with this nocturne. Used to play it long time ago, when I was in high music school...
The part from 3:50 to the end is pure gold
So perfectly mastered!❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm always looking for new performances of this one. Fou Ts'ong remains my favorite for this particular nocturne. A lot of pianists do a decent job in the first section, but then it often falls apart by the third section. Fou's grows stronger all the way through. Very virtuosic and passionate in the finale.
Insightful images, great tuning... Thanks for posting!
beatyful video, and nocturne fantastic, emotional, Gilels ....Gilels
A perfect artist with no showmanship !
One of the best renditions i have heard. This is one of my favorite nocturnes, please also try two other versions: Sofronitsky and Flier - both available on TH-cam
gorgeous interpretation: I love that of Sofronitsky, Rubinstein and G Novaes also. I have never heard the Richter.
Richter never played it in public.
Why did he not play it in public??
OH WOW! NO DISLIKE! WOW! WHO DARE THOUGH! THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL! AH!
So fast, but quite captivating in it's own way. Interesting.
Great Gilels!
I agree Ashkenazy's recording of this is also incredible and actually very similar to this. I like Gilels' tone a bit more though. I've heard a lot of recordings of this nocturne and while I've been able to find some other convincing interpretations on youtube, I think Gilels and Ashkenazy are one of the only ones who truly captured and internalized the soul of this piece.
I've researched this for a shit load of time. You are right. Does a good Franck too! Well done and thanks for uploading!!!! Agree 100%. Look for Pauline Pidgeon based on his interpretation of CF.
Gilels grandioso!
Sublime!!!!
The best Polish composer in the world !!! I love Chopen :)
no the best composer in the world ;)
J will always remember when j read " Bernard Gavoty " about the first Chopin-concerto : " Chopin= bavard " , since that day j have never read comments by a critic or a musicologist who writes this thing about a 19-years-old Chopin for his piano-concerto
Symanowski would give him a run for his money.
@1110011000 Exactly! I have reached the point currently that after 3 Minutes I start to miss the "Genius-Gilels-Factor" with any other pianist (except my wife :-)).
Stunning.
Lovely :) My favorite interpretation of this nocturne is by Fou Ts'ong
Eric, I have listened to Hess and I like her somehow musically pure interpretation, but I strongly disagree with your subjectiv rating "the best". Gilels remains unique by his energy, his sensuality, his passion, the emotional depth of his personality and the manner he manages to transform pieces like this one into a novel, a thriller (which makes me lust for the subsequent note).
I love Chopin especially in a warm rain...
@TJFNYC212
Richter non ha mai registrato questo pezzo, per rispetto a Gilels.
beautiful
Give Leo Sirota a listen.
@artsloving i wouldn't say better, but of equal stature, the darkened interpretation of myra hess, i think there is a video on you tube, and a recording by yakov flier! which unfortunately doesn't exist here....
a very deep version ....
In which world is Rubinstein a profound pianist?
SUBLIME !
진짜 좋다 ㅜㅜ
"anyone any better idea?" --> Yes, this has been my favorite work for piano for a long time. I have listened to several dozen pianists perform it. You can find a number of pianists who play the first part well, but maybe not the rest. The one that is clearly on top for me is Fou Ts'ong. It's because of the way he plays the last section. It is astoundingly perfect, virtuosic, and passionate. And I haven't heard anyone who approaches his level. I really like Gilels' interpretation; but it is somewhat messy/choppy.
For me the interpretation is good, just at some points I think it would be better to play differently, but did he make a mistake at 4:30? Some chords, for a second sound like major.
This is such a hard-to-interpret nocturne in my opinion. For me, the Samson Francois' interpretation is the most convincing. I like his dynamic and phrasing. It's really hard to get something like this out of the sheet.
Brigitte Engerer or Grigori Sokolov - wonderful references!
Do you know that thanks to Gilels Sokolov wins Chaikovsky competitions 1st prize. The public and some members of jury was against him.
His tone and tempo are fabulous...indeed....But I still do prefer Rubinstein in this nocturne,especially.,,and Cortot..ohhhhhhhh,Cortot"!!!!!
2:02
3:52
Myra Hess has the greatest performance. Absolutely haunting.
Myra Hess's 1948 is the best. Just devastating.
Myra Hess
Maybe Nikita Magaloff...
I totally loved Moravec's version, it's by far more profound than even Rubinstein's!
a calamity not listen until the end and j like Gilels mostly in Grieg
Only one name comparable. Grigory Sokolov
Claudio Arrau the best version ever....
Fine up to the doppio movimento at 3.50, where it all becomes a bit too tempestuous and overwrought for my liking. My own personal favourite performance is that of Stefan Askenase on Heliodor - much more restrained and perfectly controlled, closer to Chopin's original conception than Gilels' barnstorming.
You grew up with Chopin? Wow!
Fritz Maisenbacher +1 Fritz, the classical music world is full of pretentious opinions, from people who can't play chopsticks. I'm trying to learn this piece and it is hard, big time. I'm surprised this audio is available really as there are lots of mistakes for someone like Gilels. Wonder if Remo Nannetti will ever give us the benefit of his intimate knowledge of Chopin's mind haha.
FreddysHamster Yes , you are right , but it is hard to understand why people have so curious taste .... there is THE version of Argerich , and it seems , at least for me : "period" . How would this op.48-1 be better ?
Fritz Maisenbacher Argerich is amazing, I've met her and have her autograph on my Chopin Concerto score, framed on my piano :-) Saw her play Prokofiev in London. Personally my favourite 48-1 is Ashkenazy, the doppio is also playable even for me at his tempo.
FreddysHamster Do you like Ashkenazy's version because you can play the doppio at his speed ?
Lisitsa
Gilels
Igoshina
nice taste of humor.