Every time i listen to Sofronitsky I think: Wow, he brought that and that out in the performance. There is no performance that is the same with him. He always brings out all of the good qualities in a piece, and in this performance the left hand is very clear, each note in plain sight. He takes the B section in a bombastic way, so sonorous and expressive. What an artist.
What you never hear in Chopin as played by today's young pianists is his aristocratism, not just grace and pride but also a certain haughtiness and even coldness. He was a profoundly condescending man, in a manner that's incomprehensible to the polite dullards playing him today. The likes Cortot and Sofronitsky bring this out beautifully.
@@metteholm4833 what I had in mind is more a cultural, rather than personal attitude. I guess "condescending" isn't the best word for it... Certain aristocratic aloofness is more to the point. Doesn't preclude human warmth, especially to the rich aristocrats who paid good money to study with him.
Agreed (100%). "Behind these warm tones, the cold eyes of the basilisk are looking at us," wrote Robert Schumann in his review of Chopin's Op. 2. And this is true of Chopin's entire oeuvre. Anyone who does not know or understand this should not play Chopin, or perhaps even listen to his music,
Cortot's fingers are "weak" as observed by none other than Rachmaninoff; everything played by Gould sounds like Gould himself, to begin with... Lipatti was a perfectly pure and sweet celestial angel, incomparable for his peacetime lyrical portrayals, as to wartime pathos, he is no match even for Spinto lyrical Stanislav BUNIN, leave alone Sonfronitsky !!!
Your opinion is as subjective as Truecrypt's. In my opinion (yes, also a subjective one!) Lisitsa cannot be compared to Sofronitsky, simply because of the fact that she doesn't reveal anything to me, except a natural ability to play the piano really well. Artists like Sofronitsky, Neuhaus, Hofmann, Yudina and others could disclose a penetrating, highly original and convincing view on a well-known piece... it's simply another level of artistry! It doesn't mean that I disrespect Lisitsa though.
He just has a way of conveying a deep and highly detailed inner world though his playing. Today's artists seem to have trouble doing that. They grow up too fast.
@mtierra Actually you "touched" a very interesting subject! Sofronitsky's touch was incredibly fast and intense. Every single sound produced this way is like a burst of energy... Such playing would seem rough and even distorted while listening in close proximity, but should you move couple yards farther and separate bursts would connect into wonderful lines and deep perspective. it's like seeing a great painting - get close and it turns into random spots... Just "move farther"!
@AlanHemenway Though Lisitsa is an outstanding pianist and interesting YT phenomenon, I wouldn't prefer her over Sofronitsky or Cortot... Their "rough spots" worth more than any-body's slick execution. Smooth food is easier to digest but will you ever trade hard farmer's bread for overly processed, well sanitized and beautifully wrapped "bread" in your local supermarket? ;)
Exactly- in YOUR opinion. There's people whose taste accept ONLY old performers and just dont feel, don't understand the new ones. I know Glinka has preferred Field, but it doesn't deny the fact Liszt's pianism was 100 times at least more important for the art of piano. Thus some people are not objective, their opinions are false. So, don't try to submit you subjectivity as some truth- it isn't. If you're not capable to see the revelation in one excellent execution, that means you're biased.
His touch sounds percussive because it seems he goes really deep into the keys. Maybe a soft melody isn't pretended. Maybe he wants it a bit dark and sinister. I can't hear this Sofronitsky melody in any other interpretation. It's Sofronitsky, purely.
"Just because she's most popular doesn't mean she's less valuable. " Agreed. But I'm much more intrigued by different topics: 1. *Why* she is so much more popular (valuable?) than Sofronitsky? (24K views vs. 360K) 2. Why do *you* have such a "strong inclination to the art of Mrs Lisitsa"? (obviously strong enough to jump the gun!) No need for you to answer though... P.S. yes, I speak Russian.
my dear truecrypt, how could I be in disagree with what you've just stated above ? I would never ever exchange a CD of Sofro, Cortot, Berman, Richter and Emil with one of the Ms Lisitsa. Even if they are all passsed away are both in my heart! I have recentely enjoyed the f. liszt p. c. n 2 peformed by Berman, the tons od harmonics spreaded were jus undescriptble along with his trascendental lyrism that makes him unique. But your Symphonic Etudes are not so bd at all neither ;) tnx to be here.
@satyu131089 you are not well informed, france has more than cortot. there was Marguerite Long, Eliane Richepin who were both also great teachers who "produced" competition winners worldwide. and ther was Samson Francois and many other you may never have heard. Eric Heidsieck today is a fabulous pianist and a lot others...but the carrers in france are not organized like in russia where all is centralized . Its more difficult for french pianists to get known...
@GerryRains1946 I've heard her at the Oregon Symphony and attended a recital and master class at George Fox University. Lisitsa has her channel where she has posted 183 of her videos to date, with millions of views and an overwhelming following, with many ardent music loverers like myself who proclaim that she is the greatest we have ever heard. To me she is most musical makes all other pianists sound awkward. Listen to her do the Presto Agitato of the Moonlight Son. then all of Appassionata
I am a huge admirer of Sofronitzky, but if you compare this Nocturne in D flat major with Lipatti`s live-recording of the same piece from Zurich 1950 it is Lipatti for No 1 and Sofronitzky for No 2.
We don't have Chopin's opinion and parameter make her . What the best? My ears are laymen and don't have the trial of the "big expert". Better this way, but both are beautiful, Sofronitsky or Lisitsa, a deep touch in our hearts.
You can prefer who you want, but you have no right to call Lisitsa's execution slick. Just because it isn't true. Did you heard her Bach's Partita c-moll, her Procofiev's War-sonata, her Chopin's etude No. 7 op. 25, nocturne F Minor Op 55, E Flat Major Op.9 No.2 ? Such a deep-felt and warm-hearted renditions! True revelations! Don't become a biased bigot! I bet if you lived in the first half of 19 century, you would call slick F. Liszt and would prefer Field, par example.
There's so much to like about the playing of no 2 but I wonder why the piano sounds so percussive? His touch or the recording? I suspect the first. Compare Rubinstein version especially for touch sensitivity.
@OceansBoulevard yeah that's right... and it's not sensible to draw that comparison cos there were so many other greats of russia... Rachmaninov, Horowitz, Sofronitsky, Richter, Gilels, Ashkenazy to Kissin and Berezovsky.... Russia is on top while France had just Cortot..
Are you from Russia? If that, we could talk much easier по-русски. Indeed I appreciate the possibility to hear so many priceless records of incredible masters thanks to you. Sorry for some irritation, but i'm sick of YT ubiquitous habit to dissrespect artists who they can't feel&don't like. They disrespect not only Lisitsa, but Richter, Horovitz, Rachmaninoff...And yes, I have a strong inclination to the art of Mrs Lisitsa. Just because she's most popular doesn't mean she's less valuable.
In other words ...Chopin nocturnes are not Liszt Totentanz xD j' en profite pour vous remercier encore Truecrypt ...Tant de découvertes grace à vous :)
I've always like Sofronitsky but this Opus 27.2 seems labored and heavy, almost harsh in some places compared to, for instance the De Pachmann 1925 recording which is a marvel of passionate interpretation and tone (and creativity) despite some mechanical deficiencies
Phillips Great Pianists of the Century. Part of the collection was a fantastic Sofronitsky double disc. One for Chopin and the other for Scriabin. Well worth hunting down.
@truecrypt When I say she smoths out the rough spots, I really mean that she makes everybody else sound awkward. She doesn't sacrifice anything. Even this sounds tentative! Valentina has spoiled me and ruined my appreciation for a lot of other pianists. When I listen to here I realize, Yes, that's the wau it should be played.
Fine rendering of moods, close to Lipatti's. There's an sharp edge to the sound though, too much brilliance added in postprocessing? Or a side-effect of the poor quality most USSR-LP's had at the time. Especially early Melodia pressings I used to buy end of the 60's were faulty. But it does not prevent me from appreciating this fine pianist here.
@AlanHemenway Have you heard her live. I have. The two gentlemen are from before my time, but I have their recordings. With all due respect you are certainly are in a distinct minority.
Sofronitsky was Valentina Lisitsa's inspiration when she was young. She told me that she also likes Cortot for Chopin. I think she is better than the both of them. She has a more flowing palette with better measured phrasing... she smothes out the rough spots that other pianists have.
Dear Hobott, please don't rush to judge my taste/understanding or lack of thereof. I admire many living pianists, f.e. Lilya Zilberstein, Volodos, Kissin, Gryaznoff, Sudbin and many others. Yes, I love Sofronitsky more... but does it automatically make me a bigot as you suggest? May I also suggest to lower your tone a little? I prefer civilized conversations to indignant monologue... :)
@mxtiplitz listen to the young George Li here on youtube; lang lang is nothing compared to this young musician. yes the chinese pianists do good work today , specially those living in USA or canada where they are integrated and get the necessary financial help and education. Lets put it other way roung we are not lost in this world, music goes on to exist and the traditions also continues to be transmitted. the russian school origin is viennesse school . its european culture the Zsar imported !!
It's called rubato, mr. Hemenway. "Better" measured phrasing doesn't make sense as a critique when you consider Cortot's philosophy of interpretation, especially Sofronitsky's ideas of the musical phrase. Try listening to a lecture by Sofronitsky some time.
Please calm down and let me remind you a definitions of *slick*: "Done or operating in an impressively smooth, efficient, and apparently effortless way." Nothing insulting or demeaning... As for "true revelations" - I disagree. Sofronitsky's interpretations ARE revelations... the same applies to Cortot or Hofmann... Valentina's performance is excellent but not a revelation in my opinion. FYI M.Glinka has preferred Field to Liszt and nobody considered him (Glinka) a biased bigot... :)
Cortot's fingers are "weak" as observed by none other than Rachmaninoff; everything played by Gould sounds like Gould himself, to begin with... Lipatti was a perfectly pure and sweet celestial angel, incomparable for his peacetime lyrical portrayals, as to wartime pathos, he is no match even for Spinto lyrical Stanislav BUNIN, leave alone Sonfronitsky !!!
Thank goodness there are recordings of this incredible pianist
Every time i listen to Sofronitsky I think: Wow, he brought that and that out in the performance. There is no performance that is the same with him. He always brings out all of the good qualities in a piece, and in this performance the left hand is very clear, each note in plain sight. He takes the B section in a bombastic way, so sonorous and expressive. What an artist.
What you never hear in Chopin as played by today's young pianists is his aristocratism, not just grace and pride but also a certain haughtiness and even coldness. He was a profoundly condescending man, in a manner that's incomprehensible to the polite dullards playing him today. The likes Cortot and Sofronitsky bring this out beautifully.
Darkness my friend, never use "coldness" to describe a great piano playing.
As a fan of the likes of Michelangeli and Vedernikov, I'm very happy to describe great piano playing as "cold", thanks
Condescending? Try reading, what his studendt thought of him....
@@metteholm4833 what I had in mind is more a cultural, rather than personal attitude. I guess "condescending" isn't the best word for it... Certain aristocratic aloofness is more to the point. Doesn't preclude human warmth, especially to the rich aristocrats who paid good money to study with him.
Agreed (100%).
"Behind these warm tones, the cold eyes of the basilisk are looking at us," wrote Robert Schumann in his review of Chopin's Op. 2. And this is true of Chopin's entire oeuvre. Anyone who does not know or understand this should not play Chopin, or perhaps even listen to his music,
Sofronitsky isn't the russian Cortot or the russian Lipatti or the russian Gould.
Sofronitsky is Sofronitsky, the great Sofronitsky
Absolutely beautiful..
Cortot's fingers are "weak" as observed by none other than Rachmaninoff; everything played by Gould sounds like Gould himself, to begin with... Lipatti was a perfectly pure and sweet celestial angel, incomparable for his peacetime lyrical portrayals, as to wartime pathos, he is no match even for Spinto lyrical Stanislav BUNIN, leave alone Sonfronitsky !!!
there are no words to describe these performances. Just from another world. The sounds of the angels lamenting.
Your opinion is as subjective as Truecrypt's. In my opinion (yes, also a subjective one!) Lisitsa cannot be compared to Sofronitsky, simply because of the fact that she doesn't reveal anything to me, except a natural ability to play the piano really well. Artists like Sofronitsky, Neuhaus, Hofmann, Yudina and others could disclose a penetrating, highly original and convincing view on a well-known piece... it's simply another level of artistry! It doesn't mean that I disrespect Lisitsa though.
He just has a way of conveying a deep and highly detailed inner world though his playing. Today's artists seem to have trouble doing that. They grow up too fast.
Dear André, I cannot express enough how much I enjoy Sofronitzkys playing! Thank you so much for sharing!
Beautiful piano playing! Thank you!
Душа моя замирает,
слушая его игру.
Он единственный и не
сравнимый-Владимир
Владимирович
Софроницкий!
Поклон ему мой и
спасибо, вам!
Софроницкий - один из величайших гениев музыки.
I've just discovered a great master, thanks to you...
Thank you very much!
He has so much control over each individual musical line. You always know you're going to hear high caliber artistry with Sofronitsky.
@mtierra
Actually you "touched" a very interesting subject! Sofronitsky's touch was incredibly fast and intense. Every single sound produced this way is like a burst of energy... Such playing would seem rough and even distorted while listening in close proximity, but should you move couple yards farther and separate bursts would connect into wonderful lines and deep perspective. it's like seeing a great painting - get close and it turns into random spots... Just "move farther"!
@AlanHemenway
Though Lisitsa is an outstanding pianist and interesting YT phenomenon, I wouldn't prefer her over Sofronitsky or Cortot... Their "rough spots" worth more than any-body's slick execution. Smooth food is easier to digest but will you ever trade hard farmer's bread for overly processed, well sanitized and beautifully wrapped "bread" in your local supermarket? ;)
Nay, Sofronitsky's legitimate successor could only be Stanislav BUNIN !!
I've always adored his Scriabin and considered it definitive. What a treat to discover his Chopin! Very poetic and revelatory indeed!
Exactly- in YOUR opinion. There's people whose taste accept ONLY old performers and just dont feel, don't understand the new ones. I know Glinka has preferred Field, but it doesn't deny the fact Liszt's pianism was 100 times at least more important for the art of piano. Thus some people are not objective, their opinions are false. So, don't try to submit you subjectivity as some truth- it isn't. If you're not capable to see the revelation in one excellent execution, that means you're biased.
he plays it so dark so magical so wonderful
A timeless marvel! Thanks Truecrypt for posting this gem.
Wyśmienite! Piękne! Brawo!
His touch sounds percussive because it seems he goes really deep into the keys. Maybe a soft melody isn't pretended. Maybe he wants it a bit dark and sinister. I can't hear this Sofronitsky melody in any other interpretation. It's Sofronitsky, purely.
Doesn't sound percussive to me in the soft parts though maybe in the middle section but that's intended.
"Just because she's most popular doesn't mean she's less valuable. "
Agreed.
But I'm much more intrigued by different topics:
1. *Why* she is so much more popular (valuable?) than Sofronitsky?
(24K views vs. 360K)
2. Why do *you* have such a "strong inclination to the art of Mrs Lisitsa"?
(obviously strong enough to jump the gun!)
No need for you to answer though...
P.S. yes, I speak Russian.
his Chopin is so unique..
Thanks for theese historic jewels! There is something to learn from theese recordings for everyone!
It's so great. He was so great a pianist! Thank you!
Thanks for this upload¡
Incredible ............ incredible ....... Chopin coloured with the ghostly shapes of Scriabin ..............
Right you are. Richter called him a God.
@satyu131089 well you can check these french pianists on youtube, you may change mind....
Спасибо, Влалдимир, Исполнение правдиво и прекрасно!!!
I played the first nocturne once in public. I definitely did shit.
Thanks Sofronitsky !!
Don't give up dude, as almost everyone did shit when compare with Sofronitsky.
Yea he definitely practiced a lot to achieve this. He had lots of great artists to influence him as well.
my dear truecrypt, how could I be in disagree with what you've just stated above ? I would never ever exchange a CD of Sofro, Cortot, Berman, Richter and Emil with one of the Ms Lisitsa. Even if they are all passsed away are both in my heart! I have recentely enjoyed the f. liszt p. c. n 2 peformed by Berman, the tons od harmonics spreaded were jus undescriptble along with his trascendental lyrism that makes him unique. But your Symphonic Etudes are not so bd at all neither ;) tnx to be here.
@satyu131089 you are not well informed, france has more than cortot. there was Marguerite Long, Eliane Richepin who were both also great teachers who "produced" competition winners worldwide. and ther was Samson Francois and many other you may never have heard. Eric Heidsieck today is a fabulous pianist and a lot others...but the carrers in france are not organized like in russia where all is centralized . Its more difficult for french pianists to get known...
@GerryRains1946 I've heard her at the Oregon Symphony and attended a recital and master class at George Fox University. Lisitsa has her channel where she has posted 183 of her videos to date, with millions of views and an overwhelming following, with many ardent music loverers like myself who proclaim that she is the greatest we have ever heard. To me she is most musical makes all other pianists sound awkward. Listen to her do the Presto Agitato of the Moonlight Son. then all of Appassionata
Nice pic of the young S. He looks like he sees beauty and meaning...
4:47 Dflat
Я люблю Шопена, люблю играть и наслаждаться!!!!
Sofronitsky for No. 1, Lipatti for No, 2 is the way I would go.
I am a huge admirer of Sofronitzky, but if you compare this Nocturne in D flat major with Lipatti`s live-recording of the same piece from Zurich 1950 it is Lipatti for No 1 and Sofronitzky for No 2.
We don't have Chopin's opinion and parameter make her . What the best?
My ears are laymen and don't have the trial of the "big expert". Better this way, but both are beautiful, Sofronitsky or Lisitsa, a deep touch in our hearts.
You can prefer who you want, but you have no right to call Lisitsa's execution slick. Just because it isn't true. Did you heard her Bach's Partita c-moll, her Procofiev's War-sonata, her Chopin's etude No. 7 op. 25, nocturne F Minor Op 55, E Flat Major Op.9 No.2 ? Such a deep-felt and warm-hearted renditions! True revelations! Don't become a biased bigot! I bet if you lived in the first half of 19 century, you would call slick F. Liszt and would prefer Field, par example.
There's so much to like about the playing of no 2 but I wonder why the piano sounds so percussive? His touch or the recording? I suspect the first. Compare Rubinstein version especially for touch sensitivity.
@OceansBoulevard yeah that's right... and it's not sensible to draw that comparison cos there were so many other greats of russia... Rachmaninov, Horowitz, Sofronitsky, Richter, Gilels, Ashkenazy to Kissin and Berezovsky.... Russia is on top while France had just Cortot..
(Perfection) I see why you love and admire the man Luke..
Are you from Russia? If that, we could talk much easier по-русски. Indeed I appreciate the possibility to hear so many priceless records of incredible masters thanks to you. Sorry for some irritation, but i'm sick of YT ubiquitous habit to dissrespect artists who they can't feel&don't like. They disrespect not only Lisitsa, but Richter, Horovitz, Rachmaninoff...And yes, I have a strong inclination to the art of Mrs Lisitsa. Just because she's most popular doesn't mean she's less valuable.
How amazing to me...
@uhartchristian I don't know even one of those you mentioned... probably they weren't so great to be noticed....
pure magic. i won't say better than lipatti's or pachmann's. i won't say worce too.
he was a true poet.
In other words ...Chopin nocturnes are not Liszt Totentanz xD
j' en profite pour vous remercier encore Truecrypt ...Tant de découvertes grace à vous :)
I've always like Sofronitsky but this Opus 27.2 seems labored and heavy, almost harsh in some places compared to, for instance the De Pachmann 1925 recording which is a marvel of passionate interpretation and tone (and creativity) despite some mechanical deficiencies
Thanks for this! Where did you get this recording???
Phillips Great Pianists of the Century. Part of the collection was a fantastic Sofronitsky double disc. One for Chopin and the other for Scriabin. Well worth hunting down.
@truecrypt When I say she smoths out the rough spots, I really mean that she makes everybody else sound awkward. She doesn't sacrifice anything. Even this sounds tentative! Valentina has spoiled me and ruined my appreciation for a lot of other pianists. When I listen to here I realize, Yes, that's the wau it should be played.
@mxtiplitz that with Lanf is true
Fine rendering of moods, close to Lipatti's. There's an sharp edge to the sound though, too much brilliance added in postprocessing? Or a side-effect of the poor quality most USSR-LP's had at the time. Especially early Melodia pressings I used to buy end of the 60's were faulty. But it does not prevent me from appreciating this fine pianist here.
@AlanHemenway
Listen to Marc-Andre Hamelin.
@AlanHemenway
Have you heard her live. I have. The two gentlemen are from before my time, but I have their recordings. With all due respect you are certainly are in a distinct minority.
Sofronitsky was Valentina Lisitsa's inspiration when she was young. She told me that she also likes Cortot for Chopin. I think she is better than the both of them. She has a more flowing palette with better measured phrasing... she smothes out the rough spots that other pianists have.
feelz
Dear Hobott, please don't rush to judge my taste/understanding or lack of thereof. I admire many living pianists, f.e. Lilya Zilberstein, Volodos, Kissin, Gryaznoff, Sudbin and many others. Yes, I love Sofronitsky more... but does it automatically make me a bigot as you suggest?
May I also suggest to lower your tone a little? I prefer civilized conversations to indignant monologue... :)
@mxtiplitz listen to the young George Li here on youtube; lang lang is nothing compared to this young musician.
yes the chinese pianists do good work today , specially those living in USA or canada where they are integrated and get the necessary financial help and education. Lets put it other way roung we are not lost in this world, music goes on to exist and the traditions also continues to be transmitted. the russian school origin is viennesse school . its european culture the Zsar imported !!
I think you need to watch the entire video before commenting.
It's called rubato, mr. Hemenway. "Better" measured phrasing doesn't make sense as a critique when you consider Cortot's philosophy of interpretation, especially Sofronitsky's ideas of the musical phrase. Try listening to a lecture by Sofronitsky some time.
I do not like relativism. It is not just a matter of opinion or biase .... Some artists are just not the same level.
Sofronitsky was god leveL.
Lipatti is not russian , Lipatti is Romanian
Old LP set. Made in USSR ;)
Exactly. Not same level of artistry.
Please calm down and let me remind you a definitions of *slick*: "Done or operating in an impressively smooth, efficient, and apparently effortless way."
Nothing insulting or demeaning... As for "true revelations" - I disagree. Sofronitsky's interpretations ARE revelations... the same applies to Cortot or Hofmann... Valentina's performance is excellent but not a revelation in my opinion. FYI M.Glinka has preferred Field to Liszt and nobody considered him (Glinka) a biased bigot... :)
Cortot's fingers are "weak" as observed by none other than Rachmaninoff;
everything played by Gould sounds like Gould himself, to begin with...
Lipatti was a perfectly pure and sweet celestial angel, incomparable
for his peacetime lyrical portrayals, as to wartime pathos, he is no
match even for Spinto lyrical Stanislav BUNIN, leave alone Sonfronitsky
!!!
@mxtiplitz that with Lang
is true