This man is so utterly brilliant, it is sick... To have that skill and then to make fun of all the stuffy traditions of classical in order to bring laughter to people is one of the greatest gifts that a person can give. A one of a kind genius period!
As much as I always loved Mr. Borge's hilarious comedic performances, I've always wished I could have heard him play in concert during his "serious" days as a virtuoso pianist in Denmark. His comedic playing only gives us rare glimpses at what his playing must have been like in those days.
+kraftpr Aren't there already enough *serious* pianists out there, who have given and give much to the world with what they do? By contrast, there never has been or ever will be another Victor Borge. Let's all be grateful that he was eventually able to find the niche he did.
I've only just discovered him and I immediately felt the same way. You can just tell he's an absolute master at playing, but sadly you never get to see it. Funny as all hell, but I hope there's something out there of him doing a full song.
I treasure the fact that I got to see him live. Checking up some dates, I guess it must have been in 1999, in Sweden (Linköping, to be precise). Totally amazing. On stage there's this 90-year-old man, still playing the piano really well, which just shouldn't happen. This 90-year-old man with total command of the most brilliant physical comedy, which ... I don't even know... And he did all these old jokes that must have been like over 60 years old because... well... um... he invented them more than 60 years previously. And he told them like I had never heard them before, ever! And how I laughed! Wow. Just wow.
My Mom took me to see him on Broadway around 1955. He was quite entertaining, but it was always a little frustrating for her, because she wanted to hear him play a serious piece to completion, which he never did.
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day.. Stay Safe!
If you notice when he plays Strauss you can see the smirk before he plays the repeat tune lol. This guy was comedy gold. Never will be anyone like him again. Also this was back when even non musicians got the musical jokes. Love it lol
I recall one bit (on PBS, probably) where, after his bench fall he swings open the seat and pulls out car set belts, straps in and carries on, much to the delight of the audience
Like most people of my generation, I was introduced to him on The Electric Company. But as I grew up seeing his many television appearances (being a very non-accomplished piano player myself), I fell in love with his mix of humor and virtuosity.
Just imagine being SO good, that simply being the best of the best of the best of classical pianists is TOO EASY.... and you think, "I'll combine it with stand-up comedy."
This was in 1953, 70 years ago! One of the best to do it. To think he was 44 by this time. I remember watching him as a kid and loving his act. Most of the same jokes for decades, but never got old!
He's beyond brilliant. A hard thing to live with, so he "mixed a little water with the wine". This is the first time I have ever seen him perform. Before that just a name. Seems that brilliant pianists turn to comedy, since I had such a friend/lodger in the late 70's.
Here’s something I like about this comment. It has 118 likes in 4 years and not a single person pointing out that you clearly meant “compulsory” and not “compulsive”. They like the comment because they knew what you intended to say. The reason I like this is because it just goes to show that there is a certain portion of the internet that are still sensible and we are the lucky few to have found that part of the internet.
He is so funny! His work is as fresh and entertaining today as it was 55 years ago when this performance took place. Victor Borge will live on forever thanks to video clips like these. I've been laughing so hard I scared the dog. Thanks for posting, DocCaeruleus!
You may already know that Mr. Borge was a serious concert pianist in Europe and performed with major orchestras before he accidentally went down the wrong path into humor (he never forgave himself). He also spoke no English in the beginning of his career. And I believe he had six children one of whom traveled with him and appeared on stage for his page turner routine. He also had a weekly evening nationally broadcast tv show during the '50s.
is this on dvd? At age 90 he came out on stage, took the microphone, and a puff of smoke came out of his mouth. the audience reacted and he said "Mexican Food".
Repeating a posting from 9 years ago: Nominal Egg wrote: This is actually from an episode of The Abbott and Costello Show (the Colgate Comedy Hour). It wasn't actually taped at the White House...that's a ruse that's part of the skit. The show was celebrating Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration [Jan. 1953 -Mr. Goodman is Benny Goodman cracking up]. These shows are available on DVD, and contain classic material by comic geniuses! Repeating another posting: GracelynMusic wrote: 6 years ago Terrific. Some of you will be old enough to get the political humor of the piano which could only play "Mary Margaret Truman Was The Daughter of the Prez" at the beginning of the Eisenhower administration. What a whippersnapper!! C: The tune was "The Missouri Waltz" and the doggerel words were: Mary Margaret Truman is the daughter of the Pres She lives in the White House with her ugly mother Bess Her social rating is not worth debating For she is a member of Phi Beta Phi When her father Harry gets the gate in forty-eight Mary Margaret Truman will be left without a date She'll move to Missouri and work in a brewery So let's all drink beer! Ole'. Actually Mary Margaret Truman was a well-known performer and author. Check her out on YT.
I've just discovered this absolute genius of a man thanks to two friends totally independently sharing clips of him because they thought I would like him. Absolutely wonderful
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day.. Stay Safe!
I think he played with comedy out of a sense of boredom and wanting more out of the audience. he was a genius and he wanted to be self efacing. Kick the seriousness off the stage and make fun of himself. Maybe it helped him forget WW2. Who knows? Everyone is gone who could tell us. I just think he was very special. I will always remember that as a musician. I miss him on TV. Very special Saturday nights. I could never miss it.
Vielen Dank für Victor Borge , das ich das hier sehen kann.Victor Borge ist für mich ein perfektes Genie,ein wunderbarer Meister und ein vollkommener Magier seines Faches,der alles auf brillante Weise verzaubert . Lieben Dank und viele Grüße...
The one thing i'm truly proud of as a Dane (been from Denmark.).. We might have invented alot of great things, we might be leading in the production of X amount of things.. But he is the definition of Danish humor.. Ofcourse aclimated to international humour, but still.. And a comedian join people together, if we laugh together we forget about been mad at eachother. That's probably the most important thing we can do together, and one can do for others. Make people smile and laugh. :)
He used me as a prop in London when I had a sneezing fit whilst sitting in the Royal Box. Hs stared up smiling and asked me to take take me time! SO embarrassing (I was only 12!) Lovely man. Such talent ❤😊
@MrHypnofan The long wooden strut that holds up the piano lid has a chunk that folds out (the gadget). You can raise the entire strut and have the lid up very high, or you can lay the main strut down, and just fold up that "gadget", and it is a smaller strut that holds the lid up just a little bit.
Good thing it wasn’t 30 years ago. I’d question whether it was him you were watching, or a guy who can use the 3rd pedal. “Who do they think I am?” -Victor B.
I think I've seen 20 performances today with dear old Mr. Borge, and even as an old man, 40+ years after this was recorded , he stil does the exact same jokes and routines, people know and love him for it, and still find it funny, That little bit you pull out of the stick holding up the lid to the grand piano, and how millions of people don't know what it is, including himself, is quite the funny joke every time, as I have no clue what indeed it is for....
As a young teenager in the 1960s l remember seeing Victor Borge play a duet with Leonid Hambro (l think) and swatting an imaginary fly with a fly swatter at the same time.... it was so funny l never forgot it! But could never find out who it was.....I’ve only recently discovered that it was this amazing man.... l would love to see that clip once again! I hope someone can post it !
I can forgive that they skip 98% of one of my all time favorite and one of the most underrated pieces in music (Tchaikovsky‘s first concerto) because he is hilarious and I love him.
Victor Borge performs at the Truman White House. This kinescope is an excerpt from an episode of The Colgate Comedy Hour, originally telecast by NBC on January 11, 1953
Danish humour, but internationalised. People often think of British humour, but the truth is that the Danes invaded Britain way back (look at the number of places that have names that came from old Danish, like Jorvik became York) and they actually share similar zany humour.
The world has way too many serious Concert pianists. Thats why VICTOR BORGE is so special! So, you wanna hear serious Pianists play serious classical music? Sure. There are millions of serious pianists around the world. However...if you want to look for a Pianist like VICTOR BORGE. You cant find any!
"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." Victor Borge.
One of the greatest pianists ever who pretended he wasn’t. Just a comedic and musical genius! The one and only Victor Borge!
This man is so utterly brilliant, it is sick... To have that skill and then to make fun of all the stuffy traditions of classical in order to bring laughter to people is one of the greatest gifts that a person can give. A one of a kind genius period!
Yeps. You nailed it, sir.
That’s his absolute beauty ❤️
He never thought he was goid enough to be a classical pianist and that is why he became a comedian as well.
...I think he said he would always be too nervous to make errors as a mere classical pianist..
True words !!
2021 and he's still a legend .
...and he will be!!!
He makes Tchaikovsky's 1st (and yes there are the much less famous 2nd and 3rd) look so easy, which is not the case!
Absolutely
I can confirm, 2022 and still a legend
We are people, and are gonna "die", but there are people that created something that will live forever, he is one of them!
"...one number is clair de lune and the other one.......isn't ! .." Haha
Victor Borge is sorely missed😢. Brilliant.
Met him at an airport and said “I love your humor” ! He smiled and said “thank you” and we went on our way.
A real gentleman.
Awesome encounter . I ran into Mel Brooks once and said hi, and he said, nice working with you. 😂
Solo quello gli hai detto ? Io avrei detto, sei più grande di tutti i pianisti che ci sono adesso in circolazione
He was a consummate comedian, but notice that he was actually playing the beast that is Tchaikovsky's first concerto! He could play incredibly!
He hides his incredible skill and technique behind his amazing humour. I often forget or overlook the prodigal skill that this man had at the keyboard
‘Prodigious’, you meant?
He was an adult, though.
@@AeiThop he was a child prodigy
Was he? 😊
As much as I always loved Mr. Borge's hilarious comedic performances, I've always wished I could have heard him play in concert during his "serious" days as a virtuoso pianist in Denmark. His comedic playing only gives us rare glimpses at what his playing must have been like in those days.
+kraftpr There must be some pieces around. I'd love to hear them!
+hiep le Here u go
+kraftpr Aren't there already enough *serious* pianists out there, who have given and give much to the world with what they do? By contrast, there never has been or ever will be another Victor Borge. Let's all be grateful that he was eventually able to find the niche he did.
+kraftpr /watch?v=_evCoEVaTQE
I've only just discovered him and I immediately felt the same way. You can just tell he's an absolute master at playing, but sadly you never get to see it. Funny as all hell, but I hope there's something out there of him doing a full song.
A comedic GENIUS! Timing, delivery, material beyond belief. And a great pianist besides.
My grandpa's neighbour was Gene Deitch. Are you related?
2:38 Absolutely HILARIOUS....licking his right hand fingers but turning the page with his left hand. Little bits of genius!!
also an old newfie joke! LOL
@@Madscheva97531 Newfie is a joke unto itself.
Like the Newfie hat. The hat with four flaps with arrows & N S E and W...so Newfies won't get lost.
I caught that and roared! Such subtle humor
I love Victor Borge. Always, he makes me smile and laugh. Silly yes, great, that too.
Extraordinaire pianiste avec tant d'humour et de gentillesse ! Un génie ! Merci !
I treasure the fact that I got to see him live. Checking up some dates, I guess it must have been in 1999, in Sweden (Linköping, to be precise). Totally amazing.
On stage there's this 90-year-old man, still playing the piano really well, which just shouldn't happen. This 90-year-old man with total command of the most brilliant physical comedy, which ... I don't even know...
And he did all these old jokes that must have been like over 60 years old because... well... um... he invented them more than 60 years previously. And he told them like I had never heard them before, ever! And how I laughed! Wow. Just wow.
My Mom took me to see him on Broadway around 1955. He was quite entertaining, but it was always a little frustrating for her, because she wanted to hear him play a serious piece to completion, which he never did.
Me too
You can find him playing Clair de Lune on RUclips and it’s beautiful
He ALMOST convinces you that he can't actually play the piano but then he goes and does a thing like that at 5:40 . What an absolute genius.
@@demooisteNAAM sorry, that is absolutely not true
@@demooisteNAAM yeah you are incredibly wrong. Borge toured the world as a concert pianist before becoming a comic.
Incredible to say the least. Everytime we see and hear him it's an adventure he's always a pleasure to hear. A true performer and musician.
Through his timeless humor he brought classical music to the masses.
How I wish we had entertainment like this. What great performances he gave
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day.. Stay Safe!
Gosh, he's fabulous. I still have a tape of his and am so glad that he's available on the internet as well. Laughter really is the best medicine.
If you notice when he plays Strauss you can see the smirk before he plays the repeat tune lol. This guy was comedy gold. Never will be anyone like him again.
Also this was back when even non musicians got the musical jokes. Love it lol
What is the repeat tune called?
Masterful talent!!
5:18 blows me away. Should make a great GIF
Then make it :)
no it wouldn t
What agreat artist he was, Victor Borge. He left us with so many funny and beautiful recordings!
His physical humor of falling off his bench or chair never gets old! 😂
I recall one bit (on PBS, probably) where, after his bench fall he swings open the seat and pulls out car set belts, straps in and carries on, much to the delight of the audience
Like most people of my generation, I was introduced to him on The Electric Company. But as I grew up seeing his many television appearances (being a very non-accomplished piano player myself), I fell in love with his mix of humor and virtuosity.
He made the music look so easy to play. A true craftsman and musican
Saw him in Louisville, Kentucky in the 1990s with the Louisville, Orchestra. Yes he was still going strong! What a performer!
Morgen morgen, sind wir wieder allein
An phenomenally talented, brilliant man. Absolute genius.
My god that was good. I’ve never realised how nuanced his performances are. Thanks for posting
It doesn´t get better than this. Bravo.
Just imagine being SO good, that simply being the best of the best of the best of classical pianists is TOO EASY.... and you think, "I'll combine it with stand-up comedy."
Mostly sit down
This was in 1953, 70 years ago! One of the best to do it. To think he was 44 by this time. I remember watching him as a kid and loving his act. Most of the same jokes for decades, but never got old!
Victor was always brilliant!
He was silly and awesome all at the same time!
He's beyond brilliant. A hard thing to live with, so he "mixed a little water with the wine". This is the first time I have ever seen him perform. Before that just a name. Seems that brilliant pianists turn to comedy, since I had such a friend/lodger in the late 70's.
Victor should be compulsive viewing for all who suffer from misery, instant cure. What a genius.
Here’s something I like about this comment. It has 118 likes in 4 years and not a single person pointing out that you clearly meant “compulsory” and not “compulsive”. They like the comment because they knew what you intended to say.
The reason I like this is because it just goes to show that there is a certain portion of the internet that are still sensible and we are the lucky few to have found that part of the internet.
He is so funny! His work is as fresh and entertaining today as it was 55 years ago when this performance took place. Victor Borge will live on forever thanks to video clips like these. I've been laughing so hard I scared the dog. Thanks for posting, DocCaeruleus!
Is the dog okay?
Masterful talent coupled with good ol' Danish humour. Classic. Thanks for sharing.
You may already know that Mr. Borge was a serious concert pianist in Europe and performed with major orchestras before he accidentally went down the wrong path into humor (he never forgave himself).
He also spoke no English in the beginning of his career.
And I believe he had six children one of whom traveled with him and appeared on stage for his page turner routine.
He also had a weekly evening nationally broadcast tv show during the '50s.
Q.f
He was a grand master of comedy - what a lovely genius
is this on dvd?
At age 90 he came out on stage, took the microphone, and a puff of smoke came out of his mouth. the audience reacted and he said "Mexican Food".
Laugh out loud 😄
...and what an excellent musician he was
@@davidevans3227ll loo p loo I I I I go
I’m 34 and just now discovering this incredible man.
Far Out! I loved watching him when I was a kid. I'm glad you are able to enjoy him now.
Repeating a posting from 9 years ago:
Nominal Egg wrote:
This is actually from an episode of The Abbott and Costello Show (the Colgate Comedy Hour). It wasn't actually taped at the White House...that's a ruse that's part of the skit. The show was celebrating Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration [Jan. 1953 -Mr. Goodman is Benny Goodman cracking up]. These shows are available on DVD, and contain classic material by comic geniuses!
Repeating another posting:
GracelynMusic wrote:
6 years ago
Terrific. Some of you will be old enough to get the political humor of the piano which could only play "Mary Margaret Truman Was The Daughter of the Prez" at the beginning of the Eisenhower administration. What a whippersnapper!!
C: The tune was "The Missouri Waltz" and the doggerel words were:
Mary Margaret Truman is the daughter of the Pres
She lives in the White House with her ugly mother Bess
Her social rating is not worth debating
For she is a member of Phi Beta Phi
When her father Harry gets the gate in forty-eight
Mary Margaret Truman will be left without a date
She'll move to Missouri and work in a brewery
So let's all drink beer!
Ole'.
Actually Mary Margaret Truman was a well-known performer and author. Check her out on YT.
4:32 This piece is the theme from The Third Man by Anton Karas; he's doing a parody of the zither instrument.
A comic Genius and a darn great pianist.
I remember seeing this on a Colgate Comedy Hour DVD if I remember correctly. It was great and great to watch it again on here!
Rest in paradise, Maestro.
Beloved for all time.
🎹🎼🙋🌍✨❤️
What a genious!
This is the right atitude to the music, to life, to everything!
Whish I couls be such positiv person!
VICTOR BORGE WAS A GENIUS IN THE PIANO.
...AND A FUNNY GUY TOO !
I've just discovered this absolute genius of a man thanks to two friends totally independently sharing clips of him because they thought I would like him. Absolutely wonderful
He was surely one of a kind; so funny and yet so talented ♥️👍👍👍
Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎶🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎵🎶
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day.. Stay Safe!
He took a real chance ruining those hands with that fall. Better stand-up comedy than most today and a genius on the keyboard. What talent.
It's amazingwhat you can find onRUclips! Love it!
I think he played with comedy out of a sense of boredom and wanting more out of the audience. he was a genius and he wanted to be self efacing. Kick the seriousness off the stage and make fun of himself. Maybe it helped him forget WW2. Who knows? Everyone is gone who could tell us. I just think he was very special. I will always remember that as a musician. I miss him on TV. Very special Saturday nights. I could never miss it.
I've heard he had serious stage fright but could get past it through comedy
@@SchlurmsOfficially I never knew that. Sounds logical.
I dont think there will ever be such a musical Genios again.
There never was another superb musician who was this funny, or a comedian who played piano so brilliantly.
WRONG. I am a Genios, but I have always longed to be a Genius.
Victor was a comedic genius. He could make the piano sing. Love this guy. Wish he was still here..
Hello Betty
How are you doing today?
As near to comedy genius as you're going to get. A classical brilliance added to a crazy comic style, absolutely unique.
Always makes me laugh out loud ...what a performer !!
Vielen Dank für Victor Borge , das ich das hier sehen kann.Victor Borge ist für mich ein perfektes Genie,ein wunderbarer Meister und ein vollkommener Magier seines Faches,der alles auf brillante Weise verzaubert .
Lieben Dank und viele Grüße...
never gets old
I'd rather watch these old videos of Victoria Borge than any of the "comedy" on TV or streaming today. Borge makes me laugh more than anybody now.
Millions of people don't know what's that thing, unfortunately, I have to be one of them - Victor Borge 1950
That's a great formula for a joke.
Yes, it is
Ineptitude through the eyes of genius. Rare archive. Nice references from prchristman - thank you. Just off for more...
oh my word he is so funny so talented.. to do the things he says and does and get it all on point.. what a man.. thankyou so much 🙂
I will always love this man 🥰
The one thing i'm truly proud of as a Dane (been from Denmark.).. We might have invented alot of great things, we might be leading in the production of X amount of things.. But he is the definition of Danish humor.. Ofcourse aclimated to international humour, but still.. And a comedian join people together, if we laugh together we forget about been mad at eachother. That's probably the most important thing we can do together, and one can do for others. Make people smile and laugh. :)
skvakagud Agreed . . . laughter is the best medicine . . . except maybe not for diarrhea
Adolph of Gant LOL!!
skvakagud Isn't he was jewish?
Albert Khavinson And? Hebrews are all over the world my friend, including, but not limited to Denmark.
Of course he's Jewish . . . why do you think he played so well . . . and his quick wit . . OY VEY!
12 years later is the perfect time? I'm not complaining but next time a bit earlier please dear algorithm
With so many people at home during the pandemic, YT ran out of fresh & new, so had to bring out the greats from the archives!
😄
He used me as a prop in London when I had a sneezing fit whilst sitting in the Royal Box. Hs stared up smiling and asked me to take take me time! SO embarrassing (I was only 12!) Lovely man. Such talent ❤😊
@MrHypnofan The long wooden strut that holds up the piano lid has a chunk that folds out (the gadget). You can raise the entire strut and have the lid up very high, or you can lay the main strut down, and just fold up that "gadget", and it is a smaller strut that holds the lid up just a little bit.
Brilliant, skilful, humorous and so sleek...a great talent in music wizardry. Thank you sir for teaching us to distress and laugh.
I played behind him in Arizona twice and Idaho once. He was funny during rehearsals too!
He is amazing and genius!
No one as good as Mr. Borge....actually a great pianist as well as fine comedian!!!
Absolutey AMAZING Victor Borge !!!
i saw him Melb Australia about XXXX years ago --- I never laughed so hard in my life at anything at all
40 years ago ?
Good thing it wasn’t 30 years ago. I’d question whether it was him you were watching, or a guy who can use the 3rd pedal. “Who do they think I am?” -Victor B.
He was a very funny man and an absolute meastro on the piano.
One word: GENIUS !!!
no one ever like Mrs Victor. very well miss him. RIP in heaven
He always will be a legend.
I think I've seen 20 performances today with dear old Mr. Borge, and even as an old man, 40+ years after this was recorded , he stil does the exact same jokes and routines, people know and love him for it, and still find it funny,
That little bit you pull out of the stick holding up the lid to the grand piano, and how millions of people don't know what it is,
including himself, is quite the funny joke every time, as I have no clue what indeed it is for....
Went on into quite advanced years still drawing huge laughs and audiences for a very good reason!
As a young teenager in the 1960s l remember seeing Victor Borge play a duet with Leonid Hambro (l think) and swatting an imaginary fly with a fly swatter at the same time.... it was so funny l never forgot it! But could never find out who it was.....I’ve only recently discovered that it was this amazing man.... l would love to see that clip once again! I hope someone can post it !
Hello Ruth
How are you doing today?
Cant remember when was the last time i laughed and enjoyed sth this much, he is/was amazing!
Absolutely Loved This Genius
when he almost fell, i laughed so hard i rolled on the ground!
4:30 I love how he started to play The Third Man theme song by Anton Karas. That kinda suprised me!
I can forgive that they skip 98% of one of my all time favorite and one of the most underrated pieces in music (Tchaikovsky‘s first concerto) because he is hilarious and I love him.
That legend was the real deal , one of the kind entertainer and music genius !
Victor Borge performs at the Truman White House. This kinescope is an excerpt from an episode of The Colgate Comedy Hour, originally telecast by NBC on January 11, 1953
2022 and still a legend, Amazing talent, Love him
So true
Danish humour, but internationalised. People often think of British humour, but the truth is that the Danes invaded Britain way back (look at the number of places that have names that came from old Danish, like Jorvik became York) and they actually share similar zany humour.
A talented muscian and comedian. Enjoyed the video!
Hello Betty
How are you doing today?
Absolute GENIUS...you gotta be so fucking good at your instrument that you can be funny at it.
He did more with the piano than I did with my entire existence.
Cosmico, del tutto! Impareggiabile.
Brilliant thank you
9:10 what an incredible, melodious talent presented by a very gifted man.
Thank you for posting
VB the Great Dane
Thank you for your love of comedy and music.
Bet he and Liberace have SRO shows all of the time up there>
The world has way too many serious Concert pianists. Thats why VICTOR BORGE is so special! So, you wanna hear serious Pianists play serious classical music? Sure. There are millions of serious pianists around the world. However...if you want to look for a Pianist like VICTOR BORGE. You cant find any!
my Fav Entertainer! 💙