A fascinating bit of history is that Beethoven played his 4 piano concertos personally as a pianist. He wrote them with an idea of being the performer himself. But at the time of composing the 5th piano concerto, Beethoven couldn't hear well enough to play it, he was going deaf at the time. And yet, the concerto is an exalted, enthusiastic piece, embodying the triumph of the composer.
It's interesting that you entitled this video 20 minutes of Paradise. In the fall of 1971, I was in my first year at college. One day, I heard the most beautiful music coming out of my dorm neighbor's room. It was Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto. When I went home on break, I bought the album and played it for my mother, who promptly fell in love with it also. Over the years, we'd listen to it together. She told me that if it were playing on the radio in the car, she wouldn't get out of the car until it finished. The same at home. Once she heard the first chords, she'd sit down and close her eyes to listen to the whole thing. Later, I got a CD of the piece and had her sit down on the couch. I put earphones over her head and turned it on. She sighed in ecstacy until it was over. One year ago today, her grandson, Matt, helped me find it on a player in the hospital where she lay dying. No one else was in the room, and he put it on the pillow next to her ear and turned it on, and she sighed gratefully and listened, forgetting her pain and discomfort. It only played the first movement, which was fine since people were coming the room and wanting to talk with her. Now I think of that initial movement as a transport to Heaven, especially the last few sublime measures. Then the second movement is the rest and recuperation after she left her body. The final movement comes as she truly awakens to her new life - full of joy, laughter and dancing on clouds. Yes, interesting - the title, the fact that I came across this video on this is the first anniversary of her death.
This was one of the first recordings I heard when I was studying music in the Conservatory. The first time I heard the 2nd movement I was pretty sure I will never be able to hear something more beautiful than that. The 2nd movement has to be one the best adagios ever created.(at least for me).
Your interpretation nails it. The piece is engaging from the very start and just keeps going and going and exceeding expectations. Piano Concertos as a whole is just an amazing place to be in, so glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to the next
As one of the ones who requested this, I'm Incredibly happy you enjoyed this!! This concerto holds a very special place in my heart since it's the only concerto I've ever heard live (and probably will ever hear live, given I live in the ph). I heard this live when I was about 9, and that was my introduction to not just this concerto, but concerti in general. It was one of the best musical experiences ever in my life and until now, whenever I listen to it, I still get the joy I felt then ((: If you want another Beethoven x Bernstein banger, I'd highly recommend the their Leonore Overture No.3 (:
Yup this is it... Glad you loved it! This is my favorite classical piece ever! (as of now😅). If you loved the 1st Movement this much, then you'll absolutely be blown away with the next two movements! Thanks for the reaction!
First 5 times I listened to Beethoven’s piano concertos I loved the 3rd, I liked the 4th and I didn’t like the 5th. Watching this video made me realise it’s my favourite piece ever. I’m not even kidding. This is just absolutely amazing
This whole concerto, but especially this 1st movement, is about as perfect a piece of music as has ever been created. No matter how many times I hear it, the final "wrapping up"that Beethoven does at the end just leaves me speechless.
My favourite Beethoven piano concerto - I have both the Casadeus (vinyl) & Kempff (CD) versions. It ranks for me with the Tchaikovsky No.1 and Rachmaninov No.2
If you liked, or loved this, be sure to check out Beethoven's Choral Fantasy performed at the BBC Proms 2015. Its similar in that it never has a boring or lull moment, and the ending is fantastic.
I would recommend Liszt’s second piano concerto, it’s pretty underrated (as are all Liszt concerti) but this is my favourite one. It’s pretty short at around 20 minutes too.
This one of the few classical pieces I heard live (alongside Beethoven's Fifth and Egmont overture and some other smaller piano pieces) back in 2016. The day before the concert I listened to the recording to know the piece. And, honestly, I would better not do it. The concerto is great, indeed, and it's one of my favourite pieces overall, but I think I stole some feeling of revelation from myself, especially the Adagio (the 2nd movement).
Please listen to the Mendelssohn String Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20. Tha music would be amazing even if it hadn't been written when Mendelssohn was 16 years old. Some people call it his greatest work, never equalled for the rest of his life (!) My favorite video here on RUclips is by the Jasper String Quartet and the Jupiter String Quartet (with apparently several brothers/sisters, husbands/wives between the two quartets).
I warmly recommend another piece of Bach to you: the giant, solemn Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor (organ or played by an orchestra). the musical form is comparable to the Chaconne
Nice piece. If you like piano concerto you should include Rachmaninoff piano concerto no.1 on your list. Its overshadow by his no.2 and 3. He composed it when he was 17 by his op.1 although he revised it still an amazing piece that I like more than his no.2.
@@nandovancreij they both have their moments, but the first is dear to me. funny that you should mention anna fedorovas performance of the fourth, for i was there in the audience!
Hi Gidi, to really understand the conductors work and theire impact on the music i recommend to check the Carlos Kleiber Rehersal Videos. I think Carlos Kleiber was a speacial conductor close to perfection. Schöne Grüße aus der nähe von Siegen :-)
Holy crap, I am so thankful for this channel. Thank you for making me discover this piece! ❤️ Would love if you could react to La Mer by Debussy. It's a "symphony". If not, that's okay!
From a pianist's point of view, for most of this movement if you have good scales and arpeggios, most of it isn't technically crazy hard. 21:28 - 21:44 - crazy hard for right hand.
hmm i mean if ur double note technique is good its not that intimidating either cant deny that zimmerman plays it effortlessly and with amazing dynamics regardless
A fascinating bit of history is that Beethoven played his 4 piano concertos personally as a pianist. He wrote them with an idea of being the performer himself. But at the time of composing the 5th piano concerto, Beethoven couldn't hear well enough to play it, he was going deaf at the time. And yet, the concerto is an exalted, enthusiastic piece, embodying the triumph of the composer.
It's interesting that you entitled this video 20 minutes of Paradise. In the fall of 1971, I was in my first year at college. One day, I heard the most beautiful music coming out of my dorm neighbor's room. It was Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto. When I went home on break, I bought the album and played it for my mother, who promptly fell in love with it also. Over the years, we'd listen to it together. She told me that if it were playing on the radio in the car, she wouldn't get out of the car until it finished. The same at home. Once she heard the first chords, she'd sit down and close her eyes to listen to the whole thing. Later, I got a CD of the piece and had her sit down on the couch. I put earphones over her head and turned it on. She sighed in ecstacy until it was over. One year ago today, her grandson, Matt, helped me find it on a player in the hospital where she lay dying. No one else was in the room, and he put it on the pillow next to her ear and turned it on, and she sighed gratefully and listened, forgetting her pain and discomfort. It only played the first movement, which was fine since people were coming the room and wanting to talk with her. Now I think of that initial movement as a transport to Heaven, especially the last few sublime measures. Then the second movement is the rest and recuperation after she left her body. The final movement comes as she truly awakens to her new life - full of joy, laughter and dancing on clouds. Yes, interesting - the title, the fact that I came across this video on this is the first anniversary of her death.
This was one of the first recordings I heard when I was studying music in the Conservatory. The first time I heard the 2nd movement I was pretty sure I will never be able to hear something more beautiful than that. The 2nd movement has to be one the best adagios ever created.(at least for me).
The second movement is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve heard. At the minimum my favorite second movement of any piano concerto
@@otterthewise Curious to see which one is your first. For me, it has to be the one from Ravel's G major Concerto.
@@YoanAsenov Same, Ravel PC has the most beautiful 2nd movement Ive ever heard.
@@BBB-hi4hc especially Michelangeli/Chalibidache's version. We really need to make Gidi react to that one.
Your interpretation nails it. The piece is engaging from the very start and just keeps going and going and exceeding expectations. Piano Concertos as a whole is just an amazing place to be in, so glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to the next
The first movement has already exceeded my expectations, looking forward to the rest too
@@GIDIREACTS I can't wait for you to get to Saint-Saens, Piano Concerto no. 2 and no. 5.
As one of the ones who requested this, I'm Incredibly happy you enjoyed this!!
This concerto holds a very special place in my heart since it's the only concerto I've ever heard live (and probably will ever hear live, given I live in the ph). I heard this live when I was about 9, and that was my introduction to not just this concerto, but concerti in general. It was one of the best musical experiences ever in my life and until now, whenever I listen to it, I still get the joy I felt then ((:
If you want another Beethoven x Bernstein banger, I'd highly recommend the their Leonore Overture No.3 (:
Now you're in it. All of Beet's 5 concetos (+ his violin concerto) are bangers
It is superb. Utterly, mind-blowingly superb. One of the truly great pieces of classical music.
Bernstein, Zimmerman and Beethoven for 20 minutes? I’ll have that, thank you very much 👏🙌🥹
You don't feel the 20 minutes past because Beethoven is a genius.
Good reaction, you respect the classic music, thank for this.
It's always so nice to see you having fun when you are listening to good music.
i know this concert since i was a child, and yes this is one of the best classical masterpieces ever, just otherworldly
I was also visualizing stairs toward the end constantly rising. Unbelievable beauty.
Yup this is it... Glad you loved it! This is my favorite classical piece ever! (as of now😅). If you loved the 1st Movement this much, then you'll absolutely be blown away with the next two movements! Thanks for the reaction!
First 5 times I listened to Beethoven’s piano concertos I loved the 3rd, I liked the 4th and I didn’t like the 5th. Watching this video made me realise it’s my favourite piece ever. I’m not even kidding. This is just absolutely amazing
Didn't You like it?
Thanks! Great reaction! Such wonderful delights await you (if you haven't already reacted) in the 2nd and 3rd movements.
What I found amazing about this performance is that it was performed from memory without utilizing sheet music! Amazing!
Ayyyy let’s goooo! Currently playing this piece! Look forward for you to react to the 2nd and 3rd movements!
make sure to listen to the 2nd and 3rd movement in one sitting, thatll make the experience better, youll see why
Can’t agree more.
This whole concerto, but especially this 1st movement, is about as perfect a piece of music as has ever been created. No matter how many times I hear it, the final "wrapping up"that Beethoven does at the end just leaves me speechless.
My favourite Beethoven piano concerto - I have both the Casadeus (vinyl) & Kempff (CD) versions. It ranks for me with the Tchaikovsky No.1 and Rachmaninov No.2
Beethoven IS the master!!
If you liked, or loved this, be sure to check out Beethoven's Choral Fantasy performed at the BBC Proms 2015. Its similar in that it never has a boring or lull moment, and the ending is fantastic.
Yes!I love it, too.
I absolutely love the second theme of this movement, it is at least my favourite melody in all the Beethoven concertos!
Amazing piece i glad you react to that ! Cant wait for rachmaninoff symphone 2 ((:
@@Dylonely_9274 different languages.
seeing you love beethoven so much, definitely check out his symphonies that you haven't reacted to, beethoven 3, 5, 6, 7 is rly good.
Or even like actually 1-9
Good piece!
I would recommend Liszt’s second piano concerto, it’s pretty underrated (as are all Liszt concerti) but this is my favourite one. It’s pretty short at around 20 minutes too.
The first one is also very good, very catchy melodies which come through along the piece.
mmh ive attended an amazing performance of it this summer, not my fav concerto tbh but yea theres lots of interesting stuff in there
@@nandovancreij yeah it’s not my fave but it’s in my top 10 I think. My favourite would probably be one of Rachmaninoff’s concerti
TIL Liszt wrote piano concertos
@@mediumsizedgrape ?
Hahaha just going to suggest it again lol prokofiev piano concerto no. 3😊😊😊
Excelente reacción a esta gran obra musical en su primer movimiento, gracias por activar los subtítulos. Saludos desde Ciudad de Guatemala.
Wonderful! You should really see this duo do Brahms' 2 Piano Concertos, in 1 night at that! So so so good
BTW this I think is a long version of the 1st mvt, observing the 'repeat'
Muy buena elección!
Te recomiendo que también escuches el piano concerto no. 2 de Brahms interpretado por Bernstein y Zimerman.
This one of the few classical pieces I heard live (alongside Beethoven's Fifth and Egmont overture and some other smaller piano pieces) back in 2016. The day before the concert I listened to the recording to know the piece. And, honestly, I would better not do it. The concerto is great, indeed, and it's one of my favourite pieces overall, but I think I stole some feeling of revelation from myself, especially the Adagio (the 2nd movement).
Please listen to the Mendelssohn String Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20. Tha music would be amazing even if it hadn't been written when Mendelssohn was 16 years old. Some people call it his greatest work, never equalled for the rest of his life (!) My favorite video here on RUclips is by the Jasper String Quartet and the Jupiter String Quartet (with apparently several brothers/sisters, husbands/wives between the two quartets).
15:59😍😍🔥🔥🔥🔥
I warmly recommend another piece of Bach to you: the giant, solemn Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor (organ or played by an orchestra). the musical form is comparable to the Chaconne
Nice piece. If you like piano concerto you should include Rachmaninoff piano concerto no.1 on your list. Its overshadow by his no.2 and 3. He composed it when he was 17 by his op.1 although he revised it still an amazing piece that I like more than his no.2.
i personally dont really like the first, i really prefer the even more overlooked fourth piano concerto (played by anna fedorova)
@@nandovancreij they both have their moments, but the first is dear to me. funny that you should mention anna fedorovas performance of the fourth, for i was there in the audience!
@@aenyx_ SAME i think i saw you in the comment section of that performance as well
Hi Gidi, to really understand the conductors work and theire impact on the music i recommend to check the Carlos Kleiber Rehersal Videos. I think Carlos Kleiber was a speacial conductor close to perfection.
Schöne Grüße aus der nähe von Siegen :-)
Zimmerman is not necessarily my favorite pianist nor Bernstein my favorite conductor but after watching this, I'm reconsidering.
Holy crap, I am so thankful for this channel. Thank you for making me discover this piece! ❤️ Would love if you could react to La Mer by Debussy. It's a "symphony". If not, that's okay!
From a pianist's point of view, for most of this movement if you have good scales and arpeggios, most of it isn't technically crazy hard. 21:28 - 21:44 - crazy hard for right hand.
hmm i mean if ur double note technique is good its not that intimidating either
cant deny that zimmerman plays it effortlessly and with amazing dynamics regardless
@@nandovancreij " if ur double note technique is good its not that intimidating". 🤣 Ah! THAT would explain why I find it "crazy hard"!
It is a great piece, there’s a reason why it’s called the emperor
Well, Beethoven just dedicated it to a guy whom he saw as a good emperor in the future (which never happened)
The publisher named it that. Knowing how much Beethoven hated the idea of monarchy, he might not have agreed.
Search Ravel’s concerto for the left hand. You’ll love it !
ruclips.net/video/ZbEtk1kdYx4/видео.html
please react to operas, tosca, magic flute, aida, rigoletto, etc,
You'll love the Choral Fantasy, too.
ruclips.net/video/GjXBKR4iDS8/видео.html
Rubinstein is better
Your opinion!!
I have to agree. But this is a better recording overall.