Chopin: 19 Nocturnes (Moravec)

[@OE1FEU]

This was recorded on a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial and the piano technician was - Ivan Moravec. He always traveled with a set of tools for tuning, regulating and voicing pianos. This is probably one of the most beautiful Bösendorfers on a recording that there is. And the Nocturnes are nothing short of spectacular.

[@aerozden]

Thank you for this information! I was just about to write to ask what brand is the piano. It sounds truly different. I thought perhaps Yamaha, but no, the good old Bösendorfer...

[@davisatdavis1]

​@aerozden ya yamaha would be too bright for this sound. Bosendorfer explains it though. I couldn't figure out what sound it was. Bosendorfer you don't usually hear like this.

[@msotil]

Ivan Moravec was an unassuming man who never sought the limelight. He perfected his style by listening to his own recordings, which he made on tape. He was also very exacting when it came to the sound of the instrument and often carried with him a tool kit to do small fixes to the instrument he was going to play, like voicing a key with a harsh sound.

[@marcone9265]

Many seem to mention his know-how when it came to tempering a piano, but lack to mention the recording process. Coupled with his pristine playing, the recording itself seems to be lacking a lot of high-end frequencies, giving it that slightly muffled sound, which fit perfectly with the nocturnal intent. Anyhow, love the pieces. Cheers

[@marielmiroslava8118]

The first one reminds me to my baby, now she's gone but i remember when she couldn't sleep and would be crying, i used to hold her and hum this song to her while this very video was playing on the tv, at night. I really miss her.

[@daph0307]

You just gave me another point of view to enjoy the nocturnes. Thanks, and sorry for your baby.

[@AshishXiangyiKumar]

One more small point of interest: this recording was made in 1965.

[@burz96]

Incredible quality for a recording of that age.

[@pianomarius]

wow i wouldve never imagined!

[@CivicPiano1]

Hey Ashish, how do you think Rubinstein's 1965 recording compares to this one?

[@steveegallo3384]

Walter....It's NICE to compare and contrast....almost Fun and repudiates no one. Chill....Never worry!

[@burz96]

Why is there anything wrong with comparing recordings? Different pianists equals different outcomes which means the differences will be discussed since music is so subjective. As long as you aren't putting down a musician I don't see why there is an issue. It would be interesting to hear from someone as articulate as Ashish on his opinion on another set of recordings and maybe some aspects he finds interesting about the Rubinstein one.

[@mitchelllevy1207]

One more small point of interest, the NY Times made this recording one of its five works to showcase the bicentennial of Chopin's birth.

[@PKLevel99]

wow

[@JohnDoe-dh8xc]

And Confounded Bridge Productions is a KZbin channel that seemingly uploads animations unnecessarily set to excerpts, some would say another propaganda machine, albeit a more low effort one.

[@ConfoundedBridgeProductions]

@@JohnDoe-dh8xc You're so smart.

[@JohnDoe-dh8xc]

Confounded Bridge Productions and your contribution is?

[@ConfoundedBridgeProductions]

@@JohnDoe-dh8xc You're so right John Doe, you are obviously an opinion we should all take seriously, I have no merit to the world compared to you, I am crying right now as I type this, what hope is there for someone so hopelessly misguided as myself.

[@zampai]

The expressive potential of Chopin's melodies is jaw dropping.

[@PianothShaveck]

22:35 that's SO beautiful played that way...

[@Yotam1703]

thats the messiest way ive ever seen fornwriting eights on sixteens...

[@smb123211]

Yes the 5 vs 2 has a strange sound when played correctly. Several commentators have noted that Chopin was not striving for exactness but an ephemeral, inexact sound. I finally learned the Op 55 E flat Major with the 5 vs 4 vs 3 etc. In a way the Agitato of the Op 62 (E maj) is just as difficult due to the inner melodies.

[@lukelarson7762]

I thought the same thing! I had it playing in the background, and I had to check to see which nocturne I was listening to!

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

​​@@smb123211 Schumann and Brahms also used such kinds of notations as they intended to emphasise certain notes and therefore rhythm was not their main concern. Now think of it this way, if you wanted to play those notes in a certain way when they're not as in the piece with accompaniment/other voices, you'd play it the way it's notated as opposed to the way it aligns with the accompaniment/other voices.

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

​@@smb123211 in this case, you make sure the melody aligns with the lower voices but emphasise the melody but not in the same rhythm as written.

[@alexy6801]

Amazing. I'm impressed by the coherence of the set and the incredible sustained abstraction. His tempi and rubato seem calculated to establish the nocturnes as a separate genre: he avoids the obvious waltz and mazurka references by making them un-danceable; he approaches a warm vocal tone, then breaks it with crystalline shards of sound; he approaches the drama of the ballades, but downshifts into gloriously shaded una corda playing. What you end up with is pure pianism coming from recognizable reference points, but completely transcending them. The nocturne is one of the genres that Chopin refrained from subtitling with -fantasie, perhaps because mercurial shape-shifting half-light is what actually defines them

[@Ian24s]

Pure filth

[@harryk5918]

I bought this recording in my late 30's but could not bear to listen it all, too heartfelt melancholy and pure beauty. 20 years later I am able to listen its entirety and I am rediscovering it. Thanks !

[@khaotik.weirdo]

I'm not music savvy but I like all the knowledge you put into this comment, which I tried my best to understand. For sure I'd agree with you if I was versed enough in the technicalities of music.

[@klaasbil8459]

I for one don't like the strong rubato. It feels exaggerated to me. Like you seem to indicate with your term 'calculated', the tempo changes don't seem heartfelt to me, not emotion-driven, but rather cerebral and unnatural. They keep asking for undeserved attention. Please keep in mind that all of this is just my personal opinion, I'm not trying to convince anyone.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Well........ all I've got to say to you is: Your evil and should have been destroyed when Atlantis fell. But noooooo. They are still allowing you to breathe the air of Earth. I like you. Most intelligent critic I've read in some time. Did you know Georges Sand's daughter thought Fredarick was an ungrateful shit head?

[@PieInTheSky9]

Chopin's Op. 62,1 is one of the most stunningly beautiful piano pieces ever written.

[@andrewgrebenisan6141]

Agreed! So underappreciated :)

[@charless1190]

This is my desert island recording. Had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Moravec perform Beethoven piano sonatas at Rutgers University in the mid-60s - I had never heard such beautiful playing. His performance of the Pastoral sonata (which differed in many respects from his later recording) is still embedded in my mind and his concert kindled my long love-affair with Beethoven’s sonatas . There are many wonderful recordings of the Nocturnes, but listening this recording always transports me to a complete state of harmony and joy.

[@maudegonne3740]

Discovering Chopin has been a life saver for me during these hard times.Thanks for making his sublime message of peace available to all.

[@InnasWorld]

I just teared up reading your comment

[@AllValiant]

Wow I fell I love with it. Never heard his recording, what a clear sound for 1965. Thanks for sharing with us all. Loved op. 37 no. 1

[@josephavilag]

There's a recording of it made by Valery Afanassiev where he plays it even more slowly

[@AllValiant]

Théophile Richart I know, it's almost hypnotizing. I makes me want to listen to more of Moravec's to hear how he interprets over pieces in his own way. It's beautiful really..

[@MartinVanBoven]

Théophile Richart Also in the posthumous one. Love the stillness of such a tempo. And no lack of drama, as he gets that from dynamics and rubato.

[@thomasminot9799]

What an absolutely beautiful recording. I don't think I've ever heard Chopin's melodies played so gorgeously by anyone. Stunning.

[@kathrynmcmorrow7170]

Breathtaking ... Op.15 No.2 in F# Maj

[@don4476]

Yes, it's crazy good. How is it even humanly possible to play like that?

[@harryk5918]

I bought this recording in my late 30's but could not bear to listen it all, too heartfelt melancholy and pure beauty. 20 years later I am able to listen its entirety and I am rediscovering it. Thanks !

[@geuros]

@@don4476 practise, practise, practise... passion, obsession... Moravec simply was not ever satisfied. Always wanted better sound. You can see how meticulous he was from this recording - not only he understood mechanics and the physics of the piano, was able to tune it himself, even do some mechanical jobs. So he was able to express his preferences about piano to professional mechanics. Then he chose this audiophile studio to record with. I mean, I love Friedrich Gulda recordings, but they sound bad compared to standard of the era, while this recording of Moravec sounds better than nowadays recordings...

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

I do quite a passable a major prelude by Chopin on my channel, if you'd be so kind as to cast a glance at it?

[@elleinfinitea]

The ineffable beauty of Opus 9 No. 2 inspired me to teach myself how to read sheet music (And drastically improve my piano skills) so I could play it. I devoted myself to it for months and months. The piece is so beloved and dear to me so I have developed certain preferences to how it is expressed. I have listened to many recordings of different pianists expressing it beautifully but this version stopped me dead in a moment of sheer awe, joy and reverence as waves of tingles washed over me. The closest image I can conjure to illustrate the feeling this particular version gave me is like being a (great)grandparent watching their (great)grandchild play and laugh in pure peace and innocence. How simple and pure the moment is alongside the depth of time, circumstance and experience that is behind it while knowing the struggle of decades was all worth it 1000 times again. Opus 9 No. 2 also makes me feel like I am blissfully wandering around in the best dream I ever had while a child, before I had much of a name or understanding of any of the color, shapes and sounds all around me. Halfway between understanding and looking into the experience and being lost in the fantasy of what this newfound awareness means. So hearing an interpretation that expresses what I feel to be the core essence of the piece so simply yet adeptly allows me to sink into these feeling i so cherish.

[@ILoveMagic15]

I just wanted to thank you, Ashish, for the great work that you are doing. You provide the world with the blissful opportunity of listening to the most wonderful recordings and at the same time reading the score. Both sound and text are always in superb quality. Thank you so much for that and may karma return to you the joys that you have given me!

[@neiltassoni]

I agree totally.... & might add only that you deserve not less credit for having selected the unfortunate Aleksander Scriabin as your 'avatar' image. If only he hadn't stopped living as a result of Infected Lip Carbunkle Blood Poisoning. Sort of sad.

[@Chucky2240]

neil t k

[@MichaelBrewick]

@@Chucky2240 good response, succinct.

[@otakuxgirl6]

@@Chucky2240 useless comment

[@willie2639]

Thoughts and memories of my dear mother, quite often brings me here to Op. 55 no. 2. Mom, I am so sorry that I never got the chance to say goodbye. Please, let this beautiful interpretation be an expression of my love for you. I miss you so. May everyone have a Wonderful and Happy Mother's Day🌺🌺🌷🌷.

[@zomb7138]

willie2639 Trust me, she sees this

[@willie2639]

@@zomb7138 Thank you Zomb😥😓😥. Sadness, despair and loneliness pervades my pathetic existence. Nothing takes the place of a my dear mother.

[@MJE112358132134]

This is what Chopin's Nocturnes are about. Probably the most wonderful Chopin performance I have ever heard, and one of the most wonderful performances of any music I have ever heard. I was given the 2-L.P. set of Ivan Moravec's wonderful performances of the complete set of 19 Nocturnes around 1970, when I was still in my late teens, and found these performances magical: dreamy when it's needed, and fiery when needed in other places. To this day, this is my model of how Chopin should be played, and it's quite possible this L.P. set deeply influenced the style of piano playing I developed after that. There is rubato, but it seems natural and not excessive - unlike the exaggerated rubato of some pianists, especially of the older school, which almost seems to be posturing to my mind. Moravec's skill with the sustaining pedal is sublime - and just what Chopin needs - especially pieces like the Nocturnes. As to the "last" Nocturne, Op. 72, no. 2 in E minor - I understand it is generally believed to be a very early work, and comes late in the published sequence because of posthumous publication. But Moravec's playing of it is able to persuade me that this really could be a late work of Chopin's. Thank you for posting this wonderful series of recordings. Does anyone know how much of Chopin's music Moravec recorded? I should look for more.

[@lifestyleastherapyafterstr9423]

Personal points of interests Op 9 No 1: (0:54 undotted septuplet 1, 4:24 no septuplet 1), (0:50 no septuplet 2, 4:20 dotted septuplet 2) Op 9 No 2: 6:45 with triplet, 7:40 with quadruplet Op 9 No 3: 10:22 rhythmic continuation, 11:33 melancholic melody, 11:13 a pair of sparkles, 12:27, melancholic melody again but more compplex, 15:31 ascension instead of third return of melancholic melody, 15:53 double dotted whole note Op 15 No 1: 16:45 without septuplet, 19:19 with septuplet Op 15 No 2: 22:33 sextuplet of repeated note except for last and beginning of quintuplets, 23:37 catching run, 24:22 LH could improve Op 27 No 1: 31:45 fun groups of single and double dotted half notes, 32:44 irregular measure formatting Op 27 No 2: 39:55 palindrome, 41:30 scale but with 7 notes instead of 8 Op 32 No 1: 45:35, final semi climax before ending Op 37 No 1: 54:48 C-C-D-C appogiaturas, no octave Op 48 No 1: 1:09:15 climax of third section with context Op 48 No 2: 1:16:23 visual illusion of 5 beats in one measure, 1:16:28(B-B-C#-B appogiaturas, octave) Op 55 No 1: 1:19:03 without septuplet, 1:19:49 with septuplet Op 55 No 2: 1:23:10 without septuplets, 1:24:34 with septuplets Op 62 No 1: 1:27:39 emphasis on RH repeated D#s, 1:29:38 beginning of middle section, 1:30:29, a pair of quarter note trills that sound like a single half note trill, 1:32:02, from sextuplet alternating accelerated 1-1/2-1/3-1/3 to trill, 1:33:25 ending Op 72 No 1:42:09 emotional heightening

[@JoeLinux2000]

You are looking at deviations in the petals of a rose and missing the beauty of the entire flower.

[@chopinfanclub6672]

@@JoeLinux2000 he just listed parts he liked and u made up a whole narrative about it😂

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

32:44 you meant to say it's a recitative? They're rare in Chopin

[@geuros]

don't forget, Moravec was mad about the sound quality, that's why his recordings sound so audiophile, he even got quite decent skill in tuning and optimizing the piano in the technical way, not just playing it... this recording sounds so remarkably deep... as I am writing, 9/2 plays and I am already so excited, that I really look forward the 9/3, my most favourite :) thank you Ashish, you've proved once again your excellent taste in music, which I can't tell objectively, but I feel most things the same way, like Lugansky/Rachmaninov similar to Rubinstein/Chopin.

[@AshishXiangyiKumar]

That's very nice to hear. :)

[@onclassical]

Actually the piano is almost out of tune in 48 #1. But, yes, you are right: he was extremely careful in all the recording process.

[@238assante]

but oddly, he takes certain liberties with Chopin's markings , omitting a crescendo here, or a sforzato there. It suits his aesthetic style , and i'm an utmost admirer of Moravec . I just would have loved to ask him "why?" .

[@geuros]

@@238assante yep, he had some secrets of creation. Rumors have it that Murray Perahia really wanted Moravec to reveal his secret to the first Ballade, not sure he did :-)

[@cts9718]

@@238assante I once asked him (as young student) if it was a coincidence that I wasn't able to find any Rachmaninov recordings by him, and he told me, no, not a coincidence, there weren't any. "Maybe in another life," he joked. But WHY he never didn't play Rachmaninov (or Liszt for that matter), that he didn't tell me.

[@JohnJohn-cz9jv]

Rest in peace Ivan Moravec, a truly amazing pianist.

[@SeitanoShuuki]

I've been missing this all my life. This interpretation is lovely in just how unpretentious it is. It touches the heart because it is so very lyrical and yet so very simple. Leaves a really deep impression, but definitely leaves one without words with which to describe the sensation. Thank you for this upload!

[@neiltassoni]

Thank you, Seitano-sama, for a poetic and cho-utsukushii manner of describing your emotions around these pieces.

[@waffleman-]

@@neiltassoni what weeb shit did i just witness

[@caseym8385]

Bloody hell, bringing out that descending top voice of the left hand at 33:43 brought me to tears.

[@NICUofficial]

I just come back to this over and over as my idea of a "flawless" recording of Chopin's nocturnes Not just the best recording I know of for the complete Nocturne cycle, I will also put myself down as saying it's one of the finest audio recordings of any music from any point in human history

[@grobertoac2430]

I can't believe how such much beauty has been created from those baroque to modern composers. Chopin is one of my favorite

[@gabatar5961]

This is the best interpretation I have heard of Chopin's Nocturnes

[@zoe.h.nelson04]

Chopin's nocturnes, especially when played so exquisitely, reall do speak to the core of my being. If I had to give someone an 'album' so to speak to show them who I am, it'd be this video. Serene but intense, and pure emotion and imagination.

[@user-ir9ew5xl7k]

My favorite Nocturnes: I - Op. 55 No. 2 II - Op. 62 No. 1 III - Op. 27 No. 1 IV - Op. 48 No. 2 To me, those are the most beautiful. Of course, there are others (Op. 48 No. 1, Op. 62 No. 2, Op. 37 No. 1, etc.), but for me, those four really stand out. And the fact that they're played superbly by Ivan Moravec also helps.

[@WEEBLLOM]

Based

[@catherinekyngdon327]

The most beautiful Chopin I've ever heard.

[@smy3486]

@@militaryandemergencyservic3286 no one asked

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

@@smy3486 yes indeed - how horrible of me. Sorry, Catherine! Yes, it is beautiful.

[@catherinekyngdon327]

@Андрей Бахарковскй I must listen to Rubinstein and hear his interpretation. I also read once that Chopin admitted to not playing many of his compositions the same "way" each time he sat down at the piano. Perhaps we can grant the great Chopin a little "artistic licence". But of course I'm speaking of interpretation.

[@thegreenpianist7683]

THIS RECORDING IS AMAZING , the melody sings so beautifully, rubato is spot on, I'm speechless !!

[@NoahJohnson1810]

Yeah!!

[@AlanNelsonUNC]

Every finger is perfectly weighted. Seeing Moravec live from the front row was a great experience.

[@charlesdavis7087]

In relationship to playing Chopin like Chopin, I think this recording may be the high-water mark for the planet. !! CVD

[@ericsabourin7661]

Everything about Chopin's Nocturnes well said sir, and this is my favorite version with the one fabulous of madame Ingrid Haebler on Vox (they were very hard on their female artists in studio, minimal "one take" rule for Guiomar Novaes for she had to pay the dear price of that...). Moravec was the most discrete man...astonishing in all even his 2 Brahms concertis with Belohlavek-Czech Phil. remain unknown and he equalled the Richter-Chicago-Leinsdorf and Leonskaya-Masur-Gewandhaus versions.

[@jacobparasite]

I've always wrestled between Engerer and Ashkenazy as my favourites for the Nocturnes but this... this is really something else. Stunning

[@kathrynmcmorrow7170]

I also love Engerer's.

[@don4476]

Engerer's are my favorite. But this is great, too.

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

What was it like wrestling between those two?

[@ninjaassassin27]

@@militaryandemergencyservic3286 sweaty, I presume

[@philiprutter1]

"Extraordinary" is deeply inadequate. I feel like I never heard them before. One of the great strengths of KZbin is this ability to hear different artists and performances immediately side by side. It's damnably addictive.

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

Oh doubly damnably damnable in a double dam sandwich prepared and then eaten, damn it, by Jean Claude Van Damme.

[@GeometryDashDyno]

@@militaryandemergencyservic3286 Took the words right out of my mouth

[@alekseygunko4866]

Chopin is my favourite composer!;

[@danielvalenciabegazo4325]

Hasta ahora no he escuchado mejor interpretación de los Nocturnos de Chopin que este gran intérprete. Extraordinaria belleza sale de los dedos de Moravec. Inigualable...e inalcanzable.

[@Disturbed4Life3]

Holly shit, the Op.48 No.1 in Cmin was sooooo good. I love how he played it super slowly with so much emphasis on every note. It's definitely my favorite interpretation of the piece

[@MarceloLangone]

Martha Argerich version is better.

[@minr6851]

You should also try SungJin Cho.

[@olafdavidsson1274]

Check out Brigitte Engerer, she takes some liberties but the effect is marvelous!

[@kizpaws]

That first Nocturne was unbelievable... That would be my favorite.

[@jeromeweingart5596]

The sound quality is wonderful and the performance is a revelation. Mr. Kumar's commentary is incisive and poetic. I have not encountered its equal on KZbin. Thanks, Ashish!

[@williambunter3311]

I glanced through the comments before starting to listen, and I thought they must be exaggerated, After all, it's easy to imagine something newly listened-to with enthusiasm as being the best ever. Having just listened to the first nocturne I see there is no exaggeration. This pianist is paying to the point of PERFECTION in every way. The legato, the touches of rubato, the light and dark. Wonderful!

[@νικοςνικολαου-τ9φ]

I think that Moravec had the right impression of what 'nocturne' means.He is not of the usual climate but in some way he moves and dives into it,softy and gently!

[@fumikotsukumi017]

That motif in Op. 9 No. 2 always gets me, especially this Moravec interpretation.

[@narapo1911]

Unbelievable sound. I cannot believe this is the sound of a piano! Truly masterful playing, completely distinct from other interpretations.

[@kpokpojiji]

Ashish you are a real source of continued inspiration and joy, thank you! I had the pleasure of hearing Moravec several times in concert. At one concert, at the West Village Meeting house in Brattleboro Vermont (USA) the setting was so informal and intimate that I sat as close to him as a page turner would. One of the real hallmarks of his playing was the depth of his honesty and emotion. Not a single note ever felt insincere. An integrity of heart and soul that was transfiguring.

[@moshimoshispidermandesu9932]

I understand nothing about what the comments say nor the paper sheets, but this is really enjoyable and beautiful

[@fatimacanche9081]

Los nocturturnos mas tristes en Mayorca

[@fatimacanche9081]

Pausa

[@christianvennemann9008]

39:14-39:21 I absolutely love that part.

[@kzelmer]

op 55 no2 is my favourite one and I've always used Friedman as a benchmark for my own renditions but I have to say that Moravec's rendition is astonishing: it has the same cantabile freedom as Friedman's rendition but at the same time you can hear all the triplets with such clarity that the mix of the three voices is perfect. Friedman, Gilels and Moravec did an amazing work with this nocturne (I also like Horowitz's performance)

[@chatterboXXIX]

Love your channel and your picks. I got to meet Mr Moravec once and he told me that he was especially proud of how Op. 48/1 turned out in the studio: I really do think it is the best of an incredible set! Keep up the good work.

[@eytonshalom]

this is by light years the most remarkable of all the recordings i have heard. i love pollini's version, but this replaced pollini's for the one i feel like putting on when my spirit needs the nocturnes...

[@philipk4475]

I love the middle sections of these, they are choral-like and achingly gorgeous and Moravec brings such a warm and considered touch to them.

[@rasmus123re]

Rarely do I discover anything this touching 55:31 - it's so calm. It reminds me a bit of Christian Chorales in churches, played on the organ.

[@amerain1729]

Rasmus Jensen Yeah, this nocturne is my favorite of all 19. So touching...

[@danr.1299]

Op.9 no.1 is just extremely blissful, it takes me to a cold rainy fall day. I don’t know how people think music like this is boring. I get more into the music like this it just resonates with me and lets me relax and work through things in my head. Thank you to this channel who has given me my dose of beautiful music for many many years.

[@charlesdavis7087]

I've listened to this nocturne many times. And I can't help think... that this.... is proof... that intelligent life once existed on earth. Ivan Moravec = a channel for Fredarik. Listen as one who is un heaven... regardless of your humble origins or present circumstances. Be in heaven! Let the past pass away. No more tears, No more Pity, no more Shame, no more Regret, no Remorse. Get over it. "WhY?" Listen................................. and remember... why. Be the answer to your own highest prayer. BE.

[@gregoryprusak8130]

Someone else here has commented on Op 48, No. 1 as being the best interpretation of this nocturne. I agree...As much as I am fond of Ashkenazy's renditions of the nocturnes-especially Op 27, No 2- Moravec edges him easily on this particular nocturne. The triplets in the middle section, he make them sound easy, and as someone who only enjoys listening and can't play, I KNOW those octave triplets can't be easy to play cleanly and keep the phrasing intact. Kudos to Mr Moravec for an exciting performance on this piece! And thanks too, Mr Kumar, your taste is exquisite. Love your channel.

[@nilsfrederking62]

The best recording of the Nocturnes I heard, much more touching than the Arrau recording. Very sensible and with the right amount of rubato, I cannot count how often I heard this recording from beginning to end, sometimes I get so relaxed and carried away that I fall asleep for some time - which is a high compliment in that context.

[@keybawd4023]

The performance of these nocturnes is nothing short of miraculous. What an incredible range of tones and colours. Not to mention, a rigorous attention to the score and yet playing with such breadth and freedom. A miracle indeed.

[@UltraPenguin720]

The emotion coming out of that piano. . . leaves me speechless. Incredible depth to this performance.

[@audreymcknight]

Can't believe this is from '65. What a clear, beautiful sound. The dynamic control is just stunning... when he plays soft, he plays soft. It's so gentle. Thanks for uploading this.

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

"Chopin's scherzi are like the tasty fat of a lamb chop. His polonaises are the meat itself. The sonatas and the ballades are the vegetables. The preludes are the salt and pepper. The waltzes and nocturnes are the gravy. The sonatas and concerti are the plates and cutlery." - Alburt Einstein

[@MichaelBrewick]

Thanks for this excellent quote.

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

@@MichaelBrewick don't thank me - thank Alburt...

[@coolmuso6108]

One of the most wonderful and magical listening experiences ever! I was transported to somewhere other-worldly...

[@IvyTeaRN]

Op 32 no 2 is one of the best pieces in music history

[@daveo2431]

It's very nice, yes. Btw that's a great realistic photo you have there of Monsieur Chopin, probably the best I've seen.

[@IvyTeaRN]

@@daveo2431 it's not a photo, it's a 3d render made by artist Hadi Karimi. Check him on Instagram.

[@daveo2431]

@@IvyTeaRN I see. thanks

[@RanOutaNames]

Every time I listen to Nocturnes feels and sounds like the first time I listen to Nocturnes

[@jonhunt1086]

WOW- I was listening in the background but 32:59's bass was just INCREDIBLE.

[@stacia6678]

Welp, that’s the power of a Bösendorfer XD

[@klaasbil]

Brilliantly played. And thanks for including the sheet music in perfect sync!

[@BryanHo]

You were not exaggerating. These are transcendent performances.

[@TiticatFollies]

BRAVO, IVAN, THE GREATEST! Thanks, Ashish, for posting the entire Nocturnes here.

[@symjacobson3449]

TiticatFollies and the

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

YES! In my view, these are still the greatest recordings of Chopin's Nocturnes ever made. Moravec is simply sublime with Chopin.

[@benapsley9552]

Just finished Eb Major. I'm excited to learn more of these!

[@RaymondRobijns]

Remarkable quality this recording from 1965. And I love the way it is played. Thank you very much.

[@barzeeee]

I've exclusively listened to Rubinstein's recording on spotify for two years and my mind is blown by how differently Moravec explored these nocturns. Moravec took much more creative freedom and expression its so incredible

[@raymondhummel5211]

Delicate melodic lines, with under lining continuous patterns in the bass clef. Such lovely scored pieces of music. As the Nocturnes continue you are drawn in by their captivating beauty.

[@efrenherrera6166]

What an amazing talent the world was offered with Chopin’s music compositions. Simply a genius before his time.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Here I am again... listening... and remembering having heard these master pieces... played many times before.... I'm old. I love Chopin works. And..... still.... I am in.......... love with Ivan's remarkable levels of restraint. Sometimes less is more. OUT STANDING!!! Thank god, it was recorded. Yea. Ivan.

[@ArtimusClydeFroggie]

Man i really enjoy coming to your channel from time to time. Also, thank you for your elaborate description and profound thoughts on every piece you upload. Keep up the great work :)

[@benatchison2371]

This video was blocked in the USA and now I'm living back at home in Europe I can listen again!

[@ziegunerweiser]

These recordings have received approval by the most discriminating critic of all: my kitty cat

[@funkymonks8333]

good

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

not by the hairs on my chiny-chin chin did your dscriminating kitty cat discriminate between so dicriminatory an indiscreminency.

[@HariKangatharan]

@@militaryandemergencyservic3286 wow.

[@saras6634]

Imagine having a cat that appreciate anything but Slayer. I did not theach her that, but it's the only thing that makes her fall asleep in the car.

[@thomaspeters5889]

I love your kitty cat.

[@LasagnaTheArtist]

Excellent music to study to. Just pristine vibes for over an hour. Thank you for posting this.

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

Highlighting some moments I really love very much: 13:23, 17:56, 22:36, 26:15 (27:17), 31:33, 32:24, (49:41) 49:48, 55:32, 1:08:36 (early Scriabin moment), 1:13:15 (nice humoresque-like section), 1:20:05, 1:35:45 (1:36:20 so badass)

[@judithcarr-cave5412]

My favourite Chopin nocturne I am addicted and play it over and over

[@Xabiermorales]

Just realized that evil mortys song (For damaged Coda) is based on 1:17:44 - Op.55 No.1 in F Min

[@itsameaffi]

yeah but the coda is mostly just a descending c minor scale (natural), with a little upturn from g to ab in the middle

[@marcosaguirre5222]

@@itsameaffi While that is true, the iconic part of For a Damanged Coda resembles those first few measures of Op. 55 No. 1 when you think about the music theory involved in both compositions. The first two measures of the nocturne can be written as "Fm Ebdom7 Ab Cdom7" (the lowercase b is a flat); the Coda has the exact same chord progression but transposed 5 invertals down (two and a half steps) in order to be in the key of C minor rather than the nocturne's F minor key signature. Apologies if that sounds confusing, but hopefull you get the jist of it. LOL

[@mintchoco5640]

Amazing touch in these recordings. Sounds like a musical box

[@cserohs]

Like seeing the score while listening

[@christinefischer2721]

Arthur Rubinstein is one of my favorite interpreters of Chopin ! His sensitivity and unpretentious interpretations are simply divine . He deeply touches my heart 💖

[@radiant_shade]

The pianist playing is Ivan Morevac.

[@p-y8210]

49:10 speechless

[@r0mmm]

I love how chopin modulates in the beginning of op 38 no 2 from g major to a minor!

[@dizzybin4002]

this music puts my mind in such a peaceful state. Thank you for letting me feel comfortable.

[@misteranonymous9616]

That 9/3 was by far the best version of it I've heard

[@Rhythmmical]

Who plays these Nocturnes better? The lightness and control of this interpretation makes these feel like real Nocturnes.

[@dna2087]

I discovered Moravec Today, the nocturne op27 no2 @34:27 has the most delicious tempo. Simply dreamy !

[@mattheosivaliant]

kzbin.info/door/F9Dmxk5sWjiJI_vpSoWbAg

[@charlesdavis7087]

Moravec was Chopin.... or one... who listened on the inner plane to what Fredarick was trying to say. God, listen. Each note a remark, a word, a sound upon the present occasion. Moravec is definitive. Listen for your self.

[@itsmeydin]

👀 Викторина по Шопену. Таймкоды: 5:37 - 16. Op. 9 №2, Es-dur; 1-я тема 6:36 - 17. Op. 9 №2, Es-dur; 2-я тема 24:55 - 18. Op. 15 №3, g-moll 29:31 - 19. Op. 27 №1, cis-moll; 1-я тема 31:32 - 20. Op. 27 №1, cis-moll; Тема Среднего Раздела 34:47 - 21. Op. 27 №2, Des-dur 1:04:37 - 22. Op. 48 №1, c-moll; 1-я тема 1:06:37 - 23. Op. 48 №1, c-moll; Тема Среднего Раздела

[@caichu447]

I had to check my KZbin settings at op 27 no 2.. the tempo is soo different from what I'm used to. This really brings out the piece in a different and very delicious way!

[@kguy152000]

Op. 72, no. 1 . The ending section is so glorious, otherworldly. I learned to "play" the entire piece just to feel that luxurious moment under my fingers. Thank you, Chopin.

[@colly7963]

Amazing how this piano sounds like a harp at times! Heavenly...

[@urospodboj7535]

he was such a gentle soul

[@segmentsAndCurves]

is* Souls never die, they live within us.

[@laupet55]

This record and Ashkenazy's early Chopin Etudes recording are the two best Chopin recordings ever, and two of the best solo piano records ever.

[@pianoman47]

Beautiful piano, and very impressive recording quality for 1965!

[@elsaccc1708]

Can't have enough of this,....it is just amazing!!

[@chasekimball5999]

I purchased this set on the Connoisseur Society LP in the early 70s, and from that point on they were my clear favorites, my only concern being tape hiss. When Nonesuch issued these on CD I purchased them immediately, and was pleased but still concerned about hiss. About 6-7 years ago I found they were newly remastered on Supraphon, and after listening to about 1 minute of the Supraphon remaster, which eliminated nearly all hiss, I immediately purchased it and gave away my Nonesuch set. I do not believe these performances will ever be equaled, let alone surpassed. These are an otherworldly experience throughout, and after Richter died in 1997 I told anybody who would listen that Moravec was my favorite living pianist. Does this video use the Nonesuch or the Supraphon issue? And thanks so much for you efforts, I subscribed to your channel.

[@ОленаСьомка-е6ю]

24:55 Eric Satie clearly knew Chopin

[@ОленаСьомка-е6ю]

52:40 or Moravec knew Satie)