Beethoven Sonata #21 "Waldstein" Op.53 Valentina Lisitsa

[@johnharrison2741]

This recording should be sent into orbit to show our alien neighbours the genius of Beethoven, the craftmanship of Steinway and last, but not least, the amazing, most stunningly beautiful and talented pianist Valentina Lisitsa! Bravo!

[@milankundera1211]

Elle préfère le Bösendorfer.

[@highpeaksphil]

Imagine Beethoven’s reaction to an alien being; you’re what an Alien? Well there may be a lot of you but there’s only one Beethoven!!

[@peteacher52]

The craftsmanship of a concert grand piano; there are half a dozen others of equal status to Steinway, although they don't want you to know that!

[@JoanKSX]

Fazioli and Bosendorfer would sound great as well for this Waldstein sonata =D

[@tmayor1949]

John Harrison has got it dead right bravo

[@winglow7615]

There are so many pianists on KZbin. But I found myself listening to this woman more than anyone else.

[@LuluBodhi]

Same. She's the best!

[@johnjackson8692]

Ludwig and Valentina are the pinnacle of human endeavor.

[@JohnnyAstronomy]

Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53, “Waldstein” 0:09 - I. Allegro con brio 11:02 - II. Introduzione: Adagio molto (in F major) 15:22 - III. Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo This piece is considered one of Beethoven’s most notable sonatas of his middle period (the other two being Appassionata, Op. 57 and Les Adieux, Op.81a). It was composed in 1804 and dedicated to a friend and patron of Beethoven named Count Ferdinand Ernst Joseph Gabriel von Waldstein und Wartenberg (of Vienna). Waldstein is also considered one of Beethoven’s most technically challenging piano sonatas.

[@carmenlamontagne4948]

Thank you much!!!

[@AlejandroGonzalez-rw9kt]

thanks bro

[@unbelanglos]

thanks 👍

[@rickardhjalmarsson6145]

Splendid!!!! Bravo!!

[@janpanufnik2477]

Good Morning... Listening to this was worth living for. I could not be more grateful. Thank You from Poland...

[@alessiogrilli3712]

I'm crying, not because of the melody but because I know the sacrifices you have to make in order to play it.

[@beksterxd170]

those are not sacrifices cause she loves to play...

[@nickidaisyreddwoodd5837]

When you love an animal, child, music or art it is Never a sacrifice. It is Love.

[@highpeaksphil]

You don’t have to make sacrifices for music, it becomes part of your life, lives and breaths in you

[@galeritaelenora]

Yes, there are sacrifices made. Art, beauty, love, precision -- all come at a price. The artist pays the price willingly or because they have no choice or something in between.

[@galeritaelenora]

@@nickidaisyreddwoodd5837 sometimes love and sacrifice are two sides of the same coin, yes? We freely sacrifice for what we love, right? They are related, not exclusive.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Quite simply one of the most compelling and rhythmically driven renditions of this Sonata I've ever heard in a very long time. Throughout, your sense of control and direction was something to behold. Fabulous clarity of articulation bringing out passages and rhythms that are often lost in the torrent of notes. This performance has to be one the high spots of an outstanding series so far.

[@okjhum]

Indeed!

[@melissadupont406]

She has such control of the emotions, in most everything she plays. LOVE IT! Thank You for sharing your gift with us!!!

[@matthewv789]

Have you heard Annie Fischer? Hers is a very special Waldstein.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

@@matthewv789 I have all of Annie Fischer's recordings including the 32 Piano Sonatas.

[@jorgevillagra6400]

I listen to this perfomance every night. Great!. I love Valentina.

[@EricMVan]

The first time I heard the Waldstein, I said, "Oh my God, Beethoven invented rock 'n' roll!" (Years later, to my delight as a former rock critic, I heard Benjamin Zander make the same general assertion.) Beethoven was the first composer to recognize that *pure visceral excitement* was an emotion that could and should be captured in music, which is why I usually identify the 7th in print as "Symphony #7 in A major ("Mosh Pit"). So to me, the litmus test for understanding Beethoven is how you play the start of Op. 53. This is perfect and then some.

[@aligh18]

I'm so proud of Valentina. Comparing her Waldstein video from 2016 to now, you can SEE how she has matured and grown. This woman is dedicated to her craft, and we, as her audience, are so privileged.

[@galeritaelenora]

Yes, what an honor it is to absorb the beauty of her dedication.

[@davidp168]

Crystal clear sound. I can hear every single note.

[@jpassouv]

Merci Madame. J'ai fermé les yeux et je me suis régalé. J'espère venir vous entendre à Paris très bientôt.

[@LalzJeNeSuis]

Valentina, on t'aime ici en France. Continue ton travail pianistique ! Merci !

[@andreagriseri7656]

Valentina has been kicked out by the mayor of Lerici, a nice town in Liguria , because s🥰he refused to state her aversion to her fatherland Russia. The mayor of Lerici is italian like me and I'm ashamed . The ignorance and servility of many italian politicians is terrible. Valentina we love you!!!!!!!!

[@BleakComposure]

I wish everyone in the United States right now could just sit down together and watch/ listen to Valentina play Beethoven. I think everything would be alright then, and we could go back to living.❤

[@alexivanov5214]

Виртуозное исполнение!Продолжайте видео выкладывать!

[@kumborec]

Валентина, хочется написать, что этим Бетховенским циклом Вы «памятник себе воздвигли нерукотворный». Ну конечно этот памятник «рукотворный», Вашими волшебными руками сотворён. Но также и Вашим талантом, и Вашей душой! Огромное Вам спасибо!

[@Javier-id4lq]

Very impressive, my favourite Beethoven's sonata, and from now on, my favourite version. Thank you so much, Valentina!!

[@ЛюбомирСтоянов-э9щ]

Thank you for this performance. The Aurora sonata by Beethoven is a genious one and your brilliant performance greatly contributes to feel the spirit of Beethoven.

[@NH-zh8mp]

I love you Valentina, we all love you and your wonderful music

[@heavyvacation]

I am very sad a lot. I am very numb a lot. This got my tears running and my hand pounding the armchair as I sang!

[@galeritaelenora]

What an exquisite and poignant comment. Keep letting Ms. Lisitsa inspire you to sing!

[@heavyvacation]

@@galeritaelenoraThank you I certainly will.

[@konstantins.5042]

До самой сути! Музыкальная виртуозность и аристократическая сдержанность на ряду с детской застенчивостью... Колоссальное удовольствие! Спасибо, Валентина!

[@emmasommervillepiano]

The way you play Beethoven is so perfect, so happy to see this upload today, thanks Valentina- you always make me want to practice :)

[@anthonyb7571]

She never responds to our comments lol

[@joelmacinnes2391]

@@anthonyb7571 she hearts them tbf

[@johnmcdonald5055]

This is a great performance. As a lifetime Beethoven addict I've listened to countless performances. I have listened to this much of the day to hear if my astonished first impression was correct. Yes, it is a wonderful, exciting, and, yes, great performance. Thank you, Ms Lisitsa.

[@philipsinger1291]

Beautiful tempo, not as fast as some virtuosos play it (as if it was some kind of speed competition). Every note of her performance is heard and felt with passion. I like how one key sticks out a bit at the very end; the composer would have approved !

[@olegkoptelov7243]

Какое прекрасное сочетание строгсти и экспрессии. Огромное удовольствие. Спасибо!

[@AlexGritsenko]

Спасибо, что вы - ещё один повод для гордости за страну, за народ. Это было прекрасно. Впрочем, как и многое другое. Вы, для меня, авторитет. И поверьте, подобные слова я говорю настолько редко, что забыл и произношение.

[@alfredpetrossian3036]

She is incredible - words do not suffice.

[@okjhum]

Wow, simply wow! Could even Beethoven play it like this? No. Impossible. Nobody is or has ever been such a pianist like you, Valentina! One could see even the piano was shining with pride from being played by you. YOU!

[@ДмитрийПотупка]

Браво! Спасибо, что радуете нас своими замечательными концертами. Привет из Донецка ❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@cfchh1905]

what a gifted woman - she must be from outer space, she is a sensation.

[@rickwilmot9127]

'Tis midnight and I always listen to Valentina before crashing. :-))

[@mostrojoshwua]

Excelente interpretación de Betthoven. Genera sensaciones sublimes en la mente.

[@MariaVlasiou]

Same here

[@vedantthanki745]

Same ;). I fall asleep to her playing Rachmaninoff

[@ИльяАфанасьев-ц7ш]

Удивительно! Поразительно! Валентина, Вы - лучшая! От каждого Вашего исполнения я получаю просто колоссальное удовольствие. Вы и Ваша игра великолепны.

[@chmendez]

This piece is fantastic. How great was Beethoven.

[@сергейиванов-ь7ч2ч]

Изумительно! Виртуозное и гармоничное исполнение! Какое удовольствие слушать!

[@alldaybrekkie]

Totally magnificent performance. Ive listened to countless recordings of this piece. This is the best, and it blew me away. Many times during it, I felt like I was understanding Beethovens intentions for the very first time. Brought me to tears by the end. Thanks and congratulations.

[@matthewv789]

I love Annie Fischer's also, a very special (and largely unknown) performance.

[@alldaybrekkie]

@@matthewv789 thanks for the tip, i will try it!

[@alldaybrekkie]

Wow it is absolutely breathtaking. So powerful!

[@matthewv789]

@@alldaybrekkie I am glad I found her. Hungarian, and mostly unknown outside of Europe. (She only ever played in the US twice.) This Beethoven sonata cycle, which she worked on for 15 years in Hungaroton studios, is probably her crowning achievement, but she did not allow them to be released in her lifetime.

[@ЕкатеринаМелодичная]

Необыкновенная Валентина, мы вас ОЧЕНЬ любим))

[@Dhyatt61]

My all time favorite sonata by my all time favorite pianist. LOVE THIS.

[@peteacher52]

Hard to imagine anyone playing it better! This lady's wrist action is exceptionally flexible and fluent - the first thing I noticed.

[@internalreality]

I have to admit that miss Valentina has to be one of the most talented players in the world.

[@coolchef64]

Yes. I'd like to see her accompany Itzak Perlman. Then, That would be something 🎶

[@sacarvalho1]

She is...

[@psalmtone2008]

Goodness gracious, this is exceptionally good Beethoven. Up there on my listening list with Kempff, Brendel, Barenboim, Argerich, and Levit...the colors you make remind me of Horowitz in the best way, and the rhythmic precision is unparalleled.

[@СергейЛосев-о5ф]

Спасибо вам за комментарий, 🙏я с вами полностью согласен 👍 Валентина Величайшая пианистка❤❤❤

[@jeffclaussen3188]

Never heard the 3rd Movement before... Phenomenal!! And excellently played!

[@ЕленаКопылова-ц2м]

Чистое, лёгкое , виртуозное исполнение !!

[@davidp168]

Magical fingers.... I can watch her hands on the keyboard all day...

[@joshuafruend3348]

Brava, Maestra Lisitsa! I absolutely loved your tempo, especially in the Allegro con brio. This is the tempo for which I aim- not ridiculously fast. The Introduzione, Adagio molto brought me to tears. I have never heard the octaves at the end of the Rondo played in such a manner, I found it quite mesmerizing in setting up for the end of the Sonata. Thank you for this heartfelt interpretation and what you do for music! Prayers!

[@vivasandk]

Очень рада, что обнаружила этот канал. Получаю большое удовольствие от прослушивания хорошо знакомых ранне мне не известных мелодий любимейших композиторов в таком великолепном исполнении! Особенно радует поглубже познакомиться с творчеством Бетховена и русскими композиторами.

[@Darkboy2525]

Wouw, just nothing more to say. I am in awe. Absolutely a stunning performance beyond measure. VALENTINA ! WAUW ! this is so absolutely gorgeous.

[@juliaz.1397]

Валентина вы лучшая! Обожаю вас слушать, спасибо и здоровья вам!

[@fredericchopin9001]

I saw valentina play Tchaikovsky, Liszt and Beethoven in Porto,Portugal a year ago and its was so sublime ill never forget it. Thank you Valentina and i hope to see you in Portugal once again

[@gueue5937]

😲 21:34 ... never heard this section as flawless as here ... wow!!

[@georgyyurchenko7815]

Смотрю вас с прошлого лета-до сих пор вдохновляюсь вашей невероятно приятной и талантливой игрой. Благодаря вашему исполнению и показу пьес в идеальном варианте, я проностью выучил 14ую сонату Бетховена и сейчас учу вторую часть 7ой сонаты(первая выучена). Вы у меня стоите на первом месте по списку моих кумиров-пианистов. Хотя у меня основная специальность-это ударные инструменты, вы просто открыли во мне второго человека, бесконечно любящего фортепиано и игру на этом замечательном инструменте! До сих пор жду и мечтаю попасть на ваш концерт в Санкт-Петербурге, если он конечно будет:))

[@giuliacantelli]

Adorabile Maestra 🌷🌷🌷🌷 GRANDISSIMA 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@robertobarbieri9066]

Grandissima artista ed interprete beethoveniana. Le sue mani danzano sulla tastiera forgiando il suono in pura poesia. Grazie.

[@ricardotoledo8834]

Simplesmente extraordinário! Quão grandioso é o homem em suas obras. Uma pianista fabulosa, admirável, a quem agradeço por nos proporcionar tal e belíssima interpretação 👏👏👏👏

[@og189]

For me the most beautiful and accomplished fBeethoven 'sonate play by the most inspired of performer , Valentina Lisitsa. Thank you for this jewel.

[@thibomeurkens2296]

This piece is sometimes played way to fast but of course Valentina plays it perfectly!

[@nestorsuarez61]

Un aporte invaluable para la historia de la música y del arte, gracias a todos los que hacen posible este tipo de difusiones, gracias querida Valentina, tu aporte es maravilloso, el genio del Maestro es eterno, sus obras son frenéticas inspiraciones; el cuerpo del Maestro descansa, sus obras plenas de vida lo recuerdan.

[@jose44597]

Excellent, what a beautiful offering for my ears this weekend! Thank you very much, nice lady, God bless you.

[@FakeItalianoII]

Valentina, I've heard Waldstein many, many times and you just made it "new" for me, Like I'm hearing it for the first time. Your interpretation is the best I've heard so far and not soon to be forgotten. Another one I remember is your interpretation of Fur Elise in Seoul a few years ago. Now when I hear that song I remember "Valentina", not "Beethoven". Above and beyond your undisputed skill, talent and sensibility I just want to thank you for being what you are. Thank you for being one more ray of light, through your personality and music, in this mad, mad world we live in. You are one of the people that make it more tolerable.

[@matthewv789]

You may like Annie Fischer's also, a very special (and overlooked) performance.

[@GianfrancoCavallaro]

...the C (or B) key that in the end remains raised ... it is exceptional !!! It is the sign that the piano has also enjoyed and that it is stunned in the end ... !!!

[@julieorton5418]

Me too! She plays with great emotion and authority.

[@didatticapianistica]

Imparagonabile! unica! tecnica formidabile e tocco magnifico!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Patrick-xm9hp]

You'r still the worldwide Best pianist Lady - thank you so much Valentina - Victory to Russia 🐻

[@tranquillity_base]

Mamma mia che classe! Semplicemente ipnotico! Cara Signora Lisitsa, faccio vedere i suoi video a mia figlia di 4 anni. Vorrei tanto che diventi una pianista superba come lei, un giorno. Grazie!

[@lydiamicheli5833]

Wow, goosebumps all over, from the top to my toes!

[@franceboutour358]

Je suis une fan inconditionnelle, quelle fantastique pianiste!

[@Desireyso58]

God made You for a porpouse. Thank God You found it. I thank You for give us the pleasure of your TALENTED Hands. La Divina VALENTINA! VALENTINA Forever!!!

[@benoize]

I so enjoy the voicing in the left hand at around 3:30... you usually don't hear that clearly. Well done, Ms Lisitsa!

[@gookymofo]

This is the best performance so far. She plays it so well and keeps the rhythm so perfectly. Horowitz would be so impressed.

[@matthewv789]

Also don't miss Annie Fischer! A very special (and overlooked) performance.

[@parnokparnok5123]

Прямо счастье Вас слушать ! Огромное спасибо - Merci !

[@gabrieleruffini4884]

Unforgettable....BRAVISSIMA Valentina! In this sonata you have reached the top for beauty, expressivity, style (and the cycle of sonatas is not finished!!)

[@hwh1946]

She is a fabulous pianist. Looks like homemade videos. She is truly a major talent. I have listened to a number of recordings on youtube. I will be teaching a class on Beethoven this fall and she is definitely part of it.

[@simartristao314]

❤ Bravíssimo ❤ Bravíssimo ❤ Bravíssimo ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mjai3]

It's one of the most my favorite art. Thanks for showing us wonderful performance Valentina✨ I really appreciate you from Japan🇯🇵:)

[@Florixification]

This piece is faaaaaar beyond my skill and just amazing to watch. Then the 15 minute mark passed. I now have a new dream and inspiration as to where I want to get on piano. This piece is crazy good.

[@donaldcrawfordiii554]

I’am so happy to have found this! Always enjoy! Thankyou so much!

Miss Lisitsa, a Princess from Piano. ❤💛🧡

[@CorvetteAustin24]

Flawless. Effortless to listen to. Fantastic!

[@Highinsight7]

EXTRAORDINARY LADY... EXTRAORDINARY pianist... my favorite pianist of this time... with a few exceptions...

[@tylersakow8587]

The Waldstein sonata is one of my absolute favorites. Thank you Valentina for giving us the many emotions and ideas that are present. It’s always a joy to listen :)

[@yuzikraritet2674]

Еххх как бы забыть всю вонючую попсу и прочую дрянь и забить мозг такими шедеврами ? Бетховен безумный гений , Лисица виртуозная пианистка , спасибо тебе большое за такое наслаждение ,

[@m.calloway2624]

Thank you so much. A triumph on all counts - - technical and interpretive. One can hear everything, in even the most rapid, convoluted runs. Every passage is played well on its own plus builfds the greater dramatic and artistic impact. It takes its time when needed but never lags or lets down. Plus, it absolutely sings. This is tops.

[@kenoliver8913]

A beautiful rendition of my favourite Beethoven sonata. And that transition to the Rondo still moves me every time - a wonderful musical moment.

[@paul-x8i]

Listening and watching Valentina play Waldstein is fun!!

[@igorhatesyouall7146]

Как же прекрасно! Спасибо!

[@sakuntalabasu1493]

A veritable storm raged in my emotions as I listened to your glorious interpretation of the Waldstein. Whether in the slow introspective moments or the flamboyant trills, runs and chords, the balance was so right. Although we're supposed to listen only with all our attention, yet we can't deny the scene in front of our eyes. The sets used in this series have charmed me from the first and filming the Waldstein in stark black and white only enhanced the experience. It's without the ceremoniousness of the concert hall, without the informality of a home alone concert, yet this approach lets us viewers get so close up to watch your technique without intruding into your personal space. The very best experience of all, many thanks and take care. Best wishes from Sakuntala Basu

[@kf31paris]

Just AMAZING !!!

[@sakuntalabasu1493]

@@kf31paris absolutely

[@christopherherman8994]

I love the Waldstein sonata, you played it awesome Valentina.

[@lovemase_]

19:53 this part is my favourite 💕🫶🏻

[@bert2278]

Magnifique version! Une merveilleuse conduite mélodique, des sonorités extraordinaires, des rythmes vivants et authentiques... En plus, Valentina ne triche pas avec les gammes en octaves de la fin, très difficiles à une main, ce qui est rare chez les pianistes (dont moi 😒). Une des meilleures interprétations, à mon avis.

[@dafyliz]

I see Valentina Lisitsa, I click.

[@alvarito45]

Great Valentina, really great. Love your tempi in all movements: are exactly what the score demands, deserves and requires. Last movement sent me to the outpace... So absolutely perfect. Спасибо!

[@seancurtin5131]

WOW Valentina. I've listened to approximately 30 different recordings of Waldstein and you hit all the wonderful aspects I can think of when this piece is played and more. Absolutely loved your performance and your playing is 2nd to none. ROCK ON!!!! Beethoven for me has always been a grossly over rated composer and I prefer Tchaikovsky(so thrilled to note you have a complete piano recordings and I'll be rushing out to buy that now), Vivaldi, Hayden, Chopin, List, Strauss and Grieg for starters. However with piano sonata #21 Waldstein, Beethoven utterly floored me and during the Adagio molto in F major, I get (and still get) visions and memories of my old friend Baron the Daschund dog running through the fields on my grand parents farm. I can listen to it from start to finish over and over and it's an absolute gem of musical composition and just a wonderful piece of music in general. Keep the confounded 5th Symphony, please spare me the horrible moonlight sonata that way to many people insist on playing etc, Waldstein is a true musical masterpiece in every sense of the word and should be played a lot more often than it does.(In all fairness it's not an easy piece to learn and that's another wonderful tribute to you for learning it by heart like that, it really does come out in the confidence of your performance and shines with passion and a true love for the music. You really do it justice. So thank you ever so much for giving it a stunning performance such as this and for sharing it, I can feel and share the enjoyment you get from this wonderful music.

[@wrassmussen]

In my humble opinion, no pianist does justice to Beethoven compositions like Ms. Lisitsa.

[@markswanson549]

wrassmussen not since the great Claudio Arrau!

[@wrassmussen]

@@markswanson549 Yes, you are correct, Mr. Arrau does justice to Beethoven themes and he is the only other pianist, aside from Ms. Lisitsa, that does this (in my opinion). What gets me is that I have recently been viewing videos of Mr. Arrau and I can actually see how this man could easily be one of Ms. Lisitsa's influences. The hand techniques and the emotion that are evident in Ms. Lisitsa's performances can be easily associated with Mr. Arrau.

[@6ftofmisery636]

Martha argerich is the greatest pianist alive. She plays waldstein better IMO

[@kf31paris]

@@markswanson549 Tremendous MR ARRAU

[@matthewv789]

In this sonata you should also hear Annie Fischer, which is a very special performance. I am also generally liking Boris Giltburg's new videos (though the sound isn't as spectacular as Valentina's).

[@lilyadmitr1088]

Nice performance, I liked it. For those who like bright piano & slightly quicker performance I recommend Ronald Brautigam: great performance with amazing dynamics. Their both performances are quite unique. Thank you, Valentina ❤

[@TJMalana]

My favorite part of the Sonata was at 19:40 to 20:48. It was so elegant as your hands were caressing over the piano. I kept rewinding that part over and over and over again. I recognized this movement from your December 8th 2019 video from when you first announced you were going to post all 32 Beethoven Sonatas.

[@rhiotvargasrojas9014]

indescriptible emoción de observar, escuchar y apreciar el talento interpretativo de Valentina Lisitsa. El Universo social nos permite acercarnos a tan hermosa musicanta.

[@mrwaterghost]

Absolute pure beauty. Oh shoot, let me do that period thing to make it more impactful: "Absolute. Pure. Beauty."

[@LuluBodhi]

This is the prettiest, most magnificent performance of this sonata I have ever heard. Thank you.

[@matthewv789]

You should hear Annie Fischer also, a very special (and overlooked) performance.

[@josefnicholson1516]

Most favourite interpretation by far, can't thank you enough. From Liverpool :)

[@dsoworks501]

I think this is one of the only times I have heard the Waldstein sonata played without over the pedaling which is done by so many other concert pianists. Of course, you have to have a fabulous technique and incredible precision to play without a lot of pedaling. Her rendition is professional, enjoyable and musical.

[@matthewv789]

Boris Giltburg's new video doesn't sound too over-pedaled (though the sound isn't as spectacular as this video). I also love Annie Fischer in this sonata.

[@MrJorgeseijo]

Unforgettable....BRAVISSIMA Valentina!