Borge, Victor - Clair De Lune

[@martha4747]

Sixty-five years ago I babysat for a family who loved Classical music. I happen to hear clair de lune one day. I was enchanted and totally immersed in this beautiful song. Of all the classics clair de lune has got to be the most beautiful piece of music ever written. There’s also a version of clair de lune with Jesus loves me. I cry every time I hear it. Thank you Mr. Borge your special gift and sharing this magnificent piece.

[@ednewton6875]

"There Are Only Two Truly Beautiful Piano Pieces....One Is Clair De Lune And The Other Isn't" Victor Borge

[@jazzmaan707]

WOW! I've seen Victor for 30 years as a comic pianist, and had no idea he could play this beautiful. I was deeply touched, as I'm familiar with this piece of classical music.

[@nancydemoss2945]

He was a serious clown.

[@Donato-nj4xt]

Buonasera, mi chiamo Donato e ti scrivo dall'italia... Per quanto riguarda il Maestro Borge devo menzionare un particolare che è alla base del suo successo !!! Dopo aver conseguito il Conservatorio musicale, il maestro si trasferì con la famiglia in Repubblica allora Cecoslovacco ancora sotto l'ombrello sovietico andando a perfezionare in uno dei Conservatori più rinomati al mondo, ed avendo maestri e direttori d'orchestra sia Cecoslovacchia che russi ha trovato quello che un domani sarebbe stato l'altro lato della sua vita.... L'UMORISMO !!! Come nasce? Quel studiare ed avere orari stabiliti, dal momento che quel Conservatorio funzionava da collage, Seri, puntuali, tutto perfetto e serio, non una battuta tra amici, niente risate, professori tutti di un pezzo, rispetto della scala gerarchica ecc ecc, se poi ci mettiamo il contesto storico e politico di quegli anni che sono il 52/55 pressoché, ti dà un idea del clima.... Ed è proprio in quel contesto che nasce il genio, quello che non si è mai visto prima e che poi il pubblico ha apprezzato nel tempo... Nessuno più come lui, hanno cercato di imitarlo, ma il genio è sregolatezza é difficile da imitare... Ci si nasce così o si diventa... Niente è programmato... Ecco perché manca così tanto a distanza di 30 o 70 anni.... Come Pele' come Mozart, come Raffaello ... Ciao

[@Cleveshields1953]

these videos of Mr. Borge bring wonderful memories of watching on TV when i was a boy. He was a rare talent.

[@davidwolf226]

We so often forget that aside from Mr. Borge's skills as a humorist/comedian, that he was first and foremost a fantastic classical pianist. God bless you and your memory, Victor Borge.

[@jeanettestilwell2369]

Hello how are you doing David. I trust you are safe and in good health. I'm looking for new friend OK!

[@JustFiddler]

yes he is....

[@gailwebb9619]

Agree. People forget that he did his comedy routines....same with Liberace. People forgot how talented his was playing the piano. I love them both. Hope they are entertaining everyone up in Heaven now....

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Gods are fictional.

[@Sweendogization]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray don’t continue to suffer. Be a man. Talk to someone. Pay for it.

[@craigcorson3036]

When Victor Borge died, the world lost a great humorist, AND a great pianist. Of all deceased entertainers, I think that I miss him most.

[@JHam-vw7rr]

14,7 Milliarden Jahre haben sich gelohnt zu warten um diesen wunderbaren Menschen zu erleben 🥰

[@joemeehan9329]

He would play this at all of his concerts, just to remind you that he could be doing something else. Instead, he made us laugh and enjoy music in a way no one else has. Victor Borge was a gift to us all. He once said that once he heard the laughter, he knew his calling. I still enjoy him to this day.

[@henryhorner3182]

In all fairness and honesty, Andre Rieu has also done a great deal to make classical music appeal to the masses with his own showmanship.

[@slatibaadfast]

Over the decades on television, on video and on the internet, this is the only piece I can recall he was serious.

[@JasonWeakley]

This is one of the most beautiful versions of Clair de lune

[@marybrunner1058]

I got to hear Mr. Borge play this in person in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Oscar Meyer Theatre when I was in college.

[@ricturner_songs]

I'd have to agree...rivaled only by Larry Adler's version from the MGM picture Music for Millions. Both versions bring tears.

[@flamingomonkey]

This version specifically has gotten me through some rough times 🥺

[@valeriehilen2875]

Michelangeli.

[@claudiapessoa7787]

Wow! ​@@marybrunner1058

[@charlesnoble7470]

My mom played this as I was just beginning to walk. This piece has a heartfelt effect and I am now 58 years old. Wow!!

[@usaeu11]

How’s the walking coming along?

[@justinpeel3245]

Greetings... Take a look at the words I put to Claire de Lune in the comments above...

[@rick3514]

Yep, I remember my mother playing this when I was very young. Clair De Lune Is my favorite piano tune. She also said touch is the key. She taught piano and tried to teach men when I was young, but I was not interested then. I am now 71 and I wish I had been.

[@JustFiddler]

😇

[@eddiepeacock664]

A VM

[@ChrisKogos]

For those of you who don't know, if you attend a piano concert you are required by law to cough as loud as you can.

[@Superstarlight867530]

Chris Kogos - I was just wondering whether he was playing for the bronchitis ward...

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Chris Kogos - Oh dang. Thanks for that helpful information. I'll be too afraid now to complain. S. Rombough

[@SpectorTippy]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@deloresflasck2406]

@@selfmadepianist 9

[@draykos]

Imagine if people coughed like that in 2020/2021

[@robertlafnear7034]

This number is pure magic...... played by one of the best !

[@danielfairweather9229]

I've just played this and with a huge lump in my throat heard my 4 year old daughter say "I love you daddy" before drifting away into sleep. Mr Borge, I cannot begin to thank you enough for your gift of music to the world. Your wonderful sense of humour and well as your beautiful music is something I'll never forget.

[@1193joao]

Beautiful comment. Thank you!

[@lere1201]

Debussy.

[@marthahollier6747]

My favotite version of this famous piece! there is energy and life in Mr. Borge's interpretation but still the clarity of moon light..

[@wildeyedfirebrand]

I am not usually an emotional person; I had the pleasure when I was a child of seeing him perform live. I'll never forget that. Mr. Borge is by far my favourite pianist. He helped introduce me to classical music...and now that I'm older I really know what a gift I was given. Beautiful.

[@johnclarkwillcox516]

This ... is how it's done, and I think Debussy would agree.

[@alerionhawke5398]

"I only know two pieces; One is 'Claire De Lune' and the other one isn't." - Victor Børge

[@Michelle-7887]

Excellent !

[@gagarinforeva9523]

Какая феерическая чушь!😯

[@gailwebb9619]

He was always such a showman as well as a very talented musician.

[@marywitk]

Claire de lune touches my heart like no other piece can and to hear it played by Victor Borga is Magnificent.

[@jacobrudolph6165]

Hahahahahahaha this was seriously a laugh out loud and also very relatable

[@randilevson9547]

This is the best performance and arrangement of 'Clair de Lune' that I have ever heard. The orchestra plays so understatedly, and gently under Mr. Borge's brilliant piano artistry, so that every note he plays just flows with emotion. Mr. Borge also had a wickedly wild sense of humour. I particularly love "Phonetic Punctuation." Thank you, sir, for sharing your many gifts with us.

[@paulsherer8496]

This rendition is as close to pure joy as we will ever experience on this earth.

[@elviradonaghy5422]

COULDNT BELIEVE IT! HE PLAYED SERIOUSLY, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. AMEN.

[@connieholthaus957]

Clowning around in heaven to God's amusement...

[@randomfjord1256]

@@connieholthaus957 aren't we all?

[@jfan4reva]

He only told jokes so that he could have money to eat....

[@JustFiddler]

😇

[@TheNorthernMist]

He's gone? O what a loss!

[@truefilm6991]

Wow! Victor Borge of course was a wonderful pianist, but also kudos to the conductor following a very expressive piano performance, keeping the beautiful string arrangement nicely glued to Borge's gorgeous playing!

[@deirdrejames90]

What gifted man.his humour is subtle and truly funny and his playing is quite beautiful.thank you.Dee James. .

[@philhurtado7269]

Even to this day, he is a joy to hear him play and hear his humor that goes with it. July 2024.

[@Sassafras30]

Beautiful, like watching liquid gold flow over a crucible, a river flowing peacefully, a day of sunshine and daisies. I’m so happy to listen.

[@Blackgeoff1]

A perfect performance. It took me awhile before I allowed myself to relax into the music until I realised that he was actually going to play the piece through without turning it into a comedy routine. Beautiful playing.

[@jamesthompson7694]

This was played and my parents' and my wedding. Whomever plays this never captures the same feeling as Victor Borge. The emmaculate humorist and pianist. He has what my family, piano teacher, and jazz choir director call "the touch".

[@aimardom]

Sober performance, deeply respectful, fluid, free from the pianist's ego. Victor plays with his soul. A stripped-down execution, for one of the most sophisticated compositions, most capable of paying homage to the beautiful. Victor at Claude's level.

[@budakbaongsiah]

This might just be the best piano+orchestra Claire de Lune ever. Shame about the diseased audience and the not-so-good quality, but even then Victor Borge & the orchestra's performance still shines through it beautifully like a moonlight.

[@aimardom]

I agree.

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

There's also a variant where it's only Victor Borge ... and a diseased audience : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z56ze2aeopuAa6s

[@budakbaongsiah]

@@Grumpy_old_Boot That one got no orchestra in it, though.

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

@@budakbaongsiah Excatly, I kinda like that. 😀

[@splatula]

Deceased or diseased?

[@mikegross6107]

This brings back so many memories! After my high school graduation in 1955, my mother and I stopped by this shop that had a juke box with this record (of all things). I remember playing it as if it was yesterday (especially hearing it just now). I never have found another juke box with classical records, just waiting for a teenager to become exposed to beautiful, classical music such as this!

[@jeanclaudevierin9176]

IMMENSE. He let us float into his dreamy interpretation, magically.

[@paulofreire7520]

I think this is the first time I heard him play a piece all the way through. Nice! 👍🏻

[@D800Lover]

My Dad knew him, as a concert pianist he was the real deal. He was no Liberace, all flash and no substance. When the Nazis invaded Denmark and later when Børge Rosenbaum was performing a piano reciatel in public, there was Germans in attendance. They were there to listen to this young Danish wonder boy and prodigy, who had been playing piano since he was two and playing public performances from the age of eight, and had came from a grand family of accomplished musicians. Børge Rosenbaum stopped playing for a moment and turned himself to the audience and asked: "How does a dog do a Nazi salute?" The crowd was stunned for a moment. Then Børge answered his own question: "He raises his leg." Stunned silence. Maybe the only time the future Victor Borge did not get a laugh - but it was very funny! My Dad told me the story.

[@c.danjou7343]

The same for me. I knew he is a great piano player, but funny one, not a serious one. Now I can hear his full talent. Thanks mister Borge.

[@paulofreire7520]

That’s a great story! 😃😃😃 Victor Borge was amazing. Im always trying to find new videos from him on KZbin that I haven’t seen yet.

[@sexypianonotes6212]

nice reference

[@robertyu4939]

a real musician can play deep into your heart.

[@craigamey7843]

One of the most perfect renditions of this piece I've ever seen. He was most certainly a great pianist.

[@renaultsimonin9617]

MAGNÎFIQUE!!!!!!!!!’

[@renaultsimonin9617]

❤

[@marcellima2029]

Mr Borge wasn’t just a funny guy but a exquisite pianist.

[@starguy2718]

A funny guy... funny, how?

[@jessturner6886]

@@starguy2718 like a clown? Like he’s here to fuckin’ amuse you?

[@oyvey764]

@@starguy2718 many of his performances are comedic numbers search youtube he is brilliant

[@starguy2718]

Oy Vey: Whoosh!

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

​@@starguy2718 Think before you post, as in Look before you leap and most importantly Seek and ye shall find

[@萩原耕介]

Oh! graceful, graceful, graceful, graceful! whenever I hear him to play this playing with orchestra, I am moved so much. (91yrs.Japanese)

[@kathysmith1843]

Me too ❤

[@karlmadsen3179]

This piece is simply too beautiful to mess with. So so so pretty.

[@gailwebb9619]

All my high school friends thought I was weird because I loved classical music.....and I especially loved Victor Borge and Liberace.....they could really play beautifully but also entertained us with showmanship and humor.

[@davidnuckols8151]

It's too bad we don't have a recording of the dress rehearsal because of the sick audience but the performance is stunning a nd the piano is perfect. Listened too o this ove r and over again. Bravo

[@terryslade6240]

One of the most beautiful pieces of music every written, performed by the incomparable Victor Borge. As close to heaven as one can get....

[@reason2463]

I’m not sure if I love the highest quality cut-up comedian, or the greatest piano virtuoso that I have ever witnessed. It must be both! What a class act! Thank you, Mr. Borge.

[@ארנינהקשתן-פ8ת]

so concurring with you! for me too, he is the greatest pianist I've witnessed. and his comedy, well... thanks for sharing!

[@captainnerd6452]

You have to be serious about your craft to be able to play with it and find humor in it.

[@paulrandig]

First I opened my soul by laughing with Victor Borge. And now he filled it with beauty. Thank you.

[@Wendy08ify]

I love Mr.Borge, great comedian and piano player. He is truly an artist we need more people like him to make this world a better place every day💕💕💕💐

[@mjw0009]

They say that those who can perform comedy do serious drama really well - very true in his case. What a beautiful and poignant performance - reminds me of the skills of so many funny people who switch, just for a moment, to serious and deep, thought provoking delivery.

[@colintyler1405]

He once began to play Liebestraume no. 3 by 'Flizt' and I didn't want him to stop. A wonderful touch on the piano. His comedy was great but his piano playing was superb.

[@allanransby7119]

Borge was a great consert pianist, and ever since he was a child he practised very hard to became good. He really knew how to entertain and combine humor with his great talent. Probably the best ambassador for Denmark. Really a man who deserved respect. He will never be forgotten.

[@kenanderson5240]

I seem to recall that this is the ONLY piece he always played seriously. And he played it perfectly, exquisitely. I saw him in person perhaps five times His twin talents of comedy and music were wonderful gifts. Audiences knew his laugh lines so well they'd laugh before he delivered 'em, so he'd just pause until it quieted down, deliver the line, and the audience would erupt again. We're fortunate to have so much of his stuff available on KZbin!

[@ChrisPBacon-si3mk]

Someone once asked him why he doesn't joke around with Clair De Lune... His response was that the song was perfect the way it was written and he would never dream of changing a single note.

[@poppykoch9085]

I agree. One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written...

[@nancydemoss2945]

This music gives me the chills. So magical. Thank you, Mr. Debussey. Thank you, Mr. Borge. It brings tears to my eyes and a feeling in my heart that I can't describe.

[@JohnSmith-lf9vv]

Superb.A great comedian and made my mum and dad cry.But what a beautiful performance...

[@KZ-vv6qb]

I have so enjoyed any and all of Victor’s music and humor...no one will replace his enormous ability. I will never stop watching his videos.

[@IVIITCH0]

WOW! My Favorite song, my Favorite pianist and my Favorite comedic personality all rolled in one.

[@Tenorgeiger]

It’s not a song.

[@tracytimberlake6588]

Someone give that audience some cough drops.

[@Sophia-ll8pb]

Tracy Timberlake omg

[@arielsea9087]

I hear cough cough cough

[@thai12]

please!

[@robertyu4939]

it is normal, take it easy, it's just coughing, better than phone ring and key or coin drops.

[@otto7848]

Those coughs are more audible than the piano

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Thank you for this wonderful video of the immensely talented Victor Borge playing the transcendent Claire de Lune.

[@thomashanks3255]

Hello how are you doing. I trust you are safe and in good health. I'm looking for new friend OK! God bless you 😊

[@Ivor49]

His Interpretation is very different from the other musicians, instead of playing in romantic context he plays it classically and all of a sudden it had much more meaning, He did a fantastic Job.

[@ioukiwaora3744]

Listen to Jean-Efflam Bavouzet for another very classical-like and insightful interpretation ;) (Debussy Complete Works for Piano on Chandos Records. A must-have!)

[@davemckillop1155]

I miss the Master of his art! Amazing pianist and no one can pull off the straight faced hilarity that would bring down the house, as he did. Rest easy wonderful soul. You are missed!

[@mariotscott-kiwi]

Victor Borge playing Clare de lune is just so sublime. A true virtuoso.

[@jax5t7]

What a beautiful soul he was, He could make us laugh and then tear up at his masterful piano prowess. Truly one in a million stars that will light up our lives. Rest in peace you wonderful man, and Thank you.

[@thejfktheorist1122]

I could listen to this for hours! The piano along with the soft touch of the orchestra makes it perfect!

[@arcar66]

so lovely, i had to do an encore...remember this so well from my childhood. what a talent, what a great human being.....

[@janedawson335]

I was very privileged to see Mr. Borge perform live - I was a child but I have never forgotten how wonderful he was

[@jeffj2495]

Me too, I was only 18 years old. My Mom bought tickets for me and a friend. I didn't know who he was. Now, decades later, my Mom is gone. But I have that marvelous memory of his performance to remember him (and my mother) by.

[@samthomas302]

He started his career as a sarcastic pianist and ended as a humoristic pianist...... He sure knows how to PLAY the piano..... #RIP victor borge😌

[@paulsherer8496]

Every musician ever born, has always been in search of the lost chord. Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” is as perfect as we might ever find in this lifetime, or here on Earth! Victor Borge’s performance of this masterpiece is without peer! His soul is infused within this song; i am in total awe. Whenever i need a shot of pure joy, it’s this song and his performance. This music is why God created us!

[@ralphmcwilliams4079]

And here I find Mr. Borge doing one of the finest renditions of Clare De Lune that I have ever heard... and I look for it a lot. My favorite piece of all time... and there are others by De Busey that all should hear. Thanks Mr Borge !!

[@bethgibbs2784]

I totally agree! It is my favorite as well.

[@joellefelix1926]

Miss you so much, Mr. Borge 💔

[@Mindaro]

May I speak my heart 💓 His humor has so much humanity and gentle kindness. You feel the great goodwill that he extends. Knowing that, listening to this divine touch of music left me reaching for a word. Quality,

[@HappyHands.]

Even with distorted audio.... still amazing!! I do believe this piano piece is the closest of any have to perfection.

[@javster4138]

We miss u❤

[@jimronsivalli1675]

The serious side of Victor truly an accomplished pianist.

[@its4it]

Yes. Nice to see him become serious for a change.

[@drbettyschueler3235]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I adore Victor Borge but never heard him play a complete piece in all the years I watched him play on various TV shows and in televised concerts. This was a real treat I shall save and treasure.

[@fiberfancies]

Heart-meltingly beautiful! Wow!

[@desertlillie9659]

My heart swells and tears are brought to my eyes. Such an extraordinarily talented man, playing the most amazingly masterful piece of music ever written. I shudder to think of why anyone would dislike this performance. I hope that I will be able to witness Mr. Borge playing this when it’s my turn to return home to Heaven.

[@harrytaint3089]

Me too, I loved this version 😍

[@Michelle-7887]

Oh ! I am overjoyed ! Such a beautiful music makes me cry. Thank you Mr Borge.

[@peterfrancis7999]

My parents took me to see Victor in concert when I was around 10 years old. I'll never forget it! What a master pianist - and someone with great humor!

[@bluefluke7585]

This is my all time favorite Victor Borge performance. Beautiful.

[@carl9ooofr]

la meilleure version pour moi et elle me tire des larmes d'émotion à chaque fois

[@meroukou7119]

Une oeuvre magnifique qui nous rappelle des moments magiques de soirs d'été sous la lumière bleutée de la lune à rêver d'un monde meilleur, en ces temps difficiles ! C'est comme une prière, amen !

[@lelaarneson3147]

Such a dear man! And played this to perfection. No added superfluity! Just shear beauty!

[@idleonlooker1078]

That was the longest 5mins ever!! Because his music is so enrapturing!! There won't ever be another Victor Borge!! Bravo!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@nrs6956]

Simply sublime beauty! Thank you.

[@jackbriggs1048]

Thank-you for Victor's life, Heavenly Father. What a blessing from you. Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of Lights.

[@bradhills8970]

I'm sure Mr. Borge is doing well.

[@michaelroselius9848]

Wow! So nice to hear something played by Mr. Borge straight through. Very beautiful. Thank you.

[@OldManMontgomery]

I remember when Mr. Borge had dark hair. I always enjoyed him. Both as a comedian and as a pianist. I still miss him.

[@hillaryhollins667]

I fell completely under Mr. borga's most exquisite spell, heart in my throat never has anyone played that piece so beautifully! Yes you were one of a kind! My thank you is not enough!

[@ארנינהקשתן-פ8ת]

totally agree!!!!

[@minhtrungle9117]

As a commentator on the deleted video said and I paraphrased: "Victor Borge's performance of Clair de Lune is one of only time, who in his entire career of stand-up comedy, I've seen him played seriously. There are pieces you just cannot disrespect."

[@kenc_sr.8857]

Words Cannot describe how much enjoy watching Mr. Borge. What a wonderful and exceptional person and entertainer!!!

[@suzieque4438]

My father would laugh so hard at VB's antics, he would get breathless. A wonderful memory. Victor Borge and my father's laughter.

[@giuseppegambino3514]

Bravo,,,Grande Maestro,,,non solo nella musica seria ,,,ma anche un insegnamento di vita ,,di tutti i giorni,,,,. GRAZIE,,,,,,,,,

[@ffggddss]

Master of comedic music; master of seriously beautiful music. = Victor Borge I feel privileged to have lived for some of the same years he did. Fred

[@carl9ooofr]

I have the same feeling too

[@xJackkHD]

Can’t decide what’s better, victors jokes or his talent playing the piano. He is a masterpiece and I am gutted I could never see his talent with my own eyes. What an amazing man

[@ruawhitepaw]

Why not both? This is as beautiful as his jokes are funny. I'm glad it's not either or. :)

[@xJackkHD]

That’s what I mean, I can’t pick one over the other. His talent just blows me away. What a man

[@pawspetfoundation7161]

Simply phenomenal Artist. We wish we could have had the chance to be at one of his magnificent concerts! The Legacy Victor so happily left to all of us of Joy in Music is priceless! We cannot stop watching all of his performances and we just wish that he would still be here with us!

[@freedomofspeech2238]

All pros on the stage. What a great example for the youth. Tops at their craft at every string of the show. Thank you

[@poppykoch9085]

This songs always moves me to tears and gives me goosebumps and when someone with the talent of VB plays it, it is perfection.

[@LK-vy7jh]

One of the all time greats, Victor Borge was a genius.

[@hijodelaisla275]

Wonderful sensitivity in this performance.

[@jimargue4768]

Truly, one of the most talented players ever. He made his living making us laugh, but he lived his life playing such beautiful music. It's great to see how talented he really was Thank you.

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

He does know something all the way through!

[@margotblanchette3767]

One of my favourite pieces. Good to hear Victor play through Clair de lune, instead of his usual clowning around.

[@nashpiano.7295]

I’ve played piano for a couple of years now and I never really took it seriously but thanks to this man I now can play this song and I wish he was still hear to delight us with his amazing skills.

[@hittitecharioteer]

Loved EVERYTHING this gentleman ever did. What a gift to humankind.

[@4adgray2]

My favourite track of all - of all the music I listen to, all the tracks over time, THIS is Perfection! Thank you for sharing! 💖

[@thomashanks3255]

Hello how are you doing. I trust you are safe and in good health. I'm looking for new friend OK! God bless you 😊

[@alaskanfrogman]

This singular piece of music was my late Dad's absolute favorite. I don't know if he ever heard Sir Victor Borge's rendition, but if he did, I know without reservation, this would have been his favorite version. He loved Victor Borge's wit, comedic gift, but most of all, his incredible classical musical gift of piano...