Chopin Ballade No.1, Op.23 G Minor Valentina Lisitsa

[@poshbdh3457]

Ballade no 1 and 4 are some of the best pieces ever written.

[@Rinnegan127]

Totally agree

[@Rinnegan127]

@@worstpianist3985 yeah, actually, 1st Ballade is Chopin's favourite piece.

[@Rinnegan127]

@@worstpianist3985 Yeah, mine is Etude Op.25 No.5. I dunno why, but that piece sounds amazing to me... 1st Ballade would be the second!

[@LightLucky]

2 nd ballade is beautifull too

[@hansdekorver7365]

@@worstpianist3985 Opus 10 no. 3 is also very famous , even as a song ( Carreras , Hermann Prey etc. etc. )

[@salimelsayegh]

6:48-6:53 is literally smoother than a knife gliding through warm butter

[@robertimmanuel577]

Terrific

[@nicolaspachecoarango]

Are you a poet?

[@kylelandry]

So glad you finally recorded this!!!!

[@XavierBergeron]

+kylelandry 'ello :3

[@djcpianist]

now it's your turn Kyle ;)

[@imVampZz]

+kylelandry I wonder if Kyles version would beat hers, itll be hard though because this is one of the best yet for me. Easy and steady when it has to be yet lethal when things turn ugly

[@bloodborne_pc_2025]

When will we hear your version?

[@SeansPiano]

I personally like her interpretation of this piece better than a lot of other pianists. She's really into it and it makes this piece very elegant. One thing I noticed is that at the end I would prefer a stronger contrast, but really good performance. I'm thinking about learning this, but it looks really complicated. I'm currently attempting La Campanella and I recorded my progress. Wonder how long it will take me to master it...

[@dpetrano]

I've never seen anyone brush stroke the keys like this woman so incredibly does. I've struggled w/ this piece for over 50 years. I feel so grateful to see her play this.

[@dwacheopus]

check kassia, she is really good

[@nyathew]

my friend kevin is better

[@OctoPlaysPiano]

@@dwacheopus not as good as this

[@dwacheopus]

@@OctoPlaysPiano martha is still better

[@wsp912]

Russian school of playing ❤

[@sergioalcoleamolero969]

Me pregunto qué sentiría el propio Chopin si hubiera podido trasladarse en el tiempo y contemplar ahora cuanto nos ha penetrado su música y cuan preciosamente algunas privilegiadas intérpretes nos traspasan con su música y nos hacen viajar atrás en tiempo hasta él...... Valentina, eres lo más. Gracias mil.

[@EreZm1]

I was suspicious, and then....... She made me tear... Played with such originality, never heard choices like she made before..... I love your music! Thank you for sharing your work with your audience here on KZbin constantly. People like you inspire so much that it surpasses your own art and craft, As a ballet dancer I can learn so much from how you express and work on your music.... Thank you

[@felizianosole896]

😳

[@elizabethavolck7784]

This is the first piece she played that i disliked her way over interpretation. She was more of a purest in all the pieces i have heard her play.

[@ぷぅ-u6z]

😮

[@davidhead7725]

Valentina, to my ear, has the most moving interpretation of classical music that I have ever heard .

[@sadeqmuqibel]

8:45 that speed is really terrifying!

[@deepcosco]

Imho too fast

[@osmanaligiire9811]

@@deepcosco no

[@lantusinfluencer]

Too fast...i like this piece the way Rousseau plays.

[@cursedimageseveryday5559]

You watched Lang Lang play this right? :D

[@berkekucukyagc3305]

@@osmanaligiire9811 evet hshshs

[@Sleeptech77777]

Beethoven ALWAYS SOUNDS LIKE HE'S GOING TO PUSH SOMEONE OFF A CLIFF. Chopin always sounds like he is the one being pushed,

[@indigonai1565]

lol. smh.. so random

[@Sleeptech77777]

And true.

[@thegreenpianist7683]

And Mozart sounds like the angel with Beethoven trying to convince him to stop with his happy music and Liszt sounds like the Demon urging him with his devilish music lol

[@samuellongo9530]

Sandman Your comment is an amazing interpretation!!!

[@ronjadid7118]

Sandman Grini Ahmed and Haydn is the guy standing next to them who is laughing his a** off about this stupid situation.

[@redsoil5821]

Beautiful angel plays beautiful Shopin with so beautiful hands. GOD BLESS YOU VALENTINA.

[@sanchesbq]

Simply perfect.... perfect choice, perfect dynamic, perfect tempo.... Chopin would love it.... Thank you Valentina.

[@pmokhtari]

Clean! The minimization of pedal used in some of the louder portions gives this piece a unique sound. Bravo!

[@standoughope]

I'm no pianist nor expert but even I've been waiting to see her play this particular piece. Amazing job Valentina! I love Chopin but can't listen to his work while attempting to sleep even though I love listening to the piano at night. He was too spastic. One second it's like the loveliest tune and out of nowhere gets crazy loud and fast. It would awaken me almost like Chopin is visiting you from the grave going "awaken to the sound of my genius".

[@TylerLL2112]

Interesting, Chopin seems to be the only one I can sleep to. Usually I fall asleep before it gets chaotic. Sometimes I wake from the chaos but am put right back to sleep by his peaceful music again.

[@Sofronichrist]

Tyler Sofronitsky and Perlemuter forever !

[@teleman07]

It is possible to tame it to your liking when you are playing. That is the best part of chopin, one piece can sound totally different according to who is playing, especially the ballades. Crossing off things to do before I die, I am nearly finished with ballade1 after nearly one year and can definitely say, it brings out something out of your soul which will shape this piece in a unique way that will reflect it. Alas, Valentina here in this video was just flexing and she definitely did not have enough practice to connect certain parts evidenced by certain stops and slow downs that sound like giving soul to a regular listener but in fact are under practiced transitions. Which is further evindenced by the godly dexterity on quick parts, showing where the practice time actually went...

[@danal81]

K

[@No-pm4ss]

This music isn’t meant to sleep to ;)

[@hskay6215]

I really love her story behind this ballade. And I’m sick of people who always compare to others and don’t even try to “listen”.

[@j.cottrell5283]

I was mesmerized the entire time. One of the most gorgeous pieces I think he composed and she plays it so well.

[@legoboy4243]

She plays Chopin differently from many others sounds like a different piece 💯💯 absolutely love it

[@agentmorgan_ny]

You bring Chopin's musical poetry to life...beautiful interpretation Valentina... Pure emotion!!!

[@SantiagoRodriguez-kk4ep]

Valentina, my name is Santiago and I’m from Colombia, I love the way you play, since I was a kid I’ve been following you. Valentina you are the reason and the inspiration why I chose the piano as a part of my life. Never give up, and continue inspiring people from each part of the world. Я очень тебя люблю и к тому же ты очень красивая. God bless you.

[@michaelblackburn1825]

If I could play this piece I would never stop playing piano. Ever. I would be glued to one at all times.

[@vickyk1861]

Valentina you always have something interesting to say and no matter if I like it more or less than other interpretations, you are never boring. Love and appreciation 💐

[@jc9552]

A treat for eyes and ears. I could watch your music videos for hours and completely lose track of time and place.

[@DanielleIngramPiano]

That descending line of the inner voices (played by the thumbs at 4:16 ) is absolutely amazing! I've never heard that come out before in anyone else's playing. Very inspiring, thank you!

[@miguelp384]

True, it would go against Seon's version, but it really is very different (for the better) I think if they could add a little bit of Seon's and Ziermman's version it would be perfect.

[@RafiRaffee]

Finally! I've been looking forward to hearing your rendition on this piece! Magnificent, as always!

[@bobross8097]

RafiRaffee Weeeeeeeeeeeeeb

[@lastbornrelic3430]

This is way too rushed and way too slowed down at all the wrong parts it just ain't even and even If u didn't care bout that its just plain bad

[@bullymaguire6937]

@@lastbornrelic3430 dude chill, there's different interpretations, no need to be like that, did your mom hurt you or what, I feel bad for you and your ears🥺

[@arnoldip6036]

Magnificent

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

So this is how perfection sounds...You are a gift to this world, thank you.

[@dlou3264]

Just an added note from my comment last night . . . I definitely gave this performance a Thumbs UP. Her performances are all awe inspiring. She is absolutely an extension of her piano, and her piano of her. I hope her life is well and happy.

[@sirjoaquin]

I was hearing a violin play through the entire piece, its amazing how she plays, she makes me hear things not even there. Brings me back so many memories of my mom playing the piano. Valentina, you make the piece your own, truly amazing

[@lalicornelover]

Valentina, I' am French and i was in the phillarmony in Paris in Novembre 2016. Il's Wonderfull, continue please.....Merci.

[@anneominous7172]

Legitimately, perhaps the single greatest piece of music ever written. And a marvellous rendition - I've yet to see the coda played with such ferocity (and I've looked). Bravo.

[@TeacherMattVlog]

The Fact that many Famous Piano Vloggers today have watched her play this rendition means that Valentina is the Real GOAT

[@antoniocamargo1683]

Simplesmente divina, sublime, arremata-nos a alma e nos eleva ao sétimo céu. Não tenho palavras para expressar meus sentimentos diante da maestria dessa diva chamada Valentina! Humildemente lhe digo Parabéns!

[@classicalalways]

Continuing her incredible path as the internet's most prolific (and most incredible) living classical pianist, Valentina Lisitsa shares with us a work that hundreds of pianists have played - yet with very much her own artistry from the incredibly sensitive opening to of course her trademark superb virtuosity. One could really argue now that Lisitsa has the largest repertoire of any living pianist just based on her videos alone. Sorry to Hamelin, but a major portion of his reoertoire is in music everyone likes to hear once, but in ten years will be forgotten. For example, has anyone asked about his Chopin/Godowsky Etudes lately? Or his Alkan Symphony? What Valentina gives us is an incredible depth of repertoire suitable for all types of audiences, and that which her fans will be asking for any work from in future concerts for decades. Yet, here we are in the Chopin First Ballade, and it is magniificent - even with an incredible amount of fine pianists who have played it. Bravo Valentina.

[@elboberto7]

+classicalalways Not true at all; I bet Ashekenazy's repertoire is much larger given that he has recorded everything by Chopin, Rachmaninov, and Beethoven as well as a myriad of other works by a huge amount of composers.

[@chaikhaneh]

+elboberto7 Idil Biret's repertoire is gigantic as well.

[@kingjosh1876]

+classicalalways I have listened to Hamelins Alkan recently.

[@TeacherMattVlog]

I have listened to everything, and yet Valentina Stands out, because its a live video recording with the hands and fingers seen, compared to those old traditional note only with recorded sound

[@olivierbolton8683]

I listen to you play often and at some point I always feel tears well up in my eyes, but they are tears of joy. The sound of the piano and your hands on the keys playing the music of such wonderful composers...it amazes me at how much Beauty really exists in this world...Thank you Valentina

[@andyabsent4648]

это просто божественно до мурашек, Валентина. Спасибо.

[@luizdias1190]

Great Valentina, simply the best.

[@georgemarkey973]

The precision of your playing is other-worldly. Absolutely beautiful !

[@hammydon65]

Gorgeous - she understands every nuance of Chopin -a complete joy to listen!

[@thisisnotascreename]

Even when I have had a long day, watching your videos makes me smile. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us, Ms. Lisitsa!

[@derh0828]

這部影片我至少看了200次，實在太好聽，太完美了。

[@jeanyves35800]

Une merveille, cette interprétation de la Ballade 1, dans un tempo pour moi idéal. Quelle sensibilité, quelle maîtrise, quelle respiration, quelle appropriation de l'œuvre. Splendide! ❤👏👏👏

[@colincooper236]

Wow! This was so well done. It almost brought me to tears. I've never heard anyone play this piece so well before.

[@hellcolik7056]

+Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Well, you're not supposed to know this piece in the first place because, you know... you died in 1791 :D

[@colincooper236]

+Hellcolik² you saw nothing....... Got it.

[@osmanaligiire9811]

@@colincooper236 you’re now not Mozart anymore . Curious ??

[@victorbossard8567]

Te pasas Valentina, es la mejor versión sin dudas q escuché de esta obra, muchas gracias por tu interpretación

[@ivansabate7616]

Madre mia... La mejor interpretación de Valentina sin duda. Chopin nunca defrauda. Sublime.

[@pellegeramalho6114]

Valentina: No words to externalize your talent and interpretation! Amazing! Fast or slow? NO!!!!!!!!!!!! simple DIVINE!!!!!

[@RFernandezTeran]

This piece is very, very special to me. The way I imagine it, it relates to the story of two lovers, who discover their feelings and, together, experience true romance and passion. This passion turns very slowly into an argument which ends badly and the sadness is left behind. Shortly after, the two realise how much the really love each other and they learn to fall in love, once more, remembering how it all begun. After this, in another passionate climax, it is revealed that they can't be together, and a big pain flows deep from their souls. In an attempt to make the most out of their time together, they dance and play, until their time to go comes. In the end, with a last passionate kiss they say goodbye. Valentina, you have, once more, brought life to this piece. Thanks for your amazing performance.

[@pianoman19541]

Valentina flows right into the soul. Lovingly all submit to follow notes of the softest touch, then glad to be sweep away in her powerful rush. Her sheer beauty in purple needs no special rings or bling. Valintina's bare hands superpower is ... "Captivating." Valentina, I love this performance. Thank you for posting this amazing work.

[@contratenor1980]

This is very different from the most renditions I heard. Very rubato but I absolutely love it and you have underlined some nice counterparts that a lot of other pianists don't do. Bravissima!

[@kriteon]

This is so amazing. I love the detail we are getting from this new video. I love the close ups of your hands!!

[@Clamchucker]

I will remark outside of this performance (perfect in every way - so much for outside). The lavender dress - lavender is my wife's favorite color. It only adds to the performance in my eyes (regardless of how blind I may be . . .). I just love Chopin so much, and you do him honor in the most proficient way. I do not wish to weary you, but there is no other way of thanking you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@DavidTaylor-ue6vk]

I never ceased to be amazed at the beautiful tone you extract from your playing, dear Valentina x

[@danielselvon]

You are just great, fantastic, amazing, wonderful, talented etc.....thank you for sharing !

[@taoyezhang868]

Yes, I will use Chopin Op.23 this piece to make our students concert, yours' version are very fantastic and I learn about that ! the details.

[@Rachmanfan4life]

Valentina’s performance here shows you her true range as a pianist… She is not known for playing Chopin pieces… her ability to give such a singing quality to this piece while remaining true to the score is really really something… This is a great pianist

[@kevingrabowski6010]

I would just like to say, Valentina, as an amateur pianist, sometimes I find myself saying that if a keep practicing a piece that I can be as good as this professional or that professional. But there are a select few professionals that I can say with certainty I will never have any hope of surpassing in my lifetime. You are one of them. Your precision and touch are unparalleled. What a fantastic Interpretation of this piece! I am in awe

[@TeacherMattVlog]

I played this piece by heart & yet I could not perfect the precision that she played on the ending part lol

[@abrahamfigueroa63]

So... INCREDIBLE You are the best pianist, I loved this piece. Chopin + You = Beautiful music.

[@ericboero]

Che meravigliosa interpretazione! Da brividi! Valentina you are always the best!

[@ericboero]

Thank you very much

[@VetalGreed]

В последнее время не часто получается послушать классическую музыку, спасибо за эти прекрасные минуты)

[@luizaugustomeirellessalgad5996]

Simply wonderful, a true revelation, dear Valentina ! Bravissima !

[@tecsonics]

Impossible to listen to this sensitive rendition of this piece and not be taken to the riveting scene in the film. This music captures the anguish, sorrow and unspeakableness of the war.

[@e.j.breider9957]

I LOVE watching this lady play ! She's in her own world. Her accents and changes of pace reflect her marvelous state of being. I always thought Horowitz and Rubenstein could never be matched. I was wrong.

[@NunoOsswald]

Beautiful interpretation. Thank you. You just made my day a better day.

[@НатальяДорохова-з5б]

The ballad in g minor - a work in which Frederick Chopin heroically and tragically illuminates the fate of his country and people - is the greatest creative legacy of the Polish composer. . .We were all fortunate enough to listen to this global piece performed by a unique pianist - Valentina Lisitsa, who possesses brilliant technique - this is a refined skill and an amazing sense of form. . .

[@seongtaek84]

Born to play the piano.

[@artifex989]

What an interpretation! It's superb & I just love it! @ValentinaLisitsa We'd love to have you in Colombia someday.

[@pic4315]

9:53 the accuracy to delay those notes and make it sound so... perfectly crafted... wow

[@etruscie]

What a riveting and inspirational performance of this great work of art! Valentina gets everything right. Who knew blondes were so profoundly intelligent!

[@amandafoley5783]

goodness, i just love her talent and musicality. it's so inspiring! this is BEAUTIFULLY played!

[@dlm5505]

Yay! One of my favorite pianists plays one of my favorite songs! Thank you, Valentina!!

[@Thiago-px9ev]

Ohh Valentina, the way you played the left hand part of the coda was amazing! Sooo clear and precise, I absolutely LOVED it! Never heard like that before

[@hanaohanada4425]

I was impressed by the wonderful performances. The early part of the second half tempo was goose bumps.

[@GnomicMaster]

Several gifted pianists (alive or dead) have impressed me over the decades, but Horowitz has always been the God of the piano. And then along came Lisitsa and I am convinced she is the reincarnation of Horowitz. She's simply brilliant on the ivories in every way. Ah yes, and I was deeply saddened when Horowitz's fingers were silenced forever, but now they've been resurrected in Valentina's fingers. She's transcendent.

[@KuznVinny]

I love Chopin and I love your playing. You "get it right" for me. You seem so in-tune with what I imagine Chopin to be. Thank you.

[@GiffyMcgee]

You can tell that she really lives for the major parts of the pieces as opposed to the minor, the music feels a bit choked and staccato in the beginning and ending minor sections, but during the major midsection the music sort of takes flight and she really makes the song her own. Just my two cents.

[@JorDay0828]

agreed

[@BudhaXIII]

Giffy_Mcgee To live for the minor parts, one has to suffer a lot in life...

[@frozenmusicmaker]

Observing through joyous tears that absolute mastery has rarely sounded and looked so beautiful.

[@Leonid1051]

Virtuoso and impressive performance. Slow start and fast and resolute middle and finish. My congratulations.

[@robertkukuczka2273]

Superowo zagrane. Jestem dumny ze nie Polka potrafi tak cudownie zagrac polska muzyke Chopina. Bóg zapłac. Alleluja.

[@pookz3067]

Wow, this performance is at the same time unique and faithful to the feeling of the piece. This is my favorite piece-I play it all of the time for myself and have listened to and studied every recording of it I can find. It’s very hard to contribute any new interpretive ideas to this piece in a way that still feels organic. Very impressed by this performance.

[@victorvelez57]

Esta particular interpretación de Valentina, hace que esta obra de Chopin nos transporte hasta el alma del mismo compositor. Gracias,

[@danielastanimirova1386]

Vous êtes une Déesse Mme Lisitza Merci pour l'énorme plaisir que vous nous procurez :))))

[@julestartatin7899]

Daniela Stanimirova euhhhh

[@manuelbes]

Y'a pas de z, Lisztophile

[@johnstevens8168]

I thank God for having the opportunity to hear you playing these great masterpieces. May God bless you tremendously in all your endeavors and fill you with love. John 3-24-1953

[@DrMephistopheles]

Bravo! I knew if you ever did perform this, you would do the most insane coda out there, and here it is. Hoping any chopin piano concerto/sonata would be next in the future.

[@catkeys6911]

The expression and feel are so perfect here in this performance. Just watch those hands and their delicate (yet strong), flowing motion- this Valentina is one incredibly graceful creature. I think she started playing at age 3 (I think I was just starting to get the hang of walking at that age, myself).

[@tereer8847]

I was almost in tears while traveling in a bus. Thank you.

[@KristaRasmussen]

I cry everytime I watch this . Hoping you’ll play this tomorrow 🤞🏻🤞🏻❤

[@nate7418]

I haven’t always been the biggest fan of your style, mainly because I felt that you played too arrogantly, and yet when you played the piano piece that I hold dearest to me, you played in a very reserved way, and only put your real energy into the climax, and I loved the result! Thank you for exceeding the wrongfully critical image I put you into!

[@sirsynth225]

Live (in Aachen), on KZbin, on CD... it is ALWAYS a pleasure to listen to your music! Bravo and Thank you!

[@sakigysp3755]

que gran pianista me sorprendió muchísimo todo ese esfuerzo ella es genial!!!

[@xxcnd83xx]

This totally made my day!!! So beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@chipesh]

Valentina, your playing of the the magnificent last few minutes of this Ballade is, well, rather magnificent! Chopin would have adored you.

[@santochow]

I believe, this is how this song should sound like. Her rendition is so different from the rest of them. ❤

[@eizzilenna]

Absolutely sublime! Thank you for recording one of my all-time favourite piano pieces. Just beautiful, @ValentinaLisitsa

[@Desireyso58]

Thanks VALENTINA! I was waiting for that Ballade!!! (Love You More)

[@florafortuna8794]

Bellissima e personalissima interpretazione! UN fraseggio che permette modificare il canto senza alterarne la melodia Chopiniana. È un piacere ascoltare questa pianista che non conoscevo che ha unito l'intelligenza e l'ottima scuola russa con la tenacia dell'Ucraina, un popolo che sa insegnare musica permettendo un'ascolto di altissima qualità. Grazie ❤

[@bachutiemphim]

I love the way you interpreter, your posture, your attitude, your manner in any performance. Could you play the piece of Chopin "Fantasie Impromptu Op. 66 in C sharp minor"? Fan from Vietnam

[@alvinloh9068]

I love fantasie impromptu!! I would be delighted to listen to your rendition!

[@vincenzoantonio2902]

valentina igoshina

[@II-zf3vo]

She did play it

[@Clamchucker]

Miss Lisztzenkovich (smile), you never cease to astound. This interpretation is nothing less than spectacular. Superlatives and hyperbole fail at this point. 300,000 video views, and I could listen to it twice as many times and never feel a stitch of boredom. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! And if I failed to mention it, THANK YOU!

[@huggy138]

As always an absolutely stunning performance! 4:10 absolutely Beautiful!

[@mashaosman335]

Спасибо большое!Желаю всего самого наилучшего!Здоровья,процветания,счастья и благополучия.💖👏💐

[@НатальяТузалина-у1б]

Валентина, я влюблён в вашу свежую и свободную интерпретацию, спасибо Вам!

[@gordonmartin11]

Une interprétation remarquable ! Excellent comme toujours

[@HeyRussianCommissar]

omg my favourite piece :3

[@hjs60789]

me too 😍

[@savenyx3193]

+ValentinaLisitsa Who is your favourite? Liszt or Chopin?

[@arturogarcia4298]

+RussianCommissar same here

[@jgamez5023]

+RussianCommissar mine too !!!!

[@bladyzwaikzo5596]

+RussianCommissar Mine too!!

[@captainrobertcowley9507]

Thank you Valentina, I present a 2 hour Classical Music programme on FM radio in Australia and play your pieces quite often as I will this piece Sunday Sept 10. I think you are amazing and in certain pieces; I just love your Rubato. Thank you for your genius on Piano. Regards Robert

[@douggironde1393]

I always remember the film pianist 😪

[@desdemonadiamandis932]

Ugh! Sad for you! 😂

[@ThePianoman--]

But beware: In the film you hear an abriged version.

[@tiemensikma2806]

@@ThePianoman-- its a half ballad because the cut out section sounds happy and doesnt fit in a ww2 movie

[@manuelbes]

@@tiemensikma2806 yeah but they could have kept the part just before the coda tho, it was in minor and it could have been the most perfect climax music in a movie