Chopin Etude Op.25 No.9 "Butterfly" by 11 pianists

[@JustinStClair-uu4fg]

Why did I think it was going to be played by 11 pianists all at the same time

[@erezsolomon3838]

*Why* - schumann

[@pianosbloxworld4460]

That- Would be cool.

[@ElectronicSword]

No idea That would be ear torture

[@dawnexplain3128]

@@ElectronicSword wut why? it's the same piece and except for tweaking the tempo within acceptable standards there's not much you can change, it's not like it's gonna be a discordant clash of different unrelated notes

[@mmjuju226]

😳

[@TwelfthRoot2]

Everyone commenting is naming someone else as their favorite. This is a good sign. Music lives on.

[@CalamityInAction]

TwelfthRoot2 And it shows how unique interpretations are. If they were all identical, there would be no favorites

[@michelleyoung7375]

My mother was a concert pianist in Germany and in the United States. I was blessed by the age of three to hear her playing this on the baby grand that sat in the living room. Even before I knew who wrote it or the name of the melody, I recognized the butterflies and called it "Butterfly." There are three I'm actually torn between for styles similar to hers: 01-Daniil Trifonov, 02-Samson François, and 11-Valentina Lisitasa. Ever since I lost her some time ago, I have searched for the closest thing to her style, like angels kissing her fingertips as they danced ever so lightly across the keys. Thank you for this blend of styles: each still puts a smile of remembrance on my face, not only of her, but of one of the few memories I actually have of my childhood. I'm grateful beyond words!

[@Petermaguire3684]

+Michelle Young lovely memory to have, and what a talent she must have been to have played this.

[@michelleyoung7375]

+peter maguire Yes, she was exceptionally talented, Peter. Thank you. :)

[@michelleyoung7375]

I was three years old, +Joe Nome. I hadn't yet understood these things as classics much less as having names I would know by composers or titles. *Now* I understand that I can see movement and relate it to music that may play in my head. I don't know how better to explain it. On a summer's day, for example, I'll see the leaves in the trees gently moving in rhythm to light breezes as compared to the sounds of the timpani and brass during a particularly intense thunderstorm. So I never really thought about *how* it happened. For me, the sounds of this piece were consistent with the butterfly's wings as it flutters and dances from flower to flower.

[@gspaulsson]

"Butterfly" isn't actually a title, it's more a nickname. Most classical music is abstract, not programmatic, and doesn't have titles; in fact, I can't think of anything by Chopin that does.

[@intersabellos2482]

WilliamOccamensis None of the pieces by Chopin with titles were originally named by Chopin himself except for one. Marche Funèbre. (Funeral March)

[@wobster109]

My favorite is Stanislav Bunin. It's a bit slower and gentler, a little less spiky, it's lovely to listen to. And it really plays up the drama! The rubatos are really free and drawn out. It's like we don't even care that it's an etude anymore, we're going to play it like a ballade.

[@gabithemagyar]

Samson Francois. His slower and sensitive approach brings out the intrinsic beauty of the melody. Less bravura, more attention to the musical line.

[@generalsnicky3219]

same, that's my favourite too! I do admire the other versions but I feel calmer listening to this version

[@Bruceykeys]

His tone is incredible also

[@jelenaforfree]

1. Bunin (the best gradation), 2. Berezovsky (the most interesting articulation), 3. Trifonov (light as a feather).

[@김현민-i6q]

Absolutely Cziffra

[@jiromarc7873]

I like Cziffra the most. But all are very well played, too. 😊

[@michalpietor1237]

Lisiecki interpretation and Trifonov one are the very best! Well-balanced and so playfully played (Also, do not forget, that the name Butterfly was NOT given by CHOPIN, so it is irrelevant to say, "I cannot hear the butterfly", because when Chopin was composing this piece, I think the last thing, which he had on his mind was a butterfly ... ) So, do not please say, it is not so "butterfly" or it doesnt sounds like it, because originally it even should NOT .... The names given to the etudes were rather orientational than some RULE of how to play that piece. Stay logical and realise what is the truth based on the history! Listen which interpretation is mostly like Chopin or which one is mostly following the sheet music, then you may objectively say which one is the best, if you focus on following sheet music BY Chopin. But subjective opinion counts as well! But not when it contains argument about butterfly ...

[@zorm_]

Lol, I thought it was because it LOOKS like a butterfly, not because it sounds like one... You know there are octaves which make both wings of the butterfly, and its body is the notes that come in the middle of the octaves and it moves like a butterfly lol.

[@niccolopaganini4268]

@@zorm_ It's more likely that hands look like butterfly wings while playing this etude

[@ArtformX]

Despite the similarities any piece of music will inevitably have with other objects in the universe, a piece of music is its own object, created by the artistic use of compositional principles, such as motifs, patterns and harmonic balance. Chopin was in love with these principles and he intentionally didn’t give his pieces metaphorical names because he wanted to highlight the fact that he wasn’t trying to compose something beautiful that sounded or looked like a butterfly, waterfall, or harp. He was using the laws of sound to create something tremendously balanced and complex that, as a result, sounded like something beautiful you hadn’t ever experienced. In the case of the etudes, his co-main goal is to use each piece as a study of specific musical principles.

[@m0ment219]

Actually, this piece does give me the feeling of a butterfly. And nobody knows, maybe Chopin DID have a butterfly in his mind. For example, in the last few notes, I can hear "I'm a butterfly".

[@Isa-tn7ex]

@@m0ment219 I hear more of a squirrel, climbing up a really tall tree. You can almost hear the hipbones moving. But I do think Chopin gets to call it what he wants- an Étude :P

[@SwahaChris]

Ashkenazy and Lisitsa give the most fluid and magical interpretation. No exageration or distortion, not too fast or too slow. Trifonov's version is very sweet and delicate. My 3 favourite for this lovely short etude.

[@Bevsworld04]

Lang lang does tend to play pieces at much higher speeds than most people would like, but he didnt donit much if at all for this, and it works really well.

[@jefflin21]

My top 3 "Butterfly" etude performances of this set are Sokolov, Lang Lang, and Cziffra's. Cziffra and Sokolov's playing of this etude has a heavier sound with the bass notes and just stand out from the rest. I like Sokolov's overall dynamics the best here. Lang Lang's interpretation is lighter as it doesn't have the heavy bass note, and I like the placement of his rubatos.

[@mstalcup]

Boris Berezovsky followed closely by György Cziffra. I'm blown away.

[@shintaroiwata1778]

9:13!! Vladimir!

[@fitzy7735]

Sokolov and Lisitsa are my favorites. So clean!

[@rlfls123]

같은곡 같은음인데도 치는사람마다의 개성과 느낌이 가지각색인게 피아노뿐만이 아닌 악기의 최대매력이라 생각한다..결론은 치프라 사랑해요!!♥

[@SIUUUUUUUU__CR7]

한국분 드디어 찾았다!그건 상관없고 저도 같은 생각이에요.

[@Lia-kw6gi]

나는 결코이 조각을 그런 식으로 생각하지 않았다.

[@sol.slmnez]

ya

[@enochonguru5483]

Sokolov, Lisista Vladimir...I don't despute the other interpretations though, all sound amazing.

[@mosichat]

Thanks for putting this together. I like the variance between the artists. I actually like Cziffra’s interpretation the best! No nonsense, balls to the walls playing but with expressiveness as well!

[@spadiu]

György Cziffra. NUMBER ONE

[@BMXMasterPro]

Definitely Daniil Trifonov! He plays this piece in such a balanced way with not too much rubato.

[@yoyogie69]

According to me Cziffra's version is very much precise and sounds in a very harmonic flow at the same time That's what a perfectionist sounds like

[@luis_lng]

Grigory sokolov and boris are the best in my opinion. That piece is a direct reference to the life of a butterfly; short but joyful and they represent this the best

[@Bruceykeys]

I see what you mean, but Chopin didn't write these Études with programmatic titles

[@thepianoteacherdubai1275]

I quite liked Lang Lang's version the most. It has its own unique style compared to the rest... I loved Lang Lang's nuances throughout the music, made it more original and uniquely his own interpretation

[@nimi3361]

It's a coincidence that it took 11 mins for 11 pianists to play this

[@zeyohart]

@@nimi3361t’s because the Butterfly Etude’s duration has an averages of a minute. It’s one of Chopin’s shortest (if not the shortest) etudes.

[@dunkleosteus430]

​@@zeyohart It's the shortest.

[@thegoodgenerald5083]

Sokolov and.... Valentina. Never thought I'd say I like her version the best, but that was super clean.

[@СветланаКоломыйченко-ц1ж]

Соколова выделила именно потому, что у меня было ощущение, что он едва-едва касается клавиш. Браво.

[@chidlers99]

Jan Lisiecki's is my fav - I could feel the sweep and swoop of the butterfly. A few performances felt like the butterfly had met its end on the front grill of a car, or had been trampled by an elephant.

[@janetward1733]

My favorite performance among these 11: Sokolov.

[@gilos18]

Surprisingly, Bunin on this one!

[@france1437]

I Loved Lang Lang's version the most (and Valentina's) !!!! and yes, I am also a pianist and love this piece.

[@vripiatbuzoi9188]

I like the performers that hold that long Db in the left hand towards the end. The sheet music shows it as a dotted eighth note but half of them are holding it for way longer than that. The let it ring until it decays on it own. I think it's held with the middle pedal because everything else around it is staccato.

[@selavymusic]

Totally possible to hold this note without you have to use de middle pedal :p

[@danielwang5046]

Stanislav Bunin is so warm and elegant. Not as fast as other players but it's to my taste.

[@matthewquan1529]

Personally, I dont like to use too much pedal in this piece.

[@Ipanema79]

Too much rubato

[@피피피-g6v]

I agree your opinion!!

[@mariavidal4551]

With passion

[@adrianchewygum]

berezovsky version is awesome. like a butterfly is in harm!

[@ArtformX]

Despite the similarities any piece of music will inevitably have with other objects in the universe, a piece of music is its own object, created by the artistic use of compositional principles, such as motifs, patterns and harmonic balance. Chopin was in love with these principles and he intentionally didn’t give his pieces metaphorical names because he wanted to highlight the fact that he wasn’t trying to compose something beautiful that sounded or looked like a butterfly, waterfall, or harp. He was using the laws of sound to create something tremendously balanced and complex that, as a result, sounded like something beautiful you hadn’t ever experienced. In the case of the etudes, his co-main goal is to use each piece as a study of specific musical principles.

[@bryandyer5454]

No one plays this passage better than Cziffra: 8:46 - 8:55

[@mahdielzein85]

I agree! I would’ve liked it better if he slowed down a bit before the climax, but I love the power he exerted. Although contradictory to cziffra’s, I love Lang Lang’s interpretation.

[@g.kech.10]

Yes but Cziffra's interpretations in the oldest so good for that time!

[@planetenherz9895]

Daniil Trifonov, Stanislav Bunin, Lukas Geniusas

[@jake6112]

Berezovsky's interpretation here is closest to the one I favour most, though I forget who performed my favourite version of this.

[@mattspencer5848]

So glad to see Valentina on this list. I love how she plays Chopin. My all time favorite

[@mahdielzein85]

Lang Lang’s interpretation at 4:51 is so beautiful, easily my favorite performance.

[@zizjzjjsjsj]

still as a long long type of strong power playing， for me， this piece can be more gentle

[@danielnatzke6733]

He sure plays fortissimo there, just as Chopin indicated!

[@mahdielzein85]

@@danielnatzke6733 😂😂😂😂 cracked me up! I’m not really a fan of his interpretations but this one I really like.

[@danielnatzke6733]

Yeah on second thought I do think the sudden pianissimo he goes with instead does count as a clever artistic choice

[@correasilvio2010]

Samson François, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Stanislav Bunin and Lukas Geniusas are The Best!

[@hannastaszak1684]

Chopin to najpiękniejsza spuścizna dla ludzkości.

[@mstalcup]

Lisiecki's interpretation is making the most of what was written. It dances and sets a graceful course.

[@zomb7138]

I see lang lang bobbing his head like he usually does with this piece

[@shirleyybarra6741]

BRINGING THE CLASSICAL MUSIC BACK BEAUTIFUL

[@khalilmutallibov]

This piece is so beautiful! My choice is Grigory Sokolov's interpretation.

[@g.kech.10]

Mine too.

[@carlhopkinson]

Mine also.

[@FILIGREE1]

So little of Sokolov on You Tube, but I thought he was streaks ahead. Thanks for these interesting compilations. Irresistible, judging these giants of the piano in this way - or maybe that's not the idea!

[@Tiptop-k2h]

Samson played it well, I think he played it at the perfect tempo.

[@totoriri6973]

Samson François and Grigory Sokolov are really fantastic.

[@mr.hashundredsofprivatepla3711]

0:07 Trifonov 1:03 François 2:08 Berezovsky 3:05 Bunin 4:17 Lang 5:17 Lisiecki 6:12 Sokolov 7:08 Geniušas 8:16 Cziffra 9:13 Ashkenazy 10:10 Lisitsa

[@milovan1984]

All of them are marvelous. The more I listen to them, the more I prefer Mr. Bunin’s interpretation. So profound. 😊

[@korosilorinc6058]

I love the Butterfly etude!!!!😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤

[@thebestmarcela]

Boris' version has more personality for me. Cziffra’s version was my favorite alongside it, because it sounds more like a butterfly, it’s fast and strong and defined, but also sounds so effortless, as if flying (and playing this) is just second nature.

[@danserbescu1363]

Boris Berezovsky

[@mmm9579]

Bunin and Lang Lang are my favourite.

[@Loranna1]

мне понравилось исполнение Березовского. наиболее выразительная фразировка без потери темпа. - Соколов превосходен. Георги Циффра 👍

[@clvsidy]

I wanna hear Chopin play it

[@xf4c347]

he actually wasn't as great pianist as you may think he was.

[@clvsidy]

@@xf4c347 😼😱

[@ludmilabordei5884]

@@xf4c347 watchu mean

[@xf4c347]

@@ludmilabordei5884 chopin wasnt a great pianist. He was a great composer. There were way better pianists than him. for example List

[@ludmilabordei5884]

@@xf4c347 yeah liszt is better than most composers.

[@kirsteni.russell5903]

This is fun! What would be more fun would be to have the "Butterfly" Etude and Chopin's Sonata No. 2, Opus 35 (the sonata with the funeral march movement), on the same album! What other Chopin works could we add to this mix?

[@g.kech.10]

Maybe polonaise in f sharp minor?

[@Miguelpalermo]

Me encantan estas comparativas! Gracias!

[@MichaelAlexander1967]

My top pics are Samson FrancoisI and Stanislav Bunin. I prefer the slower paces. I like Lang Lang's clatity.I started listening to this compilation a few days ago, and at the end of one of the artist's performance, my cell phone notification goes off. 😊😯😲 The notification bell is exactly the last 3 beats of this study. I was like "OMG!!!" The last 5 notes of this Etude, or very similar notes are on my cell phone 😊. In addition, I'm really enjoying learning the melody and the accompaniment. The more of it I memorize, the more interesting the whole piece becomes. I really love the bouncy rhythm too.

[@dylansebring8739]

Definitely think Lang Lang's interpretation is most Chopinesque. But my personal favorite is François. Tempo is just right

[@GeorgeQuinton]

For me absolutely Lang Lang! As much as he's not my favourite of these 11 pianists, this very etude sounds as if Chopin wrote it just for him!

[@GeorgeQuinton]

Ok, Lisiecki, Cziffra and Ashkenazy did it even better! > _

[@correasilvio2010]

Samson François The Best!

[@quiet_01.22]

당신은 한국인 댓글을 찾았다. 축하한다.

[@냠냠-k2c]

Zzㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 오랜만에 듣고싶어서 왔는데.. 이런댓글이 ㅋㅋ

[@PolarisRhapsodyBlues]

ㅋㅋㅋ

[@stickfither_Y]

a_hisa - butterfly 랑 똑같다고 해서 와봤는데 ㄴㅇㄱ

[@heehee-zi6sb]

@@stickfither_Y 저도여ㅋㅋ

[@Youtubing_PolarBear]

와이TV 올 ㅋ나두 한국인의 애국심을 보여주자

[@ChristopherChen_whatsup_]

Valentina Lisitsa FTW!!!

[@stefaniasemeria3614]

POLLINI❤️

[@thedanksurfer]

if im being honest i like Rousseau's version the best. mostly cuz of the slower ending. its very similar to Grigory Sokolov's rendition.

[@XTRABIG]

I agree . the slower ending is the KEY. like a perfect 10 landing im gymnastics.

[@carlhopkinson]

For me, Sokolov is the most musically satisfying....nice balance of all the beauties inherent in this piece.

[@VSTsiah]

Boris and Lang Lang are my favorite interpretation amongst the best

[@KEIKOMartialArtsAcademy]

Lang Lang. He is my favourite

[@andreefournier6719]

Cziffra's the best by far, he is not affraid of anything! Best interpretation for my opinion!

[@TJFNYC212]

he pounds the shit of out it.... I cannot even imagine of Chopin liking his interpretation.

[@지나-g4g]

Grigory Sokolov !!!

[@jinsandbeck7907]

Absolutely the best!!!

[@FodorPupil]

I agree

[@LorenzoMaggioreni-hp4bv]

Pollini e Vasary e Ashkenazy, tutti a pari merito

[@danielkristianson208]

Personally, I preferred Sokolov: gorgeous legato, sang the tune without unnecessary accents, nuanced and fairly subtle phrasing.

[@michsturge671]

Definitiely #2....Samson Francois....hands down!!

[@note160]

상송 프랑수아, 부닌, 소콜로프 저의 pick 입니다!

[@note160]

계속 들어봤는데 부닌 연주가 정말 좋네요

[@jeremy4177]

3 best : me,me and me i'm kiding pollini,litista and sokolov

[@sinistresin]

*lisista

[@devonchristopher5837]

*lisitsa

[@CalamityInAction]

Devon Keira Correcting spelling wrong. Epic

[@fernandoserico77]

I usually don’t like Lisitsa, but here is th favorite

[@alecedman1702]

Even tho Murray Perahia's speciality is like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven he plays the best chopin i haver ever heard and probably will ever hear. In almost all pieces, etudes, waltzes, polonaises, mazurkas everything! Even tho this video has gathered 11 extremely talented pianists none of them will ever touch me as murray perahias version. If you didnt hear go on SPOTIFY and listen to it right now, you wont regret it.

[@무기력한직장인-o2m]

베레조프스키...♡

[@kyoko2sn]

Stanislav Bunin is BEST!

[@Ipanema79]

Too much rit.

[@vripiatbuzoi9188]

@@Ipanema79 Too little on all the others.

[@Awesome-oh7op]

Yes! i agree

[@sashh9997]

Length of the video is very satisfying

[@martinstotzer3466]

I found, Sokolov showed inside this video - under this 11 pianists - for my the most greatest performance, but for the more light mood, some pianists here suit better. But it could be always better and better - in the future of the history.

[@magnuscarlsen3476]

Where is Alexander Romanovsky??!?!??!!!

[@gnuzbg]

My Personal favorite is Pollini, though he isnt in this list for some reason. Out of this compilation, my favorite would be Ashkenazy, because his interpretation matches very good with how I myself play and understand this piece.

[@superdupersanik]

Yes Pollini is the best

[@MichaelAlexander1967]

I love these compilations! They inspire me. I'll select my favorite interpretation after I spend more time studying the piece.

[@FrancodellaVittoria3567]

I liked: Trifonov, Bereszovskj, Lisiecky, Cziffra, Sokolov, Hashkenhazy, Lisitsa.

[@mattiascravaglieri7793]

Samson Francois take the cake here! just a perfect rendition

[@FodorPupil]

Grigory Sokolov was my favorite

[@duruaydinofficial]

6/ Jan Lisiecki :)

[@oum1946]

lisiecki and lisitsa

[@nandinotgonbayar8238]

György Cziffra is best 👏👏😁

[@LorenzoMaggioreni-hp4bv]

Ashkenazy n°1 ,la musica e la tecnica assieme , difficile fare meglio, grande Ashkenazy

[@AliceInDarkness190]

Sokolov for me. But all of them played exceptionally

[@ewhyte8059]

Lukas Genušas for me! Less hurrried and musically deliberate in delivery.

[@smichelin19]

Cziffra 100%

[@lukeno4143]

i like the ones that maintain the smooth melody. i think that was Chopins point here.

[@MSW4HUNNAS]

sokolov is my FAVORITE WITH THIS SONG

[@hankdolive7289]

Valentina Lisitsa - Some of those other "Butterflies" were a bit heavy. Hers were slightly more delicate.

[@JeanBaptisteEmanuelZorg]

Chopin’s Butterfly *VS* Korsakov’s Flight of the bumblebee?

[@johnmar1622]

I liked Lista, full hands relaxed with gravity feed....

[@MAMEPHOESTEGONHARU]

私は速いのが好きだからランランかな

[@berthill2305]

There some older recordings by Backhaus, Arrau and Ellinson among others that are also great. My favouraite is Wilhlm Backhaus.

[@carlhopkinson]

Man, Trifinov with the uneven tempo. NYET.