Chopin - Heroic Polonaise Op. 53 - Arthur Rubinstein

Frederic Chopin
"Heroic" Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53
performed by Arthur Rubinstein
I remember this video being on KZbin a long time ago. But since it's disappeared, I thought I'd make it available again.

[@jimk4780]

When I was 9 years old, my parents took my piano teacher and I to see Rubenstein at Woolsey Hall in New Haven, Connecticut in 1970. I think he was 81 then. I was too young to know most of the repertoire, but I'll never forget the applause that broke out in the middle of one piece. I made sure I memorized the name in the program - it was the Ab Major Polonaise by Chopin and they applauded the first time the E Major octave section shifts down to D#. I decided I wanted to be a pianist that day. I obviously never became another Rubenstein, but at least I became a pianist. Thank you, Artur Rubenstein.

[@stonestone1000]

How I would have loved to see him in person. This piece is so magnificent that when it reaches 3.15 my heart starts thumping in anticipation. Like horses running rampant on the battlefield and victorious afterwards. Its pure music heaven !!!!

[@stasb.3832]

My Dad was at Yale at the time and I believe he went to that exact show!

[@AnonYmous-ry2jn]

this video (in the days before internet; i saw it on vhs) is what made me want to learn to play the piano, and I've never stopped since the day I saw this.

[@user-ut9lj7re5y]

私も見たかったです！

[@ColourfulPianist]

The people with ignorant comments make me sad. Rubinstein is one of the greatest pianists of all time. If you have actually played the music you will know that that is actually how it is played. His sound is the most important thing. That is what you should strive for in a piece like this:)

[@nubiacairo8835]

I concur. Beautiful.

[@nimrodshefer3649]

@Zacchary David where does he improvise?

[@peace-now]

My music teacher said he was number one - even greater than Liszt. He also mentioned Horowitz and Fats Waller.

[@andyvoss5080]

Don't worry about all those people, you never see those people any way. 😉

[@TheOne-pq4ph]

נימרוד שפר Chopin was considered himself to be more of an improvisational pianist rather than a composer. It was said that Fantasie Impromptu was was actually improvised but was then notated as a composition of Chopin.

[@Chefpavel]

In January of 1970, my music professor held up four free tickets to hear Rubinstein at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh that evening. It was stage seating only - and no more chairs. That meant the floor. I had an economics exam the next morning and thought it best to forego the Maestro and cram. What do I remember of Samuelson's "guns and butter" philosophy. Very little. However I sorely regret not seeing the great Rubinstein where I could have sat under his piano while he played.

[@VivaRenata]

I too attended one of Rubinstein's last concerts. I was a grad student at Princeton and the concert was in Philadelphia. He also played two piano concerti, and this was 1975. Had spent the major part of my youth as a "Rubinstein groupie" in Chicago where I grew up. Not a bad way to spend your youth.

[@LiltaLilloth]

when I'm listening to this I'm so proud I'm from Poland.

[@talon_how_ya_durrin5534]

Congratulations

[@talon_how_ya_durrin5534]

I am thy humble American

[@guilhermecastellobranco6496]

As you should be!

[@weixiong1.0]

And I am proud to be an earthling.

[@evifnoskcaj]

They should show this at every Rubinstein Piano Competition.

[@jadesak4896]

This is my Favorite Chopin and so close to my heart as it was my mothers favorite also. I miss you mom

[@colourfulwithaU]

3:18 He does it so gracefully! The hands on this man! I can't even!

[@romanzotowski412]

There is no performance like this one.Broad,never hurried,noble and truly heroic.I have heard Rubinstein live many times in London playing this piece,often as the last of many encores.And it always stayed with me for days after. Listen also to his version of the 1st Ballade.As for the 4th Ballade,Fou Ts'ong's version is,for me,unsurpassed.

[@UnholyTYM]

The most classiest man to ever be classy when class was called for.

[@NoferTrunions]

Still my favorite rendition.

[@Weng393]

I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to hear this

[@robinfinley7106]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful ❤❤❤

[@VIRIATO1942]

This Polonaise has always made deep emotions inside me come up to the surface . I have sort of ciiosn of the valiant Polish people fighting against invasions from all sides, for centuries, and still manging to survive and be independent. This Polonaise expresses in its great beauty that tough endeavor and whoelese could play it more beuatifully than a native son. Long live Poland and its people.

[@andrzejzelazniewicz8434]

Thank you!

[@ralphalbert9888]

If you always go back to the place where you were happy then I would always come back here with great pleasure

[@JeanMuller]

The classic interpretation of this piece! Never getting tired of listening too it and watching the ease of his pianism. His signature way to let his hands virtually fall down on the keyboard to obtain this glorious piano sound is truly inspiring!

[@mariavelazquezdeangulo1640]

Magnífica interpretación del Maestro Arthur Rubinstein !!!!

[@nubiacairo8835]

This peice of music makes my knees weak, and at times actually brought me to my knees. I heard this music for the first time as a child, and I looked up, because i thought it was angels playing it from heaven. I must have been about eight or nine years old at the time and this music hasn't changed the way i felt then and now as a sixty four year old woman. Magnificent.

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

It truly is wonderful. The most timeless music never dies, does it? Also, you're 64 and use KZbin? My grandma is a tiny bit older, and has no idea what KZbin is. And one last thing, if you're 64, you were born in 1954. Which is the same year as this recording was made.

[@Gillie2tat]

@@lifeontheledgerlines8394 Thank you for telling us when the recording was made. I've been wondering that. It's terrific!

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

@@Gillie2tat Happy to help!

[@nobodysbusiness8791]

Makes my fingers hurt just watching it. But it makes my ears happy. :)

[@Cheddagoblin]

Well said!

[@JSerrato289]

More like the forearms. Mostly the left

[@TwelfthRoot2]

It must have been a wonderful day when Chopin wrote this :)

[@Suvikuja4A]

When you love a pianist very much you cannot criticise him. This applies to my attutude to Rubinstein. Rubinstein expresses themes like heroic, victory etc. so naturally and overwhelmingly that he sweeps the listener with him. As to Chopin, he did not have a sunny character like Rubinstein but in this piece he "imitates" it very well. Chopin is the masterful composer of the different moods of the human mind, something the impressionists painters of the end of 1800 century also excelled in.

[@suitabledude]

I love how there are all these people speaking all these different languages but we all come here to appreciate a truly wonderful masterpiece. I can only imagine what you guys are saying. Thank God & man for the internet.

[@omguanyin]

classicals is so impressive that people come from different different generations are actually able to play the same old exact song even after so many hundreds of years have passed

[@pianopera]

Thanks for re-posting! The best version I think.

[@arrianah5080]

holy shit this comment is as old as me

[@pianopera]

@@arrianah5080 But I'm still there, and I even remember writing it! 🙂

[@arrianah5080]

@@pianopera w h a t whoa thats so cool, i didn't even expect this account to still be active

[@MarcAmengual]

@@arrianah5080 I've been watching videos from pianopera for like 10 years, didn't know the account was even older though! haha

[@GBN_01]

I love the pass from fortisimo to pianisimo in 3:14 and how his left hand moves as if its flying gently around the keys brilliant performance!!

[@isalows]

Every Pianist have a Dreams but the Chopin Spirit live in everyone Thank You Chopin for you music

[@laurapinto2707]

This song gives me the goosebumps....

[@hotbebimauz]

I agree. He is uncombarable, his performance of the polonaise has a unique greatness and elegance, probably the best. The music is truly coming from his heart.

[@frankglab8473]

Rubinstein OWNED this piece! And I hope to one day. It has become a priority to me. What am AMAZING work! And a truly INCREDIBLE performance!

[@UAE77877]

I hope you did learn it, after six years you better have :)

[@bellsbtw]

amazimg such dynamics and articulation and so much clarity

[@stephenwright7650]

His upright style and nobility of stature personifies the Romantic period and this piece above all - the possibility that we can rise above and conquer.

[@guillermoarambula]

The best interpretation i know is from A. Rubinstein, simply amazing and perfect.

[@TheDaniel1991]

what's really fantastic and goddess about this vid is the fact that he is amaazingly relaxed while he plays, and his fingers are getting the perfect music out of that keyboard,,without jumping from the chair,,making round moves like other pianists... the 'modesty' of making things so amazing and clear.... SPLENDID !

[@aleferrarif08]

Non ci sono parole per descrivere....grazie Rubinstein, che ci hai lasciato la più bella interpretazione dell'Heroic 53.!

[@Cleareye10]

A true classic piano that everyone enjoys. I was lucky enough to see him play this in the 60s.

[@frankyip6443]

My Mother who was a Chinese born in AMERICA in the 1920's played this music when I grew up in the 50's listening Polonaise as well as Rock n Roll with Elvis. I love all types of music and that is about the opposite ends of the pole. Great Music!!

[@rhetoricalwishh]

i feel like this is the best interpretation i have ever heard of this piece. i listened to brian ganz playing it at the strathmore center not so long ago and it was not NEARLY as passionate or interesting as this one...

[@andrzejzelazniewicz8434]

Also check the one by Paderewski, the absolute reference.

[@NoferTrunions]

@@andrzejzelazniewicz8434 you should post the link

[@adamlovesthomas]

i am old but even on black and white tv this man and his artistry is timeless and without equal

[@garysandiego]

This makes one realize how hurriedly the new crop of pianists perform this piece. Their technical dexterity allows them to race through some passages, which is thrilling in the way that a stock car race can be thrilling, risking disaster, but I'm not sure it's elucidating the music. It seems one understands the music better under Rubinstein's touch.

[@ok-gg5kp]

Listen to seoung jin chos.

[@karolol127]

Thats so obvious thing even such layman as me see it immediately, and its sad :|

[@Mark_Cywinski]

What a wonderful piece of music. Thank you for sharing.

[@grabit1]

@FingerMyFinger I heard it live in his last concert in LA, on November 8, 1975, at Dorothy Chandler, when he was 88. I still have the ticket. And there are some commenters below who were apparently born with their ears in their bungholes. And yes, you are right. They didn't know how lucky they were to be in that scene.

[@VIRIATO1942]

This piece has got to be one of the most soul uplifiting composition ever , especialy when played by a master like Arthur Rubinstein. This man, like Chopin, belongs to the World, to mankind.. Chopin knew this Polonaise would be the forever the symbol of his beloved land, Poland. What a genius !

[@christoperfect]

Every time I think of giving up on this piece or resting on my laurels I listen to this recording. So inspiring and powerful! He became the piano...

[@drwaynejohnson]

A highlight of my life was attending a recital by Rubenstein in the mid-70's. He was very old, and almost totally blind. He played Beethoven and Chopin. I was a young conservatory student and sat in the front row. I was mesmerized from the moment he walked out. His personna and charisma literally enveloped the audience, and the sound was astounding. His hands were large, and his fingers broad. But it was his interpretation that transported me--so right, so unaffected, so natural, so musical...

[@hannastaszak1684]

Piękno muzyki Fryderyka Chopina to fenomen graniczący z cudem.

[@musicfanBRA]

What a priviledge to be there listening to Rubinstein and even watching his fingers even better than the people who were actually there. Many thanks to the poster!

[@jeh500]

Everytime I hear this piece, I am aewstruck at such beauty and collosal majesty. Chopin was a genius. I've heard many of the famous pianists perform this difficult work, but I always felt Rubenstein is playing it exactly the way Chopin envioned it. What a joy to have this.

[@wailen52]

C'est un Dieu !!! Définitivement mon morceau préféré, et de très loin, surtout interprété comme cela !!! C'est PARFAIT ! J'en ai les larmes aux yeux a chaque fois que je l'écoute... frissons frissons...

[@andregeorgel1593]

Depuis le début des années 60, épique à laquelle je jouais plusieurs polonaises, Arthur Rubinstein en reste, pour moi, le meilleur interprète 60 ans après. Je n'ai pas entendu, à ce jour un interprète d'une telle valeur.

[@floflo3687]

Je vous recommande d'écouter l'interprétation par Kessin, qui avec celle de Rubinstein, constitue l'une des deux meilleures interprétations de cette pièce, à mon sens.

[@davidllewelyndavies2724]

Thank you for putting it back! Superb!

[@MacCentrisSimpleSencilla]

My favorite piece by Chopin. Rubinstein was the best Chopin interpreter. Followed by Evgeny Kissin, the only living best Chopin interpreter.

[@dblue0424]

I agree.

[@MusikPiratCH]

I like Krystian Zimerman better than Kissin! :P He comes so close to Artur Rubinstein. They both are the best Chopin players ever! :D

[@noname1920]

I really like Horowitz's interpretation as well, Personally I don't really like Rubinstein's.

[@ok-gg5kp]

I think seoung jin cho is one of the bests at this song

[@nimrodshefer3649]

@@ok-gg5kp he is an overated pianist in my opinion

[@anamaba2003]

Creo que unos de los mejores interpretes de todos los tiempos "Arthur Rubinstein" , y "Chopin" como uno solo!!

[@AndrewRudin]

I'm always thrilled by how the music seems almost flung along his arms, through his hands and through his fingers onto the keys. And the powerful sonorties that arise from hands close to the keys, not flung about with mooning head and face a la Lang Lang. Such passion, and with the facial demeanor of someone tending a shop. (Ha, ha.... but for the ultra-dramatic final chords. The man knows theatre, both how to use it, and how to rein it in.)

[@qil9913]

apparently everything in black and white/old timey film is considered a classic. true in this case.

[@ILoveCiciShan]

这是我最喜欢的版本，非常感谢！

[@bryanhunnicutt7811]

Gorgeous! Moving and mesmerizing! No stale melodramatics, just beautiful piano playing.

[@zuzzazax6163]

The best Chopin Heroic Polonaise Interpretation! Maestro!

[@kb27787]

it sounds so heroic! so grand! beautiful!

[@karlakor]

I am so glad to hear Rubinstein play this polonaise as it was written, with not a note added. So many pianists, even great ones, fill out those rolled chords with added notes, but the chords are beautifully voiced and balanced just the way Chopin wrote them. Chopin doesn't need any "help", and Rubinstein was wise enough to realize that. This is a great performance!

[@boylorenzo58]

GENIUS, FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE..

[@jmkeller]

Thanks so much for the repost - I've been searching for this one for months

[@itismusic4life]

Thanks for posting this from Down Under. Lucky me! I heard Rubinstein play this in Amsterdam in the 50's. Fabulous musical memories in my younger years and after many efforts could even "play" it myself, well "sort of"

[@renatonunes2550]

I never tire of listening to Rubinstein play Chopin. Both are the glory of Poland.

[@sophieilyxoxo]

3:19 his left hand was dancing Polonaise! Totally SPEECHLESS..!

[@renatonunes2550]

MAGNIFICENT. Indeed this man is best interpreter of Chopin Music ever. Rubinstein like Chopin is a naticve son of Poland and he FEELS what the Polonaise signifies to all the brave Polish who endured the suffering of a Nazi followed by a Bolshevik occupation..

[@cherylclair]

If you've never seen A Song To Remember, you should. Not that it's such a great movie or even historically correct, but it does give an insight as to why Chopin wrote this song. It's difficult to find, but occasionally shows up on late night movies. Cornel Wilde plays Chopin and Merle Oberon plays George Sand.

[@themusicalgerbil192]

Rubinstein in 1947, back when he was still filled with so much vigour! Well, even in his 80s he could still play with phenomenal energy, but generally much less than his earlier years.

[@bray12do]

God, I am in awe. this is epic, beautiful. I know as much about classical music as the average thirteen year old kid, but this is so beautiful and brilliant. This song is truly inspired. to write this you'd have to touch something not many people touch. something divine. This is actually up in my favourite songs, with tambourine man, imagine, the rain song and all the rest. And this can't die, this music can't possibly die. It's too real for that.

[@MarcAmengual]

Well, do you still think that after 12 years?

[@anare4333]

Rubinstein: imortal como Chopin! Magnífico!

[@GetMeThere1]

Really excellent! So much subtlety and clarity--really, nobody can quite do that as Rubinstein can.

[@cesco86vi]

Una delle più grandiose interpretazioni mai eseguite di questo meraviglioso pezzo. Un vero MAESTRO.

[@chenickcimetto]

ammirazione immensa per chi l'ha eseguita, ma sopratutto per chi, una cosa del genere, l'ha composta.. Grandi Rubinstein e Chopin. Sicuramente adesso sarete sulla stessa nuvoletta a ridere e scherzare insieme

[@natalievandenblink7802]

Wow what magnificient playing....from 4.00 onwards all my hairs on my body stood up and I got goosebumps. I pictured angels in heaven gloriously marching through the gates while this piece is being played. Chopin himself would be held on high, with our stupendous Arthur Rubenstein. Bravo Bravo Bravo !!!

[@celestronyt]

WOW!!!! You should have your own CD recording of Chopin's favorites. I love it very much. I had to wipe off tears in my eyes. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@christoperfect]

The most moving performance of this I've heard!!!

[@Aug9nblick]

Wow. Brilliant!

[@carlomagno1974]

The best Op. 53 version I have ever heard

[@musicmindedclaire62]

WOW NA WOW. No words to express my feelings with regards to Rubinstein's performance. If he said this is one piece closed to his heart, the manner he played it, showed.

[@supajoo11]

nobody plays it quite like arthur. the best chopinist of the century, truly

[@sauvagetbeau]

Quel talent Artur Rubinstein ! merci pour cette plonaise héroique !!!

[@DBSKFahrenheit]

WOW I'm so addicted to his interruptation that this is the 5th time 'm coming back to this video today

[@luisabebe2]

you thought really well about making it available again:) thank you!

[@emma41093]

Beautiful, just beautiful, Wonderful to see the master at work :)

[@victryismin89]

I just love seeing his hands at work. Truly a master.

[@NowhereMan5691]

My gosh.... thank God for him :) this record is one of my best memory from my childhood

[@AlessandroMazzamuto]

per me "IL MAESTRO RUBINSTEIN" non è un pianista...ma per prima cosa un musicista...e quando suona riesce a incantarmi....quando ascolto i suoi notturni mi fa venire da piangere...! da quando ero piccolo l'ho sempre adorato e adesso riesco a capire più di prima la sua grandezza...!! GRAZIE!!

[@VivaRenata]

The only one! Den enda! Den eneste! Der Einzige! L'unico!. I can not recall how many times Rubinstein played the Op. 53 as an encore in Orchestra Hall in Chicago. I am so happy to be old enough to have experienced this - many thanks once again. (from one who was shouting herself hoarse at the time).

[@TJFNYC212]

I attended a Rubinstein all Chopin recital years ago in Constitution Hall He played this polonaise and I wanted to jump onto the stage and dance. He played it in much more inspired fashion than he does in this recording. He was then already well into his nineties. I think it was in 1973

[@gracecotton9819]

Thank you very much for making this video available again.

[@VivaRenata]

@FingerMyFinger Hopefully they do. I grew up in Chicago in the 1960's and '70's and more than once got last minute tickets which allowed me to sit on stage in Orchestra Hall, really close to Rubinstein, since they were all sold out. In my teens I was a Rubinstein groupie and it didn't end until I was a grad. student at Princeton and travelled to Philadelphia for the last (about 14th) time to hear him. I knew how lucky I was and I will never forget that sound.

[@modelstatue]

AMAZING!!!

[@1supertrio]

That's incredible, looking at the master playing probably more than 50 years ago... That's something amazing.

[@gzmo0]

Such a performance cannot be replicated.

[@randyclar747]

Anyone that can play this piece of music by Chopin, is just as awesome as the composer himself. Chopin was a bomb shell for piano music, noone defeated him, not even Liberace" I played Chopin piano music for years, and was surprised at his compexity, and talent. The music scores were actually a challenge, and almost like art to play, unlike today's commercialized crap.

[@vbatuhan]

When i listen or interpret this masterpiece i always think im in the very special place or in the ballroom i play this on the piano in the centre of the room and people come in to saloon with their very elegant costumes and i saw a girl with very beautiful face and body and i begin playing with looking her face and i make meaningful expressions while i looking her face lol Rubinstein's Heroic Polonaise interpretation is the best i cant find better interpretation than this he is great master.

[@Eileen4007]

all I can say: MAGNIFICENT!! thank you for posting it.

[@angelialvares]

Wow exuberance and perfection together! Unsurpassable

[@MiliMirabal]

"Heroic" Polonaise in A-flat major, Op.53; performed by Arthur Rubinstein

[@nikkiharmon4986]

Always bring tears to my eyes.

[@Alessandro_da_Rimini]

Blechacz se la sogna una passione come quella che trasmette Rubinstein.Tutto un altro mondo,qui si suona con lo spirito.

[@Elbadelbosque1]

Thank you Peter!!