F. Chopin - Nocturne no. 20 in C-sharp minor (Lento con gran espressione) - Greg Niemczuk's lecture

[@jamespower6854]

Wow...this is basically the musical equivalent of planting a whole garden of beautiful flowers, then distilling them all into one little bottle of life-saving medicine, and giving it away! I loved this Nocturne long before I knew any of this...thank you Greg, again and again!

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks!

[@sylviatt82]

This is one of my favorites! It is so incredibly beautiful that I tear up every time I listen to it. Before I watched this video, I had already imagined and interpreted this piece as a perfect reflection of dramas in my life. Now that you depict it for familial love, I can totally agree with you. Section A is about love and longing. Section B sounds very playful, much like a happy and carefree childhood life with our siblings or kids. You play this piece so perfectly. Thanks you! 🎉

[@jaredelliott6678]

You're truly a great teacher. I would pay money to watch you lecture about Chopin like you just did.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you!

[@teomurelli4025]

As a self- taugth pianist and retired doctor I have all time to devote myself to the composer whom I love above all. Dear Greg you are always a great help to me to learn correctly the masterpieces of your great compatriot. I think the best Chopin' s performers are Polish pianists. Again a big thank you. Ciao from Italy.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!!!

[@vivienbenthem]

This nocturne is so touching. It's the one I've been playing on my piano the most during Covid lockdown. Chopin's music isn't just beautiful, it's timeless and magically comforting to many people those are from different generations and with diverse backgrounds. Thank you Greg for letting us know so much about the stories behind the gorgeous music of Chopin and sharing your tutorial in this context at such a high level. I'm blessed to have a chance to watch your videos as they popped up on my screen the other day by KZbin algorithm.❤️

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much! Yes, your words are so true! I love to perform this Nocturne always!

[@mariyakoshkina3941]

This piece “creat “ two lives ,my brother and me. My mother was a nurse during second war 2,but her passion always was a piano : before the war she was invited to the Goldenviser class of Moscow conservatory,but the war ruined this plans. After the war she graduated medical college and became a family doctor,but never stopped to practice and parallel often played on some recitals. On one of them my future father heed her with this wonderful nocturne and immediately decided to merry her! So,that’s why my older brother and me were born. We both are professional musicians. Our father died long time ago,he was an engineer,but was big music lover and played good violin. Our mama lived a long life and died on 2018 here in USA. We still keep as a treasure her video when she was 74 and played for public this C sharp nocturne! Thank you so much,for me this video is especially important!!!!!!!!!!!

[@wilma289]

Dear mr Niemczuk, I play the flute myself and my teacher used a lot of Chopins beautiful music to teach me how to play. I play the flute since I was 8 years old, I’m 41 years old now. So I listened to Chopin a lot!, but I have never ever heard someone play Chopin like you do 🥹 you understand this music on your soul level 🥰 you make me cry every time. Thank you so much for sharing your talent, enthusiasm and knowledge about Chopin. You bring light into this world 🫶🏻 which is needed so much. Bless your heart ✨Hopefully I will some day be so lucky to hear and see you play in real life in the Netherlands

[@gregniemczuk]

Dear Wilma. Thank you so much! You touched me with your comment. Actually I'm coming to Amsterdam at the beginning of May! Check my website: www.niemczuk.com - find the concert schedule and hopefully see you in May!

[@elisamartini1694]

Thank you Greg for playing and showing us this Nocturne N°20 from F.Chopin. I learned this Nocturne from beginning to end. It saved my life. It speaks directly to your heart and soul. And it continues to speak to my heart and my soul.

[@elisamartini1694]

From your video, I went to the Nocturne N°20 again to continue to study. Yes, Chopin knows how to show emotions and love through his music. Thank you so much for really showing us how you feel in front of this Nocturne.

[@jordifernandez131]

"a beautiful massage to our souls", what an incredible description. I love it!

[@mariek9221]

Merci beaucoup pour cette video que je decouvre et qui me fait comprendre enfin pourquoi ce nocturne me fait pleurer chaque fois que je l'ecoute ;on comprend tres bien pourquoi même les coeurs aussi endurcis que ceux des na zis etaient touchés par cette musique si sublime et inspirée de ce merveilleux compositeur qu'etait Chopin ,qu'il soit beni ,ainsi que tous ses interpretes pour le bonheur qu'ils donnent au public!!!

[@mariandoucette5255]

Chopin had the ability to both tear at our heartstrings and reach to the very depth of our soul. Thank you for this magnificent lecture and performance, as I continue to study this beautiful piece. Chopin's music are prayers.

[@pedrod.7576]

This video is a masterpiece. Greg's knowledge and excitement about sharing the love for Chopin's music is amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you Pedro for this comment.

[@tsangmingki5592]

Perfect pianist

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you!

[@bethhall-ee2ip]

So very tender...how could anyone not love the Chopin Nocturnes?Spread the love!!!!!

[@england670]

thanks for explaining this beautiful piece

[@elisamartini1694]

I never get tired of listening to this music and how you explain Chopin. Thank you dear Greg. And I try to play it how I can.

[@gregniemczuk]

You should!!! Good luck!

[@elisamartini1694]

Thank you so much.

[@elisabethmartini8222]

The first time I met you was with this Nocturne. This Nocturne will never end for me. Thank you so much for your teaching. It is a blessing for me to watch you in videos. And I have improved. It is at a high level. But it brings Joy to me. Thank you dear Greg.

[@gregniemczuk]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@TMT939]

I started learning this piece 15 years ago 😂 before KZbin. It’s my favorite Chopin’s piece of all time. Now I understand it so much better thanks to your tutorial. Thank you for providing the background story of Chopin’s sister perhaps only a Polish person would know. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon your channel. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your expertise and knowledge. Dzięki from USA ❤🎉

[@gregniemczuk]

Welcome to my music world!

[@samabousawan1137]

Fantastic explanation! It is my favorite nocturne and now I have the story behind it which makes it even more beautiful! Thank you so much Maestro.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you Sam!

[@moy9022]

You played this piece so beautifully. ❤ thanks again.

[@ChoBee333]

Thank u for explaining how this nocturne was taken from the concerto no. 2. I had never heard that concerto until u mentioned it. It’s such a beautiful piece. U play beautiful also !

[@barbarafalender1920]

Nie znajduje słów aby wyrazić zachwyt , który Pan we mnie budzi !❤

[@gregniemczuk]

Dziękuję Pani bardzo!!!!

[@gertrudfunke7299]

Dear Greg, all your lessons - and exspecially this one - are such a gift for me. So inspirering, so heartbreaking, full of depth and tenderness. I learn so much about Chopin, whom I discovered just one year ago. Thank you so much.

[@shivang15]

God bless you! I now look for you on KZbin whenever I come across a strong Chopin piece. Every piece of his is good but some are truly brilliant !

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!!!

[@passionyu1309]

I want to express how much I truly appreciate your video. It goes beyond just a basic explanation of the piece; it offers a comprehensive and thoughtful analysis that greatly enhances my understanding of the piano composition. The way you break down the intricate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, and interpret the emotional depth of the piece, is both impressive and incredibly helpful. Your attention to detail in explaining the nuances of technique, phrasing, and dynamics has deepened my appreciation for the artistry involved in playing this work. Watching your video was not only informative but also an enriching experience that has inspired me to approach my own piano practice with renewed insight and passion. Thank you for putting so much effort into creating such a valuable resource. Your deep knowledge and love for the piano are evident in every aspect of your presentation.

[@tsangmingki5592]

Perfect Music and Performance 🎉🎉🎉

[@arildskjeggerud3421]

Thanks Greg for a wonderful explanation. This melody is the reason I started to play piano, and got obsessed by Chopin's music. Which again led to visiting your concerts here in Norway. Keep going Greg, hope to see you again

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you Arild!

[@klaus-dietrichgast2541]

You are a wonderful „Sales Professional” of this iconic music and deep European culture. Dziękuję, Greg!

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!

[@classyclassical7407]

You have analysed and expressed the similarities between Chopin's C Sharp minor nocturne and his Piano Concerto No 2 brilliantly ! I enjoyed it immensely !

[@theperfectlypassionatepianist]

I love seeing your passion and excitement for the music when making these videos! You are a wonderful artist. 👏👏👏

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!!!

[@shawns_life]

I'm ready to practice this beautiful piece, thank you for the introduction of the background and playing detail. It helps me a lot.

[@midyawirawan3644]

Thank you so much for your wonderful explanation of this peace.

[@afrodite1832]

Full of melancholy, love, sadness. It's, in one word, romantiic❤❤❤❤❤❤it's so touching, that no one who listens to it can escape from the clutches of their own feelings. Even a stone would get some.....❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.There is so much beauty in it! Wonderful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece of music history, Greg!

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you!

[@kristenhansen5010]

You crush this so thoroughly that you make it easy. Thank you Greg

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you Kristen!

[@TomJ]

This video is excellent and I thank you for its production

[@elisamartini1694]

Again, I practice everyday. There is no end. And it is great ! Thank you dear Greg.

[@Jose_Miguel_1971]

Bravo !!! Tu pasión se transmite no sólo en la música y fantástica versión de este nocturno que tocas al final, sino en la manera en que relatas la historia. Esos vínculos con el concierto no los conocía y te encuentro toda la razón, ahí se nota cómo conoces a Chopin. Gracias por el gran aporte, ahora te sigo.

[@gregniemczuk]

Muchas gracias José!!!

[@RRFC-u4t]

Wonderful piece of music. Very touching very inspiring piece of masterpiece.

[@VipiModel-nk3ce]

A Master Class🙏🏼thanks Greg🌹

[@hantong72]

I love the explanation, analysis and connections between Nocturne 20 and other Nocturne concertos.

[@meher7060]

Thanks a million for this brilliant lecture Greg. I’ve been playing this piece for years but now that I know the story behind it, it’s going to have so much more meaning for me. You play it so beautifully. I can only hope to play it like that in my dreams. Thanks again.

[@gregniemczuk]

I'm happy to hear that!

[@jeimeluk4816]

Really good researches. Great story, thanks so much.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks for watching and for your words!

[@scalenescott]

Thanks! I never knew about that connection, amazing!

[@iak9611]

Thank you for Natalia Karp's story; and, as usual, for the passionate video.

[@nasimahmadian897]

Very touching and brilliant lecture and performance, thank you! Two of my most favorite pieces, this nocturne and piano concerto no. 2. (especially Larghetto)! I'd like to imagine that on the way through the gates of heaven people will hear Chopin's trills and all the birds of paradise he expresses through them...

[@gregniemczuk]

Wow!!! Such beautiful and touching words!!

[@gonzalovaldivia3835]

Many thanks Greg. Very didactic.

[@arturodemarsico1340]

ECCEZIONALE QUESTO PIANISTA....suona da Dio ..ha un tocco e una sensibilita' davvero eccezionali...e spiega anzi analizza la musica davvero con rara efficacia...BRAVO

[@weronikajenner5065]

10/10 thank you for this tutorial genial 🧡

[@kriswiwatowski4697]

Awesomely intriguing. Playing this Nocturn now is like an (imaginary - just for fun of course) invitation to the concert halls ... By the way - beginning of Nocturn part "B" can also be played by the Right Hand in 3/4 rhythm, while Left Hand continues 4/4. This 3/4 rhythm then follows the beginning of Allegro vivace. Story goes that this was an original Chopin's intention, later re-edited... Nothing really stops us from trying !

[@ts0ngk0]

Beautiful interpretation and explanation! Bravo sir 👌

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you!

[@ewa5880]

wpisałam się 7 miesięcy temu i jest to jak widzę ostatni wpis przy analizie 20 Nokturnu in C-sharp minor ....jestem wdzięczna panu za tę analizę i wiele wiele innych choć za tę nieco szczególniej podziwiam pana MOC i zaangażowanie w tej mozolnej pracy ,ale tak dziś potrzebnej nam wszystkim w czasie trudnych dni ...Dziś szukałam tego spotkania by przeżyć raz jeszcze odkrywanie tajemnicy ukrytej w nutach ..to jest magia ....dziękuję pozdrawiam i życzę nowych wyzwań

[@gregniemczuk]

Dziękuję bardzo!!! To prawda.... Serdecznie pozdrawiam!

[@gregniemczuk]

To chyba niemożliwe. 8 dni temu miałem kilka komentarzy pod tym filmem...... Wcześniej również.....

[@kimi200100]

Such a detailed explanation. This will help my daughter very much since she also plays this piece. She is also going to Sydney for a competition to play this piece. This will very much help her.😊This will help her prepare and also picture the feelings. She ( my daughter ) has watched this and wishes to follow in your pathway to also investigate Chopin, why he wrote certain pieces, who were they for. This video is a delight, thank you for such a fantastic video.❤❤😊😊

[@gregniemczuk]

That's so wonderful to hear!!! My best wishes to your daughter!!!

[@joannawronska4100]

SO WONDERFUL AS ALWAYS, MAESTRO!!!!! Thank you for one of my favourite Chopin's Nocturnes in an excellent rendition and for your analysis/tutorial, again my best regards, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2022. Joanna

[@fogausetologiaybienestaran869]

Precioso. Tu pasión se transmite. Gracias!

[@gregniemczuk]

Muchas gracias!

[@tatylouback5492]

This is so impressive❤

[@gorbenkooksana3103]

С огромным удовольствием смотрела и слушала ваш рассказ об истории создания этого ноктюрна,о том,какое чудо он сотворил во время войны,спас жизни людей. Теперь расскажу своим ученикам. У вас великолепное звучание рояля,такое нежное прикосновение пальцев к клавиатуре. Спасибо большое. 0:01

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@Duchess77able]

This video is absolutely amazing, thank you

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you!

[@Mannometer]

Love this 👍🏼

[@ewa5880]

WOW !!! w innym miejscu ,kiedy pan analizował przepiękną Etiudę pełną emocji zapisaną ręką Chopina ,a Pan rozszyfrowywał nam - tym słuchającym ,ale niewprawnym uchem i nieznającym tak dobrze życia Chopina ,- napisałam ,że jestem pod wrażeniem Nocturne`a jednego z wielu , który pomimo mojego niezbyt wprawnego ucha ,jednak wszył się w moje serce tak mocno ,że nie mogę pojąć dlaczego ....i pierwszą myślą było poszukać ...może pan już zdążył przeprowadzić analizę tegoż mojego NOCTURNE`A /nie śledziłam jeszcze wszystkich pana analiz szczegółowo/i wrzutka w przeglądarkę....JEST !! VICTORIA !!! dziękuję ...jestem już na dobrej drodze ...tak, ten ...właśnie ten ,a przecież jest ich tak dużo...!!Dlaczego właśnie ten???co w nim jest takiego innego??? Dziś poznam tę tajemnicę ...posłuchajmy....🤗☺

[@ewa5880]

dziękuję za serduszko ...wiem teraz o co chodzi w tym utworze ,że jak tylko usłyszę parę TYCH dźwięków lecą mi łzy...Bywało też tak, kiedy chodziłam na koncerty do Filharmonii w Lublinie /tam studiowałam /były takie same momenty ...nawet czasami chciano mi udzielić pomoc, bo sądzono ,że się źle czuję ....przestałam uczęszczać na te koncerty...Jest niesamowite jak ogromną , niewyobrażalną MOC posiada ta muzyka skoro URATOWAŁA ŻYCIE człowieka....odnalazłam ten fragment z filmu i niezależnie kto gra mam takie same reakcje....znając dzięki Panu historię tej kompozycji....dziękuję . Ja słyszałam w tym utworze i widziałam w kolorach ptaka w klatce , który chciał wyfrunąć i szukał drogi jak to zrobić , próbował prześliznąć ie przez kratki , próbował zdziobać siatkę ,podlatywał do tzw sufitu klatki i myślał ,że już może rozwinąć skrzydełka, ale niestety odpadał od ścianek...tracił nadzieję ....i zaczął sobie wyobrażać WOLNOŚĆ...tam był szczęśliwy, już nie walił skrzydełkami o ścianki klatki rozłożył skrzydełka i usnął ....na zawsze...nadal powtarza mi się ten sam obraz pomimo tego ,że wiem jakimi uczuciami i emocjami powstał ten utwór...a jest tych nokturnów dużo i każdy powstawał pewnie w podobny sposób ....te same dźwięki, ale podane w innym ułożeniu tak, że się obejmowały w różnym tempie i głośności i czym tam jeszcze ,ale zawsze wyjątkowo niezmiennie wywołujące dreszcze i momenty odpływania gdzieś w przestrzeń UNIVERSUM.....dzięki ,że pan jest i uczy takich jak ja ,słuchać i odbierać te niuanse muzyczne ....Pozdrawiam serdecznie i życzę samych sukcesów oraz możliwość ukończenia planów MUZYCZNYCH !

[@beatlessteve1010]

Wow again I am very happy I saw this, and you played wonderfully really capturing the mood...I did see the movie and yes it too was touching. Thank you very much !! Listening to a second time while working late , I was struck by how well you demonstrated the 'larghetto' while comparing it to the first motif ...I mean I was talking to myself out loud saying how beautiful that sounded, and a co worker who was passing by said .."well thank you very much" and I thought to myself, not in his wildest dreams.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@elisamartini1694]

It will never finish. And it is great happiness.

[@izabellamardo1074]

Belíssima interpretação amei muito

[@gregniemczuk]

Obrigado!

[@musiclover4311]

The greatest challenge in interpreting Fryderyk Chopin is to play his music WITH SENTIMENT but WITHOUT SENTIMENTALITY. Great Maestro Andras Schiff taught us all to remember about it in the context of Beethoven sonatas. It applies even MORE to the immortal music of Chopin.

[@elisamartini1694]

I am still looking and listening to your video. I am still having a little bit of difficulties on the Mazurka. Thank you so much for explaining so well.

[@erggish]

Very magical piece from Chopin

[@hakansen1555]

Thanks Sir

[@shohrehferdowsi3027]

Why we never appreciate artists or musicians when they are still alive. They all become famous after they die.

[@PhilHarrison762]

Without a doubt the most interesting of all your videos so far, especially for someone whose favourite Concerto in all music is Chopin F Minor... and I'm up to around 80 seen so far! So many questions: do we know Ludwika's reaction? Did he/she ever play it in public? Is there record of the public's reaction to her performance of the Concerto? And, separately - I think we're still waiting for your video on Nocturne #21! And, can we find you playing either of the two concertos?

[@amaliachr8661]

Αυτο το Νυχτερινό πριν απο χρόνια το ειχα παίξει σε κάποιες εξετάσεις και μου είχαν πει οτι ημουν ιδανική ερμηνεύτρια του Σοπέν!!! Οταν μου το είχε αναθέσει η καθηγήτρια μου δεν το ήθελα! Οταν αρχίσαμε να το δουλεύουμε ( απο την έκδοση Urtext ) το κατάλαβα, ένιωσα τη δυναμή του και το αγάπησα πολύ!❤️ Στο τέλος του 2ου μέρους θυμαμαι ένιωθα κάθε φορά οτι ξεψυχώ οτι πεθαίνω! Και μετά αυτή η γλυκιά επιστροφή!!! Το αριστερό χέρι με είχε δυσκολέψει περισσότερο απ όλα που έπρεπε να «αναπνέει» συνεχώς να ειναι σταθερό στο tempo να ειναι εκεί παντα διακριτικά αλλά και με τόσα κρυμμένα μοτίβα σε αυτο!!! Το αγάπησα αυτο το Νυχτερινό πολύ!!! Τώρα που άκουσα την ανάλυση σου κατάλαβα και αυτά που τα εκανα απο ένστικτο! Σε ευχαριστώ πάρα πάρα πολύ!!! Μόλις εκανα κι εγγραφή στο κανάλι σου! Πολλά φιλιά απο Ελλάδα…

[@rlkauffmann1016]

Hello! I am absolutely passionate about your videos, your analyzes and also your advices. Are you going to analyze also Chopin's posthumous Nocturne n° 21? It seems less known, but I find it amazing and I would like to play it. Thank you for this great work!!

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes I will!! Soon.. Thank you so much for this enthusiastic comment!

[@nasimahmadian897]

I can't agree with you more on all you've said @RL Kauffmann! And Nocturne no. 21 shatters my heart to pieces with all that beauty, delicacy, and sorrow! I feel that it has always been overshadowed by the beauty of Nocturne no. 20!

[@Arabafenice1962]

Grazie❤

[@joannarosinska5605]

in the part b, measure 30, i think there's a piece from his song "the Wish" "czamuz nie moge w slonko zmienic siebie"

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes, I think I'm talking about that?

[@lourdesdahl6728]

Hi Greg,l am looking forward to learn more about the concierto ln E Minor,i am fascinated with this concierto,i would love to see you giving us some explanation about this wonderful melody,and when this concierto was perform during the Chopins time,.thank you very much,.

[@BYOU99]

Amazing tutorial! In the movie The Pianist, the opening was this piece. But for the German officer scene, he played Ballade G minor. So which one was actually played to save his life?

[@gregniemczuk]

In the real story he played Nocturne. It's obvious, he would have never played the ballad me during the war after YEARS without practicing!

[@BYOU99]

@@gregniemczuk Thanks! That makes sense. That piece is looooong n challenging!! 😰

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

Just watched the video you did (since I made my first comment below) - what a great video. It has really inspired me! I never knew that there were so many other references to other parts of his PC 2 and also the Maiden's wish. Do you think he could have possibly had Beethoven's Pathetique sonata in mind also as he wrote it (and the way in which the sonata has so may references to its other movements within the three movements)? Many thanks again! Amazing video! What a moving story re. those Jewish sisters. I have been to both Sosnowioec and Warsaw (where the ghettos were) so there are lots more resonances now.

[@swami8196]

Grazie

[@kessandra2003]

Here you are plaing much better than in concert posted on the chanel as well. (l am not sure was it in Vien? I called it galopp)

[@gregniemczuk]

It was Zurich. Thank you! Every time is different, all depends on the mood. There it was an encore.

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

Czesc Greg! Jak shemash? What do you think of my way of doing the right hand runs in the c sharp minor nocturne? Nobody taught me this - but do you think it's a good method I m teaching? I call it the 'high jump' method. Very interesting re. Chopin's sister. I talk a little bit about how he sent his sister the piece so as to help her play the 2nd concerto. Did you know that? the middle section of this nocturne helps with the concerto.

[@kimi200100]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jennywr]

Too many ads ruin my mood! But I love this piece, and luckily I can play it. :)

[@gregniemczuk]

I understand! I'm so sorry!!! But because of them you can watch it for free....

[@shayanpazhandi1799]

Is there a video available for the following posthumous nocturn in C minor? unfortunately I could not find it in this playlist. Needless to say, the video is magnificent as ever, especially the information about the background of the piece. Now I know how Chopin must have felt writing this. Interestingly enough, I play this piece ( not the best of performances though) and my sisters who don't like classical music so much, have made a strong connection with this piece since the beginning and often ask me to play it. Now I know why.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you for the comment. Unfortunately not yet! But I'll try to prepare it and publish soon!

[@jfpary7336]

Great!!!! I'd never realized all that things about this nocturne. It was a bit underrated, for example Rubinstein doesn't include it in his integral and also other great pianists, why, why????

[@gregniemczuk]

Because it's a posthumous work maybe? And has no opus number? It was not published by Fontana

[@piotrpatucha1080]

Hi Greg! It's absolutely amazing and beautiful piece. But I write to you with some proposal. Truly, I'd love to listen to Chopin's concerto no 1 in your interpretation. Is it possible? Maybe that concerto is somewhere on your websites. The thing is I've checked almost everything and haven't found what I was looking for... In my opinion Chopin's first concerto is the highest form of beauty in history of music ever and I'm sure you are able to play it better then Krystian Zimerman or Artur Rubinstein and many others (e.g. Bruce Liu)... ;) So if you have a ready movie or soundtrack, would you do me a favor and linked it in your comment? With best wishes, Peter.

[@gregniemczuk]

Oh God... Isn't it an exaggeration? Especially about comparing me with those masters... I've never performed his 1st concerto, I always played concerto no.2! But I'm definitely going to learn his 1st one!

[@piotrpatucha1080]

@@gregniemczuk Extraordinary idea! Just....! :)

[@kakhigiorgadze8487]

Hello Greg, both of Chopin's piano concertos were written in his youth,(while he was still in Warsaw), Although they are very beautiful you can still tell that Chopin was very inexperienced composer. while I love both of these pieces, I know for a fact that Chopin could have wrote one of the greatest Concertos in the world later in his life if he tried!. I wonder Greg why didn't he write another piano concerto for example when he was studying Bach (as his musical style became much more complex and beautiful after doing so).

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi Kakhi. I think it's was mostly because he didn't feel comfortable with writing for the orchestra. Never really studied orchestration and he didn't want to compose for something he was not 100% sure about.

[@kakhigiorgadze8487]

@@gregniemczuk such a pity, however I greatly admire his perfectionist personality. Chopin might have not been from a noble birth but he was a true aristocrat!

[@gregniemczuk]

@@kakhigiorgadze8487 indeed!!!!

[@manchildx277]

We need nocturne 21!

[@joelee7853]

Hi again Greg, May I ask you a question regarding the mazurka part around the 30-minute mark of your video? Is it that this part has a different tempo? I have listened to a couple of your performances on YT (including the one in Japan) as well as others on YT. It seems like part A is generally played at the Adagio tempo (say 60+) but this mazurka part in the bass clef is at an allegro pace. However, the sheet music I found for this nocturne does not suggest a change in tempo. May I ask you for some guidance please? Thank you so much and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@gregniemczuk]

Hello dear Joe. Thank you for this very important question. It's a very good point! I have to explain more thoroughly. No, in the score we have no tempo change. But there are many reasons why I have a strong believe it should be played faster: 1. This is not published piece, Chopin sketched it only for his sister so he didn't care too much about all the interpretation marks. 2. In posthumous pieces it's absolutely allowed and necessary to enrich those pieces with our own ideas because they are not polished by Chopin - he never wanted them to be known by anyone! So he never finished all the notations about tempos, dynamic etc. 3. It's a Mazurka and a quotation from Piano concerto (last movement!) Which from it's spirit sounds good only in faster tempo (in my opinion). If we want to render the Mazurka spirit the tempo should be slightly faster. So my conclusion is: Go for it! Play it a bit faster and don't be afraid that Chopin didn't note this change. This part played slow is not that interesting in my opinion and not Polish in spirit. I hope I explained that clearly.

[@joelee7853]

@@gregniemczuk Thank you so much, Greg. Yes, you offered a very clear explanation.

[@Timytc1]

Thanks so much for the question and Greg’s very informative explanation. I had always been baffled why my interpretation of the Mazurka section is so different from the versions I heard played by concert pianists. And special thanks to Greg for this very educational video - your passion and enthusiasm in wanting to impart your knowledge to us is so palpable. I must say hearing you play this beautiful music also brought tears to my eyes as it evokes memories of my Mum who had passed away just a few months ago.

[@donPmusic]

Hi Greg, I’m very interested in what printed version of Chopin’s Nocturne you are playing? It seems that nobody is performing from his autograph - why is that? The odd meter 3/4 against 4/4 in his autograph are taken directly from his concerto no II. Publishers seem to have changed this to conform to 4/4. What would you consider to be the most authoritative or accurate printed version available today of this Nocturne and of his other nocturnes? Many thanks for considering my request.

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi! I'm using the National Urtext Jan Ekier edition which I trust. There are a few versions of this Nocturne indeed. There are commentaries about those versions. In Jan Ekier edition there are two printed versions, one of them has this odd meter.

[@mariyakoshkina3941]

I would love to share this video to you,but I don’t know how to do it privately 😢

[@gregniemczuk]

Please write me an email at [e-mail].

[@salifscott4664]

I cried twice while watching this video.

[@zofiachmiel2066]

Pan mowi po angielsku i napisy sa w j. angielskim angielski tłumaczony na angielski ?????

[@gregniemczuk]

Ja nie wiem dlaczego tak jest, ale jest tam opcja wyłączenia napisów albo wybrania innego języka (jest ich kilkanaście do wyboru).

[@liquidnitrogen58]

I was wondering what you think about Mariah Carey's music? She is famous for her amazing melodies and she writes all of her own melodies. What do you think?? Please tell us.

[@gregniemczuk]

I don't know her that well. I'll have to listen more

[@liquidnitrogen58]

@@gregniemczuk yay !!! I’m so happy you replied to my comment !!! You are an AMAZING pianist !!! You love Chopin soooo much !!!

[@gregniemczuk]

@@liquidnitrogen58 yes!!! I'm obsessed!

[@liquidnitrogen58]

@@gregniemczuk Greg! I know you’re busy, but could you PLEASE watch my piano video and tell me what you think ???? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXmQhJKPrJJ9aJo

[@anetapaszek5808]

To chyba pierwszy raz, kiedy to tak bardzo widzę jak nie potrafi Pan znaleźć słów, żeby coś opisać. I nie dziwię się. Kolejny przykład na to jak słowa są ograniczone żeby wyrazić coś tak głębokiego jak tu. Po prostu słowa zamierają, bo są tak małe. Coś by jednak trzeba było powiedzieć.. coś.. no właśnie, co, jak . Można jedynie coś jakby zaznaczyć, napomknąć, nadmienić. Reszta jest w muzyce. Jest tak daleko bardziej niż małe słowa. Tylko wyłączyć umysł i rozum. ..

[@slipkcat-pg9fs]

im from alabama, my wife is my sister

[@cavendish009]

He is "trying" too hard and therefore the piece does not have authenticity !!!!

[@gregniemczuk]

But it's subjective. Just like any other Chopin's piece

[@TheLordbal]

love this piece, very sad, with a hope for a new beginning. as i said, i love this piece.

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes!! There's a hope at the end!

[@salifscott4664]

I cried twice while watching this video.

[@gregniemczuk]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ you must be very sensitive