Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Makoto Ozone, NY Philharmonic

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Moments like these makes me believe in the power of the human spirit again. Music once was made of Melody, Harmony, Rhythm and Creativity. Long ago, the last ingredient, CREATIVITY was lost after the great composers and we have now only people reading and playing from papers. So, JAZZ has restored that old feeling and the power of music to free the spirit and give us wings to fly above all mundane darkness again.

[@tefrumpzax]

This pianist did nothing but put a smile on my face. His improvisations were as smooth as silk, and his attitude towards playing is comedic

[@andy4226uk]

This is by far the most unique performance I've ever heard and I've listened to a lot of versions of this! He plays several cadenzas that I've never heard before. He's also got a strange way of how he stresses the notes. It's all very interesting though and I'll definitely be listening to it again!

[@koyunbaba73]

He deserved a standing ovation. That was superb. I felt like I was back in the 50s in a nightclub listening to Ahmad Jamal. That was inspiring, and it goes to show all the puritans that you do not need to be born into a culture in order to be authentic in its arts!

[@djmotise]

We don't need this to know that Japan excels in Jazz. That's been established for many decades already.

[@lvchoralman]

A stunning performance with improvisations that are delightful.

[@nomedecanalaleatorio9201]

Then finally someone realized this is a orchestral jazz, not a classical piece, 10/10

[@tonyharris9001]

I MUST ADMIT, THIS IS UNQUESTIONABLY THE FINEST PERFORMANCE I'VE EVER HEARD OF THIS WORK! AND I MUST HEARD AT LEAST A HUNDRED DIFFERENT PERFORMANCES OF THIS WORK DURING MY LIFETIME. -- THE ARTICULATION, PHRASING, EXPRESSION, RHYTHM, AND SHEER MUSICALITY OF MAKOTO OZONE'S PERFORMANCE OF THIS WORK IS SUPERLATIVE AND EXTRAORDINARY! -- CONGRATULATIONS AND BRAVO MAKOTO!

[@DihelsonMendonca]

+Tony Harris I´ve listened to this a hundred times. GOD must be with this man !

[@greghight8050]

+Tony Harris Right...I could not have phrased it better than you, sir. Makoto...he gets Gershwin. And his creativity is like Bernstein on steroids. He fluently interprets and expresses Gershwin's Rhapsody.

[@greghight8050]

+Dihelson Mendonca Right, sir. You are so right about Mr. Makoto and his gift. What a privilege!! If it isn't He...who else? :~)

[@mrbrianc]

Definitely the best interpretation of this piece I have ever heard. His switch into stride piano sections was fabulous. His playing lent itself back to time that the Rhapsody was composed. Bravo

[@gossamerwings3632]

+Greg Hight....his name is Mr. Ozone, Makoto is his first name but then again the Japanese say the last name first so it should be Ozone Makoto.

[@shortcircuit94]

This was the most outstanding version of the Rhapsody in Blue I've ever heard. Wow.

[@greghight8050]

You get Gershwin...it's apparent from your interpretation, Mr. Ozone. Thank you so very much!

[@djmotise]

Right, he "gets" Gershwin so much that he butchers it by changing it. Right, I see.

[@meaf]

Perfection draws the most criticism. The people commenting negatively on this exceptional performance cannot even produce a single valid criticism. These fools have said it is over emotional and over rehearsed! Clearly, they don't realize that this is art and is expression, and it is expressed immaculately.

[@alessandrozigliani2615]

da1the0nly and who would be the judge of valid criticism. Sorry but this this guy is so self-centered I do not know where to begin. The improv is so boring and affected I find myself lost, looking for the way and then i find it when Gershwin gets back and then i am lost again. This is bad. Not Lang Lang bad. It is beyond bad.

[@mxx0003]

Amazing. Brilliantly refreshing. Remarkable interpretation.

[@Seanjohn1231]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful what an emotionally filled piece of music by one of the greatest orchestras in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@The_Octopus]

This gentleman absolutely captures Gershwin's humor and jazz timing. I have a CD with George and Ira's original piano rolls. George played Rhapsody all on piano and this fellow mimics him exactly

[@MrJomarbon]

Its a new rhapsody!!! Simply great. Awesome.

[@dondokodokodon]

I think so too. Thank you for watching my video.

[@jerryzucchero8614]

This piece can be played so many ways and no matter who does it I enjoy it. Gershwins music will last forever!

[@wolfgangsuehrer5405]

I like the humorous way in which the pianist Makoto Ozone interacts with the conductor Alan Gilbert. Makoto is enthusiastic about his playing, he puts so much feeling into his performance. - Look how the lady violinist with the short haircut sitting on Makoto's left is enjoying the performance too! A wonderful, delightful and heart warming performance! - Thank you all!

[@jakedog52]

Great rendition! Makoto Ozone looks like he is having the time of his life

[@DihelsonMendonca]

AWESOME !!! Makoto is one of three greatest pianists of the world today.

[@thegibbehhh9430]

you know what really bothers me? When people say this is a bad performance. Unless youve been playing for more than 5 years, just enjoy it, dont scrutinize it. The NY Philharmonic is a world class orchestra.

[@TheBluesnbob]

Does that 5 yrs. include being a Piano student because I've been a student my whole life! I love Gershwin, this incredible, seemingly impossible piece to learn, those dynamics.....I love that Yamaha, not as bright as so many of them!

[@TheBluesnbob]

***** you mean Objective!! but even objectivity requires boundaries of established excellence in performance that are codified!

[@TheBluesnbob]

And the term 'well' has to be defined too! And some people love to criticize and stir the pot!

[@TheBluesnbob]

Very true Laurence!

[@szhang3284]

Really good sound quality! And it's Ozone so what more can I say. Thank you for posting!

[@coreahancock5631]

People who complain, don´t understand a thing about JAZZ. Makoto is playing the music, but also, improvising, don´t you noticed ? THIS IS JAZZ. Who in the world can make this on Rhapsody in Blue with such Class ?

[@augustgphs]

Wow! That was fantastic! What a joy to listen and watching was fun as well.....

[@usafo6885]

Awesome, fun, uplifting. No technical interpretation necessary, this is an awesome performance!!

[@hastetwo2836]

Whoa, I just randomly searched for the NY Philharmonic, and then THIS comes up! The jazzed up and improv-based interpretation is CRAZY.... crazy awesome.

[@divestedconservative26]

Just Beautiful! The New York Philharmonic is the best!

[@billyee4161]

One of the fun elements of this performance for me was seeing the woman musician in the glasses subtly dancing in her chair during the swinging stride piano solo.

[@CarlChristensen64]

a beautiful, brilliant, and unique interpretation!

[@monetinba]

I heve never listen such a unique Rhapsody in Blue! Awesome.

[@darlenefoster3379]

Absolutely Loved That!

[@bobobrien1842]

This was excellent.A departure from the usual piano performance with this piece but a very fine interpretation and brilliantly done by the pianist.......Bravo!...and....bravo!!

[@54fingerlakes]

Thank God for the NY Philharmonic Orchestra----Because of them--- people know about New York's existence. World Financial Centers come and go in history--but music is forever. Even me being from "Upstate" New York can be proud of such great musicians.

[@dagty11]

I had non stop chills watching this whole video. Thanks for the share!

[@jojoj3243]

Thank you! Took me three decades to finally hear the NY Philharmonic do it. Quite happy to see them interpret RIB faithfully as Jazz. I just knew they would take it personally, and it seems they did. All of the loud/quiet and stops/starts, as written. Reminded me of a Nirvana concert, weirdly enough.

[@MikhailKalashnikovMiG]

Absolutely brilliant

[@blogegog]

MASSIVE improv there. But he's so good he pulled it off.

[@christophspengler]

Soooo coool! Look at the viola player in the background. She loves what he does - not! :-D A real genius in my opinion, interesting way to play that piece.

[@thibaultpeth5403]

Haters gonna Hate one more time bcause it's sooo unbelievable as a performance. I would say a big classic piece perfectly turned and arranged as a jazz one ! Thank you Mr. Ozone and keep playing the piano as you maket it so great !!

[@radiokid2]

Was skeptical at first...but, wow, it ended up as fantastically spontaneous and his extended improvs never "forgot" the original spirit of the piece. 5 stars*****

[@davidborrowdale4187]

George would have loved this!

[@djmotise]

Don't be so sure. This is a masterpiece that should NOT be messed with. At least not to this degree.

[@hts1128]

wow, 11:32~13:23 that part is amazing. I could listen to it forever.

[@gnhight]

Please correct me if you think I'm wrong about this: There are those few geniuses who create music. Our dear Gershwin is one of them. Then there are those geniuses who interpret the creators. This performance by Makoto Ozone presents what I think might be the most faithful and creative presentation of Gershwin's Rhapsody...he gets Rhapsody; I know he gets it because of the ways Mr. Ozone departs from the original script. Do musicians reading this understand me?

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

I would agree with you and point out that I have yet to hear a Japanese musician that wasn't technically near perfect, and Makoto's got the added gift of style and interpretation. I grew up when I listened to a couple versions of this on 78 rpm discs.

[@djmotise]

Yes I understand you, but you're not exactly correct. The only real geniuses are the composers, unless proven otherwise. A performer's job is not to "interpret." Her job is to perform the work as the composer intended. All of the composer's intentions are in the score. It doesn't take a genius to do that. You just have to be an intelligent musician. What proof do you have that Ozone "gets" Gershwin, and others don't? Just because he "departs from the script." That actually should not be done. Gershwin never gave permission to change this piece in the fashion that this man does here. Sure, a little ornamentation here and there perhaps, but not these unacceptable total changes. Would this guy add to the Concerto in F Major too? I'm sure he would, but it's wrong. Sorry. I dissent.

[@blubberdust]

This is by far the finest rendition of this piece i have found on the internet.

[@TheFreddyEduard]

Emily Bear Rhapsody in Blue

[@ricardohoraciosmith6716]

Felicitaciones por subir esta obra maestra del Jazz Sinfónico, poseo una vieja copia que compre a mis 10 años allá por el 1956, en formato Long Play, 33 1/3 RPM. que cada tanto lo "desempolvo" y escucho. Las compare y salvo pequeñas diferencias entre ambas, esta versión esta super. La grabacion a la que me refiero esta interpretada por David Haines y la Orq. filarmonica de Hamburgo, sello Decca CCA 55012.

[@rotviepe]

I felt in love with this performance. Just Perfect! (Sorry for my English)

[@billm1368]

Your English was perfect

[@loluoresegun5844]

*fell

[@lynnejenkinson4074]

Real Passion..!..Breathtaking...x

[@jackieancelet590]

I really enjoyed this performance because I am a pianist and just to imagine myself playing it, I like to listen to a piano only performances and I thought this was a piano only performance and it wasn't but honestly, I don't regret listening to it because the excitement in this performance was overwhelming!!! you really can't get this energy from one person. and most pianists are used to being the center of attention. especially with this kind of piece. but honestly the pianist in this orchestra just looked so excited to just be playing! and thats the attitude I miss having. after playing for so long, I just don't have that... attitude anymore. but anyways off my soap box lol. REALLY enjoyed this performance. very well done.

[@beatfish]

Stunning brilliance!

[@DuhAverageJoe]

Wow, it's like a modern jazz take on the original!

[@neverwin2518]

The comment section in KZbin videos makes me laugh.... Everybody is a music/political/philosophy/technology expert these days. Just because you are capable of finding something you don't like about something doesn't mean expressing that dislike makes you in some way superior to the uploader or people in the video. This is a wonderful performance, and I for one would have loved to have been there to witness it!

[@ComposerInUK]

You're right, Dan, but, in the way of KZbin, people are allowed to express their views in a particular performance or performer. I try to keep my comments positive - I wish everyone else adopted that policy! If you don't like something, move on. If you do, say something nice or enlightening to others.

[@ferociousgumby]

I think you can be critical if you are thoughtful and respectful. "Personally, I would have preferred" is OK, or even comparisons to other artists, if that's your thing. But I've had people tell me to fxxk off and die because I didn't agree with them. Whatever happened to civility?

[@soniadownie8749]

Spot on, very well said 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@soniadownie8749]

​@@ComposerInUKexactly

[@MrEnriquemiguel]

I don't know why, but this masterpiece reminds me "the friendly skies" and makes me feel like starting my vacations! By the way, I like this version more than any other heard before!

[@suzusato8589]

The pianist is amazing but the conductor is so wonderful too!

[@gossamerwings3632]

I enjoyed this first time listening to Makoto Ozone.

[@mariadefatimacorreacoelhof3244]

Quando Makoto Ozoni vier fazer um recital no Brasil, terá que ser no maior teatro que dispomos, porque com certeza lotará.

[@Dengee]

MESMERIZING!!!!!

[@jerrythemouse28]

At United, we're connecting people, uniting the world and doing it safely. From all of us, thank you and enjoy your flight!

[@orfeasmusic]

I would pay anything to hear this live.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

GOD EXISTS and it is along side with Makoto Ozone.

[@schnabeldoktor229]

21:40 Strong Salsa feeling. Fiesta!!!

[@linnarin]

It's my favorite part of this performance.

[@ValleyOfWillows]

Yes, and the way it went back into the original music was brilliant!

[@modelstatue]

Someone who knows how to interpret this like a jazz piece rather than a piece of classical music!

[@ninjabuck2576]

modelstatue I was listening and kept thinking to myself, "He's doing something wrong. It sounds good, but it's not how the piece is written." I then read your comment and it all makes sense now.Brilliant!

[@elmodeadinside2760]

Jazz is a bit odd compared to classical music it's just always up and happy mode

[@TheFreddyEduard]

Makoto Ozone play Rhapsody In Blue with the 11 year old Emily Bear when she was for a concert in Tokyo. Both play it for fun (4 hands one piano and got a little masterclass of Emily. ) Now is Emily age 13 and play Rhapsody with full orchestra. Watch the video of this concert. Rhapsody in Blue - Emily Bear, age 13 Emily Bear & Makato Ozone toghetter with Rhapsody in Blue. Emily Bear Rhapsody In Blue & Flicht of the Bumblebee The links are in the reaction below

[@TheFreddyEduard]

Makoto Ozone & Emily Bear kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKG0ep-nm7yVeJY Emily Bear Concert / Rhapsody in Blue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqCadnpqZbCinLc

[@rinaesk]

Great music.

[@marie-laurencegonzalez8514]

performance !!! bravo !!!

[@ferociousgumby]

Oh man, is he ever taking liberties with this thing! WWGT (what would George think??) He was quoted as saying "good music is good music". If someone made music this good out of his work, I doubt if he would have minded. I've just listened to maybe 10 versions of this, most of them just abysmal. This guy may play around, but it plays, it's Gershwin! I've started to listen to him lately as if I've never heard him before. There's a sensuality that I didn't notice before because I was too busy paying attention to the brilliance and bravado. But man, this guy's got rhythm.

[@thibaultpeth5403]

yeah man, fuck yeah, what do ya say is so true #thismangotrythm.

[@tilinho1ciosque]

For a new colection! Thanks NMV

[@ttoscaa00]

unbelievable Great the best I have heard in my xxx yrs sounds a little like my buddy Dave Brubeck

[@3barsaday]

I'm not pianist; hell I can't even hum a tune, but I know what I like, and I think this is great!

[@daalvares]

Excepcional !!!

[@54fingerlakes]

Exceptional performance ---Look at Ozone's face when he really gets rolling along. In German there is a word that has no English equivalent for this combination of man and machine as just one entity. It's the German word " Farfranugen"

[@Butterblume511]

Gregory Miller-Richter Von Ostein I'm afraid that's not a German word :) I don't even know which word you mean.

[@stefanosandini4617]

wonderful!

[@jimjardine4705]

The Piano tone on this recording is better than others.

[@aliciaparadela6571]

muy buena !

[@coreahancock5631]

When MAKOTO Plays, we have the impression that he is completing the piece that Gershwin forgot to include ! Ajajajaj He plays and almost dance. uhuuuuuuuuu

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Exactly !

[@ErickJohn1404]

muito bom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DihelsonMendonca]

+Erick John Ouvindo com calma, no completo silêncio é que a gente vê como ficou incrível essa performance. Todo o cuidado do mundo, Erick. Makoto é simplesmente um gênio. Gershwin, que era um pianista de Jazz deveria ter gostado de ouvir isso.

[@johnnyenglish6099]

GREAT!!! Makoto Ozone's arrangement, I presume??

[@TheFeuillesMortes]

wowsa!!!!

[@timnewman1478]

...having said the below, Alan Gilbert and the incredible musicians he conducts are amazing despite the piano performance.

[@SuperStupidSuperGuys]

The point of jazz and improvisation is take ideas and expand on them to make them your own. This is one of the best performances I've heard because of all the artistic liberty. I've listened to RIB many times and I know all the parts quite well. It's fun to hear the original ideas mixed in with all of his own. If this is not jazz then I don't know what is.

[@ScoreNMusic]

WOW !!!!!

[@ああ-y2x8b]

日本語でのコメントがないことに、驚いています。後ろにいるバイオリンのムスッとした年長者女性が、後半ラテンのリズムでちょっとノッてたのがおもしろかった　＾ ＾

[@Sil3ntNinja01]

I swear, this is something you would hear off of a classic Tom and Jerry episode!

[@josielol]

lol YES!! same thoughts exactly.

[@djmotise]

huh?

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Now we really heard what Gershwin tried to play !

[@michaelkeating5032]

I don't understand why people voted this down.

[@djmotise]

Because we know the real piece by Gershwin. This is not it.

[@danielappleton153]

The piano solo versions of Rhapsody are great, but I prefer the ones with a full orchestra like the Philharmonic. It's much richer & fuller. I think Gerswin would approve of this version / rendition.

[@alexpalermo682]

The best....

[@ValleyOfWillows]

5:26 This made me laugh with joy!

[@qie_miraii1445]

omergerd... clarinet solo is so good.

[@coreahancock5631]

Makoto Ozone stablished a new Standard on playing the old Rhapsody in Blue !

[@AnieMick]

Great :)

[@alinagrasso9370]

the New York Philharmonic is a gift and Mr Ozone is very very good, not as entertaining and showman as Camilo who I am a #1 fan

[@g0g0gdzilla]

It obviously isn't "all about the piano" (as someone mentioned) but, uh, WOW!

[@claudiamag007]

There's a little bit of "Armando's Rumba" (Chick Corea) from minute 21:00 to 22:40 (specially between 22:00 and 22:40).... :)

[@liviaderfoldi8496]

Gershwin legcsodálaatosabb müve.

[@satex-id7lg]

thanks so much for posting, do you by any chance have a recording of the full concert?

[@dondokodokodon]

You are welcome. The recording of the full concert was lost because I deleted the movie file by mistake, sorry! The ad lib jazz performance with two orchestra members as an encore may be the best part of the concert.

[@masayukifujita7000]

Sounds like a fun song to be a trombone player

[@smoreo503]

He literally makes the face of the emotion he's trying to express with his music during the exact time he's playing the corresponding emotional part. He has literally rehearsed the emotion he's trying to convey with his music. I thought the feeling behind this was over-rehearsed since the start and now I know why.

[@grandolp22]

+Jordan Cruz youre a jerk!

[@ytubejat]

Wonderful performance! Was it recorded on the Japan tour with the NYPhil or is it the bonus performance in New York?

[@ernatimmer2471]

Nous avons assisté cette semaine au David Geffen Hall à la répétition de Rapsody in Blue avec Makoto Ozone: Comment dire ? .... C'est pas mal pour bien débuter une journée à New York. Pour rappel il manque 500 Millions de dollars pour restaurer le Lincoln Center ... avis aux généreux donateurs

Who else laughed when watching his performance? :-D

[@thibaultpeth5403]

found a bit of Chick Corea's way of playing and Armando's rumba in the last few minutes.

[@meganenryb2854]

Does anyone know who the solo clarinetist was? I think it is Mark Nuccio but I am not entirely sure

[@yoichishindo]

ピアニストになりたかった。ピアニストは、世界を描き出すから。