Hélène Grimaud: Bach - Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 (arr. Ferruccio Busoni)

From the Kammermusiksaal of the Berlin Philharmonie, 2001
Piano recital by one of the very top pianists of her generation, still in her early thirties
Watch the full concert: bit.ly/HeleneGrimaud-PianoRecital
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Johann Sebastian Bach - Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 (Arr. Ferruccio Busoni)
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The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung wrote of this recital by pianist Hélène Grimaud at the Kammer Musiksaal of the Berlin Philharmonie, “She doesn’t only play the piano - she feels it and she lives it. Every single note proves her devotion to perfection ... her unconventional style captivates everyone in the audience.”
Arguably one of the very top pianists of her generation, her concert career took off in 1987 when she was in her early twenties and she now performs with major orchestras around the world as well as being in demand for recital appearances. The spontaneity of her playing is breathtaking. Not to be afraid of taking risks and always to play as though it is the first time is Hélène Grimaud’s maxim.
Her program for this recording features Bach’s Chaconne in D minor, Beethoven’s Sonata No. 31 in A flat Op. 110, and Brahms’ Sonata No. 3 in F minor Op. 5. As encores, she plays two of Rachmaninov’s Etudes-tableaux Op. 33.
© Licensed by Digital Classics Distribution
#wocomoBAROQUE

[@dlbernau]

I was fortunate to hear and watch her perform this piece last night, 02.06.2024. An incredible experience I will never forget.

[@vpoleshuck1]

I, heard her on 2/8/24 in Rochester, NY. She went into it directly from Brahms with no break--no time for applause after the Brahms, and it was spellbinding. She took us to another dimension. The response from the audience was overwhelming, and her bows were full of smiles and gratitude, yet we were the ones to be thankful. Astonishing artistry.

[@umegghju]

@@vpoleshuck1 since june is not still arrived, i think you meant the 6th of february (06.02.2024). The right order is day/month/year, (from smaller to larger)

[@vpoleshuck1]

@@umegghju since she was playing in the USA and I heard her in the USA, I used our convention rather than the European one. In the USA the right order is month/day/year.

[@umegghju]

@@vpoleshuck1 I know, but it's nor ascending nor descending order, i think also in USA the day is smaller than month and month is smaller than year. You should also stop using foots, fahreneit temperature, gallons and that strange things, not because i am not confortable with that (I don't use them and don't care) but because you will feel better when you will understand your own measure system. To know how many foots are in a mile... and your temperature is based on the blood of horses... Normal temperature for the rest of the world is 0 = frozen water and 100 = boiling water. Temperature = 0 or lower means you have to be very careful because ice can be on the street, for example. Who care about the blood of horses? Just joking, but think about.

[@stanleyfox4112]

My wife and I were there as well. She is an angle from a better planet

[@bzzz0195]

Sometimes I feel so lucky to live in a time where with a click you can experience beauty like this whenever you want.

[@marlieshill599]

MERCI merci infiniment

[@bernardpoitevin7615]

c'est particulièrement vrai ici

[@arnaldosantoro6812]

Do you mean Hélène or her Chaconne?

[@germangarcia7028]

Todo una maravilla! Bach, la Grimaud, el Stainway, nuestro gusto y hasta el mágico click...

[@violinhunter2]

"Sometimes" ??

[@timothysimpson-inspire]

Heard her play this at The Eastman School of Music‘s Kilbourn Hall on 2/8/2024. The perfect hall for such a concert. Live in a hall like that it is a completely different experience than any recording played on any equipment could ever be. Sublime, moving, just grandiose. I traveled 700+ miles to hear it!

[@pascalplissonneau187]

Saw her performing last Sunday at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. She played Beethoven, Brahms, and this Chaconne. I left the concert hall floating on a little cloud... Thank you for so much beauty! ♥

[@jsetiaw]

Bach's Chaconne is like human's life... ups and downs... clarity and confusion... tension and resolution... waiting and fulfillment... runaway and return...

[@eduardodelany3918]

This performance is from another world...

[@sanderson9515]

And a better one.

[@nicolasperrault3363]

Seules les compositions de Bach savent excéder en beauté une si jolie femme.

[@doc032848]

In this performance, Helene Grimaud showed her immense talent, playing one of the most prized instrumental pieces ever composed by the incomparable J.S. Bach. It was utterly captivating! I must express my gratitude and admiration to Ms. Grimaud for her superlative effort presented with such class and humility.

[@NeaonBHB]

Well, you found the place to do it. Good job.

[@ottoschnosel6996]

Sei solo - I am alone. Thats the subtitle of this piece. That is what JSB had to accept when he returned from a journey and had to learn that his wife had died . The Chaconne reflects all the feelings a human beeing can have in such a situation: complete despair, sadness and rage. On thr other hand there is the absolute trust in God which transpires in every note. The piano adaption of this piece by Busoni is an incredible work of art in its own right. The interpretation of Helene Grimaud for me is the reference: absolutely perfect, with the right tempo and immaculate timing. It is for me the rare event of three geniusses meeting and creating a sign of eternal humanity.

[@Vladimir-sc4bq]

То

[@francisdebriey3609]

And I cry while reading your note and listening to this devine interpretation ... this is the music I want on my death bed

[@gabrielemariaesposito3971]

Didn't know that, very interesting. I just want to say that "Sei solo" means "You are alone", not "I am alone"

[@user-uv5hx]

It's not "I'm alone". Sei means 6 in Italian. The complete title is "Sei Solo a Violino senza Basso accompagnato" -- six solos for violin without bass accompaniment, now known as Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin BWV 1001-1006. Please don't be confused.

[@maestroadam]

@@user-uv5hx haha exactly, incorrect information abounds.

Thank you very much for bringing joy to a very old and ill professor in Patagonia, Argentina. Her superbe Art and your great Channel brought me Peace. I thank you.

[@maxscriptguru]

I saw Helene perform this in Los Angeles in about 1996? I had no idea what it was at the time. But I fell in love at once, with both her and the music.

[@quesneynicolas2179]

Je ne connais pas de plus grande pianiste qui supasse toute femme et tout homme. Un monument, un Mythe.

[@danieldimaio3040]

I heard her perform this work last week at Yale, more than twenty years after this performance, and it is still stupendous.

[@morganfisherart]

I love her exhausted look at the end, almost can't bow, has given everything, just wants to collapse in the dressing room with a glass of champagne. A great musician!!!

[@YPO6]

In the 1970's and 80's musicians were powered by cocaine.

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

@@YPO6 ALL OF THEM?.....POOR REMARK.

[@lemokolyon]

(From an interview,) She drinks no alcohol at all. Not even Champagne.

[@threethrushes]

The performance speaks for itself.

[@Zofzoeif]

Je pense que Bach a écrit sa Chaconne à Hélène Grimaud sans se rendre compte, tellement elle se fond littéralement dans ce chef-d'oeuvre !

[@olgakaplan4039]

What a beautiful performance. She is going to play this in Barcelona next May. I am the lucky one to have tickets.

[@achilleraumsog7216]

I discovered this composition when I was 14 through a Deutsche Grammophon recording by Gidon Kremer, I believed then and I still believe that this piece is a perfect depiction of a whole human life, with its moments of the most intense despair to those of calmness and slow rebirth. It is also the first time I hear it played on the piano and I am awed by Grimaud's performance, she is an interpreter of genius.

[@k.j.zeedijk5349]

wonderfull interruption?

[@anilphilip546]

"I still believe that this piece is a perfect depiction of a whole human life, with its moments of the most intense despair to those of calmness and slow rebirth" I love your interpretation - yes, I love the piece too!

[@beatrixorosz3462]

Vorrei aggiungere che si tratta di un viaggio nel tempo completo... dall'infanzia innocente al caos di oggi... e alla speranza più pura per una vita umana migliore e pacifica... sono felice di ascoltare questo meraviglioso pezzo di musica in qualsiasi momento e questo mi calma e Grimaud è perfettamente il suo gioco per eccellenza...

[@raumsogg]

@@beatrixorosz3462 Esattamente, non avrei saputo dirlo meglio.

[@sarco64]

I think this is the most incredible musical composition ever written. I never get tired of hearing it, regardless of what instrument it is played on.

[@user-cm6nx8ms6h]

It's eternity

[@ramyamaddali703]

@Jake Miller i don't think David was even referring to the ease of playing but to the intensity of emotions this piece might produce in the player. I mean if it can do this to us listeners, imagine what it does to the player.

[@malwinaviolinist]

agree!

[@discik1]

Thay say that Golberg Variations are the most incredible still i agree that chacone is the best.

[@raffa502]

Io dico questo ogni volta che ascolto composizioni di Bach Le Variazioni di Golberg per me sono un balsamo per l'anima. Bach è la perfezione assoluta

[@Claudia-zy4bj]

Unglaublich gut. Ich bin dankbar für die Gnade, so etwas schönes und zutiefst berührendes hören zu dürfen. Sphärisch, transzendent, vergeistigt - nicht von dieser Welt. Danke, Frau Grimaud.

[@claudiomoretto2300]

Quanta sapienza e dolcezza, il vedere questa grande pianista come in trance - estasi... con un tocco così leggero come una carezza al proprio amato "animale domestico". Complimenti! Lei, inoltre è meravigliosamente bella...

[@gsamsasamsa]

We should listen & enjoy more these pieces and oververwellming interpretations, just to comfort us, to find ourselves and -from that inner place- rejoin others and face the difficult days we all are passing through.

[@ryanbonin1009]

What a legendary performance.

[@stephaneloridan9282]

Perfection does not exist, but it is what comes closest to it, at all levels.

[@user-kj5gt2nm2r]

La perfection et la transcendance de l'interprétation sont à la hauteur du génie de l'oeuvre. Expérience jubilatoire et mystique, le paradis est là, éblouissant. Notre esprit, notre âme, nos sens sont transportés vers des cieux où règne un goût d'éternité. Merci

[@andrelefebvre5453]

Brought me to tears... ♥♥♥ Dexterité oui, absolument! Mais aussi un océan d'empathie qui étreint l'oeuvre du compositeur et se déverse généreusement vers nous... Sublime interprétation!

[@gillesbloch8556]

Si Bach était là pour l'entendre, des larmes de joie inonderaient son visage, je pense. C'est tellement beau

[@user-hs6si6cx9n]

Il faut être un ange pour jouer ainsi 🕊

[@Anitsirc25]

Breathtaking hearing the Chaconne on piano by such a skilled and virtuosic pianist. What a testament to the sublime perfection of this musical work, gorgeous on any instrument.

[@francisdebriey3609]

She's not only gorgeous, she's divine. This music makes me cry, touches me so deep. JSB is a composer which connection to divine is not enough recognized. Today we prefer "light" and "easy to listen" fast food stuff. I am at the opposite, I need depth as much as oxygen. Thank you so much Hélène !

[@jvanacker]

Thank you mrs Grimaud.

[@jamesgolightly2295]

She was in an absolute trance. Arguably her best performance. Such an emotional translation of Bach. I couldn’t take my eyes away. I think she forgot the audience was there.

[@bzzz0195]

I played the Chaconne for my violin diploma (although in my very flawed way). This piece has really the power of bringing you to another dimension, both when you listen to it, but especially when you play it. It is a full story enclosed within intense 20 minutes of music where you experience the whole range of emotions. It is extraordinary that Bach achieved that in a musical form which should basically be a simple theme + variations.

[@idanyou]

Great comment! Thanks! You're absolutely right.

[@bzzz0195]

@@idanyou thank you!

[@allenpodet8769]

Those who thought she was in a trance are sensitive to her presentation of emotion. As for me. This piece in this performance moved me to tears of joy. If that suggests treatment, too bad.

[@allenpodet8769]

@@bzzz0195 look I

[@jsphotos]

Genius composer (Bach). Genius transcription (Busoni). Genius performance (Grimaud). Uplifting, beyond words.

[@rykehuss3435]

To me this is not uplifting, but a testament of tragedy. Its a sad piece, composed, transcripted and performed masterfully

[@yurastoyan5973]

Да. Провидение иногда даёт возможность некоторому числу своих рабов ощутить эстетическое наслаждение от прослушивания любимых произведений музыкального искусства.

[@yurastoyan5973]

​@@rykehuss3435Вы не правы. Столь эмоциональное и динамичное произведение никак не может быть однозначно грустным, ну разве что лишь в некоторых его частях. Скорее оно отражает весь, или почти весь спектр многочисленных состояний человеческой души, за исключением, разве что чувства телячьего восторга.

[@MrGoshka1]

@@yurastoyan5973 Рабов?..

[@rykehuss3435]

@@yurastoyan5973 Скажи мне, когда оно станет счастливым? Везде грустно и трагично.

[@carrickrichards2457]

Mozart when he first heard Bach was delighted 'Here at last is music from which to learn'. Beethoven learned from Bach's well tempered clavier. Mendelssohn went to great lengths to rescue Bach's repertoire. Thanks now go to Ms Grimaude also, for keeping Bach alive.

[@fabriceg.9399]

Sans la musique, le monde serait invivable.

[@mauriciomontoya8634]

hell...

[@icitlalistardust9060]

Amen !

[@10HW]

le monde n'existerait pas! les fréquences, le son et la musique sont à la base même de l'Univers hihi

[@user-yf7su7oj9y]

...et que la paix soit !

[@davidfraser2946]

This is the greatest performance of any musical piece in the history of music. (I'm an electric guitarist.) It is the perfect intersection of technical ability, composition and emotion.... ever. Amen.

[@davidfraser2946]

I can't not cry every time I watch it.

[@davidfraser2946]

The perfect convolution of the male and female principles.

[@naiadeforta]

This peace is like the story of an imaginary life, and must be physically, mentally, and psychologically EXTREMELY exhausting to play...And how magnificently this wonderful pianist plays that life! I know it is a crazy idea and it is a bit long, but would very much like having this played at my funeral.

[@thomasramdasvoegeli]

Stefan, Deine Worte lassen mich weinen. Wahr, wahr. Wahrheit am funeral, ja und ja. Es ist alles Wahrheit in dieser Musik.

[@ramyamaddali703]

Me too. In fact I'd like to die listening to this. What a pity i can't engineer that.

[@leonkowalenko1747]

Wow.

[@snakeinthegrass20]

My guitar teacher said the chaconne is the greatest piece of music ever written.15 years after hearing it I’m still flabbergasted by it.

[@tonyrothman]

Only 15 years? I'm going on 60.

[@PBECKLES1]

Pendant des années, j'ai eu du mal avec la transcription de la Chaconne par Ségovie.

[@federico6485]

How can I never heard of her, and she plays it so so well?!

[@adr9973]

this is precisely my thought

[@LISZTIZATION]

WHERE YOU BEEN SHE IS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS PIANISTS IN THE WORLD FOR LIKE OVER 30 YEARS !!!

[@Nogah100]

A genius. Intellectually and emotionally.

[@lucienpieri5392]

je ne suis pas familiarisé avec l'univers musical de JS Bach, mais écouter cette Chaconne et cela avec Hélène Grimaud, c'est un moment de grâce...

[@johnellis3244]

Grimaud you are an angel - this performance is amazing!

[@yurastoyan5973]

Уважаемый. Спуститесь на землю, и прийдите таки в себя. Гримо никак не ангел, но человек женского рода, со всем тем, что вытекает из этого неоспоримого обстоятельства.

[@jefvillon3050]

L'immense talent de J S Bach domine l'univers musical....

[@user-cm6nx8ms6h]

Es tut so gut in dieser engen Zeit einen Hauch von Ewigkeit und Weite durch dieses Stück zu erspüren.

[@sylviepierre1942]

Mon dieu, que cette pianiste est belle!

[@josephwetzel2683]

To play like Helene Grimaud--is to touch the soul of the composer, Bach, and everyone who hears it. Joseph Wetzel

[@ubiestinsula]

She’s one of my idols. Such an intelligent artist.

[@stephenmessick865]

She is also an idol of mine. And her hair suits her so beautifully. Quite a wondrous 16 minutes.

[@d0ntbeevil]

SUBLIME... Hélène Grimaud playing is a whispering hurricane, a phenomenon we are blessed to hear... ♥

[@vladimirrasputin7380]

Ein Klangzauber vom ewig Guten und Schönen. prächtig und packend auch die Anschlagskultur in allen Farben und Schattierungen.

[@paulmrattigan5479]

Hearty applause also for this magnificent piano and the piano technician who prepared it for this event. Pure perfection that has enabled Ms. Grimaud’s transcendent performance!

[@Karlinberlin1]

Speechless. So often this doesn't come off. But, not here. Monumental playing of a monumental piece. Hail Hélène!

[@GjaP_242]

0:34 to 0:54 ( concentration )

[@fernandor5082]

She is a genious. Brilliant and mgnificent. Focused in Bach.

[@jamesbell7220]

The playing of this astonishing passage through grief by Hélène Grimaud and by Hilary Hahn are unequaled.

[@loving-everyone-equally]

It's a great privilege to hear you perform dear Helene. 🙏🌹🙏

[@kzelmer]

Everyboyd commenting on Bach and Grimaud, but Busoni is the real hero here. Only Busoni, Liszt or Tausig could pull this monumental transcription of such an amazing piece

[@JOlsson01]

The best piece every composed for any solo instrument. It's so rich in emotions and colours. This is why we adore Bach.

[@moooobkityy]

Yeap

[@WilliamBlaky]

I hope to hear your interpretation on KZbin some day!

[@yurastoyan5973]

А лучшее ли Уважаемый? Согласитесь же, что для любителей музыки Моцарта, Бетховена, Шопена, Грига, и так далее, лучшей, и наи- достойнейший, является музыка их любимых композиторов. Не так ли?

[@adolf-katz]

....hors pair l’artiste !.....elle joue comme elle respire et c’est magique.

[@grahameakagromkelly7278]

Life enhancing , soul dancing. x

[@natasegundo]

I've had the opportunity and the honor to listen to different maestros on different instruments to play this magnificent masterpiece, always Bach...and this time alive again in the intelligence and superb skills of this maestra. Thanks!!!

[@user-nj9th7di4i]

Бах - это вечность!!!!! "Не ручей тебе имя, а целая вселенная"!!! Достойное исполнение.

[@markdenemark7298]

Не совсем верное цитирование... «Не ручей тебе имя, а МОРЕ» (Л.в Бетховен)

[@harveyperkoff6325]

I am convinced that Bach was G-d’s third son.. through music he brought people together.. He sent down angels who disguised themselves as musicians/arrangers…. to decipher his brilliant music unto the millions of us .. in whatever form …. ..and then brought us closer to each other with love and harmony . Who can be angry with a person who appreciates the beauty of Bach… Harvey Perkoff

[@jamesvanderhoorn1117]

I go along with you, but I'm not quite sure who are the first and second sons of God?!

[@harveyperkoff6325]

@@jamesvanderhoorn1117... I made an error saying Bach was his third son, when of course it should have been his second son,,,, but maybe if you count Adam as his first, and Jesus as second, then Bach was third…Anyway Bach’s music is still heavenly.. Thanks for your comment HP

[@oinkvgmguitar5247]

It's spooky to read this because I've been thinking for many years that Bach might have been god himself coming to earth to teach us music.

[@DieFlabbergast]

I doubt that God would have got into a fight with a bassoon player!

[@mikeg2924]

Bach prays to God, Beethoven rages at God, Mozart plays with God :)

[@dietrichbilger5581]

Hélène Grimaud dares to bring the interpretation of this piece to just another level, or should I say accent? J.S. Bach would have loved it and would have applauded with a "BRAVO"!

[@HatsOptional]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen and heard anything so sublime together all at once. What a gift, from them and for us.

[@yurastoyan5973]

Уверяю Вас уважаемый, что кто то точно мог слышать и что то гораздо более возвышенное, ведь все что касается области чувств всегда только субъективно.

[@howardandmaggie]

I need to hear this every month or so. It's magical and moves me to my core every time.

[@francinesicard464]

Superb interpretation of this Chaconne. Not surprised by this marvellous artiste. Thank you Mme Grimaud to give us such a joy.

[@raybrumbeloe5909]

I fell I’m love with Chaconne when I heard Segovia play it some 65 years ago. This, the Goldberg Variations, and Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue” will always be the most remembered to the day I die.

[@paulmichelet3802]

Delightful. She's a genius.

[@31041955]

this composition and it's arrangement for the piano , is the Pinnacle of Human achievement .......

[@user-df4dm1mf3t]

Agreed. No question!!

[@timward276]

that long crescendo starting around 10:15 is the most glorious moment of a glorious piece.

[@marctwain8273]

ba the way, like the Musik of Warning for the great acceleration in ouer time of Klima Kathastrophie

[@sumaotoraibe4761]

Hélène, me permettez que je aconte de votre souvenir d'il y a quarante ans, c''etait à Tokio, Ueno Metropolitan theatre, devant la porte, vous avez eu une alure hésitante, examinant auditeurs en face. Vous ne saviez pas ceux japonais, soit brutals ou civilisés. Vous avez finalement passé la porte en glissantl e corp comme un papion, et s'apparûtes au stage. Vous vous portâtes cutume violet foncé, qui etait loyal de forme corp ( body conscious) . Le concert a été admirablement achevé. Ma surprise aujourd'hui est [ vous gardez l'apparance d'il y a quarante annnes] Brava,! Helene (de Tokio) .

[@chrismoyler]

Although I am a lifelong Bach fan, I have only come to this piece in my later years. It is SO intense, that it has taken me several plays to begin to engage with it. Having done this, I now find the piece growing inside me. A truly passionate performance!

[@user-cg6cb9tu2y]

I heard this so many times by Segóvia and this girl also caught the soul of Bach.

[@sakuntalabasu1493]

I've loved this Bach work and listened to so many interpretations by very gifted pianists but always I keep coming back to Ms Helene Grimaud ' s performance because it touches my heart at its very core. What a wonderful musician, may she enjoy a long performing life and give us joy in listening to her sensitive interpretations.

[@barbaraglynn1531]

Sakuntala Basu, Helene was 32 when she performed this in 2001. Yes, today, 2023, she is still playing it and is now considered one of the very best pianists in the world. I will be seeing and hearing her play this very piece in two weeks in Los Angeles on April 19. Can’t wait!!

[@sakuntalabasu1493]

@@barbaraglynn1531 you are so very fortunate to be able to hear Helene play live- nothing can compare to the experience of being at a live performance. I'm based in Kolkata India and there's not much chance of my attending any live programmes because of age and also the lack of Western classical musicians not being able to give recitals here. So my only recourse is online music. May you enjoy this and many other recitals. All the best, Sakuntala

[@barbaraglynn1531]

Thank you, Sakuntala. I had the good fortune to also see and hear her in December of 2022 in New York City at Carnegie Hall. Like she does for you, Helene and her playing touches my very soul and often erases the veil between this world and the next. And I am so grateful for her and her music in my life.

[@eldjswett]

I see a little tremble in her glorious fingers; why, when it should be God that trembles in awe at his escaped creation? This has the power of a million galaxies and all the concentrated beauty of the universe. Helene's interpretation is absolutely supreme.

[@gbarthg]

Many thanks to J.S. Bach, Ferruccio Busoni, and Hélène Grimaud. It's a beautiful combination.

[@samueltiosam8673]

Chego tarde para comentar mas DEVO fazê-lo! Esta música me "ressuscita" toda vez que o mundo me abate! Helene é o escavador de tesouros que nos traz, à luz, uma preciosidade "escondida" como parte de uma peça para violino solo, que poderia passar despercebida, não fosse a generosidade de alguém desenterrá-la, enfrentá-la e ter a coragem de a apresentar aos nossos lacrimejantes e extasiados "olhos do coração". Obrigado por terem existido Bach, Busoni, Helene, quem produziu e quem divulgou esta maravilha!!!

[@jean-michelprillieux5012]

Je suis autant touché profondément que vous. Cette pièce est incomparable. Au delà des mots, au delà des morts...

[@gerhardk.3432]

As if Bach was brought back to life! Such a creative way of playing this beautiful piece of music! I could endlessly listen to Hélène Grimaud.

[@michaeld2519]

Absolutely brilliant recital by Hélène, and as an aside, she just happens to be utterly gorgeous looking too!

[@Sona75493]

I can’t count how many times I listened this marvelous piece. I almost wanna cry. God...

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Wow! What a performance of this incredible piece by JS Bach! I loved every note.

[@100Samosata]

Bach maestoso, mente musicale gigantesca. Busoni di una perizia tecnica e di una abilità mirabile. Grimaud sopraffina. Grazie

[@christianvennemann9008]

15:16 In my opinion, one of the most epic endings in all solo piano music.

[@peter6534]

Breathtaking and life affirming. What an artist Hélène Grimaud is.

[@edwardwilliamson1863]

Oh, this is so beautiful. Such clarity and suppleness. What a brilliant interpretation, and such exquisite coloring with superb phrasing and articulation. I am in awe. Maestro Grimaud exudes musicality. This really touched my soul, and her use of dynamics allowed this piece to evoke such a range of emotions. Unparalleled. I always love the interpretations of Bach from French musicians. From a nation that is known for its great titular organists/recitalists like Olivier Latry, Daniel Roth, etc, and as the nation also famous for the Cavaille-Coll organs, she has to have otherworldly talent on the piano, and she has it. The pianists and organists of France really know how to bring Bach to life in a fresh way, often infusing French Romanticism into their interpretations of JS Bach and also Buxtehude. In my opinion, she is one of the top five living pianists. Most of us here would know this, but interpreting Bach on the piano and playing his compositions so adroitly on it is no easy feat. Nor is transcribing his keyboard compositions for the piano as Bach's keyboard compositions were for the organ and harpsichord. Transcribing and performing Bach's organ compositions on piano are the most challenging as the pedal line has to be woven into the two hands, mostly the left. And where the pedal, at times, carries the melodic line, that creates challenges for pianists to incorporate that into the left hand. I have tremendous respect for pianists that do this well, as Maestro Grimaud does. Now, the movement of this piece was actually written for solo violin, so to interpret it on the piano is masterful and takes someone with extreme musicality to make that solo part stand out and speak so beautifully and clearly on the piano. It takes genius level articulation and phrasing, and the dynamics absolutely make the difference. This is done here, and done so incredibly well with brilliance.

[@GaiaDanu]

Perfectly said. Thank you

[@edwardwilliamson1863]

@@GaiaDanu Thank you for responding.

[@HelenaWilliams8696]

@E. Williamson - Lovely evaluation for pianist H. Grimaud. You discussed the unique skills that make Grimaud an exceptional pianist. Thanks.

[@edwardwilliamson1863]

@@HelenaWilliams8696 Thank you Helena. As an organist/choirmaster I completely understand the unique challenge of making JS Bach relevant on the piano. I would say that Glenn Gould was the one who pioneered this, but his interpretation, though brilliant for his time, were more of an attempt of historical accuracy. Maestro Grimaud brings a new, fresher interpretation, and there is a distinct French Romanticism quality in her interpretation. My main instrument is the organ, but I do play piano. However, the only Bach composition I play on the piano is "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." On the organ I play much as his literature is the base of much of our repertoire. Playing Bach on any of the keyboard instruments, piano, organ, harpsichord, really emphasizes a clean technique, which is a great way to reinforce that fundamental element.

[@maurocoimbra9624]

Thank you so much for your comprehensive and brilliant comments! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@paulomelo9988]

Wow, I have no words to describe this! 😳

[@user-vxymoqm]

コンクールでは何度も落選した方と聞いてます。 苦労された方の演奏をこの深い有名な曲をもって 聴けることに感謝します 心優しい巨匠の感動をもたらす演奏を届け頂き、 ありがとうございます。 令和５年7月7日、七夕

[@RolandHuettmann]

Hëlène is one of my favorite interpreters, she is so deeply involved in the music without any showing up. And she plays with depth. Bravo.

[@iguarni]

I love her performances. My Personal ranking in Ciaccona: 1) AB Michelangeli 2) Sergio Fiorentino 3) Helene

[@RolandHuettmann]

@@iguarni Is there any need for ranks? Maybe today I prefer a red rose over a pink one, tomorrow my mood may change. But if there is some logic regarding ranking then maybe you could share such understanding? Generally said, I try to avoid always being in judging mode...)

[@iguarni]

I wrote “my Personal”

[@RolandHuettmann]

@@iguarni Sure, I understood that, but a question was born from it... )))

[@peterlumik2079]

@@RolandHuettmann 👍💯

[@Marshmallow_Venom]

I don't know how many times I've listened to this, and I still cannot find sufficient superlatives to describe the experience. It transcends emotions and, I guess, enters the realm of the spiritual.

[@jacquesbroussal4146]

Magnifique !!! De bons souvenirs des concerts d'Hélène Grimaud que nous avons eu la chance de pouvoir écouter.

[@tonycammarano2437]

Cette composition, cet arrangement et cette interprétation s'approchent tellement de MON idéal musical, je ne cesse de l'écouter avec le même plaisir

[@claranimmer7349]

She dives deep into this music to lift hidden treasures. Seeing her create this piece again is breathtaking. Sometimes I magically heard an organ.

[@TalentedDilittante]

As Bach meant, his music in the hands of Ms Grimaud transported me to the heights of places I've only imagined. . . . Her nuances are deserving of Bach, a celebration of him. Ms Frimaud's phrasing never let go of me. Thank you!

[@petripeltoniemi3777]

Travelled from Finland to Amsterdam in order to hear and see her perform this at Concertgebouw May 12, 2024- talk about a bucket list experience!

[@user-zj5tt1rw9d]

Ви геніальний музикант,дякую Вам за незрівнянне виконання чакони !!!Браво❤

[@tcr1962]

Phenomenal that so much beauty, musicianship, passion and advocacy are all within a person! Spectacular.

[@100Samosata]

Ascoltarla mille volte e per mille volte emozionarsi sempre, col cuore, con la testa, con tutto il corpo che freme investito da questi.msgnifici suoni... Qual è il segreto profondo di questa musica?

[@florencevinit648]

extraordinaire..tout est "raconté", aucun moment vide ou ennuyeux ou juste virtuose. Quelle grande artiste...

[@user-ph1wd3wt5g]

She conquered the piece she didn’t just play it

[@retha8912]

It hurts much more when you lose someone.

[@furkankalay9128]

it hurts even more when you lose the one

[@pluutoop]

I was lost before I heard this piece.....but now I know what life is about ❤️❤️

[@robdeshane321]

Having heard this a hundred times on guitar and violin, I was shocked to hear this on piano! Simply gorgeously played! Really, just WOW!

[@agnesmendespires7914]

Agnes Agnes et iiiipppppppppii poppiopo

[@yurastoyan5973]

И это не с проста, уважаемый. Ведь ни скрипка, ни гитара не обладает чисто техническими возможностями передать эту музыку во всем ее великолепном многообразии, поскольку перечисленные уважаемые инструменты напрочь лишены басов, и красивого бори- тонального звука. Именно поэтому это великое произведение в их исполнении всегда звучит гораздо более плоско и не полноценно.

[@user-wj5gf6bc5f]

​@@yurastoyan5973не гони теоретик там звучит по другому сам бах написал для скрипки ..но произведение настолько великое что можно играть на чем угодно и каждый раз что то открывать новое

[@jean-mariekechi1020]

Un déluge de notes , des doigts magiques quelle beauté.........!

[@alexzuev431]

Элен вы превосходны - красивы,умны, идеал человека насколько это вообще возможно❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 Спасибо за то, что вы такая прекрасная!!!

[@AMeza-fb7ko]

Beautiful. Amazing. A true artist making true art.

[@GjaP_242]

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