“If you go for fame, you have a problem.” - Vladimir Ashkenazy

[@karenbryan132]

It's so wonderful to find out that someone you've admired for decades is so sweet and kind in person. Thank you for this.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thank you for watching, Karen Bryan! He is wonderful, isn't he?

[@whiterook8022]

I had the same thought.

[@livb6945]

Have you seen the film about Ashkenazy and Barenboim playing Mozart's double concerto? It's wonderful, musically. And the young Ashkenazy looks like a new born puppy, the most endearing thing you could ever see

[@karenbryan132]

@@livb6945 I'll look for it. I love the piece!

[@babsjr1]

I couldnt have said it better. Thank you for this wonderful interview.

[@sirfermainclancharlie1018]

Such a sweetheart. I love him so much.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

We agree, Fbfgg Ehtgh!

[@Kalen1457]

He's so pure and humble. One of the greatest(if not THE greatest)living pianists. Just look at all the repertoire he recorded, it's incredible.

[@lukeskywalker6809]

The greatest ones are always the most humble ones.

[@andymilsten9096]

Kalen1457 Check out the documentary from 1966 with Daniel Barenboim conducting the promotion of the English Chamber Orchestra where on the concert Vladimir and Daniel are doing the Mozart double piano concerto in E-Flat Major. It’s amazing.

[@redrakham8060]

Luke Skywalker So true!

[@meredith218461]

I love his modest statement ''I managed to play the Tchiakovsky Concerto reasonably well'' needless to say he played it superbly well all those years ago in Soviet Russia. A truly remarkable artist.

[@henkknaap8781]

What a lovely person Mr Ashkenazy is ... so modest and profound, It made me happy to see this video.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

It makes us happy to hear that it made you happy, Henk Knaap!

[@theprior46]

This is such a beautifully crafted interview. I've never seen Ashkenazy so happy animated and showing how warm his personatlity is. For many years he seemed to take everything seriously and I felt sorry for the way he felt guilty abandoning his homeland - But he did the right thing and brought so much joy to the western world. I learned heaps of new things about him in this interview and I now admire him even more. His interpretations of Rachmaninoff are quite magical and with astounding depth.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks so much for your kind words, Cosens-Prior!

[@bubffm]

He is not only a huge pianist and great conductor but also an inredibly nice chap.

[@mlsarchitect]

A truly beautiful person. They are so rare these days.

[@lukeskywalker6809]

John Williams is another example.

[@Panzerino02]

And his mention to the late Sviatoslav Richter was a surprise.

[@zuhairbakdoud1360]

Panzerino

[@loveispatient0808]

Such a pleasant man! I would like to have piano lessons with him, I wish!!😊

[@paullewis2413]

Vladimir Ashkenazy is one of the rare examples of a great soloist becoming a great conductor. An outstanding musician in every way. Thank you Mr. Ashkenazy for bringing so much pleasure to so many people who have the gift of appreciating one of the highest arts of mankind.

[@suremate]

I met Ashkenazy once at a concert of Evgeny Kissin. It’s the only time I’ve been starstruck. He was so nice and humble, but his F minor concerto from the time of the Chopin competition was tremendous (I think it’s a studio recording made immediately following the competition). I told him how much I admired that recording, and he dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

[@lukeskywalker6809]

@@LivingtheClassicalLife The very best.

[@juanferestrada]

I kind of had a crush on him just by his performances and recordings but wow now I definitely have it. What a charming man

[@ronsolomon1405]

What a wonderful man. A great artist. He represents the best of us at the best of times. Thank you for the video.

[@opzv3000]

What a true artist/pianist/conductor with words of depth and weight. I wish all performing artists especially the young ones will watch this and be reminded to be humble, to serve music instead of serving themselves.

[@Trevayne4]

Inspiring interview with not only a great artist but also a wonderful human being!

[@LukeFaulkner]

He's such a charming and humble fellow. I had the pleasure of meeting Vladimir Ashkenazy at the Oxford Union about 10 years ago and I'll never forget our conversation. Apparently they say never meet your heroes, but I've no idea why.

[@mattm9042]

Another comment: you are a brilliant interviewer.

[@johnlovric5896]

Good Point👍

[@hhyten]

What a beautiful interview! And the comments here are so supportive and charming themselves, I feel this is a "safe space" on the Internet. Thank you, all!

[@bazwillrun]

Very modest....He is 150% correct "nature gives you something...and you just follow what nature gives"....

[@celinema7505]

How can he be over correct when the statement is quite vague and the nature that is given could be the internet and TikTok and those temptations that can make you waste your life away chasing unfulfillment through a screen

[@americanmultigenic]

Super (extremely charming) interview. Always one of my favorite musicians.

[@hamsterakia]

what a sweet person and great musician!

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

We agree!

[@C-Mantradevi-Kircher]

Oh yes, he won my heart right away. Thank you for this interview!

[@juliahawkins9769]

To hear Ashkenazy speak after only having heard his piano performances was a real treat.. what an engaging gentleman who also shares his wisdom And love of humanity. Thanks so much!

[@jenniferbate9682]

He’s so special. I’ve always loved him. His Chopin is out of this world. Thank you so much for this. I first heard him in 1962 at the Royal Festival Hall. All Chopin. He was marvellous and the audience wouldn’t let him go. He played FIVE encores!

[@AlainWashnevsky]

This interview was truly beautiful. I recently discovered your channel. What a gem. Thank you

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks so much for watching, Alain Washnevsky! We appreciate it!

[@memorosales1952]

So humble, so genuine

[@penniesfromheaven9724]

What a beautiful interview, and beautiful man...I mean, soul.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks for watching, Pennies From Heaven!

[@chrish12345]

he doesn't look 81

[@Theonlybellfrell]

Happy 85th Birthday Mr Ashkenazy it is such a pleasure to listen to your music and to your interview! God bless you!

[@szegedification]

Great interview. What a lovely personality wonderful musician he is.

[@ravingircey]

Nice interview with a surprisingly humble musical giant. Thanks Zsolt!

[@shantil7764]

Such a kind, understanding, philosophycal and universal soul. If we had more role models like him the world would be a better place.

[@quaver1239]

Thank you very, very much for this wonderful interview. For me, Vladimir Ashkenazy has always been one of the greatest in the musical world. Non-pushy, non-opinionated, filled with love for his wife and children and for his music. Really loved listening to him speak in this interview.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

We appreciate your words, Oudtshoornify! Thank you again!

[@SebastianWill]

Wonderful style of conducting the interview - and Ashkenazy is such a pleasant and interesting guest!

[@josephusk2787]

Listening to him talk you become so lost in his truthfulness, humility, and humanity, that you have to remind yourself you are also listening to one of the world's greatest musicians.

[@wotan10950]

I have so many of his recordings, including the Beethoven symphonies. Some critics laughed at the idea of Ashkenazy conducting Beethoven, but I admire his straightforward interpretations. Some other very noted conductors are so mannered, they’re unbearable. Ashkenazy’s piano playing is obviously brilliant.

[@terencefield3204]

Quite delightful. All the troubles of the world are temporarily eclipsed by an elegant goodness and a beautiful soul. I have enjoyed his playing - I have been favoured in life to be able to listen to him - for a very long time now. I am lucky.

[@terencefield3204]

These are wonderful programs. MY wife's family are musicians and were concert artist agents. To see such sensitive and intelligent interviews - really delightful conversations - with the musicians you talk to is a great highlight of our day. Thank you sir. @@LivingtheClassicalLife

[@samanarfaie2751]

I'm terribly grateful for your channel-- excellent questions, thoughtful discussions and a joy to watch and learn from these.

[@metteholm4833]

Besides being wonderful musician, he seems to be such a lovable person.

[@satyu131089]

So nice to see Ashkenazy! A legend of the piano, his records always have something special to say. His Rachmaninoff is especially divine!

[@Flstudiog-d]

i love the way he plays chopin

[@nomoremrniceguy368]

Totally agree. I have listened to the 24 preludes op.28 a thousand times, just the best.

[@nasim3147]

Thank you so much for interviewing this legendary pianist! I have been listening to and learning from his amazing recordings for many years. I truly enjoyed watching this video.

[@maryangeladouglas]

Such an astonishing human being by virtue of his genuine kindness and graciousness and no one plays with such april like purity transparency and grace. I am grateful for every note Vladimir Ashkenazy ever interpreted whether through piano or orchestra. Like a dream made real and beautiful beyond the power of the imagination to conceive. Also what lovely things he said about his wife and family. God bless him and his family forever for the absolute beauty and clarity he has communicated as a musical artist of great excellence and dedication. I treasure it all. His music has been a mainstay to me throughout my life.

[@paolobarbados8747]

what a lovely person, great interview.

[@bookstuart]

I remember well meeting him at the RFH in London in the 70s. After the concert Bernard Haitink introduced him to me, a wonderful moment.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks for sharing that moment, Book Stuart!

[@lyrianmusic]

A great interviewee, of course, but also a remarkably well-informed and sensitive interviewer.

[@loveispatient0808]

What is his name? Do you know his background? Thanks in advance!!

[@lyrianmusic]

0808JCS Lee Zsolt Bognár. He is also a pianist.

[@FORTEPodcast]

Ashkenazy is one of those rare artists where even his words, as well as his music, breathe so much life, colour and wisdom.

[@Highinsight7]

One of my favorite pianists... of all

[@789armstrong]

A very enlightening interview. Ashkenazy humbly mentions you must be born with certain gifts in order to succeed.

[@ttrons2]

Besides being a great musician he is a wonderful person.

[@TheRealGnolti]

Vladimir Ashkenazy basically converted my ear and mind fully to classical music a very long time ago, when I was a young teen still listening to pop. It was his London Decca recording of the Beethoven Pathetique, Appassionata, and Op. 10 #7. I will always think of him as the gatekeeper to a sound world I have never left.

[@paullewis2413]

Much the same for me. When I was very young and discovering "classical" music I heard an l.p. (Decca) of Ashkenazy playing Rachmaninov 2nd piano concerto, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kiril Kondrashin. I recall playing it over and over as I was fascinated by the music and the sound of the piano.

[@akshaygowrishankar7440]

I have been listening to classical music for the better part of 12 years, and from a young age, I fell in love with the recordings of Ashkenazy, Barenboim, Böhm, Karajan, Bernstein, and Jessye Norman. They're such a magnetic group of people. Beautiful :)

[@jefolson6989]

Richter was saying he had nothing to teach him. Great man. I have a new respect for him.

[@billynorth2391]

Aaaaaa..... what a legend!!!

[@ttrons2]

What a wonderful person ,. You put the world in a better place.

[@PaulJones-oj4kr]

Fabulously gifted pianist and a great guy....a really nice guy.

[@konstantinoupianist]

After this video I like his playing even better.

[@spanishmasterpieces5203]

Great musician!

[@asmith8815]

His interpretation of Rachmanimoff works is simply one of the best.

[@tomowenpianochannel]

There are other versions... but I just keep coming back, again and again, to Ashkenazy, for the Preludes, and the Etudes-Tableaux. They feel live. They feel electric. They are played with steel fingers, but with a heart on sleeve. They are accurate, fast, dramatic, interesting, they are set in a resounding acoustic that amplifies their majesty; and Ashkenazy goes just with the music and creates a completely convincing performance for each and every piece. They are wonders.

[@Piratebreadstick]

I love the way the very greatest artists, Ashkenazy, Horowitz, Previn, Richter, just to mention some pianists are so non 'arty' and actually very pragmatic. They had to be to become so good! I find the opposite is often true of those who sit on the peripherals of classical music, like many in admin. The pretentiousness, including the affected speech is insufferable

[@russellbaston974]

Yes, in my experience people who are really, really, really good have an inner modesty because their attitude is always how much they still want to learn, not how much they might know.

[@mariadelcarmenperez2215]

Mr. Ashkenazy, I have the highest respect for you as a pianist and conductor, and grew up listening to so many of your recordings. Thank you for all the incredible, unforgettable virtuoso performances! Your are an inspiration to so many as a musician and human being. Your wisdom, knowledge, and musical experience are very appreciated by many throughout the world. What an indelible contribution you have made to mankind with your privileged talent. Respectfully, your longtime fans who have the highest esteem and appreciation for you. ♥️🌹🥰

[@pampage3362]

A great and fine musician and gentleman.

[@lucilacantu]

Lovely interview. A great pianist and most importantly, a great human being. :)

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks for watching, Lucila Cantu!

[@flamingxombie]

The guy is an intellectual!

[@alessionanni]

Thank you for this incredible interview

[@chevychase]

I have always been obsessed with Chopin. And in 1980 I discovered albums of Ashkenazy playing Chopin which mesmerized me. For 43 years then I regarded him as my favorite pianist, but it was not until the year 2023 that I discovered KZbin documentaries showing us Ashkenazy the person. I quickly saw that he is surely the kindest and most wise pianist of our era. I love to see how much he loves his wife and children. When he walks, he has the walk of a man unencumbered by hate, anger or envy. He is a pure, good soul. And Zsolt Bognar is wonderful.

[@socalgalful]

These are my observations exactly. What a beautiful soul that seems to radiate in his playing. Thank you Zsolt!

[@davilarabello]

Outstanding human being. A genius and one of the kindest person in the classical world.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

We agree, Luís Rabello. Thanks for watching!

[@amirjahednia7654]

Just wanted to watch something between my practice as a break ,What a lucky guy I am.What an Incredibly Amazing person he is,And thank you for doing this interview.

[@charmainemorley2197]

A lovely gentleman so interesting when speaking or special when playing. I think my favourite pianist although I will never forget Van Cliburn. Thank you Mr Ashkenazy,

[@JordiFranchParella]

Ashkenazy way of playing the piano is always inspiring and musical. Great pianist and person.

[@mabelleonardmartinez3546]

Me encantaría ver esta entrevista con su traducción al español! De no ser posible, para próximas ocasiones podrían tenerlo en cuenta. Gracias!!

[@stevej061069]

What a thoroughly lovely person. And of course, a colossal pianist.

[@gabrielariasluna8442]

Thanks for sharing! Wonderful interview! Sincerity, humility and modesty of Mr. Ashkenazy, such a great artist! Thanks also to the interviewer.

[@Janaceks_Dad]

What a wonderful artist and human being, even I don't like most of his Decca recordings which have a very harsh and abrasive sound...Lang Lang would do well to take lessons from Ashkenazy on the importance of humility in a performing artist...

[@Janaceks_Dad]

Btw, only his recordings sound abrasive and harsh...having attended his recitals, he has a far more beautiful tone in person...

[@AntonioRiosecoGuitar]

Wonderful Man! Wonderful Artist!

[@martinforrester8249]

What an inspirational human being, so gentle too. He has a relaxing, calming influence, wonderful to listen to his story.

[@twaoum6561]

12:50 “ … just go for the music 🎶 🎵…

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

he is not fake or bossy enough to teach at mozarteum university salzburg

[@Perkeno]

Good one :-)

[@joeya6795]

What's so special about that school? There're plenty of excellent schools with more illustrious history, like some of the american ones.

[@pdn-vd5om]

Wonderful interview.

[@davidluker6882]

I'm in awe of these episodes -- they must be preserved for generations to come. Are they available on DVD?

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks for your kind words, David Luker! The episodes are not available on DVD, since we can barely afford to film them at all. Happily, most people these days watch things online, though, so it works out. Thanks for watching!

[@MullahSteinberg]

Wow , time flies , I was there when you made your debut in London. We have both grown up ........

[@jenniferbate9682]

I was also there. Wasn’t that concert fantastic!

[@wimlassche]

A wonderful person and great pianist. One of the best for a long time! Thanks for sharing this inspiring interview!

[@pe6ek876]

I was lucky to play under his baton for several years. So humble. So friendly. Best years of my life.

[@andymilsten9096]

Pe6ek I WANT TO MEET THIS MAN!!!

[@RenamPablo]

What a wonderful person! ❤

[@morhywaden]

Last night I was in the second row of St Davids Hall, Cardiff watching and of course listening to the orchestra conducted by Mr Ashkenazy. He seemed to me a man who was enjoying the company of other musicians. Concert over he wanted the audience to appreciate his colleagues by indicating those with prominent roles in the performance. What a gentleman.

[@nfijef]

So enjoyable

[@RicardoCorona]

Beatiful interview and content. Thank you

[@jonathanlim7091]

When ashkenazy said that the tchaikovsky concerto was not good for his hands, i felt like laughing. He did not face any difficulty with rachmaninov so i wonder how much difficulty the tchaikovsky concerto created for him. I listened to his recording of it before and he made it sound like a piece of cake.

[@roku401]

When I first heard the term Ashkenazy Jew, I originally thought they were a sect that specifically admired Mr. Ashkenazy...

[@mattm9042]

Wonderful upload! Thanks. Heard him play a recital at Oberlin in 1986-87. Beethoven op. 10 no. 3; Chopin preludes; Rachmaninoff sonata 2. Amazing playing and very kind afterwards

[@marcocresci]

Beautiful conversation. Thank you.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Marco Cresci!

[@marcocresci]

@@LivingtheClassicalLife Thank you. I wish you could interview composers too :)

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

@@marcocresci We've interviewed a few and hope to interview more. You can see our interviews listed by category here: www.livingtheclassicallife.com/categories

[@marcocresci]

@@LivingtheClassicalLife Thank you! I'll have a look...

[@allesvergaengliche]

great interview!! he is one of the greatest living pianists, awesome to hear his perspective.

[@jamesallison4875]

I love you , and thank you for your wise words.

[@ronl7131]

Heard him play live when he was younger and I enjoy many many of his recordings......wonderful personality & ideas....seems a Romantic

[@germanchris4440]

"That's from nature. Nature gives you something." Wrong, of course. People also think nature created averything. - Nature is the creation, created by God. And your gifts are from God, Mr. Ashkenazy! It's a strange crazyness to give credit to the creation instead of the creator (as common as it is in these modern godless days). Please don't miss the saving Gospel, Sir! Our own goodness and gentleness won't save anyone.

[@luisfernandomurillo3631]

Thank you for this. I hope Mr. Ashkenazy will one day open up more about his student years and what he learned. This was a wonderfully incisive interview.

[@TheBrawlBox]

He's like the piano playing Russian equivalent of Leonard Cohen.

[@thomashughes4859]

I had two "idols" growing up: Arthur Rubinstein and Vladimir Ashkenazy. I couldn't have had better. Thank you for the interview, and I am pleased to have had such a wonderful "idol" as Mr. Ashkenazy. Thank you.

[@thomashughes4859]

@@LivingtheClassicalLife It was a great interview, Peter. I especially liked the "inter-cultural" Vladimir who knew BOTH worlds of the "Cold War". He answered as "he" saw things, and that was great to hear. We all get "used to" our place in life, don't we? He - like I - has had the chance to "see" other cultures and places in the world, which only enhances the excellence of the artist, in my humble opinion. Again, great show; I loved hearing "my 'mentor'" speaking his being.

[@jenniferbate9682]

Me too.

[@mytake3692]

The interviewer forgot to ask what current day pianists that Ashkenazi likes, besides Gilels and Richter. Any pianists outside of Russia?

[@espacoculturalpesnochao1262]

Great interview! Great human being!!

[@anjinsanx44]

In tumbnail he looks like lost in space dr. From 1960s

[@ningning2023]

this series makes all these great untouchables so digestible in human form. you can marvel for hours about how musical or how technically spectacular these people are, but there is seldom a chance to hear in words who they are. one thing i've taken away is how well-spoken all these artists are. it makes me understand that the essence of emotive playing is deeply understanding the emotion of a piece and being able to articulate in great and specific detail the levels of said emotion. this was a joy to watch, i've been in awe of his music but this feeling of getting to know him personally was a real treat. also bravo to the interviewer--he does marvelous work!! he asks succinct and well-thought out questions and also gives these artists all the space and time they need to answer. just brilliant, brilliant demonstrations of empathy and respect. thank you for this !

[@gdmoore]

Such a giving person. Kudos!!!