Krystian Zimerman - Chopin - Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52

[@kzelmer]

I think people do not understand what Zimerman has done. This 4 Balades + Barcarolle are the ultimate rendition of this pieces, a legacy for humankind. As a pianist I could say that there are some other renditions out there with more "passion" (Richter comes to my mind) but what Zimerman has done,as Michelangeli before, is recording the pure essence of Chopin: flawless technique and simplicity. As Chopin said: "Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art."

[@keplergso8369]

Yes, there is something common between Zimerman and Michelangeli. It is not a coincidence, Zimerman was a fanatic of Michelangeli, all is clear when you listen to Zimerman.

[@teleman07]

Best but definitely not ULTIMATE.

[@danielhoover1080]

Amazing with the passing of time when speaking of great Chopin artists, everyone seems to forget Rubinstein.

[@biffii5568]

@@teleman07 at this level of playing we need to stop ranking.. There is no "best rendition" there are flavours. And out musical pallets are wastly different and subjective.

[@andrewkennaugh1065]

Daniel Hoover Rubinstein was a showman...and I've heard him live...very relaxed technique... Zimmermann is the real thing...😊

[@WesCoastPiano]

"Chopin is the greatest of them all, for with the piano alone he discovered everything. - Claude Debussy

[@maelcanicatti5907]

Wow

[@Tacitus_BirchSaw]

Meh i prefer beethoven but chopin is extremely close

[@luaquinomar]

@@Tacitus_BirchSaw it's because he's polish isn't it

[@Tacitus_BirchSaw]

@@luaquinomar no its because i perfer beethoven

[@luaquinomar]

@@Tacitus_BirchSaw i was joking, cause of your nickname and all...

[@chipesh]

I was overwhelmed by the music of Chopin as a teenager and 40+ years later still am. This Ballade is his greatest creation. I stand in awe of such genius; where did he draw his melody and harmony from? That joy and thankfulness at discovering his music is tinged with a sadness that so many go through life and never do the same. Thank you, Frederic Chopin, for enriching my life.

[@markswanson549]

+Robert Clayton I would say the Preludes are hands down his greatest creation.

[@MrElicottero]

+Mark Swanson Preludes are magnificent, but in this ballade there is everything, it's like Chopin condensed his life's work into one piece. This is why I find it the most fascinating of Chopin's pieces. John Ogdon had said about it: It is unbelievable that it lasts only twelve minutes, for it contains the experience of a lifetime.

[@laflamezz1907]

couldnt have said it bettee robert :)

[@chipesh]

+Frédéric Chopin, JAMES HUNEKER could! "There is poetic passion in the curves of this most eloquent composition. It is Chopin at the summit of his supreme art, an art alembicated, personal, intoxicating. I know nothing in music like the F minor Ballade, nothing so intimate, so subtly distinctive."

[@laflamezz1907]

Robert Clayton thats even better ! :o

[@Kalen1457]

In my opinion the most poignant, profound, and complex solo piano work by Chopin. In just 11 minutes, it encapsulates all the major emotions of the human experience: joy, depression, anger ,and even love. Truly a staple in the repertoire.

[@HariKangatharan]

Beautifully put!

[@91archimedes]

Isn’t that how John Ogden described it?

[@sebastianciarfella3061]

@@91archimedes it's kinda similar. John said this: "it's one of the most exalted and sublimely powerful of all chopin compositions. It is really unbelievable that lasts only 12 minutes for it contains the experience of a lifetime"

[@fabio11164]

I could not agree more!

[@rudolphschreider2323]

Completely agree. Ive spent yesrs working on this piece. Overwhelning puts it mildly

[@hoji16]

What a masterpiece, I used to listen to ballade no.1 only but I fell in love with this after I found this out.

[@zuhairbakdoud7863]

For some reason, this ballade always tells me story: “once upon a time”...

[@ethanmiller1143]

Im literally the same, I used to be all about the 1st ballade but now i'm all about the 4th ballade

[@lewis3993]

im still all about the 1st one

[@brayanasaelayalalopez1755]

H Lee Same here I used to listen only Ballade no.1, but now I found this one I liked it a lot.

[@UncleBenPackWatch]

@@ethanmiller1143 bro the exact same and I used hate and never finish listen to 2nd but now I love that aswell time to listen t he 3rd!!!!!

[@james.housego]

These 4 ballades are, in my opinion, the greatest pieces Chopin ever composed and Krystian Zimmerman is the greatest person I've heard at interpreting the pieces that are Chopin's 4 ballades.

[@jerzydziaa1819]

they are other equally great Chopin's pieces out there, but i must agree that Zimmerman's interpretations are always Perfect.

[@laflamezz1907]

+Chad K yay I can play that

[@NoahJohnson1810]

@Chad K, Really? It was? That has been among my favorites for years upon years. I didn't know that about himself though.

[@karldavid3127]

+Noah Johnson Yupp. and it's my favorite too

[@vaadwilsla858]

Never have I heard a better interpretation of these 4 ballades, never. All four of them are so beautiful and unique, I could listen to this for hours and hours straight. Thank you Chopin, and thank you Zimerman for this magnificent music.

[@EricLeePiano]

I love Zimerman's sound. every note so rich, never rushing

[@judyl1550]

Me too.

[@james.housego]

I completely agree!! whenever it gets to a bit where it is very powerful my eyes start to well up...

[@jerzydziaa1819]

his interpretations are always brilliant.

[@hanshead]

Easily my favorite recording. His technique is so good, and no one beats his interpretation when it comes to Chopin. Also helps these are relatively new recordings on newer technology. On a random note, his rendition of Rach 2 is sooooo good. You can hear every note just perfectly.

[@SpaghettiToaster]

Indeed, his playing of the rachmaninov is awesome. Butunfortunately imo, the recording is very unbalanced. You can hear it in the climax of the first mvt, the polymelody should be completely balanced between piano and orchestra.

[@ronhernandez8857]

I think this piece could compete as the best piano composition of all time.

[@Whatamood]

easily, question if it wins is another

[@manuelbes]

With Liszt's sonata in b minor, yes I agree

[@shayanmardanbeigi2697]

It is already the best

[@pubgplayer1720]

Blechacz looks closer to Chopin tho imo

[@ayhamshaheed7740]

@@manuelbes or his ballade in b minor

[@thefrakka8312]

It’s sad that we will never hear a real audio of Chopin playing his masterpieces

[@justlucamusic]

TheFrakka You‘re definitely right but imagine how different the world of interpretation would be if there was recordings of the composers. There would be a way smaller variety of interpretations on a piece and interpretations which are different to the recording would be considered „wrong“ and wouldn’t be appreciated as much as they are right now. Maybe Chopin would‘ve played this very differently than people nowadays, you never know.

[@espressonoob]

Not Dalu hard disagree, we have rach recordings and NO ONE plays how he does, music would still adapt and change, along with interpretations, as it always has.

[@Shining3737]

Yo I’d say this would be the closest

[@flyingpenandpaper6119]

@@espressonoob No one plays how he does? False. There are always a few who interpret well.

[@espressonoob]

@@flyingpenandpaper6119 I think you misunderstood what I said? Have you listened to a Rachmaninoff recording? No concert pianist today plays the way he did.

[@davidduma7617]

Chopin is by far the most elegant composer in history

[@chezbe]

Chopin most overrated composer ever, he good, but overrated, Alkan better

[@lczq6737]

@@chezbe I politely disagree, but Alkan really is one of the best composers in music history.

[@chezbe]

@@lczq6737 I don't like Alkan's esquiesses or some Fantasies, but other works is incredible, rondo tocatta for example

[@bigchungus9740]

You can either hear raw emotion or depression in music form it’s so amazing how he can dig deep right into your soul of course some of that would be because of zimmerman’s amazing ability to portray colour and emotion but it really is one of the best performances out there

[@segmentsAndCurves]

@@bigchungus9740 Either raw emotion or depression? I hear both!

[@nadiawozniak1344]

Zimerman's interpretations of the four ballades are the best in my opinion

[@alliee2943]

Nadia Woźniak 100% his emotion and dynamics are absolutely spot on

[@agustinamei6691]

Agree, except for the 1st ballade, the best is Janusz Olejniczak's (in my opinion).

[@ludwigvanbeethoven926]

the best version is Horowitz

[@somenicer]

Claudio Arrau

[@Ace-dv5ce]

somenicer Pollini?

[@fulviojommelli6193]

Highest masterpiece, highest interpretation. Chopin lives in this interpretation...

[@james.housego]

He is chopin's reincarnation!! calling it now!!

[@llF4TEll]

I have no idea what you said but it sounds pretty

[@james.housego]

CDDGR basically he said to make the piano echo is a great technique

[@llF4TEll]

I understand that's what happens but I'm pretty sure he described something different (I'm not sure even he knows what he means)

[@wolfgangk1]

@@llF4TEll Enough, you got your attention du jour.

[@jaanlepnurm]

I am always impressed by Chopin's ability to develop a melody in a mature way, he never rushes to technique to prove anything, always justified and composed, always thoughtful and perfect. Truly the greatest.

[@sailormoonfan87]

I love the notes in the left hand at 9:35. It's something so small yet so wonderful to listen to. Zimerman is definitely a master at Chopin's ballades.

[@peep3879]

From 8:52 and onwards I just can't hold the tears anymore. Chopin is definitely my favourite composer ever.

[@Smortnt]

That part is truly very emotional, Chopin's music does really speak to a listener in a way which none of other composers' pieces can.

[@ffontanna]

From 4:20 perhaps one of the most beautiful theme ever composed

[@obanaiiguro5644]

@@ffontanna Indeed bro!

[@TonySanAgustinOrtiz]

Best section... also the next two measures of 9:04 - 9:09

[@dbharcadia2]

Mine too!

[@SwahaChris]

I could listen to this ballade a thousand times and still get goosebumps... Even a single note by Chopin hits the heart like no other composer. Especially when Zimmerman plays that note..

[@durcheinander5554]

I got to know this piece at the point in my life when I was young and foolish, but the circumstances had me rapidly losing my youthful naivety. It spoke to me so much. Thus for me, this piece is about growing up and sacrifice. The kind of bittersweet reality of life: you get, you lose, with time you're stripped off your innocence, your dignity, your sense of invincibility. It feels like watching something die in you, and you're mourning, and you don't want to let go. But it also makes you feel you're experiencing life for the first time. And there is no coming back anyway, so you have to learn to walk again with this awareness weighing on you.

[@hansolzy]

durcheinander i love your post. i just found this piece and your words are hitting home to me now. thank you.

[@durcheinander5554]

Hansol I'm glad. Have a great day :)

[@danielflorencio6017]

sooo... should I keep learning this.. because I’m 14... and my piano teacher said this the only ballade he learnt when he was much older

[@glenngouldschair390]

@@danielflorencio6017 absolutely

[@HerrBaton]

Another old tale told by Zimerman. Enchanting.

[@Archus88]

The last minute of this ballad is simply insane

[@viancahillman1861]

Archus88

[@Tizohip]

Archus88 10:22 is a discover.

[@WilliamMinkovsky]

Everything Chopin wrote is a process of discovery

[@Algorox]

One of the greatest codas ever written in the history of piano repertoire.

[@pianoredux7516]

Zimerman's coda sounds like a damp squib compared to Josef Hofmann's 1938 live Casimir Hall performance of the coda.

[@markpdavio]

8:39 - 10:02 To this day, I've yet to be quite so moved by any piece of music as I am by this short excerpt, specifically the way Zimerman plays it. It feels like a tender reflection on the whole of one's life when they know the end is near, ready to go peacefully when the time comes. Then as it builds to the Ocean-étude figure it feels to me like an impassioned resurgence of the will to live; as if to say to the Reaper, "It can't be my time yet; I've too much left to do!" As for the ballade as a whole, it really does seem that Chopin managed to cram the whole of the human condition -- the entire spectrum of emotions -- into one 11-minute piece for solo-piano, and I'll never not be in awe of that. He wrote so many incredible things, but the F minor Ballade stands alone.

[@broskvovysirup]

I love all Chopin's Ballades. For me every single one of them expresses some emotions. No. 1 feels like sadness, No. 2 like anger and No. 3 like happiness. But this one, Ballade No. 4, somehow describes all of these feelings. That's one of many reasons why this is my favorite Ballade.

[@19thCenturyGuy]

To me, No.2 feels more like panic from anger; I always feel it in the coda.

[@MrMeap6]

I feel No. 1 is more melancholy than sadness

[@vernonh194]

Ballade no. 4 sounds like a Bipolar.

[@jadenshah]

no 4 is perseverance

[@mathandcalculus]

Ballade No.1 consists of lots of emotions. Melancholy, sadness, depression, joy, happiness, sorrow and many other. It was written, because Chopin's homeland was occupied by Russian Empire. The best ever piece and Chopin himself said that it was his favourite work.

[@YesNoMaybeSometimes]

That progression at 9:32 - 10:02. Words cannot describe

[@rimmamelnikova8494]

YesNoMaybeSometimes ффф

[@brunospira]

how someone can sit on a piano and work out, or even experiment enough to come up with such masterfulness of music is beyond me

[@coleg5578]

+bruno spira Always amazes me, too. I guess that's why there have been billions of people on this planet, but there are only a handful of remembered composers.

[@coleg5578]

***** Liszt was a friend of Chopin's, not a student. Chopin was quoted early on as being envious of Liszt's technical abilities, while Liszt eventually admitted later in life that Chopin was his superior as a composer.

[@luableah7615]

That's what I came for!

[@eromusofwom]

When it comes to the Piano, I honestly feel Chopin was the undisputed king of this instrument. There are many other classical composers (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc) that were also masters in their own right....also writing music for the Piano, but none focused exclusively on it like Chopin, and none had the depth of emotion (happiness, sadness, anger, despair, depression) to the extent he did.

[@TheEternalGuitar]

+eromusofwom Well said, I agree.

[@vonwaq]

eromusofwom you can't compare a romantic period's pianist to classical period's.. they have different styles. at one time rock music could be the king of music, at another time pop music could.

[@EcstasyJesus]

I say if it's about being ''King of the Piano'', the crown will always go to Franz Liszt.

[@brutal5230]

if it comes to skill, then sure liszt would probably be the best... but when it comes to composing, chopin will never be outdone

[@angelicasmagic]

But emotionally Rachmaninoff just never did it for me, only Chopin has managed to make me feel so heartwrenchingly.....indescribable

[@hansolzy]

wow.. so much talent. can't imagine the hours that went into this

[@rogermccracken5005]

Talent ? Yes, but this man is now truly old and famoulsy practices 6-8 hours a day. Talent is overrated... (BTW I am a professional opera singer and music teacher.

[@florencep2209]

Hansol wadup dog

[@richardszalai5230]

Hansol you must practice to . (Fire mage ) XD . Zimerman is talented but not so talented like Chopin (no one is ) . Buetiful all four ballades :) 😍😍😍😍

[@ronhernandez8857]

You are probably one of those Nazis that don't like the idea of real individual differences.

[@pmlouisjuste]

the truth is : you can practice as much as you want, if you're not talented and if you don't start early enough, you'll sadly never get to that level...

[@enaira5200]

I dont know why, but for some reason tears started falling as soon as he started playing. This has been my favorite piano piece of all time and Zimmerman really gave life to it that it made me teared.

[@ILoveMagic15]

I know one should always be hesitant to use superlatives, but I'm going to say it: This piece may well be the most beautiful piano piece ever written. It's almost a religious experience.

[@guilhermerompe2746]

specially when you play it!!

[@psforrest1]

I definitely felt that way when I studied it.

[@brianbixler5665]

You may like Liszt's "Benediction to God in Solitude" but there are some less than magnificent recordings here on KZbin Enjoy the journey!

[@rilesbronson7990]

I agree.

[@Numberonesorabjifan]

Chopin sonata 3 1st movement

[@thegreenpianist7683]

It saddens me how this perfection of a piece and an interpretation only has roughly a million view on KZbin, congrats to those who love and understand this and feel it and feel Chopin inside them and i'm sorry for others who will never be able to experience this unique feeling

[@BruceXuHasADream]

yup.

[@octave11thpianist58]

It’s almost 2 mill now lmao

[@rash3732]

@@octave11thpianist58 its 2 mil now lmao

[@tomcarterpianist]

You say only as if that's not many, but Ignace Tiegerman's recording only has a few thousand. Check it out and you won't be disappointed - one of the greatest Chopin interpreters I've ever heard.

[@King5538LP]

3:24 - 4:18 this passage gives me goosebumps every time. I think Zimerman is one of the best interpreter of the fourth ballade.

[@jonathan130]

3:59 absolutely love these moments in Chopins music. Gives me emotions I could’ve never imagined music could give me a few years back not knowing anything about classical music.

[@inkyoolee8786]

One of the greatest pieces of music in human history.

[@LuckyApplehead]

Such a crystal clear interpretation. Amazing, I am in love with this recording.

[@lukeholmes2999]

I will never be able to get over the progression in 5:16-6:00. It starts as something scary and haunting and blossoms into something so beautiful and tender.

[@official2mt37]

then it starts to slowly go back to the haunting feel its wild 7:20 - 8:10 OH MY GODDDD

[@hotdogfudge3000]

2:43-3:25 is literally sooooooooo amazing. So simple yet compelling. This is a work of genius aka Chopin

[@prasad.k_b]

After 3:25 to 4:04 what a story....

[@MrFrussel]

The climax parts of these ballads are all so captivating. I always become so hyperfocused on every single note which is being played. They re just so indescribably good.

[@brianschwab4390]

this is the most beautiful piece i've ever heard on this world and will always be.God bless you my friend Dear chopin.

[@ATEBTOM]

If you like this Piece so much as I do hear Dianne Baar on KZbin playing it. She is one of the great pianists of our time.

[@primeninja2357]

He was your friend? Darn, you must be old ;)

[@brianschwab4390]

ATEBTOM alright! thanks alot😁

[@brianschwab4390]

Prime Ninja haha☺

[@thebestviolints3297]

OMGGGG BACCKK!!!! KZbin!!!! THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS 🥺☺️😭😦. THANKS FOR NOT DESTROYING CLASSICAL MUSIC. CLASSICAL MUSIC NEEDS TO BE SPREAD, NOT TO BE REMOVED JUST FOR MONEY. IM LITERALLY HAPPILY CRYING AFTER SEEING THIS VIDEO GOT UNBANNED.

[@bachouvenn430]

WOO HOOOO LESGOOO

[@vahe_freestyle62]

@@emmanuelsebaali1767 why u need to ruin the mood…

[@dayliciouskim5935]

This performance is indescribably beautiful and glorious. His subtle tone and interpretation and fine-tuned technique combined instantly mesmerize the listeners and render them to be deeply immersed into the true beauty of this one of the greatest pieces ever written by Chopin. Just amazing.

[@melblacke5726]

This is my favorite Chopin piece. I find it exquisitely delicate yet it has an almost hypnotic quality to it from the expressive opening to the gently wandering lyricism--and as someone pointed out, Zimmerman's interpretation never rushes it.

[@vahe_freestyle62]

EXCACTLY thats what im always saying this piece is soo hynotizing like it makes you float in you’re mind its so beautifull Chopin was not a human he was a gift for humanity

[@trevorbrown5714]

One of the deepest, romantic, and beautiful pieces of music to have ever been conceived by humanity. I love it.

[@kijijipro6725]

There's something special about this one. It asks us, it probes back to us like a mirror. It's otherworldly and absolutely mysterious especially the first melody segment. It transcends time

[@unebellepatience1197]

"this explosion of passion and emotion, expressed through swaying pasaages and chords steeped in harmonic content is where chopin surpasses even himself. this is expression to the ultimate power" it expresses a world that is experienced and represents a world that is possible, ideal and imagined.

[@gurkenrick5231]

Such a beautiful interpretation of this piece! I wanted to learn Ballade no. 4 as well and really came up to min 6:50 (in this video). But I gave up and hadn't had enough motivation to go on...I only saw what effort would lay before me and not what I already achieved. After hearing this, I will definitely come back to this piece!

[@randomcubing7106]

Add oil!

[@vbatuhan]

0:02 to 0:31 memories of past relationship 0:33 to 2:16 unrequited questions 2:18 to 2:42 little hopes to keep living 2:44 to 3:10 uncontrollable reflections of despair 3:11 to 3:17 sudden anger against the desperate inner voice 3:19 to 3:53 conversation with the inner voice 3:54 to 4:08 conversation lead to argue 4:09 to 4:18 madness begin 4:19 to 5:15 loneliness 5:17 to 5:59 hallucinations 6:00 to 6:23unacceptance of reality 6:24 to 7:03 memories of past relationship but this time with acceptance 7:04 to 8:04 inner voice insists 8:05 to 8:42 questions overloading 8:43 to 8:45 begging for mercy 8:46 to 9:40 longing for the past 9:41 to 10:06rage against despair 10:07 to 10:21 crumbs of the last hope 10:22 to 11:13 madness take control 11:13 to 11:22 suicide

[@ozgurharan238]

vbatuhan nice

[@hopesonmakokha5217]

It's interesting how we all have a unique take to this piece. I certainly didn't imagine the things you've mentioned but I can feel it in some parts. The beauty of this piece is that it speaks for all kinds emotion.

[@Tizohip]

vbatuhan its one interpretation but the sister of chopin died on chopins 15 years old.

[@Tizohip]

vbatuhan and change the music forever

[@jostephenz3260]

vbatuhan ill be honest, the introduction feels like a walk along side the beach front. The octave Melodic line reminds me of the flight pattern of the seagulls at the shore. I felt like chopin was walking along the beach, taking in every moment before running back home due to tuberculosis...you can hear the sadness, but the a flat major sections really distinguish. The middle of this piece just feels like anger and resentment. The ending coda just feels like a desperate struggle to accept the fact, almost asking ‘why me?’

[@sushruttabakade6088]

While listening I just closed my eyes, and savoured the magic this piece was spilling. I was just lying on my bed and my legs started tingling, various chemicals started flowing in my body, it's like I was out of this world for some time. I just can't describe it, it was magic! Music is magic.

[@marlonbrando1089]

Chopin is the greatest Poet who has ever lived

[@whermeling]

... is amazed to see the bench being pressed backwards several inches at 09:58

[@423985728945]

on ballade 1 as well

[@423985728945]

nvm I thought you meant something else

[@whermeling]

Guilherme Schmidt Ok, i don't mind :)

[@423985728945]

Wouter Hermeling What I actually meant is that the height of the bench changes in Ballade 1. Ofcourse it's really easy to notice the sound is editted, but that's a proof it wasn't played straight from beginning to end.

[@whermeling]

Guilherme Schmidt O, i hadn't noticed the editing. I was just amazed by the movement of the bench. I mean, he could have fallen off :)

[@subtleprelude2400]

Came back to listen to this after a long while and the sound is as rich as ever. What a maestro performance and the coda is powerful!

[@apianoadventure]

I've just known this piece existed and I feel like I had never ever listened to music before watching it today. What a pianist, what a performance. That's the climax of any kind of art. THANK YOU

[@blackjack2253]

Best Ballade. Best interpret for it. An absolute masterpiece.

[@BruceXuHasADream]

The opening is so gorgeous; just keeps my life elated.

[@devroz123]

Wish there were Ballade No. 5 (and 6, and so on...) :(

[@laflamezz1907]

ikr ? they are all so beautiful...

[@rigel48]

The Polonaise Fantaisie could be the 5 th ballade.

[@rravvia]

Write them!

[@cuball2484]

4 is an adequate number, Chopin would have put the amount of musical ideas in these 4 Ballades that he intended. I think this number makes us appreciate these 4 more so than a large set in my opinion.

[@dlefil1364]

Après en avoir écrit 4, Chopin a envoyé ballader tout le monde ☺

[@aalb1970]

This piece is so powerful and this performance is, perhaps, the best ever recorded.

[@brozomicki-sothe307]

Yeah

[@APKeyboards]

The piano bench moving backwards at 9:58

[@lowlanz]

I am always amazed at how creatively emotional this masterpiece is. Most songs are filled with a few repetitive clever parts and a lot of comparatively dull build ups. However this one has every moment of 11 minutes filled with genius. Yet connects to each other so smoothly in both musical and emotional terms like a living organism.

[@brozomicki-sothe307]

Yeah

[@billybobjones2550]

For some reason, the last 4 chords (with the lead up, of course) fill me with absolute dread and horror. Goosebumps every time 👌

[@generalsmedleybutler340]

The coda to the ending feels like someone being suddenly chased by a bunch of zombies.

[@Zestiniaa]

and its perfect to listen to ballade no. 2

[@jondavwal13]

I've been studying this piece for a year now. I keep coming back to this and his studio recording as finding the truth in this music. There are others that make their case (notably Horowitz), but this intimacy, control, and passion without a hint of melodrama is far and away the best. Zimerman doesn't play everything the best, but this, unquestionably, he does.

[@nickmeins3397]

I'm learning this piece and it's great. give me 10 years and I'll finish it :D

[@bellefeu4933]

+Nick Meins I will be after I learn ballade 2. Give me 6mo. for both :)

[@retrogamerdave362]

+Nick Meins I learned in 3 months 10 years ago and I am still trying to figure it out.

[@Nad1no]

+Nick Meins We're in the same boat, my friend

[@rafanel81]

Only 10 years? An entire life isn't enough

[@supermanifold]

+Icharuss To achieve this kind of musical maturity may very well take a lifetime.

[@travismiller758]

There is no talent. Only the fortitude of a Man pursuing his dreams. This recording has brought tears to my eyes every time I have listened to it for the last 10 years. Kryistian Zimmerman is a man who should be held above others. His displays of passion and virtuoso are damn near unfathomable.

[@macanthony1108]

i love to believe this is the same way chopin would've played this ballade. if someone asked me what perfect is, i'd say this video. i'm just in awe every time.

[@louis9939]

It's because he is a very elegant pianist I think.

[@ClemAuri]

This is true technique. No emphatic hand moves nor grotesque faces. Only the notes, the sensibilty, the Music.

[@perezbermuda]

When I was much younger and fell madly in love with this piece (and this interpretation!), I read somewhere that this ballad was the journey of Chopin's soul, at times light and peaceful and other times tormented and tempestuous. So true!

[@ianstorz8994]

His incredible use of dynamics, especially in all of the voices, commands your attention. He gives each voice is it's own thread, where every link in the melody and dynamic is an intentional handling and shaping of the voice. Especially on parts like 3:25 nothing is lost. And with how brilliant Chopin is, you absolutely want to hear every note. Zimerman is sublime, master of the Ballades.

[@fabio11164]

I totally agree with you 👍🏻

[@erlendlangseth4672]

Chopin is so playful, yet full of passion.

[@budgetpack]

A truly stunning performance, Zimmerman is a piano playing god!

[@vudi9349]

9:42 etude no12 op25

[@purpleAiPEy]

This piece is really like a complete thought from Chopin. Fragments finally meshed together.

[@gautambose]

@@purpleAiPEy ask ballades are like that ex ballade 1

[@ivanalvarez4725]

If you listen closely to ballade 3 there are a lot of resemblances from his other ballades

[@raptorjesus6953]

I can understand why so many people call this Chopin's greatest work. That set of notes at 9:10 is simply heart-wrenching.

[@PianoScenesMoviesandSeries]

+Raptor Jesus To me Chopin is the greatest composer that ever lived. He made me feel new emotions. I understand your confusion. Chopin made many great compositions in his life, though I have to agree, this is in my considered opinion his best one. It has everything. It's like your favourite book you just love so much, you want to be the book. I want to be this piano. This is absolute and utter perfection, wordly, and has never yet been outdone by anyone.

[@raptorjesus6953]

Léon Ruhe I don't know if he is the greatest composer, but he is undoubtedly the greatest pianistic composer and one of the most emotional musicians.

[@unebellepatience1197]

this section is truly the most beautiful music i have heard

[@monolyth421]

Complete genius. This is the greatest accomplishment of all existence.

[@Leonid1051]

+monolyth421 Please don't exaggerate. Kissin plays this ballade much better.

[@DeclanDeclanDeclan]

+Leonid Odin He plays it more to your liking. At this level you don't play something 'much better', you have a different interpretation of it.

[@brrian]

+Leonid Odin kissin is a joke compared to zimerman

[@HitoSarg]

+brian hello Do you know who Kissin is? lol They are both gods in the piano world. Kissin was a prodigy.

[@HJKey]

+Hitome Must agree with brian...even when Kissin is a legend, his version of the ballades sound amateurish compared to Zimerman's...this is just ultimate piano playing...

[@JustMe-to8te]

If I could be born again I would learn to play the piano like this.

[@Lordran__]

Likewise...

[@dalaibrahim]

It's never too late

[@AJD45]

It’s never too late I am 15 and I started learning piano 2 weeks ago and I can almost play Bach’s minuet in g minor in full, I hope to someday to be able to play one just one of chopin’s ballades

[@bachouvenn430]

It is never too late! I’m 17, i started a year and a half ago, right now at Ballade 1. I don’t have much practice time left since i’m a high school senior and A LOT of things are lying ahead of me waiting for me to solve them

[@turtlefeesh]

@@bachouvenn430 You've started playing Ballade 1 after only a year?? I've played piano for 5+ years and couldn't even make it past bar 48 :')

[@쇼팽쇼팽]

Without a doubt, Zimmerman is the best pianist in the world. No one can play like Zimmerman, especially when it comes to Chopin Ballads. His deep tone and excellent interpretation of the song make the listener overwhelmed with ecstatic emotions. His ballad performance comforted me today.

[@Poulpink]

The ballades are honestly out of the whole world of piano music to me, I keep coming back to them after all these years. They are singularities that I wouldn't ever have imagined could even be possible but can't do without now

[@viviennetanjy]

This piece is like crying inside only to hide the pain to yourself...

[@jgerona5]

My favorite part of this piece is at 9:41-9:50 and I can say that the way Zimmerman played it resonated with me. I'm no expert but I feel like this certain part of the ballade is the peak of the whole piece with the strongest emotion. I imagine humanity transcending with this certain part I dunno why xD.

[@DECA_3]

My opinion, it would be a great idea if these ballades were combined into one long show. Because, for me, chopin's ballades were full of emotions and can be combined into one full story of a human life. At first I only listened to ballade 1 because of the famous coda, but as I listen to the others, i was shocked, that 4 of these ballades were extremely good that it really makes me feel comfort whenever I have a problem. And for ballade 4, its a really really proper ending, especially the coda, for the 4 ballades to actually end.

[@23BET23]

No one else can play Chopin like this - the tone and clarity, the inner voices, the most breathing rubato... Zimerman is a god on this rep.

[@katyasavitska3465]

O my God. Incredible performance of this majestic music . I think he is still the best of Chopin's winners.

[@sssym7726]

Kateryna Savitska Ｉ really think so too!

[@Mralmostpig]

The intro always reminds me of an early morning drive I had in New Hampshire along the coast, among the light of the morning sun, smell of the ocean, and the greens. Now I'm staying at home and surrounded by the Rockies with COVID out there. It makes me overwhelmingly sad.

[@justlucamusic]

Right here, ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves one beautiful example of what 40 hours of practice everyday can lead to.

[@miravespania]

The Lingling community is takingover the classical youtube videos

[@Railfan9743]

JustLucaGD twoset

That and a great powerful talent!

[@cho_rden]

Not 40 hours, he sure practiced everyday!

[@justlucamusic]

@@cho_rden yes, 40 hours a day ;)

[@ChevisPreston]

Ballade 1 is my favorite, ballade 4 is the greatest. Don’t ask, It’s complicated.

[@ILikeBirds]

I understand this somehow

[@SortaPredictable]

4 is a masterpiece of melodic complexity (especially nearing the end) bringing about deep emotions from multiple themes playing at the same time whereas 1 is far more euphoric. I think this is just a basic fact of the piece being primarily played with a shifted root note for most passages having a major sound even though the piece was written in g-minor.

[@the_great_phoenix231]

i understand your pain :DDD

[@babygirl4169]

For me, it's also the same except my favourite is Ballade 2

[@johnpacker3741]

Same here, very complicated. Lets just say, Ballade 1 saved my life 32 years ago.

[@levim.3505]

10:40 I just *love* how he brings out the lower line here, seldom have I heard someone put so much focus on the left hand in that section.

[@karolpawlowski5368]

Sir Fryderyk Chopin is the pride of Poland! The whole country is very proud of him! 🇵🇱

[@jeed888]

Best interpretation of this masterpiece ever, unbeatable.

[@celebratinghaydnvid]

Still my favorite interpretation

[@ATEBTOM]

Please look for ATEBTOM (youtube) Dianne Baar playing this wonderful Piece: Fanfare Magazine wrote about Dianne`s recording: I have only heard a dozen or so performances that have made a lasting impression on me. Baar’s version belongs on that list, somewhere very near the top. This is a performance of supreme-and at times heart-aching-lyricism that brought back very personal memories I associate with this score. Baar clearly thinks in paragraphs, rather than phrases, and her unhurried retelling of Chopin’s intricate narrative clarifies its architecture, allowing the listener to follow the first subject’s remarkable metamorphoses. This is a reading to treasure, alongside those of Artur Rubinstein, Sviatoslav Richter, Ivan Moravec, and Krystian Zimerman.

[@melblacke5726]

This literally gives me shivers when I hear it. It is almost unbearably beautiful!

[@melblacke5726]

I will have to check out Baar

[@marshallartz395]

@@ATEBTOM: I would add to your list the performance by Kate Liu at the 2015 Chopin Competition. She won the bronze medal. Her version has become my favorite, and I’ve listened to a lot of pianists play a lot of Chopin over the years. Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i362qKB6gJKmiq8 😎🎹

[@bontempo0182]

This is quite simply the most tasteful and consensual interpretation of this legendary Ballade. It's not difficult to play it differently or with other nuances - but to better it is nigh-on impossible.

[@CEB7832]

Truly a superlative performance. THE benchmark. Absolute clarity of thought, clarity of sound, appropriate tempo. Everything just sings. No fluff, no flash. He just gets 100% out of the music without any frills. Mastery. Having trouble listening to anybody else (their own errors or liberties just distract me in comparison).

[@tomseeley7482]

Simply amazing, isn't it! These have long been some of my absolute favorites of one of my absolute favorite composers, and this performance of this ballade is why! I have his performances of both concerti and they are also simply astounding! His tempi and dynamics may not be to everyone's taste but they sure are to mine!

[@rushunnhfernandes]

This is an amazing performance of an amazing composition. 👏 At 9:58 , Zimerman is playing so passionately that the stool violently shifts behind ! Music is truly man's greatest invention.

[@brozomicki-sothe307]

Music is great

[@turtlefeesh]

Discovery or invention?

[@rushunnhfernandes]

@@turtlefeesh yes, invention.

[@jonathan130]

I can still recall when I first got into classical music. My journey began with Chopin. Initially, I couldn't quite grasp his music, and I even thought it didn't make sense. However, it's been two years now. Chopin has become one of the greatest composers in my eyes. He went from creating simple yet rich music to crafting complex masterpieces like the one I'm listening to now. I can pick out every little detail that shows why he's such a genius. His unique melodies, the way he arranges things, voicings and little details and so much more - it all just fits perfectly and makes complete sense to me now. I just wanted to share that thought.m I can just crawl down in my bead, highest speaker of this soung in my bed, echoing in my room empty because i just have a madrass. c fe bflat dflat. mhmmmmm. hhhhhh. so beautfiul the melody is so musterious and it echos in my room. it gives me flashbacks to forest wits so pleasant to hear it echo that melody and its so musterious that it makes it very beautfil and echo like because my room is so empy. chopin is the best composer ever made because his melody is so good and sweet

[@sulimabarba2935]

I can imagine Chopin smiling in heaven. Mr. Zimerman, you are unique. I love your technique and passion. Thanks for this splendid gift. Bravissimo!🌹❤🌹

[@gankness]

My absolute favorite... This ballade is so hauntingly beautiful...

[@markweerheim3628]

My favorite part is at 6:24 when you've already had such an amazing musical journey and it comes back to that very first moment but in a different key

[@samboadway4821]

I agree it’s almost as if the piece could have ended there. It’s like you’ve made it home

[@tunestone3071]

The left hand in this part is what I like….

[@MattCarr147]

What a masterpiece.

[@PianoAJ]

That note held @ 3:13 😭❤️ it’s like a bell

[@andresantos_]

Probably the most romantic thing ever writen

[@user-shinha]

Zimmerman's Ballade No. 4 is tremendously dramatic and fantastic.

[@seobeomjun2430]

Your ballade 4 is the best of the universe... So beautiful.

[@brozomicki-sothe307]

All 4 ballades are

[@jeanwakim8759]

5:18 is definitely the best part

[@rudolphschreider2323]

Took me 5 months to learn to play the notes- still learning to interper the emotional complexity. So many layers.

[@mikemark8808]

Is it me or is he humming and breathing to the tune? He's so into Chopin's music...

[@primeartonline-pianocovers1535]

YES, I was looking for this kind of comment, I could've sworn I heard him faintly humming in the background!

[@discordant8543]

Ya know i might give it a try, it could help focus on the melody you're trying to voice tbh

[@Spyrine]

he hums a lot in his recordings, not too hard to notice lol

[@render2685]

2:57~3:22 is my absolute favourite part. Incredibly beautiful. so sweet sound.

[@いりえゆみこ-i8s]

ショパンのバラード第4番。この曲の演奏を何度も聴きたくなったのは、クリスチャン・ツィメルマンの演奏が初めてです。技術は勿論、豊かな音楽性。そして、中身が濃いと言うのでしょうか、満足感を感じられる内容の演奏です。素晴らしい音楽の伝導者ですね。クリスチャン・ツィメルマン、このような演奏を有難うございます。

[@marcgulbronson5814]

5:43 is by far the most beautiful sound I have ever heard in Chopin's music!!

[@miguellaruku2725]

Holy smokes. I never thought chopin could write something as good as his no1 ballade. Wish i had listen to it earlier.