"La Campanella" played by Alicia de Larrocha

[@biegel88]

This was an artist on the highest order, for everything, sound, rhythm, phrasing, feeling, pianism. She was the total package and played it all.

[@Daniel_Zalman]

Maestro Biegel, so nice to see that we both admire this marvelous pianist. P.S. I really found your lessons on Tone Base extremely useful. Warm wishes from NY!

[@sltomsik]

Elle etait sans pareille.

[@saygued]

Incredible. She was the finest pianist I ever had the thrill of hearing. No music ever suffered at her hands, on the contrary she seemed able to find the essence of every piece she offered. A wonderful, wonderful artist. I miss her.

[@simone222]

Very lovely said. I wholeheartedly agree.

[@huyphamuc6372]

This is the most "ringing" version, absolutely like little bells hanging on the piano

[@danielgloverpiano7693]

I’m not surprised how good this is. I’m surprised that she would play such a shameless showpiece. I’m a Liszt fanatic but this piece I never liked playing. She tries and succeeds at making it into music. Bravo, Alicia! This recording actually encourages me to try it out again and see if I might like it better now. It’s always seemed like a piece for a teenager or young college student who gets excited by the empty virtuosity.

[@winglow7615]

I have not heard anyone play this piece better.

[@Highinsight7]

And... you never will... she was... no words for it...

[@JoeCamp-mf1ug]

Me neither. This was a cut above the rest. Masterful indeed! Wow 🤩

[@arcphoenix563]

Probably the best "La Campanella" on KZbin. Flawless in exectution, just like it should be. :)

[@JoeCamp-mf1ug]

Yes. It’s the first rendition I’ve heard where you can actually hear the bells clearly as intended. This is the best!

[@thepianocornertpc]

@@JoeCamp-mf1ug Cziffra

[@rothschildna]

PERFECTION! The Best Campanella!

[@rickos1915]

Her keyboard touch is of the rarest elegance.

[@PhillipLWilcher]

One of this world's finest and most articulate artists. The very stuff of legend. Bless you Alicia de Larrocha!

[@matthewclarke5008]

Agreed.

[@shubus]

This really is perfect. Not rushing to the finish line like many try to do with this piece and achieving the utmost in musicality. The minimal use of pedal showcases just how outstandingly clean and brilliant this performance is.

[@DavidAgdern]

I love the way she played everything! Always so rhythmic, the sound so resonant - always solid. She was one of the very greatest pianists of the century.

[@Andrew279144]

Alicia was the greatest female pianist ever. I have her recording of Albeniz Iberia, and it it is the best ever!

[@Shahrdad]

A true musician whose virtuosity is always put to the service of music.

[@aliciaquintano6506]

de Larrocha mentored a pianist who would come to my mom's apartment to play our Steinway upright. She was a gracious person and an amazing pianist. This is wonderful to listen to. Thank you.

[@MitsukiSky]

Oh. My. God. She ridiculously phenomenal.

[@blobdffoo819]

Oh wow just wow, it actually beats all other versions i've heard for years and years. Not like others are bad, but this is actually another level.

[@4rkadi]

Amazingly clean and evocative! I didn't think anyone could match Kissin's interpretation, but I've just been proven wrong.

[@nessieness5433]

Best of the best! Thank you Mrs de Laroccha! This is unsurpassable! In 2 year's time I have listened lots of times, I keep coming back to this outstanding version!

[@legecla7302]

best La Campanella I heard on youtube.. ❤️❤️❤️

[@marisarobles1754]

What a fantastic player!! We have so much talent in Spain!!!

[@1blairt]

I met this beautiful lady backstage in 1978 in Washington DC. Looking back, I should have bowed down and kissed her hand.

[@luizfernandg]

A lot of people coment on her clear and crisp sound! But let's say it, there is an awfull lot more here, her playing is simply SUMPTUOUS!

[@nessieness5433]

Just absolutely magical, I keep coming back to listen to Ms de Larrocha's 'litte bell', she makes me happy beyond words! No other interpretation comes near. Thank you for all the joy!

[@Hes1oscillations]

By far the best interpretation.

[@tonylian2050]

This is the very best performance I've ever heard for this piece.

[@nessieness5433]

You are so right!

[@wolfgangwengenroth6875]

I agree

[@Hailstormand]

It's like listening with a pair of brand new ears. Where are these bright, clarion-bells notes come from?! All of my life listening, I can only hear blurred notes. Lady, you have spoilt me forever.

[@davidmarcum9845]

I wish this was on video! Such a beautifully clean performance. Very little pedal was used to try to compensate for small hands. She didn't need it. What great chops she had!!!

[@idaletegiga5786]

Como Liszt adoraria ouvir Alicia de Larrocha se estivesse ainda entre nós. Belíssima interpretação. Graciosa , expressiva!.

[@olgaorleanskaia1162]

Alicia de Larrocha fue una de las mejores de todos los tiempos.... Hay muchos hombres que tocan esta pieza de un modo excelente, pero ella - mejor que nadie! Es una pena que no hay grabaciones de video de como toca esta obra.

[@AgnesRegina]

"A heroine to all small-handed pianists everywhere" - Heero545 Totally with you there!! She plays so brilliantly I can SEE the notes sparkling... it's awesome!!

[@VCguitar1]

Unbeatable... Lang Lang should listen and learn, if he really truly recognizes De Larrocha's genius!

[@JoeCamp-mf1ug]

Fully agree! This is the best version I’ve ever heard as one can clearly hear the 🔔

[@thepianocornertpc]

Don't bring the chinese clown in this. Leave him in his circus.

[@legendbach]

So clean and precise touch. Sublime!

[@davidmarcum9845]

Too bad this is not on video, she could have given hope and taught all of us with small hands that we too could learn to do what she did! This is so good and clean. She hides nothing with her pedaling or absence thereof!

[@Highinsight7]

I too wish this was a video...

[@pekeninu]

hand size has got nothing to do with the possibilty a playing this piece. Although I would love to witness this rendition with my own eyes

[@wiczitier]

It's perfect, so clean and organic... my teacher used to say: "wie Perlen von eine Collier" (like pearls of a necklace)

[@abajour]

So fantastic and so unique! A true legend! Rest in piece, Ms. De Larrocha.

[@brianwilliams9408]

Best version ever recorded.

[@Mattttsin]

the cleanliness and precision of her playing are incredible

[@etiam161036]

Quel régal !!!... Finesse de l’intelligente aisance dans la perfection ! MERCI 😍👏👏👏

[@majornewb]

I love this interpretation. IT actually sounds like bells

[@zong3462]

majornewb cuz steph the best

[@huyphamuc6372]

1:48 to 2:00 actually sounds like a bell for me. It's not ideally identical as a bell, but it's the most "ringing" version for me. I prefer this version more than Lang Lang's

[@BrucknerMotet]

A performing musician for 75 yrs. And a top one at that! A real gift to our species. Infinite thanks.

[@ordeedjc]

Magestuoso, claro, virtuoso, digno de admirar. WOW

[@lagunabird1]

Whow, this is just perfect! So bright, so correct..... Thanks!

[@danno700]

RIP, Alicia. Thankyou for your contribution to music.

[@mariajoserios9201]

Un gran regalo al oído poder escuchar al piano a nuestra maravillosa pianista Alicia de Larrocha !!!

[@mesrotondi]

E' l'interpretazione di questo straordinario pezzo che piu' mi emoziona, non ci sono parole!

[@xocolatier]

she had small hands and played so beautiful. she keeps me going and practicing very hard although i have very small hands.

[@Iancad1]

Just the best!

[@latigojusticiero615]

Love it..brava..she lives in her interpretations!

[@dataznguy5]

Great version! Very minimal use of the sustain pedal, which makes for a very crisp and defined sound. In my opinion, a lot better than the highly praised version played by Kissin. Also loved the playful little pause at 4:03. Definitely caught me off guard.

[@MattFirdous]

that little pause adds so much temperament to this already amazing interpretation.

[@Olovlig]

Nice remark on the sustain pedal!

[@Pongstorn28]

love her style

[@yuujidaimaoh2111]

So great performance, I was likely to faint.

[@scotashton766]

Suoerb! Beyond Superb! This is how the Piano should be played! Thrilling !

[@JoeCamp-mf1ug]

Best version ever!

[@protennis5]

too good ! Lang Lang said about her that she was his favourite female pianist !

[@matildegarcia9466]

Female!!! She was the best . Full stop.

[@flicfan416]

Absolutely magical.

[@MrCinemuso]

Wow Alicia brings the flamenco to La Campanella (esp last 30 secs). Never heard this show-pony music sound so good before.

[@michielhuisman8113]

In my language (Dutch) it is all about 'belletjes' (ringing bells) and that's what I hear. Superrrrrr!!!!!

[@anouchkakhatchadourian8606]

LA PERFECTION ABSOLUE ! Une prouesse hors norme....RESPECT, Madame ! Anouchka Khatchadourian

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

Gee, it's like this is the first time I've ever actually heard this piece. Wow, talk about clean and precise! Bravo...

[@Hyperstar5]

so clean and clear like a crystal, and so controlled

[@eJoan]

Best version I've ever heard! It gives me goosebumps

[@thepianocornertpc]

Cziffra.

[@Neopersonageguy]

One of the best interpretations !

[@luislorente6494]

Algo inolvidable de Alicia que esta en mi cuerpo para siempre.

[@FILIGREE1]

I listened to it and of course it's superb, but I prefer this one because the nuances are so unusual. For sheer virtuosity combined with precision I like the Kissin version (Promas at the Albert Hall). Thanks for your suggestion - great to get a sensible suggestion instead of the abuse you sometimes get when you make these comments.

[@ichkdg2]

omg!! I can listen to every notes clearly,jesus!

[@barrysmith5708]

Wow! Such clarity of technique and wonderfully musical interpretation . One can hear every single note. I just wish I could even play every single note!

[@odesangel]

You can definitely hear every note. Listening to others play La Campanella, most tend to play it almost too fast, like they are rushing through the piece, especially towards the end. Her tempo here is perfect, which I think is what contributes to the clarity in her performance.

[@eileensickel]

Very beautiful and expressive, Miss de Larrocha

[@OHOHJOHNNY]

OMG! SHE PLAYED SO CLEAN!

[@etiam161036]

Interprétation fine, équilibrée, pleine de vie! Quel régal!

[@philiprostek]

Hearing this stunning performance evokes what Liszt himself would have sounded like: crystal clear with all the good stuff! What tremendous natural artistry.

[@abcabc820]

Excellent.

[@liltick102]

2:50 well holy fucking hell she did this part so well, she really picks it up from here (not just because you’re supposed to)

[@dantequiba1512]

Best version I heard.

[@gerardbegni2806]

All this seem simple in this intrerpretation. I love this false simplicity.

[@dataznguy5]

I love the little pause she did between 4:03 and 4:04. Easily one of the best renditions of this piece.

[@juancillo6064]

as usual, perfect inspired performance of the greatest spanish pianist of all times an one of the world greatest of the XX century. GOOD BLESS YOU ALICIA¡

[@paripe]

Nos acaba de dejar esta Gran Señora. D.E.P Su obra queda para la eternidad¡¡

[@GetMeThere1]

Exquisitely beautiful! This is really really SOMETHING!

[@MsTommy38]

registrazione ottima, esecuzione preziosa con suono scolpito e dinamica effervescente!

[@Kilimadelta]

que buena era, que grande... siempre viva en su musica. Estes donde estes, gracias!!

[@HanlinSG]

i love this interpretation especially and 4:04!! This is THE BEST EVER!!

[@markbordelon1601]

i have just found the best interpretation of La Campanella -- wow

[@EclipseGamingKSP101]

Mark Bordelon :-)

[@fluxequinox]

try Valentina's version and even Trifinov's version. I love all three

[@Marianofrv]

absolutely delightful and perfect Thank you for sharing

[@capricorniosur]

La limpieza en la ejecución de cada nota es magistral...

[@paulostroff99]

Amazing playing! Brava! TY.

[@mikhailasanovic]

yes yes yes yes yes I love her violence at the keyboard! Brilliante!!!

[@TheGuyCalledX]

I can definitely see how Lang Lang was inspired by this performance. He tries to capture the same lightness she has with the piece. But after listening to her recording, sorry Lang Lang 😅

[@rfalv]

Amazing ... truly bells ...

[@lisilisin]

I agree with you, Chopinco. The "Best" doesn't exist... mainly talking about art. There isn't "the best actor", "the best painter", "the best pianist", "the best play"... It is a mistake many people make when giving their opinion. To say: " This is one of the best", is much better.

[@hiram242]

A giant...a true gift from God...may He rest her soul...

[@etiam161036]

Merveilleuse interprétation! BRAVISSIMO!!!

[@macmcclurepiano]

This is probally the best campanella I have ever heard!!! thanks for posting it!!!!

[@FILIGREE1]

I remember the late British comedian/actor/musician, Dudley Moore taking part in a documentary with Alicia de Larrocha. Dudley Moore always enthused about her performances and at the time I thought he was a lightweight and I didn't know much about her. But the more performances I find of hers, the more I understand what he meant. She is simply one of all the time greats.

[@AgnesRegina]

@Heero545 Totally with you there!! She plays so brilliantly I can SEE the notes sparkling... it's awesome!!

[@marlonguitarist]

Insuperable en la interpretación de los grandes maestros españoles como Albéniz, Granados y Falla. Una gran pérdida para la música.

[@ericrouach]

best of all

[@ROSAMARIAHOCES11]

Magistral! La más grande!

[@Chopinco]

there will never be the just one "Best" since each of us will prefer a different interpretation =) so "the best" is quite relative. But indeed u can say this is among the Best ive ever heard!!

[@lisilisin]

Qué maravilla, Dios Mio!!!!!!!!! Está a la altura de cualquiera de los pianistas considerados TOP. Bueno, es que para mi, ella forma parte de esa eclusiva lista: LA DE LOS MAS GRANDES!!!!!!!

[@organboi]

shocking. some of the most clean and brilliant playing i have ever heard. how dare that person make the sick comment above about it not being clean. how dare anyone bring up these names like yundi li!??

[@bepkuenen1837]

Paganini would love it