Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1 S.514 Valentina Lisitsa

From Liszt's own program notes :
"There is a wedding feast in progress in the village inn, with music, dancing, carousing. Mephistopheles and Faust pass by, and Mephistopheles induces Faust to enter and take part in the festivities. Mephistopheles snatches the fiddle from the hands of a lethargic fiddler and draws from it indescribably seductive and intoxicating strains. The amorous Faust whirls about with a full-blooded village beauty in a wild dance; they waltz in mad abandon out of the room, into the open, away into the woods. The sounds of the fiddle grow softer and softer, and the nightingale warbles his love-laden song."
Лист Мефисто-Вальс
В программе, предпосланной этому произведению, соединены два стихотворных отрывка. Сначала идет диалог между Мефистофелем и Фаустом у окна деревенского кабачка, где происходит веселая свадебная пирушка. Фауст очарован крестьянской девушкой. Мефистофель берет скрипку у деревенского музыканта, начинает играть - все пускаются в пляс. Фауст, танцуя, увлекает за собой красавицу. Звуки дьявольской скрипки преследуют их и в саду, и на лугу, и в лесу, где сладострастно шепчутся деревья и поет соловей...

[@br2538]

When I hear a new classical piece that I enjoy, I immediately look for her version of it. Her interpretations are out of this world. ALL the notes are crystal clear. Rhythm, breaks, emotions, storytelling like everything is just SPLENDID.

[@gixelz]

i agree she is one of my favorites. however, with this piece, if you haven't heard traums version (some concert pianist that does youtube VST's now), check it out. it's my favorite version by FAR. and he does it in a halloween mask 😅

[@yusouph2002]

@@gixelz too bad that popularity nowadays overshadows the quality...

[@gmsyd09]

Essientialy you really love this music

[@PowerNdust]

She definitely plays this piece masterfully

[@davidmarcum9845]

Just when I thought I had seen all and heard all, I suddenly have been taken by surprise how clean and how fast sections were played, when I thought only Ashkenazy could play them that fast. Now here is a truly gifted artist telling such a fun and gripping story through her pyrotechnique! I love this Valentina! I love your playing! You make my head swoon!

[@LiveAliveWithABMartin]

To think that people used to write stuff like this off of the top of their head is amazing.

[@Paul-yj2wu]

@;op 4 hes talking about people who can not just specifically liszt

[@fredericchopin6445]

;op 4 it’s originally composed for orchestra

[@dollyriva8297]

Listz is one of the few people I’ll admit is a genius. His talent was scary.

[@Tizohip]

@;op 4 but start on their head

[@Kattist]

@@dollyriva8297 he started actually wanting to be making these crazy difficult pieces after he saw Paganini play in france if I'm not wrong

[@markrymanowski719]

God bless the people who encouraged Listz to compose.

[@agnespilloy4186]

God??? But...don't you know Mephisto is another name for SATAN??? and you think God has something to do with that???

[@paulvangastel8665]

Valentina is a legend. She is Generous because she shares all recordings for free with the world. She is Technically one of the best, I would say actually the best where control of blurring effects such as strong left hand and pedal are concerned. She is Musically original and coherent (uniting different passages under one umbrella, like different expressions of the same face). She is Inspiring because she doesn't compete (where so many other pianists try so hard and as an audience you receive their effort more than anything). But what I personally feel is her X-factor, in all of what she does, is her way of going beyond the notes, of soaring to heights of grasping what the composer intended, removing her own self from the equation. My feelings when listening to her music, as a result, go beyond gratitude. My feelings are of happiness and they help me forget our "condition humaine". It is like dreaming a beautiful dream. And you know what?! I don't pinch myself, as I don't want to risk waking myself up!

[@TeacherMattVlog]

She is beyond perfect like an A.I playing the piano, all the communications of the notes including the forte, speed are played in perfect accuracy including her control of her pedal too. Shes like not human anymore huhu

[@icetea287]

Liszt : "Check out my new unplayable piece !" Valentina : "Hold my vodka..."

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

Ice Teà check out Vladimir Horowitz's interpretation. It's quite amazing.

[@CatLegoDiver]

Bwahahaha! But that's assuming Valentina drinks vodka.

[@Meatwaggon]

@@CatLegoDiver All Eastern Europeans drink vodka. In fact their babies prefer that to breast milk. What are you even talking about???

[@CatLegoDiver]

@@Meatwaggon Scotty: When are you going to get off that milk diet, lad? Chekov: This is vodka! Scotty: Where I come from, that's soda pop. Now this is a drink for a man! Chekov: Scotch? Scotty: Aye. Chekov: It was invented by a little old lady from Leningrad!

[@Meatwaggon]

@@CatLegoDiver Hahahaha

[@RobCLynch]

I truly believe that Liszt had a Jekyll and Hyde personality, because both characters seem to come out of his music. He was ahead of his time. Excellent performance.

[@joeyhuberman]

8:36 is absolutely amazing. I’ve never heard that part so clean before you can hear every single note and I like how she really focused on voicing her left hand just as much as her right

[@cantkeepitin]

Pletnev

[@pianista-mediocre]

This particular part is best played by many. Katsaris is worth it in the tempo of the previous part, but when it comes to those jumps, it does it perfectly. Cziffra, Horowitz André Lapante and others

[@TeacherMattVlog]

no its not, only valentina played it like that perfectly, the others are blurred pedal@@pianista-mediocre

[@pianista-mediocre]

@@TeacherMattVlog Katsaris doesn't even use the pedal. Furthermore. There's no problem abusing the pedal in this part.

[@cbal295]

How magnificent! These are the results you get if you start playing piano at 3 years of age and have your first performance at 4 years old. You live, breathe, eat, and sleep piano perfection! And OMG, Valentina has all that and so much more!! She is absolutely brilliant. Just love to listen constantly to whatever she plays. Bravo many times over!!

[@alisacs_f.l1312]

WHAT AT 4!??? Thats hella impressive

[@volyumismyname3177]

She started at 3 but quited for a few years after. You dont have to start at such young age to get results, it takes efficient practice and dedication

[@cbal295]

You are absolutely right. Like everything else we want to do our best and as the saying goes, "practice makes perfect" and dedication is so important.

[@FloZitzelsberger]

Valentina, this is one of the best Mephisto Waltzes out there: as dark, fast and powerful as Mephistopheles, as light as a waltz at times. Also, incredible use of rubato and impressive melodic tone in the left hand. Thank you so much! You are so appreciated. Love from Germany!

[@anatolydyatlov963]

Out of all Valentina's videos, this one just became one of my favourites

[@jackylin6025]

Tomasz Kasperczyk You should listen to totentanz!

[@vedantthanki745]

@@jackylin6025 yes it will certainly shake you

[@Bluejeans0701]

This is the very best performance of the Mephisto Waltz No. 1. Valentina Lisitsa is just as amazing as Van Cliburn, whom I adore all the time. Give a toast to this beautiful and talented pianist. She is so fantastic.

[@starimax]

You passion and talent continues to amaze. Had the good fortune to see you live twice -- what a blessing!

[@lunchmind]

I listen to William Kapell and I think his is the best take then I listen to Lisitsa and I'm just as blown away by her performance. Such sparkling clarity.

[@helenedemontaudouin1404]

Valentina is teaching us that piano is also a visual art, like dance.

[@andrey_bezson]

Великолепно! Мне так импонирует интерпретация классических произведений Валентины Лисицы.

[@keithwong506]

Amazing ！！

[@NaeRi18]

one of my favorite Liszt's works! your performance gave me shivers! 😍

[@MrNatkov]

Me too 😬

[@pianistajs]

Brilliant as usual

[@AnotherediS]

I didn’t really understand this piece until I saw this video... once again Valentina produces a stunning rendition, and suddenly I feel a connection with the piece. She always knows exactly how to express the music in a beautiful yet comprehensive way.

[@MichaelKaykov]

I love Lisitsa!!!! Wooohooo ❤️❤️

[@Jurrivh]

So inspirational, technique is so amazing! Loving all your videos :)

[@illusionarybox3191]

Incredible lisitsa , op as always

[@renzosax]

yes sr Evans, all is trash

[@jeanpierredarmois8656]

@@illusionarybox3191leez ⁹9⁹9kklx000wwxxx

[@TJMalana]

Omg Omg Val! This is one of my most favorite Lizst pieces of all time. My most favorite part of the piece is the beautiful passage at 6:23. I could replay that part over and over again.

[@harrisonsteudlein8537]

Everything in this performance is amazing. She's so accurate and intensely expressive. I love it!

[@JonLeungpiano]

Super!

[@musicmatters1114]

That was amazing! Hope List was listening.

[@evgenijtitovskij6708]

BRAVO !!!....

[@adamusein]

politcally, musically and visually spectacular

[@ternitamas]

Valentina has such a captivating personality that I'm always mesmerized by her playing

[@dogancanakcay3791]

You are amazing again .Much more liszt please!!!

[@snapfinger1]

This video should be on everyone’s hit list.

[@arvindolatkhah7896]

👍thanks

[@sandrasims6480]

I think it's a close call between Valentina and Khatia. Both are amazing.

[@disconewdisco]

Bravo, thank you for the fun!!

[@kleinrobert6314]

Himmlische Interpretation ! Liebe Valentina , I love You . Thank You

[@alanvazquez9342]

beautiful!!!! so perfect! i love you Valentina

[@eddie1344]

Thank you so much Valentina! This is absolutely WONDERFUL!! :)

[@santiagomorales9899]

you are amazing! I wanted so badly a performance of this piece played by you and again, you are amazing Valentina, thanks a lot for this!

[@user-ze2bd3eb6z]

I've been waiting a long time for this moment :) Astounding , as usual. Demanding, as usual c: Спасибо!

[@inactiveaccount1578]

*YOU ARE SO AMAZING !!!!*

[@anthoniam8473]

Thank you, Valentina for giving us this fiery piece !

[@tjarsun]

I LOVE this piece from Liszt!!! Thanks you!

[@mrtn6203]

This is the first video I ever saw of her

[@fpngan]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@andreisemenov3288]

Masterpiece. Thank you so much.

[@user-ru8vy1uz7c]

Bravo bravo bravo brilliance fantastic super

[@gotrottin]

You are a shinning star of our age. Your playing and memory are stunning and almost unbelievable.

[@Benjamin3344]

Thank you for uploading! I've been looking forward to seeing her performance for a long long time. I love her to play Mephisto Waltz!

[@barbaracordeirosilva915]

So wonderful! Thank you Valentina! You make my heart rejoice!

[@Tizohip]

i LOVE THIS ENDING (and entire piece), FANTASTIC..... REALLY DONT HAVE WORDS for this interpretation.

[@ZyngaPokerManger]

Awesome. Been waiting for this piece since like forever.

[@marcychristoff219]

That was fantastic! Thank you.👏❤

[@johnpearcey]

It's marked Allegro vivace (quasi presto). So, although quite fast, the emphasis is on the liveliness rather than the speed. In my opinion, Valentina gets this exactly right. So many others start off presto with nothing left for the end.

[@mateohyland4089]

your interpretations simply blow life back into me. thank you so much for sharing your work, valentina.

[@clyneheretic]

Some of the most beautiful sounds ever to come out of a piano, produced by one of the most beautiful things ever to sit in front of one.

[@Daniel982-d7z]

awesome

[@EdwinRywalt]

Brava, Valentina. Thanks for recording.

[@MichelTretout]

Perfect ...as usual . Thank you Val , to share

[@Elena-ud3bm]

Thank you Valentina. Perfect start for Midsummer morning, your beautiful interpretation and Liszt.

[@justlucamusic]

Pure genius work😍

[@junemidori09]

I always love Valentina 💓💕❣️💓💕❣️

[@MarikoIchigo]

Liszt wasn't normal... Awesome works

[@josephk7946]

he should have been put on ritalin as a child. He would have adjusted better & his music would have been a lot lot easier to play

[@historywave5776]

Liszt's piece is not hard, it's just the higher level of hardness

[@polskapianist]

TO ME THIS IS OE OF THE BEST RENDITIONS OF THIS PIECE.VERY PROFOUND IN LISTS INTENTIONS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE PIECE.

[@JGonzalezGUS]

Bravo!!!

[@johannpetersen3637]

why does this piece alway sound so impressionist-like to my ears

[@aknightofcamelot]

thanks for posting this. Love it :)

[@Khloeevanspiano]

Great dynamics and touch! I’d love to meet you in person one day!

[@TheExpendables4]

Valentina....you must be an alien ...that was AMAZING!!!

[@jackjackk9894]

So beautiful ❤❤😍😍

[@MegaBackingTracks]

Incredible Performance on of the best so far !

[@liarleaf]

I enjoy rewatching this amazing interpretation once in a while, because is the one I think it's best, thank you for lending the world your hands, heart and brilliant mind.

[@roncrooker3010]

Alas, later on Gretchen finds herself with child and sitting at her spinning wheel bemoaning her lost love as Dr. Faust leaves her to wander the world in search of all the knowledge there is. This was a fine interpretation of the festivities. The dramatic, skilled portions were wonderful and the lyrical sections absolutely filled with sensitivity appropriate to the emotion of the meeting between Faust and Gretchen . A remarkable interpretation of the occasion well composed by Liszt and certainly well played by Ms. Lisitsa. I think this very high on the list of her best performances. Thanks for the posting. She is remarkably well-skilled and sensitive. Well, she's just plain all-around remarkable.

[@gianlucanr100]

Beautiful , thanks for this 11 minutes of pure joy of listening 🙂

Amazing, Отлично, Excellent ! Bravo et merci. Спасибо!

[@mutyolu]

Got Mail and written that Valentina'd shared a Video some minutes ago .. 118 likes in some minutes.. congrats! !

[@sender1496]

Love this piece!! Especially the middle-part, but everything is beautiful. I love the interpretation as well, really beautiful :)

[@vishnuhalikere2151]

Loves how she does the meno mosso part ❤️

[@michaeloleary1867]

Beautiful!

[@RainerLienert]

Valentina, wonderful played as you use to do and I love the scenery

[@Chiradori]

Beautiful performance as always Valentina ! :')

[@eumesmohein17]

Majestic,beautiful and perfect!

[@ChristianJacobMusic]

Bravo! Thank you!

[@tomasrendek3172]

Despite being "da queen of Rachmaninoff" I personally think that Liszt, Schubert/Liszt and Beethoven are your greatest assets, this really cannot be played any better! Hope you will come back to this wonderful repertoire :) (hint: Feux Follets :D) All the best!!

[@davidfloren5339]

How about if she just keeps a small vase of Lilacs next to the piano at all times, so that Rachmaninoff can always be close by?

[@james.e.sharpiii]

@Wheel Simple LLC Why are so many "Classical Music" fans so narrow minded and arrogant? She's a damn artist. Let her do her thing. Just listen, feel what she's putting down. She can be a boss at Rachmaninoff and Liszt. Also, Nicolas Economou can be a boss at it too. At the same time. That's how art works. It's not a competition. It's way above all that petty bullshit... She's best doing what her heart tells her to.

[@weipang3813]

@Wheel Simple LLC Yuncham Lim has taken that title now

[@Alex3954]

This.. is.. so.. incredible.. undiscribeable.. so beautiful..

[@ermenleu]

My favourite Liszt piece, excellent performance ^^

[@shaneshine007]

Amazing

[@achillesamusic]

Mesmerizing !

[@edouard1014]

Technically : perfect... (I'd say as usual :D) Sentimentally : magic, a marvellous emotional crescendo throughout the piece!! CONCLUSION : a masterpiece Valentina!!!

[@liebesleid7514]

masterpiece isn't enought to describe this perfomance. :D

[@natedrd3890]

No doubt. I would absolutely call this fake if it was someone else.

[@iMrRufus]

Amazing!

[@Mamariesling]

my girl!!!!! so inspirational. my brother loves you so much you don't even know!

[@tommasodazzeo5405]

VALENTINA SUONI IN UN MODO MERAVIGLIOSO COME SEMPRE ,COMPLIMENTI.🌟

[@dewidipo8792]

I can understand if she is the world's numero uno pianist. I am really amazed how her fingers can move that fast. Fan from Indonesia.

[@Pakkens_Backyard]

8:37 how the.. what the.. how do you even... I quit piano QnQ

[@antoniokwok9000]

even Valentina missed a few notes there, that's how you know this piece is hard :P

[@MjrJohnsonn]

​@Ling Ling but not even better than Alexander Lubyantsev (which is the cleanest for me)

[@fredericchopin6445]

Pakken's Backyard practice, practice and more practice!

[@reimakousei793]

@@MjrJohnsonn ive heard that one, yea its one hell of an interpretation

[@ayeyebrazof6559]

The twenty long right hand jumps of bars 764 to 783 are impossible to play live without mistakes. I wonder how Liszt played them!

[@Layla9973]

Perfection

[@mercedesmartinezrubio1428]

Maravillosa Valentina, como siempre que toca me pone los pelos de punta, que gozada es escucharla, Bravo genio.

[@789armstrong]

I always thought the benchmark performance of this work was William Kapell, until now.Once again Valentina makes one feel as if they are hearing the music for the first time.

[@ExRFRServer]

So lucky I am practicing this piece and you uploaded your recording :) you are my hero

[@bopspots2561]

You are an amazing musician. Liszt is a monster to play, so this is fantastic, dear. Thank you very much for this.

[@mariev7892]

Wowo amazing!!!