F. Chopin - Nocturne in E-flat major Op. 9 no. 2 - analysis - Greg Niemczuk's lecture

[@ShanshanZheng]

I think you should definitely play the second "Chopin's favorite student" version as an encore piece at a concert. I wish I'd be there.

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes!!!!

[@richardyu4881]

You’re the best teacher and you understand Chopin so much. But the best is that you didn’t mind taking the time to share your knowledge

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you! I just love to do this!

[@DeRanods]

I've just completed Nocturne Op.9 No.2 for a few days and stopped at your channel while seeking for this Noctune's analysis. I don't know to express how you blow my mind with those figurations. Those are gorgeous and go far beyond my imagination. I do really hope you play this full Nocturne with figurations someday and as I see, many audiences here also wish the same thing. Wish you all the best, Greg.

[@ShanshanZheng]

I played this piece on and off for over 20 years and did not know that there are 3 voices here. It actually makes the entire piece quite different. Your channel is the music school I never got to attend.

[@gregniemczuk]

Really? Wow!!! I'm so happy that it's so useful also for you!

[@chunshikkim2316]

Thanks for the message of the freedom from Chopin!!

[@skycastlechronicles]

Do It! Those additions are so lovely! People are ready!!

[@nicoleaube4729]

Oh Greg! That last embellishment! My ears have rarely ever been so happy to hear a sound before! Fills me with joy 🙏😇 Thank you so much.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@JasonYKim]

It is an absolute joy to watch your videos. Your enthusiasm for the music is so infectious, and the knowledge you drop is incredible. How does this video not have hundreds of comments and millions of views? The (further) embellishments to the nocturne that you revealed here are both refreshing and mind boggling. Can you imagine hearing Chopin improvise like that in person?

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes!! That would be fantastic to hear him!!! Well, If I had millions of views and so many comments, I couldn't answer you personally!!!

[@jonathanteller6550]

13:35 ----14:20 I have been asking myself...how is it possible after so many years of playing the same piece of music hundreds of times, Greg still receives so much pleasure when he plays? Now I have my answer. You discover something 'new' each time you play!

[@gregniemczuk]

Absolutely!!! That's exactly how it is!!!

[@JG_1998]

absolutely love the original chopin embellishments you played. i wish chopin had written them in as ossias so more people would play them! really elevates the difficulty of the nocturnes too. and people should definitely write their own. composing and improvising need to make a comeback in the classical piano world.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks for this comment!

[@JG_1998]

@@gregniemczuk one thing ive found to be interesting is to listen to the recordings of chopins music played on original pleyel pianos. A lot of the effects you mention are much more pronounced on these antique pianos. The guitar effect chopin wanted with the left hand in this nocturne is very present in all the recordings i heard on the pleyel. Would love to hear your thoughts. it really makes chopins music make a lot more sense. All of these effects are much harder to hear on modern pianos for some reason.

[@gregniemczuk]

@@JG_1998 I think you're right. Even though I'm not a big fan of period instruments because they have short sound but they're useful to get the impression of what Chopin heard.

[@roadguide123]

Your playing and passion are amazing…and that piano is something else

[@gregniemczuk]

That's the piano I own, used a lot every day. Can't afford a Fazioli unfortunately 😭

[@roadguide123]

@@gregniemczuk well…your sounds great…or maybe it’s just your playing…take care and thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@jaredelliott6678]

Thank you for being my new piano instructor. You're really quite brilliant.

[@gregniemczuk]

My pleasure!!! Thank you so much Jared

[@GypsyDejavoodoo]

I stumbled on your video while searching for something else, and it enchanted me. I was transported and realized, as I listened, that it was exactly as I imagined it played by Chopin himself. Thank you!

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!!!

[@TheApril1228]

Greg, İm endlessly thankful for you for this masterpiece lesson. Those figurations are beautiful. Thank you ❤

[@Pooobb]

Chopin's nocturnes are some of my favorite piano music and I have been looking for some decent analysis videos on them for a while. This series has been exactly what I am looking for. I love all the insight you give on Chopin's life when he was writing each piece. These videos are great.

[@Klet-p4d]

You can really see the difference simplicity at it's best. :)

[@SKITAHOOD]

Your videos are incredible, thank you so much for the huge amount of work you put into them, and for sharing your skill and passion. I think that your discussion about technical ability versus musicality in the beginning so succinctly describes what I love about the piano and the lifelong pursuit of playing. Its not an exaggeration to say that Chopin's nocturnes are the reason I play piano. My earliest memories are hearing my dad play them. The nocturnes drew me to the piano before I could even talk. It feels like they are in my bones. Thanks again.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much for this comment!

[@MrCaleb0526]

Mr. Greg Niemczuk is the most prominent Chopin performer of our time. I truly value his lecture which comes from his broad knowledge of Chopin.

[@gregniemczuk]

It's overwhelming...but very nice of you! I appreciate your words and feelings!!!

[@UraniumEnergyAAA]

I transitioned from guitar to piano 2 yrs ago… then I learned & memorised this nocturne Eb & Nocturne C#m. I love your channel ❤

[@danhutson2069]

Absolutely love what you are doing ❤ 🙌 💕 please don't stop woww

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you thank you!!! I will not stop until I'll make videos about all Chopin's music!

[@santisav2]

what a beautiful lecture !!! thank youuu!!

[@camillesindell2740]

After a decade of wrestling this nocturne I think I can finally start making it musical. You’ve have rejuvenated my efforts, especially the quiet guitar strokes. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@gregniemczuk]

YES!!!! Good luck!

[@pwnedshift1]

I first heard this piece 23 years ago, when I learned it as a 12 year old. I never really liked it because I never heard a great performance and it was very difficult for me at the time. This video completely blew my mind, and makes me want to dust off my old book of Chopin nocturnes again.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!

[@marilynbellas9596]

Thank you for such an inspiring video. The invitation to enjoy and be creative in our playing (and listening) is wonderful! It is a different set of mind that opens doors to much fun, beauty and satisfaction. It creates the feeling of a closer relationship with the music/composer. Lovely! Thank you. 😊💕😊

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much dear Marilyn! Feel invited to watch all my episodes! Nice to have you here.

[@finnianreilly1831]

I have spent a lot of time studying this nocturne, so this analysis was of particular interest to me. The perspective of Chopin's students is very useful. Now I will pay more attention to the left hand part and imagine myself a singer. :-)

[@walterhuwels8026]

Thank you (again). You're changing the way I listen to pieces I love!

[@nibbleniks2320]

You are inspirational. Your presentations offer insights so helpful to full appreciation of Chopin's music. Thank you, Mr. Niemczuk.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you so much!! You made me so happy, which I really need right now. Blessings!!

[@ningcheng6089]

I am learning it now. But your play is so perfect😊

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks! You can do it as well!

[@khureldeulaanbaatar3958]

Excellent analysis. Thank you very much.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks for watching!

[@lourdesdahl6728]

thank you Greg ,this nocturne in my opinion ,I will call it With love in my heart,it is sublime,.

[@elias7748]

Amazing video as always! Watched the Opus 9 No. 1 lecture and now this one. Learning new things every video. Can't wait to watch the rest of this nocturne journey!

[@Marie-uu4yg]

Thank you for your analysis. I find it very interesting.

[@brucehain]

For me it never fails - there are Several revelations about Chopin's music in every one of these videos.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks! I agree

[@sampeng5216]

Funny you should say Chopin encouraged his best students to play the variations. Rachmaninoff composed a variation of Chopin op 22. Mompou the great Spanish pianist also composed a variations of a Chopin theme. Both are just beautiful!

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes! Thank you for this comment!

[@中島百合子-g6o]

I was shocked . Thanks Greg!

[@philippaashfield6453]

Wow! This is wonderful, thank you so much for sharing your passion & wisdom with us. I’m so looking forward to listening to more of your videos 😊.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you for watching!

[@mariapazflorentin4566]

Tu entusiasmo y pasión atraviesan la pantalla. Gracias por compartir estos conocimientos tan geniales, me encantaría escuchar la versión completa con esos ajustes. Saludos!

[@Vranjesp]

Inspiring! Thank you!

[@josephwald1991]

Great discussion of Chopin's guitar concept. thanks!

[@kang88mao]

A great lecture. Thank you so much for the insightful elaboration. Very helpful.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks for watching!

[@RosannaDAgnillo]

What a magnificent lesson! Thank you so much; I'm just preparing to teach this piece and found your instruction excellent! The surprises of the last 10 mins were just stunning :)

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you Rosanna! Thanks for watching! Good luck with teaching and playing it!

[@josegilvazquez7660]

Magnifico tutorial, eres un gran artista del Piano. Enhorabuena 👏👏👏👏

[@skipmatsey8352]

Found your feed today. Thank you for the enlightenment.

[@rodolfocernalargo1972]

This is the first piano piece I've learned. I was listening to Hiroko Nakamura's interpretation. As always, your commentary is very interesting. The last part of this piece is my favorite - the loud part until it fades to the end.

[@alexinthemix00]

Awesome and interesting video. You made me appreciate this beautiful piece even more. Thank you!

[@gregniemczuk]

Happy to hear that!

[@melaniez8498]

I am so happy you are doing this, I love your energy, it's infectious. if this was possible, I would hit the like button a hundred times

[@gregniemczuk]

Wow, thank you! It's so sweet of you! You made me smile!

[@sxdash9666]

the figurations sound so jazzy my god

[@briancoveney3080]

That is SO FREAKIN' COOL! I never heard those different portions before. I can totally hear Chopin playing those crazy amazing things, he was, I'm sure, capable of amazing improv's. Like an electric guitar guy. He's the Eddie Van Halen of the piano genius's.

[@gregniemczuk]

Yeah! Exactly!!!

[@Careless932]

So glad to see that you have a Chinese poem hanging behind of you which was writen by the one of the most famous poet in Tang Dynesty. 😆😆 I am currently playing this piece . So good that you can help me to understand it so deep.

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes! It inspires me a lot! Thank you!!

[@BrianBeker]

Your videos are always superb. The way you combine insight with information and share it with passion, artistry and charm is unequaled. Thank you. Oddly, in the long course of trying to achieve a worthy performance of this piece (and you ain't kidding when you say it's hard), the idea came to me from listening to some old Carlos Gardel songs, accompanied by virtuoso rhythm guitar, that that was somehow related to how the chords would sound good here. I'm glad it meets with Chopin's approval.

[@leonardobarbosa3999]

Amazing video, greetings from Brazil.

[@wedemeyerr]

This piece is the reason why I started to play piano 3 years ago! I set me 5 years to reach the level. In 2 years I will ask my teacher to play this piece😊😊😊

[@gregniemczuk]

What a wonderful story! Good luck! I love such enthusiastic people

[@barbarabanacos]

Thank you for this video! Very insightful!

[@jenniferman42]

Beautiful lecture! This is the perfect piano teacher I imagined :)

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you Jennifer!!!!

[@jeimeluk4816]

Bravissimo, chapeau 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@jutingry7567]

that thirds run down ornamentation is so incredibly beautiful, thanks for showing this to us its amazing!

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes!!!!

[@Jessica-si5wo]

Hi Greg 🤗 i wanna let you know how thankfull i am for what you do for us and how much its appreciated!! THANK you so much for everything. I dont comment often but i watch all your videos and content and love it ( you cant imagine how often you helped me when i was or are struggle with pieces 😊 ) the way how you explain things and tell about the pieces and it origins is simply amazing and soooo helpfull ( Again thank you so much 🤗 ) sorry for saying that to much but i am just so thankfull and feel the need to tell you. I never forget when i was struggle with a Ballade for years and i watched your analyse, and you talked like" and here is melody one looking for melody 2 etc hihi that was fantastic after that i finaly understand how to play it, the way you explain everything is just so good and you do it with a kind of humor i really appreciate and love 😊. You deserve so much more views but know there are people who trully appreciate that you take the time and effort to create videos for us and share your knowledge THANK you Greg 😚 P.s about this video i really really liked it and was idd shocked by the fact Chopin wrote another version of this Nocturne ( i never knew this just wow thank you its soooo beautifull you really must play this version on your concerts i think it will be really appreciated 🤗 btw i have a question how or were can i order a sheetmusic book of this Nocturne? ( i own the Polish edition of Chopin,s Nocturnes complete works ( editor Paderewski ) Instytut fryderyka chopina polskie wydawnictwo muzyczne sa. But sadly that second version of this Nocture is not in the book. So i really hope you can help me? Thanks in advance 🤗. Thanks for reading my comment and i wish you a great day, greetz Jessica from the Netherlands

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you dear Jessica! Your comment indeed made my day!!! It's special to read such enthusiastic words! Please write to me on email [e-mail], and I will send you the copy of this version of the Nocturne via email!

[@Jessica-si5wo]

@@gregniemczuk hello Greg 😊 thank you so much for the kind reply and wow i dont know what to say about you wanna send the sheetmusic via mail ( Thank you Greg 😙 ) your such a kind and beautifull soul. I will sent a email right after i typ this message. ( if i ever can do something to help you please let me know 🤗 ) P.s i have one question left are you coming to the Netherlands anytime soon for concerts? I would love to come to your concerts and see and hear you live 😊 ( and im really sorry for my bad English btw ) anyway i wish you a great day 🤗 and again thank you so much Greg. Greetz Jessica

[@BrianBeker]

An observation about Chopin greenlighting other versions: I don't know if the story is correct (and would love to know if you have heard it or can correct it), but didn't Liszt add some of his own to this piece when performing it with Chopin present and it upset Chopin?

[@finnianreilly1831]

This is interesting about the extra embellishments. I was wondering if Chopin put any thought into publishing his pieces for a particular level of technical ability. Perhaps he didn't make it too ornate in the published form so as not to alienate his paying public. But I can imagine him in his own performance want to making it more interesting for his audience and for himself. I wonder how this fits into the culture of improvisation at the time. My understanding is the the further you go back in musical history, the greater the amount of improvisational playing that went on. We have all heard about the great musical improv contests Beethoven and Bach engaged in. I can imagine that audiences of the time would not be shocked or surprised to hear the same pieces performed in myriad different way. They might even be disappointed if they were not treated with new surprises.

[@gregniemczuk]

You're absolutely right. It comes with the culture of improvisation. So it's up to the pianist himself how he will embellish this melodies!

[@lourdesdahl6728]

Hi Greg,thank you so so much,this nocturne in my opinion,l will call it ,.With Love In My Heart,.It is sublime,.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you for watching and for the comment!

[@FelixNL05]

Chopin a great jazzman !

[@bec1038]

Thanks, awesome

[@TAKUARAinstrumentosmusicales]

gracias totales!

[@Jerbrown]

thanks!

[@arturtelega627]

Wow! How can you play so freely split left hand amazing!

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you!!! Tempo rubato 😊

[@and3154]

Hello Sir! The way you move your hands look interesting. Does it come naturally or is it something taught?

[@chopinsurn1052]

Thank you very much for the analysis! It helps me better understand Chopin 🙃 BTW, what is written on that Chinese calligraphy work?

[@gregniemczuk]

This is a special poetry, a gift from a father of my friend and Japanese manager.

[@rockystrollo9194]

Wow- this video is incredible (as all the others). You are amazing. I didn’t know about the embellishments. They are breathtaking. I ❤ Chopin so much. And nocturnes are not for every pianist!!!! Where is possibile to find the sheet for the embellishments?

[@gregniemczuk]

Thanks! Write me an email - [e-mail]. I will send you the score with them

[@renatochacon289]

Thank you so much for this video, it’s truly wonderful. I recently bought the score but I don’t think it includes the fingering on the new variants, what do you recommend for this new parts?

[@gregniemczuk]

Definitely Ekier edition. But if you want I can send you the photo. Just drop me a line on this email: [e-mail]

[@renatochacon289]

@@gregniemczuk Thank you very much I really appreciate that, I will send you a message :)

[@izabellamardo1074]

Belíssima interpretação amei

[@lourdesdahl6728]

Hi Greg,thank you,I am so excited,because l am learning so much information, that i need it, i woud like to ask you which norturne is the one that you gave us the story about Chopin sister Ludwika , and he explain to her that she needs to learn first this nocturne first before she can go on to learn the concierto in E Minor,.thank you for all your patience with me,.

[@gregniemczuk]

Thank you. ! It was Nocturne no.20 C sharp minor, Lento con gran espressione

[@marie-cecileladaique9741]

Sur ma partition urtext éditions HEnry Lemoine Paris , de la mesure 13 à la mesure 24...c est noté sans pédales ????

[@thepianotramp]

Wow! So inspirational! You're the perfect teacher I'd like to have at home 😄 Would it be possible to have a copy of the embellishments you demonstrate at the end of the video? I looked to find them but was unsuccessful. Thanks Greg for this amazing job you're doing.

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi Louis!! Thank you! Of course, drop me an email on [e-mail] and I'll answer you and attach this copy. Thanks for these words. I love teaching!!!

[@elsaesteves]

I've played this when I was a kid, last piece my family heard b4 they died, you analysis is Epic, thank you for this moment 😭😭😭😍😍😍

[@gregniemczuk]

Ohh, that's so touching. Brings a lot of emotions for you.... Thank you for this personal comment!

[@elsaesteves]

@@gregniemczuk I thank you, I stopped playing after they died, restarting now 20 years after, better late than never. That was the 1st time I've heard that version , beautiful beyond words. I have the Urtext version of almost everything Chopin wrote. ' Lá ci daren la mano' variations, Krakowiak, Andante Spianato und grand polonaise brillante, reviewed by the by Claude Debussy ❤️ someone brought that to me from Paris

[@jamespower6854]

This makes me imagine Chopin playing hot jazz in a cloud of cigar smoke at a Chopin Competition, as the judges watch in horror... 😅 so many great ideas and new ways to practice in this video, thank you Greg!

[@gregniemczuk]

Lol. Exactly!

[@leowald1]

These variations of the piece reminds me of jazz pianists.

[@PianoCat1810]

Hi Greg, thanks for the videos. I asked for a beginner techniques videos before. I want to ask if you have any tips for achieving the cantabile sound? I've heard a lot about the arm weight. Can you give any tips on how to incorporate arm weight in technique exercises?

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi dear Masih. I remember your question, but it's extremely hard to do the whole series about the beginner technique. But I can try to record a video about that question. Do you have more precise questions? The beautiful cantabile sound is not only the problem of the touch and technique, but also the soul and sensitivity and capability to listen to yourself. I'll post the video about that soon

[@PianoCat1810]

@@gregniemczuk Hi Greg, I am really grateful for all of your videos. Your explanations about ideas are very comprehensive and always have new things for me to learn. I am really looking forward to your video. My question is about the phrasing and cantabile melody, which has a very deep singing voice on the top. Here in Op. 9 No. 2, there is very specific legato marking and phrasing. Are the legato markings between two notes played like a slur? Is the arm weighed down on the first note and lifted up on the second one? For example, this is marked both on the left-hand accompany and also the melody on bar six. Are these two note groups played the same as, for example, the Mozart Sonata (K331), A-major first variation? Also, why is the first note on the left-hand marked staccato? What does it mean to have staccato marking under the legato marking, for example, bar 8? So the hand only plays one melody in this nocturne, but for the third vals in A-minor, the introduction starts with A and E pressed together in the left hand, but the E note should only have the deep singing voice. How do you practice balancing the voices while the right hand is not completely lost? It's the same question for the polonaise op. 26 no. 1 in C# minor. On the last page, con molto espressione, there are three voices. The top voice is singing and is pressed together with the middle voice in the right hand pressed together. There is also an independent melody in the left hand. How do you practice balancing the three voices? I want to ask about the impromptu C# minor too because in this example the notes are not pressed at the same time. In the part where the octaves are played, how do you practice balancing the three voices where the octaves are singing, and the middle voices and left hand are accompanying without being completely lost. Sorry if the questions are not clear.

[@inigodiazderabago9254]

Great vid! One more down, ten more to go until op 48 no 1

[@gregniemczuk]

Yes! Just two weeks until 48/1!

[@Liorlam]

Thank you for this video it was really helpful to better understand the nature of this beautiful nocturne, I would love to try the "favorite student" version, it's the first time I've heard it and it intrigued me a lot, could you share the sheet with me? Keep up the good work! ❤

[@gregniemczuk]

Sure! Write me an email at [e-mail]

[@WilliamZhuang-c9v]

Your Chopin nocturne lessons are stunning excellent! You really give me a unique interpretation of this piece, thank you so much! Btw I see a scroll of Chinese calligraphy on the wall, as a Chinese it's exciting to see that! (Can I ask what's the name of that piece:))

[@gregniemczuk]

Wow thanks!!!! It was a gift - a poetry written in calligraphy. It's a very dear gift for me

[@WilliamZhuang-c9v]

@@gregniemczuk wow cool! good gift

[@eenayeah]

Arguably Chopin's MOST popular piece. Even normal people know about it! But I guess it can also be argued that even more people know about the theme of Marche Funebre.

[@S4MG3N]

Hello my friend, brilliant video, I have been in love with this piece ever since I was 10 and have been playing it for many years, I am also bringing it as one of my 5th year conservatoire exam repertoire pieces. How could I find these figurations? Would love to implement them to really surprise the commission. Keep up the good work!

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi! Drop me an email on [e-mail] and I'll send you a copy!

[@joelee7853]

This is amazing! Never knew that there were different variations/embellishments. May I ask where I can find such versions? Is it in the Polish national version you showed?

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi! Yes, it is in this edition. I can also send you a photo of the score on email. Drop me a line on [e-mail] Best wishes!

[@kjwong4730]

The harder version of this nocturne is absolutely beautiful. I can only play the easy vanilla version, I wish more expert pianists would play the harder version in their performances. Maybe they don’t know about ?! Hard to believe !

[@waichingcheung3066]

Hi Greg, I was just wondering if you can share the name of the book you were reading at 5:43? Thank you so much!

[@gregniemczuk]

Sure! Jean-Jacques Eigeldinger - Chopin as a teacher - as seen by his students ", or something very similar. There's an English translation!

[@waichingcheung3066]

@@gregniemczuk wonderful, thanks! I love your lectures and your passion for music. I am trying to practise all Chopin's nocturnes and your channel is very helpful! :)

[@SM-bk3hr]

Hi Greg, I love all your tutorials!! And of course your playing!!! Have you already made a tutorial about Walz Op 133, e flat major? (I heard a good interpretation of Bruno Rigutto)

[@gregniemczuk]

Waltz op. 133??????????? By Chopin??? There's no such opus number....

[@SM-bk3hr]

Waltz or „sostenuto“

[@SM-bk3hr]

B 133

[@hanlee8416]

So~~~ Beautiful!! :D where can i get the music sheet?

[@gregniemczuk]

Many places. E.g. imslp.org

[@hanlee8416]

@@gregniemczuk Thanks :)

[@jamessutton9169]

So, with the embellishments Chopin gave to some students, the Nocturne becomes also a bit of an Etude. And, if he did indeed offer the possibility for pianists to add their own embellishments, that means it lives on as an immortal. And, let's not forget that in the spirit of opera singing, a Chopin inspiration, coloraturas in particular will often add embellishments.

[@gregniemczuk]

100% true.

[@catlife1942]

Do you know where I can get the version ( with embellishment) that Chopin & his students played?

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi! Yes, please write me an email on [e-mail] and I will send it for you

[@marianavalencia7579]

I love you

[@elsaesteves]

Julie Andrews sang Chopin's fantasie Impromptu, the 2nd part obviously. Everyone at the live chat in the Chopin competition last year knows that Fantasie/Impromptu as Chasing Rainbows, everyone was 'complaining' that no one played it. I don't like competitions, music is very subjective and you cannot tell this one is better than that one. The highest moment in the Chopin competition last October was Aimi Kobayashi playing the 24 préludes, no one dared to be so bold and original, she was 4th place, some jurys wanted her out because of her interpretation of the 24 préludes, that is sad 😠

[@gregniemczuk]

Competitions are sad. I was out two times from Chopin Competition...in 2010 and 2015.....

[@elsaesteves]

@@gregniemczuk omg, you were?? 😮

[@gregniemczuk]

@@elsaesteves yes.....

[@LukeSchneiderEWI]

Thanks ! I love your channel ....and I dont even play piano ! 😛. I play a battery powered sax....😛

[@gregniemczuk]

Perfect!!!!

[@arturtelega627]

Wow! Wonderful!!! How do you get those feeling so deeply show without being ashamed (bez zawstydzenia sie🙂) Love it!

[@emmettforrestel1071]

Where could one find the sheet for the embellishments?

[@gregniemczuk]

I can send them to you via email. Send me an email to [e-mail]

[@MrCaleb0526]

What kinds of an edition did you use for this lecture?

[@gregniemczuk]

National Polish Jan Ekier edition

[@KlausDave]

These figurations are really crazy. I found them in my Henlebook of Chopin’s Nocturnes….but I decided to ignore them 😂

[@afxmnstr]

What piece is 13:31 ?

[@gregniemczuk]

Hi! It's Chopin's Etude a-minor op.25 no. 11

[@arturtelega627]

Hahaha wow!

[@sunareekaewnat8967]

I do not believe that Chopin would have viewed these figurations as necessary if he could have heard the sound of the modern piano. For centuries, a convention of vocal art has been that no repetition of a melody should ever be phrased identically. I think that the modern piano is far superior to early 19th century pianos in being able to achieve a far greater range of tonal colors.

[@gregniemczuk]

I agree with you

[@sunareekaewnat8967]

Greg, I disagree that there is not room for significant variation in the phrasing in the etudes. I think a fantastic example is this Lang Lang performance of Op.10 No.3 in E Major. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqrNn3-jq5abfrc. I do not think I have ever listened to a performance of the etude with a greater range of dynamic and dynamic contrast. Performances I have heard you play are far closer to the dynamics Chopin actually wrote, but I find this performance effect, so long as I do not have to watch the pianist.

[@gregniemczuk]

I'm sorry. I hate this recording. It's way too slow and completely opposite to what Chopin wrote in the score. Lang Lang is playing himself, not Chopin.

[@sunareekaewnat8967]

He is the modern-day Glenn Gould in this respect. But if we do not tolerate artistic freedom in the playing of the etudes, what is their proper role in modern recitals? @@gregniemczuk

[@gregniemczuk]

@@sunareekaewnat8967 you see, I have different philosophy and attitude. We - performers when playing music written by other composer are responsible for bringing them back to life and playing their music they way they want. They left a lot of tips in the score which we MUST respect. There is a lot of freedom between the notes. But playing Chopin the way Lang Lang plays offends me and makes me furious. So I just can't listen to him. We bring composer's souls back to life. Not their CARICATURES. If you paint reproduction of a Mona Lisa, can you draw a moustache on her face because you think it's better? ..... I leave you with this question. I just say: if those pianists want to be different they should play their own music. Than they can do whatever they want

[@sunareekaewnat8967]

I do not disagree, but this is a debate that has existed within the field of conducting for more than a century and a half. I can tolerate and appreciate some variation from the score, but not to the point where it distracts from the music. That is why Gould remains the most controversial pianist in the history of performance on the instrument. @@gregniemczuk

[@sunareekaewnat8967]

I understand and am very sympathetic to your point of view. I do think it is incredibly arrogant for a performer to believe that he can bring something out of the music that the composer could not. Occasionally it does succeed. Rachmaninoff certainly felt this was true of a young Horowitz. But this tends to be the exception rather than the rule. And there are other important roles that a performer can play. Since Rubinstein's death, I do not feel like the role of "Ambassador for the piano" has ever truly been filled. Van Clyburn also did great work in promoting the art of musical performance as a transcendent force above politics. @@gregniemczuk