Most Beautiful Moments in Classical Piano

[@easy_lisztening]

1. Rach op 21 no 5 A wonderful little gem from Rachmaninoff’s extensive output for solo piano. Originally one of his vocal pieces, Rach later decided to transcribe it for piano. Fortunately, he also decided to record his rendition of it. The most captivating element of this performance is how organic it sounds. Though the use of rubato is liberal, everything emerges spontaneously; beautiful musical fragments sort of flit around as if tossed to a gentle wind. Even in this non-virtuosic piece, it is easy to see why many regard Rachmaninoff as among the greatest pianists to ever live. 2. Liszt Sancta Dorothea One of Liszt’s obscure religious works from his later period (1877). Performed exceptionally well by Rosenberger. Just listen to the sonority of that bass line at 1:33! The dullness that might be expected of such a slow tempo actually, when paired with her richness of tone and gentle lyricism, helps create a meditative atmosphere that completely envelops the listener. 3. Ravel Une Barque sur L'Ocean Goodness it was hard not to include the entire piece here. The whole composition is a paragon of textural writing, and is without a doubt one of the very best of the many impressionist attempts to depict water at the piano. Laplante is widely regarded as a Liszt specialist (rightfully so), but I think his Ravel is where he becomes untouchable. 4. Debussy Reflets dans l’eau Perhaps Debussy’s equivalent of Ravel’s Une Barque sur L’Ocean. While Ravel aimed to depict a boat sailing on the open ocean, Debussy sought to capture the sounds and colors associated with reflections on water. Moravec’s attentiveness to timbre (he was a notoriously picky performer, so picky in fact that he tuned his own pianos to get the exact sound he wanted) serves this piece and all of its contrasts incredibly well. 5. Brahms op 10 no 4 In spite of only being in his early 20’s upon composing this, the B major Ballade is one of Brahms’ most introspective and mature-sounding works. Honestly, I don’t think I would have even batted an eye had I been told the piece belonged to one of the late sets of intermezzi. The B section (first clip) in F# major is marked col intimissimo sentimento, ma senza troppo marcare la melodia, which means something along the lines of “intimate and without overemphasizing the melody.” The second clip features a return of the main theme with a more animated accompaniment, yet all of the same reflective qualities. 6. Rach Prelude in D Polyphony at its finest. Ashkenazy skips sweetly along through the triplet voice while keeping the primary tenor voice remarkably pellucid and legato. That Dmaj7/E at 6:28 recurs throughout the piece, and it has a poignant quality about it that is just simply heart-melting. 7. Bortkiewicz op 33 no 8 I’ve only recently begun to listen to Bortkiewicz, but after hearing this I am shocked at his obscurity. The triumphant return to D-flat major never fails to put a smile on my face. I’m not sure what Bortkiewicz had in mind while writing this, but I can’t help but feel it was an expression of profound gratitude. That’s certainly what I feel listening to this prelude. 8. Granados La Maja y el Ruisenor Granados is another composer that I don’t know much about and have only recently begun exploring. La Maja y el Ruiseñor translates to “the Maiden and the Nightingale,” and the piece is meant to be a dialogue between these two characters. La Maja is the fourth piece in Granados’ suite Goyescas, which was inspired by the paintings of renowned Spanish painter Francisco de Goya. 9. Scriabin Sonata no 2 Scriabin in general is amazing, but his second sonata is simply beyond words. This piece, to me, is the perfect blend of slavic harmony, Chopinesque pianism, glittery impressionist figurations, and Scriabin’s own unique rhythmic ingenuity. Pogorelich, as unique and insightful as ever, gives the piece space to breathe and in doing so takes the listener’s breath away. 10. Chopin Scherzo no 3 A brilliantly ecstatic live performance from the International Chopin Competition by Kenner. The mysteriousness in the minor reiteration of the chorale, the uncontrollable despair as the heavenly ascent through the parallel major crashes back down into C# minor, and the implacable fury of the coda make for a truly sublime listening experience.

[@DylanOndine]

This was great. I can’t wait for the next list! ❤

[@DavitMinasyan-rn3fv]

that part in the third scherzo is insanely beautiful

[@santiagolara992]

I love so much when people dont say, liebestraum, or any famous piece, The rach prelude is one of my favourite pieces, I love bortkiewicz piano concerto no.1, Preludes, and his op8 no1, man, just can that you're doing something very beautiful for the world, showing the best classical pieces.

[@eel9]

I've seen many of these videos, but this one aligns most with my own tastes, including choice of performers! Still disagree with some choices though 😉

[@easy_lisztening]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! May I ask which choices you're referencing?

[@gadxxxx]

Keep them coming. 🙂

[@santiagolara992]

I learned Lilacs last year, it was magical to play, stunningly beautiful, I really recomend the recording of Rach himself, lugansky, and my favourite bc of the slow tempo, sergei babayan

[@dedikandrej]

Heck Yeah love me some Brahms ballad. Never heard of bortzkiewich guy gonna Pay him a listen

[@N00bie-xh4mg]

It was nice to see, and hear, a lot of relatively unknown composers in your selection. Most would've chosen the standard Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven pieces with a couple of throw aways and called it a day. Well done

[@easy_lisztening]

Thank you so much!

[@lisztomaniac2718]

Other than Bortkiewicz, every composer is in the standard repertoire.

[@wonnies_choco_strawberry]

this is the best video i've ever watched.

[@tylerlmusic]

Thank god Rach’s D major prelude is here, goat

[@Dylonely_9274]

god had nothing to do with it though.

[@fazliddinerkaboyev6568]

I am not alone, Brahms's op.10 №4 is here! Acknowledged.❤❤

[@conrad6226]

I would recommend Op 23 no.4 - Alexis Weissenberg, there is just something about his recording, there is a slight urgency to the latter half which is amazing.

[@lucheetah5628]

This slays

[@janamoraes9837]

You DO like smooth arpeggios! 🥰

[@ivebarraco]

and melodies on the middle register of the piano while the others are also very busy..!

[@dolcespiano]

Great taste!

[@ivebarraco]

I would have picked a different moment from Granados' Goyescas but my god how beautiful is that set! gllad that it made it to this video. I imagine that while choosing composers and fragments you left out a number of things, curious if some Albeniz, Godowsky or maybe Poulenc were close to get in the top 10...?

[@DavitMinasyan-rn3fv]

exquisite taste

[@Dylonely_9274]

Nice.

[@peterpotts3276]

Arcadi Volodos does some pretty awesome piano arrangements of Rachmaninoff's other works. I recommend listening to his version of the Andante from Rach's cello sonata. It's kinda similar to Rachmaninoff's own solo transcription of Lilacs in a way, which is my favorite Rach piece of all time.

[@Toreeidebordalpiano]

What do you think about the Scriabin fantasy second theme? Also climatic when it comes back in FF later in the piece!

[@easy_lisztening]

An incredible moment for sure! If you haven't listened to Maria Lettberg's rendition yet I would highly reccomend it. I'll definitely include this piece in future videos!

[@santiagolara992]

I would love to see a part 2, can be Bach 951 in b minor, Bach tocata in f sharp minor, scriabin op45 no1, and Vals de Santo domingo by rafael landestoy, it's one of my favourite pieces, and heard triifonov play it here in Chile

[@easy_lisztening]

Part two will definitely be coming at some point, thank you for the suggestions!

[@Dylonely_9274]

8:22

[@Gende_Lu]

Some of moments of Schreker's Chamber Symphony for piano should be included

[@easy_lisztening]

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll give this a listen!

[@giorgiociomei5030]

❤❤❤❤❤