Nicolas Economou plays Frédéric Chopin (1984)

From the Kongresssaal in Munich, Germany
Nicolas Economou - piano
0:18 Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor Op. 31
9:52 Ballade No. 1 in G minor Op.23
19:05 Ballade No. 2 in F major Op. 38
26:29 Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major Op. 47
33:24 Ballade No. 4 in F minor Op. 52 Frédéric Chopin
44:32 Encore: Prelude in C sharp minor (Well. Temp. Clavier I) Johann Sebastian Bach
Nicolas Economou, born in Cyprus in 1953, was a brilliant pianist who was internationally known for the classical music competition Tchaikovsky Competition. As a pianist, Economou played in Europe, Russia, Canada, Japan, and USA mainly. He performed solo and with orchestras and other performers and composers like Martha Argerich, Rodion Shchedrin, Michel Beroff, and others. The virtuoso Nicolas Economou died in a car crash in 1993, at the age of forty.
In 1984, the greatest pianist Nicolas Economou performed Chopin's Four Ballades Ops. 23, 38, 47 and 52, and the composer's famous Scherzo in B-flat minor Op. 31, at the Kongresssaal in Munich.
Watch others performances by Economou: goo.gl/ERSdet
Subscribe to LOFTmusic: goo.gl/wwlZl8

[@NI06300]

I attended that concert. That night I fell in love with Chopin and with Nicolas Economou. Still vivid in my mind. What a delight to find this video.

[@pianosemigod]

so fortunate!

[@crkkos]

do you happen to recall the exact date?

[@mcd1722]

What I look for and am most deeply touched by, beyond any technical ability or even lyricism, is something ineffable that I can only call 'soul'. Economou delivers. It is in every note. Kudos! He is at the top. How much we lost when we lost him.

[@veranova6689]

Highly Poetical, true FINE ART. A very different CHOPIN - Powerful and purely manly, and so wonderfully, deeply romantic.. Great musician, rare artist. Thank you for the post!

[@jeremyd1021]

Great playing of course, but really he's much better in the profundity of Schumann, listen to his Kreislerana, of which Chopin said when he received it from Schumann could only comment " nice cover", which says it all about Chopin frankly, given that Chopin himself could never have composed such a work. A vain popinjay not nice to his contemporaries. Frankly, I never want to hear works like the B flat minor scherzo or piano sonata ever again. Hard to imagine that 100 years ago there used to be all Chopin piano recitals. Less hard to understand why in the latter half of the C20th there were many great pianists who never bothered with Chopin, or like Richter, who was very choosy playing the admittedly profound Polonaise Fanatasie, E Minor Scherzo and a handful of etudes but nothing more.

[@pianosemigod]

@@jeremyd1021 not everyone can understand chopin

[@jeremyd1021]

@@pianosemigod It's pretty easy to understand Chopin. It hits you at a superficial emotional level, without, as I say, the profundity and depth of Schumann. But don't take it from me, take it from the ultimate pianistic showman, Horowitz, who said, "Give the audience Chopin, and they go home happy"

[@pianosemigod]

@@jeremyd1021 that's why chopin is not for everyone...

[@cadenzalien4554]

​@@jeremyd1021 "It's pretty easy to understand Chopin. It hits you at a superficial emotional level (...)" Is there anything really superficial about works such as the Op. 61, 4th Ballade, or the 3rd Sonata? Or a great bunch of the Mazurkas? Not to mention the Nocturnes...

[@manoseconomou4152]

I can only say: "beat that!" ladies and gentlemen before pouring out your negative criticism. He was without a shaddow of a doubt one of the best pianists of the 20th century; pushing the boundaries in every respect not just in playing the piano. But, seriously now, when did mediocrity ever recognise brilliance and paid it it's proper dues?!!! Enjoy!

[@sofarsogouldgg7294]

Well no wonder your surname is the same with him

[@mariapap8962]

@@sofarsogouldgg7294 fyi it's not an unusual greek surnane to have. But still, what's that supposed to mean?! Are the relatives of musicians not allowed to express their personal opinion just because sad individuals like yourself lurk around the internet in order to focus on details of this low nature instead of on the music itself?!

[@BWV846]

Pure spirit.. tribute to the artist.... This performance is purifies my mind and body...... I cried........ Thanks..........

[@juanbautista3366]

When the technique is perfect you can not worry about it, and then you just have to transmit the essence of the music that you have inside, no matter what else. Bravo!!. A pity what the world has lost with his untimely death. Thanks for the video.

[@Ernesto7608]

Fantastic! Had never heard from him before but it took minutes to recognize his worth.

[@kaatdecorel1564]

Ernesto7608

[@juttaberg179]

Förklädd Gud

[@Moscu177]

Amazing talented pianist ! Such a loss ,he died so young .

[@soyeux27]

What an immense pianist and musicien!!!!!! How wonderful is this Third Ballad! Thank you for sharing. Thank you late Nicola Economou.

[@valoulenstein9020]

Beautiful interpetations and he seemed to be such a cool guy

[@joaov.m.oliveira9903]

Yes, look at his interaction with Martha Argerich on KZbin. Instagram page "Martha Argerich fans" has a video of them together in which he, half jokingly, plays a Beatles song in her homage. Very good human being without any snobbism.

[@kleopatradinga7522]

a brilliant pianist, a friend, who left us so early, at the age of 40 ( 1953-1993) driving in the thick fog He had play '''THE KÖLN CONCERT'' of Keith Jarret who said that he was better than himself playing it...

[@iianneill6013]

That Ballade No. 4 is unbelievable!

[@tartalover2682]

Πολύ μεγάλο ταλέντο! Μπράβο!

[@dvdgrog]

Extraordinary artistry. The music lives and breathes in his hands. Speechless.

[@mmbmbmbmb]

The ultimate Chopin perception. Never heard of this pianist before ... but ... am totally taken by his interpretation. What a loss. Or should I say ... what a gain?!!! THANK you!

[@null8295]

a great sound and clarity despite the high speed of execution, excellent

[@lothar-michaelernst2110]

I played this scherzo No. 2 in my final exam at the Mozart-Conservatory here in Augsburg. This is a really difficult piece to do. Nicolas did it fantastic ( and so fast !!! ). I've also seen him with Chick Corea in Munich in a concert on a sunday morning at 11:00 . He was an incredible pianist; I didn't know he died so young... R.I.P. Nicolas.....

[@dariopalomba8420]

Uno dei più grandi pianisti che ho ascoltato in vita mia. Purtroppo per me, l'ho conosciuto solo un anno fa, quì in Grecia. Peccato che ne sia andato così presto, grazie Cipro per questo tuo luminoso artista. Να είναι καλά εκεί που βρίσκεται τώρα, πέζοντας για τους αγγέλους....

[@hshshs2007]

Unbelievable focus and intensity a total emersion in the score and a real legendary performance of Chopin's works.a real loss for the world of music.Bravissimo Nicolas

[@wilmagumiero6182]

Superbo che bello grazie Nicolas !! Ispirami

[@19olivier72]

Le talent, bin c'est ça. Sublime interprétation

[@graziellaiaccarinoidelson9702]

Ti sento ogno giorno Nicolas ! Non posso vivere sen∑a sentire come suoni Chopin ! Grazie

[@MacedonianAlwaysGreek]

A brilliant musician! Unfortunately he died young...

[@terenssotiri1683]

Chopin with this Mediterranean sparkle is something special.

[@matteomanzoni764]

Grandiosa intepretazione, coglie l'anima e la trasporta in un infinito emozionale.

[@nancywang7912]

How passionate!! Very special interpretation.

[@monikawerner7891]

I once dreamt of Chopin and heard him play this Scherzo by Chopin. Since than, I compare everything I hear with it. This is the only Interpretation which comes very close to it...🥰!

[@TJFNYC212]

Nec plus ultra!!!!! Sublime... technical tour de force with great musicianship... what a tragic loss... fingers silenced all too soon.....

[@1389Chopin]

Taken too early - this are amazing and legendary performances. I find him and zimmerman the finest interpreters of chopin.

[@klassikpunk_]

Großartiger Pianist! Nicht umsonst hat Martha Argerich ihn genannt als jemand der enormen Einfluss auf sie und ihr Klavierspiel hatte. Ich kann allen nur herzlichst empfehlen seinen Schumann zu hören. Ebenfalls von LOFTmusic hochgeladen. Eine unglaubliche Entdeckung. Vielen Dank!

[@mmbmbmbmb]

Vielen Dank fuer die Empfehlung von Schumann's Kreisleriana !!! Eine absolute Bereicherung !!!

[@klassikpunk_]

Gern geschehen! Sehe ich genau so.

[@laspiano765]

Fantastic! Bravissimo !!!!!!! Sublime interprétation maravilhoso

[@steveanast1981]

Such a great loss for the music world! I love his interpretation of Chopin

[@graziellaiaccarinoidelson9702]

Nicolas suona CHOPIN in un modo meraviglioso e commovente ! Grazie Nicolas !

[@irenenaselli2429]

Un pianista soberbio mezcla de dulzura y virtuosismo casi salvaje. Un músico excepcional.

[@b1i2l336]

Fantastic, powerful playing of a composer's music who too often is played with too much prissiness. What a loss to he world was this pianists's premature death at age 40!

[@taroutadashi65]

I love this play. Thank you very much for sharing^0^/

[@andrewseaman7012]

Another beautiful recording is by Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli of these pieces, and I have the impression, Nicolas studied Michelangeli well - even if he did not quite reach his master.

[@aliciamlamberti]

Nicolas Economu es el mejor interpetre del Mephisto 1, 2, 3 y 4 de Lizt ❤

[@helenavondrakenstein4969]

There's no rhyme or reason why so many wonderful people are taken away so young......look at dear Chopin...39 years old.... so sad..But each soul has their appointed hour for whatever reason. Live life every day as if it were your last

[@ck98198]

I absolutely agree. I have already lived longer than many more influential and successful people and it's a mystery to me except that we benefit from their time here on earth.

[@sylvielopez2686]

Incredible pianist il joue admirablement Chopin avec beaucoup de sensibilité con corazón estupendo el alma, magnifique !

[@LopezMarie]

Bonsoir Nicolas , Quel panache dans votre interprétation !!! on sent toute votre sensibilité , votre Talent , votre Performance !!! Grâce à vous , je passe une excellente soirée. Merci. Tout le bonheur pour vous.

[@gerardbegni2806]

The starting of the 2nd scherzo is quite difficult to interpret. What must we do with these two rapid arpeggios before powerful chords followed by brillant music and an Italian-like singing theme? I was not convinced by the rendering of many famous pianists. Nicolas Economou found the proper solution, that cannot be described with words. We must listen the music and all becomes clear.

[@graziellaiaccarinoidelson9702]

Bravissimo !!!!!!!

[@gloriamederos1903]

marvillosos videos para deleitarnos con excelentes conciertos

[@filippovannella4957]

without words.

[@metteholm4833]

This is just fantastic!

[@georgeploumbides3363]

Νικόλα μας άφησες νωρίς, πολύ νωρίς.

[@fattoumabidi6990]

Superbe.

[@irenenaselli2429]

Nicholas Economou un pianista genial, de técnica soberbia y sensibilidad exquisita. Todas sus interpretaciones son lecturas personales, únicas y maravillosas.

[@lilianeg777]

so powerfull, so talented

[@irenapeleshka3420]

Talentuoso....bravissimo.

[@shimmeringreflection]

This guy is a genius. Us there really a better interpretation out there?

[@marshall62020]

Maravilloso,

[@mourgoukos]

Powerful

[@janismiltins9883]

Nice.

[@renelicht]

😍😍😍😍😍

[@laisasaid]

I'm sorry, am I the only one who's obsessed with him?

[@mariapap8962]

No🙂

[@fco.javiercareagam4138]

Reto a Andrés Robaina a que toque el Scherzo mejor. Quizá así tampoco nosotros perdonemos el sutil error imperdonable al que se refiere el perfeccionista Andrés. I challenge Andrés Robaina to play the Scherzo as perfect as he considers himself. I he shares with us his video playing this superb piece, then we shall consider to forget Nicolas and only enjoy Mr. Robaina's performance...

[@Mike1614b]

Nicolas reminds me of A. Rubenstein

[@TJFNYC212]

I adore Rubenstein but he never played with such éclat... I am sure that AR would have said he was better than all at Chopin.... there is only Antonia Barbosa who might be as good kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYPcc3iQaNt3fLs

[@maisacouberodrigues993]

Abeçoado seja Adré Rieu , que divulga Grande Música para o povo !

[@gtimny]

First of all, this is NOT Andre Rieu, and second Rieu is a cheesy musical hack and not in any way to be compared with Economou. Get yourself some Kenny G recordings. That's about your intellectual and musical speed.

[@karinmuc68]

He proves that genius and madness are close together. I lived with him from 1991 on in one house with various apartments and it was not easy to cope with his escapades. Unfortunately, when we went to work during the day we did usually not experience his genius. Only the moments when he wasn't sober, yelling 'let it be' and beating his girlfriends are present in my memory. But I regret that I never heard him perform Chopin.

[@ziluc89]

Εἶναι τόσο εὔκολον ὁ κάθε ἀσήμαντος/η, ἀνώνυμος/η, νὰ γράφῃ ὅτι τὸν γνώριζε, σάμπως καὶ κολλήσει ὀλίγη "δόξα" ἢ ἐγείρει τὴν κατινίστικη περιέργεια ἄλλων ἀσήμαντων ἢ ἄσχετων ποταπῶν τύπων. Οὖστ, παλιογαλότσα! Μεῖνε στὸν μηδενικό σου κοσμάκη· δὲν μπορεῖς ἐπ’ οὐδενὶ ν’ ἀγγίξῃς τὸν ἀείμνηστο Νικόλα Οἰκονόμου.

[@lospazio]

What's the encore?

[@Archontides]

lospazio Bach prelude no.4 in c sharp minor from the first Book

[@graziellaiaccarinoidelson9702]

Ci dispiace molto che è MORTO !

[@d.o.7784]

Beautiful interpretation, however not without mistakes

[@joaquindalessio]

44:18 - Jeff Goldblum with long hair...

[@otonanoC]

(I know that Nicolas died and no disrespect and all that) BUT I invite you all to look at the sheet music for the B minor scherzo. Economou plays whole sections of chords as if they are straight 8th notes, even when the music on paper says something completely different. Then he pauses in places where the music has no rests. Why does this matter and why should you care? Because Frederick Chopin himself wrote that his own music should actually be played how it is written. Look it up.

[@richpeeps515]

Beautiful playing, but entirely too fast to really enjoy it.

[@loveheals5428]

Spielt Chopin wie ein Tschaikovski stück..Chopin hat ein anderes gefühl. ...aber künstler können ja ihre eigene interpretationen machen.

[@Ernesto7608]

Ist das so? Welche "Chopin Gefühle" hier fehlen?

[@suelycunha3120]

Soul Codes by Kyri

[@gtimny]

Ein wirklich bedeutungsloser komment. Ich würde fragen, was sie sagen wollten, aber ich bezweifle, dass sie es wissen

[@andresrobaina2761]

errar la última nota del scherzo es imperdonable

[@irenenaselli2429]

😅