Daniil Trifonov: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Jan. 12, 2018 | Tom Huizenga -- When we invited Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov to play a Tiny Desk concert, we rolled out the big guns. In place of the trusty upright, we wedged a 7-foot grand piano behind Bob Boilen's desk in preparation for the artist who The Times of London called "without question the most astounding pianist of our age."
That's a pretty lofty claim, but watch and judge for yourself. His performance here is extraordinary. Still in his 20s, Trifonov seems to have it all: jaw-dropping technique and interpretive skills beyond his age. He's also a composer - the night before his NPR visit, he played his own knuckle-twisting piano concerto at the Kennedy Center here in Washington, D.C.
But for his Tiny Desk show, Trifonov focused on Chopin, beginning with the mercurial "Fantaisie-Impromptu" in C-sharp minor, a work that mixes sweeping melody, turbulent passion and wistful repose. Hunching close over the keyboard with feline agility, Trifonov's slender fingers glide effortlessly. He coaxes the instrument to sing tenderly in the slow central section.
Trifonov follows with a pair of short tributes to Chopin by his peers. Robert Schumann's "Chopin" accentuates the lyrical side of Chopin, filtered through the German composer's forward-looking harmonies, while Edvard Grieg's "Hommage à Chopin" offers volatility, lovingly rendered.
The smartly programmed set is capped with more Chopin, but with a nod to Mozart: the finale from a set of variations based on an aria from Don Giovanni. It gives Trifonov a chance to display his lightness of touch, plus a few pianistic fireworks. Smiling, he treats the tricky filigreed runs and hand crossings as if it were a child's game. Look closely and you can see the piano shake.
(Daniil Trifonov appears courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon GmbH.)
Set List*
Chopin: "Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66"
Schumann: "Chopin. Agitato" (from Carnaval)
Grieg: "Hommage à Chopin, Op. 73, No. 5"
Chopin: "Variations on 'Là ci darem la mano' (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) - Coda. Alla Polacca"
*(Selections found on the album Chopin Evocations.)
MUSICIAN
Daniil Trifonov (piano)
CREDITS
Producers: Tom Huizenga, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Alyse Young; Assistant Editor: Alyse Young; Photo: Jenna Sterner/NPR
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast.

[@bifeldman]

Aren’t we fortunate to have a musician of this caliber alive in our lifetime?

[@lidiyasolonovich1164]

Exactly~

[@HieronymousLex]

He brings something special to every piece he plays. Beyond just his top level technique and execution, his emotional way of playing and interpreting often brings me to tears, and stays in my mind for weeks or months after hearing it. That’s why I believe we’re so lucky to have him.

[@georgedanilov8898]

@@HieronymousLex He is truly one in generation gem,,, and for me the pinnacle of his performance is undoubtedly Rachmaninov pieces I read Danila was forbidden by his teachers to play Rachmaninov until the age of 20-21, until he fully matured physically for those incredibly demanding pieces

[@remember9097]

yes.

[@ginefregatta1108]

jesss!

[@travisyeung4380]

jesus, please give a great applause to the sound engineer

[@timothyj1966]

absofukinglutely! Knows how to Mic a Piano

[@morirozenblum1446]

Great sound!!!

[@carlosgaspar8447]

that would be daniil.

[@LazoIV]

Если бы добавить звук с чуть более дальнего плана, чтобы молоточки так не долбили по ушам. Но, тем не менее - звук рояля очень хорош.

[@smb123211]

@@LazoIV Учитывая замкнутое пространство, звуки - не что иное, как чудо!

[@hanawana]

You can really tell that he’s in love with the piano. It’s beautiful.

[@dankg55]

With music*

[@Highinsight7]

@@dankg55 with music... the piano is just his personal tool... and WHAT a tool it is!!!!

[@AnnaKhomichkoPianist]

Yes, both with music and with piano!:)

[@sergeirachmaninoff876]

True

[@loveispatient0808]

Daniil, such a marvelous pianist, love your playing so much!!❤️🙏

[@jsphotos]

00:00 Chopin: "Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66 06:49 Schumann: "Chopin. Agitato" (from Carnaval) 08:27 Grieg: "Hommage à Chopin, Op. 73, No. 5 11:47 Chopin: "Variations on 'Là ci darem la mano' (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) - Coda. Alla Polacca"

[@jolie_jean]

Thank you so much 😻🙀

[@paulbyrnesrmt2929]

Yess. Scrolling down for this comment. Thinking/hoping I was going to have to do it. Thank you

[@fiscalcpiano]

He knows how to choose good pieces. Not just the usual. Don't know the last time I heard that Schumann, Grieg, or especially the Chopin variations.

[@НатальяГорюнова-б4ш]

Даниил Трифонов помешался на классической музыке, а я помешалась на Данииле Трифонове!! Слушаю его каждый божий день! Не перестаю им восхищаться!! Браво, маэстро!!!

[@jorgegonzalezgonzalez4137]

I just fold in love with the idea of sharing also classical music through this channel

[@jamien.5528]

Your comment just made me subscribe to this channel

[@AnnaKhomichkoPianist]

Absolutely true!

[@joshuafreeman9532]

@@jamien.5528 lol

[@sergeirachmaninoff876]

Nice

[@BNE02]

Daniil Trifonov - the most modest person you'll ever meet, but what a genius! I was lucky to meet him at a performance he gave in a small church in Israel shortly after winning the Rubinstein piano competition. At that time you could see that the publicity and adoration he was receiving from the Israeli audience still left him a bit shell shocked. He is the type of artist who appears once in a hundred years.

[@user23724]

I'm addicted to his playing, and I don't know why, I'm just drawn into every single performance he gives. Loved this setting.

[@itissunshine5812]

Me too. He is unique.

[@RockinTheDub]

He is very unique and EXTREMELY underrated.

[@GraceCanadaful]

He becomes the music he is playing. Daniil Trifonov is a genius musician. Definitely the best of his generation - I love him. He should get an insurance for his beautiful hands... ❤

[@jude999]

Credit to the producers of the Tiny Desk concerts to feature classical music.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Every generation only one true great pianist is born. Daniil is that pianist.

[@rosagomez1097]

I saw Daniil live last month at the Walt Disney. He is the best of the best. He is so talented and he kept playing songs after he finished because the crowd didn’t want him to leave. He was so gracious and sweet to play like 4 extra songs. One of my favs

[@casanovafrankenstein4193]

This man doesn't just play the piano, he makes love to the piano and it's beautiful to listen to.

[@lucileartaud1762]

Puissiez-vous conserver cette fraicheur et cette modestie M.Trifonov.Vous êtes un véritable génie de la musique. Votre amour pour elle est incontestable.Quelle grace de pouvoir vous ecouter...merci pour ce partage.

[@legendofshmoe]

I just saw him today here in Orange County, CA at Soka U. All Bach program. He is a remarkable human being. Possibly the greatest musician I have ever seen perform. Absolutely remarkable.

[@duncanbrode381]

I just saw him last night @ Disney Concert Hall. Played Brahms. Absolutely stunned by the performance and my arms are sore from all the applause which was/is well deserved. Very highly recommended if you have the opportunity to see a concert pianist of this caliber! 👍👍 BRAVO!!

[@judithbraun4854]

The recipe to the best interpretation of Schumanns Chopin: ignore the forte, ignore that it’s called agitato. This is hands down the best interpretation in my book. He truly evokes Chopin with that piece.

[@evgenijanasacheva2263]

О,эти пальчики,божественная душевность в исполнении,Глубина чувств-всё это подтверждает гениальность этого юноши-слушаю его с подъемом настроения и желанием жить.Благодарю-ты даёшь нам Божью Благодать.дорогой !

[@PolterabendForNC]

He plays the remembrance of a long lost soul. I feel my face change in accordance with his expressions. What an astonishing thing a living human life can be.

[@brianosborne6857]

Spectacular! I love how he shows, through his playing, not just what an amazing technician Chopin was, but also how gifted Chopin was as an improvisor.

[@bjturcotte]

Amazing to see Daniil here! I had the privilege of attending the Cleveland Institute of Music at the same time as him and I even had the opportunity to record him a few times too - WOW has his career exploded! Congrats Daniil!

[@MikeyOnKeys]

Chopin liked to perform in the salons more than concert halls. A lot of his music (which is mostly just piano music) sounds the best played in intimate, smaller environments such as salons (His piano concertos obviously aren’t meant for salons). Not only did Trifonov play very well, but he chose music just right for this environment.

[@JulieDeuxFois]

WOW! This guy's fingers are moving as elegantly as ballerinas. Out of this world! I've never experienced such a visually pleasing piano performance.

[@fedecan770]

Julie Julie I recommend you (if you don’t know him yet) a Mr. Paul Barton here on KZbin. Such a delicacy to the eyes, ears and heart!

[@emilyhutjes]

This is so wonderful, thank you so much for giving me such joy and musical love Daniil Trifonov. 🌷🌷🌷 and thank you NPR Music and your fabulous team. 🌷🌷🌷 (Holland-eu)

[@ЛюдмилаГорячкина-о8к]

Трифонов Даниил Олегович - пианист - интеллектуал, виртуоз мирового уровня. Восхищение от Его исполнения произведений классиков.

[@timlynch5710]

Tears. Of pure joy.

[@ЮлияДаниловамузыкальнаяшколано]

Пальцы купаются в клавишах, а это исполнение прикасается к сердцу , и теперь уже и душа купается в этих нежных, порывистых и рассыпающимися радужными брызгами звуках. Спасибо, Даниил!!!

[@ОльгаАбросимова-з3у]

🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹💐

[@Lirimmai]

Cuando Chopin escribió estas obras una minúscula porción de la humanidad pudo escucharlas... Gracias a Dios ahora pueden ser disfrutadas por todo el mundo e interpretadas por los más increíbles pianistas. ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@sunachong1083]

How amazing he always plays with all his heart! His performance is also an art, but the appearance of the performance gives a bigger impression. This is a musical devotion that can not be heard without tears. Thank you for sharing.👍

[@2alberich2]

Beautifully said. I couldn't agree more.

[@fu1968]

彈得真是好聽，超棒的，神態自若優雅，果然是大師級別，神人，讚！

[@josemiguelmartin2116]

He is probably the best pianist ever......

[@lotzu_]

certainly not

[@TroyGawlak]

A Russian playing music by a Polish composer, a tribute to that Polish composer written by a German composer, and said Polish composer's own homage to an Austrian composer. Proof of the power of music to bring people together.

[@VitalyShayakhmetov]

True!

[@PlantiPal]

Music transcends nationality. Plus, we're all mixed now anyhow.

[@svetimarko2]

Most of them were actually Austrians with different ethnic backgrounds.

[@GDKLockout]

This music is how emotion and state of being is comunicated. I dont understand any of it. Im just a simple farmer with no musical training, but some classical music, especially the solo piano, just makes me feel so much connection. I feel like its inside me. Ah, words are usless to express this stuff. I love listening to it. Thats all.

[@Classiquedeter]

Surtout la preuve que le génie se situe en Europe! Et vous avez oublié son père français.

[@Ellatigojusticiero]

Definitivamente un maestro con técnica, fraseo y elegancia para tocar el piano…Congratulations!

[@justinereveuse8742]

Divine concentration...de ces doigts qui virevoltent. Echo céleste. Mon écoute seule est bousculée. Mon âme s'indicipline prennant le chemin de l'enchantement des sens. Merci. Christiane

[@ronkirk5099]

Gives a whole new meaning to "tickling the ivories". Just beautiful!

[@JoeBlack894]

What a clever set list! He could choose far more showy pieces like liszt, rachmaninoff, etc. but instead he gave us most intimate music just adequate for such a friendly stage as Tiny desk.

[@lflagr]

lol the Chopin variations seems pretty showy to me

[@robertvasi]

Good insight

[@nikoladelerue1000]

Fantaisie Impromptu definitely is showy

[@RaZorasiangamer]

@@nikoladelerue1000 to most listeners, yes. but i think by the original commenter’s standards, it isn’t, as the fantasie impromptu is one of the more “introductory” level pieces to the upper level of piano.

[@cornelishk1926]

only he and Yunchan Lim his follower ,the best ,the Top! thank you so much!

[@wellnesshearddifferently5920]

A living legend! Daniil Trifonov never ceased to impress us with such a rich musicality!

[@nhaemer]

I just heard heaven. Thank you for bringing such an amazing human being into the office & sharing.

[@KennyEvansUK]

That last piece blew my mind. Like I need to have a lay down. Bravo Daniil, bravo.

[@steven7846]

it seems he's almost hurting inside when he's playing. Music and him are one and every time he touches the keyboard he gives all his being. Must be so nice to have that feeling of truly mastering something, so that it becomes an extension of yourself and lives deeply inside of you.

[@ribusgan]

It's not only beautiful to listen to, but also to look at!! So much love!! I'm crying happy tears.

[@marthavovotsi4510]

Τον ευχαριστούμε για τις συγκινήσεις που μας δίνει με τα θαυμάσια μαγικά αυτά χέρια του και την ψυχή του

[@uprooy]

Bravissimo Daniil !!! Always a delight to listen to you.!

[@sandromoro5224]

Absolutely masterful. I've never even liked the Chopin Fantasie-Impromptu before, despite hearing many interpretations by acknowledged Chopin masters. No other version even comes close (even, it should be added, Daniil's own earlier studio version IMHO). Daniil seems to be an open conduit to the divine here (behind a tiny desk); transitioning effortlessly from the most scintillating fast passages into the slower passages, which are so deeply expressive, I weep every time I hear them. His touch is as sublime as the jazz pianist, Bill Evans, whose best works are as timeless as this one. The fact that the performance is still moving with the sound OFF, because of how beautifully he moves his hands, just cements the deal for me: this is a supreme work of artistry. Any here who are as moved by this performance as I am must feel as blessed as I do to live in a time with such a talent. Thank you Daniil (& Tiny Desk) "“Beauty is truth-truth beauty-that is all ye know on earth and all ye need to know.” -- John Keats

[@saxy1player]

His technique is impeccable, but the way you can feel the music flowing through him! Amazing

[@cooldebt]

A bit left field perhaps but since sax is in your username, one other musician that gives me the same feeling of music flowing through him is Patrick Bartley, alto saxophonist. His genre is jazz but every note is infused with soul and rhythm.

[@lilykoslow1998]

He has so much fun! I love watching someone play with so much passion and joy.

[@sisyphusuphill5213]

This great musician embodies true lyricism throughout with such modesty! And he is a composer too!

[@christineshoemaker9736]

This is so mesmerizing!! My heart!

[@annexiwang6562]

Thank you for bringing him to the Tiny Desk Concert. He's truly a great pianist.

[@yokaii7109]

This is wonderful! Thank you. Wish to see more classical musicians on tiny desk :)

[@ThePollaton]

How can anyone say anything negative about this? Pure genius!!!

[@FrankieParadiso4evah]

Only the envious and the tone deaf.

[@pyboppybop3896]

By definition, God is better...but not by much.

[@jeffreylebowski4927]

@@pyboppybop3896 And God doesnt exist...

[@3SuspectAGB007]

@@jeffreylebowski4927 he does.

[@jeffreylebowski4927]

@@3SuspectAGB007 Prove it, or at least present good evidence - else accept that there is no evidence and that therefor its made up and therefor its as likely to exist as santa clause - actually less because there is alot of evidence AGAINST god like pointless illness and tragedy and an indifferent universe that only behaves according to physics and chemistry... and none for it. So until people like you present any good, objective evidence you will be dismissed as deluded nut jobs like you should be...

[@eleanorvincent3882]

Totally bedazzled by Trifonov. His tender interpretations move me; his technique is mesmerizing. Love!

[@-6tee9-]

Tiny desk impresses once again

[@ElisPalmer]

Sooooo incredibly beautiful, thanks~ ☀️

[@Malawein]

Never heard such highly sensitive performance & intense yet subtle transmission of feelings. Rare experience!

[@letybg946]

Yo creo que Actualmente es el mejor Pianista del Mundo . Es Increíble como se deja llevar por la Música y nos trasmite lo que está sintiendo ...Ya la cuestión técnica la tiene Resuelta ..solo se concreta a Sentir , Expresar , a volcar su Alma según la Obra que esté ejecutando ...mi más profunda Admiración por este Joven Artista del Piano ..el Mejor Exponente del Conceptismo . Reciba Mis mejores deseos y Felicitaciones de los Músicos Clásicos que tiene México , con mucho Aprecio para, Daniil Trifonov . Muchas Gracias por Compartir .Bravooooo!! 💖💓💓💓👏👏👏👏👏👏🎹🎼🎵🎶🌸🌼🌹🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@RonMarotte]

Absolutely astonishing and a complete wonder! Just mesmerizing performance. Such beauty!

[@maureenadaghebalu2082]

So much wow. That transition from Schumann to Grieg was flawless!

[@rikidozan93]

Good thing NPR decided to ALLOW a Russian Artist to play on their Program in these times. TOO BAD Symphony Orchestras and especially Opera Companies in the USA were NOT ABLE to KEEP POLITICS ASIDE for the SAKE OF ART.

[@eleonoranogaalberti5254]

Fantástico! Fuegos de artificio y sutilezas sin par!!!! Bravo! Gracias por compartirlo!

[@pipposgarage7598]

Thank you Daniil, thank you NPR...

[@koyomiyoko]

So beautiful. Thank you!

[@MrInterestingthings]

He has more than others. If Rubinstein had heard him he would have just known . Music from this man comes from somewhereelse. Nothing ever sounds like you've ever heard before. Trifonov finds where it came from and clothes music with its essence. One day he will give us op.101 orHammerklavier or op.90 or Schumann Sonatas or Kreisleriana or Fantasy and then it will never be forgotten.The Carnaval Chopin says so much and yet we hear Schumanns joke and the sincerity simultaneously!!

[@elisabethbaumer-sn8go]

Sie haben ausgesprochen was ich ebenso empfinde. Alle Musikstücke die sie erwähnen sind auf You Tube zu finden.Hammer Klavier finden Sie unter: Daniil Trifonov "Rameau". Carnegie Hall Rezital Dezember 2023.

[@elisabethbaumer-sn8go]

Inzwischen ist alles von Ihnen gewünschte auf You Tube zu hören . Ihr Kommentar entspricht dem was ich auch fühle.❤

[@Dasvidania]

He's simply a genius!

[@TheMisterGriswold]

1:03 Perhaps the most beautiful bit of music.

[@jamien.5528]

I can feel his whole heart being put into the piece...wish I was there!

[@brynjarhoff-lr6hw]

When so many pianist play this piece it is difficult to write that this is the best one. They all have theys way of playing it….that make music the most spesiell of listening arts…

[@lalo2626]

Only a true artist would come to such a stage, immense respect

[@juancarlosfuentesgonzalez3351]

TE AMO TRIFONOV, ERES UN GENIO.

[@quaver1239]

Did not expect this wonderful treat tonight from NPR Tiny Desk. Memorable, and many thanks❣️

[@marthavovotsi4510]

Στον Μαέστρο μας με αγάπη . Χιλιόχρονος !!!!!!

[@AlexiHolford]

😂 that’s cute. Indeed, he is a Millennial!

[@user_2837]

Wow! I just love how in the Fantaisie-Impromptu, when the main beginning theme comes back after the slow section, he plays it faster and more passionately than the first time. It is so intense and provides a great sense of progression!

[@adamleclercq7143]

It's marked presto on it's return so yes, faster, more intensified

[@duncanmcbridemusic3869]

the middle 'cantabile, slower' section gets me. Seems so many pianists use it as a break between the 'virtuosic/fast' parts. Simply stunning. It makes me want to just play that section over and over after hearing his interpretation.

[@Sello_Hunter]

Wow, his playing is really something else.. absolutely incredible!

[@tcc650]

Genius music💯💯💯👏👏👏👏

[@flori1551]

Brilliant! What a gift to humanity.

[@maryzych5379]

Encore! Encore! Encore! Encore! Encore! Encore! Thank you!

[@swmlsn-l9y]

I'm in love with his beautiful fingers😍

[@tmadsam]

He is fantastic!

[@emilye9952]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@Harry_Parry]

So amazing

[@Allacra]

You can tell how much he love these pieces and feels every note into existence.

[@geronimo2764]

Daniil is phantastic !

[@thomassteck8510]

it's a little crazy how much I find my breath taken away by his playing.

[@paulocarv4403]

Daniil is awesome. Thanks for playing.

[@rivieratheatre2011]

Russian pianists have always been, and continue to be, the best in the world. They combine deep emotion with enormous technical capabilities. Trifonov blows my mind!

[@niklassilen4313]

Well.. back in the Soviet days many very technically skilled pianists were put out into the world and the common denominator back then at least was the lack of soul and emotion. Things have changed though. I agree that Trifonov absolutely rules. He is definitely the current GOAT (best of the very best).

[@powertotherobots0]

@@niklassilen4313 this goes before the soviet days...Google the Mighty Handful

[@TheMrMuchimi]

Софроницкий, Юдина, Давидович, Флиер, Блуменфельд, Ведерников, Вирсаладзе, Зак, Нейгауз and many others... All them with " the lack of soul and emotion" ??

[@taurtue]

@@Noah-wv4td Prokofiev is known for his talent as a composer, not as an interpret

[@HeleneBlonsky]

Totally blown away! Bravo! Want to give him a standing ovation every time I listen

[@KennyEvansUK]

This is as deep as music gets, played by a guy who understands it at the deepest level.

[@rd4660]

Holy cow! That was amazing.

[@lidiyasolonovich1164]

Outstanding! Bravo to Daniil Trifonov!!!!!!

[@hundingwelser]

perfect, bravo!

[@ardritcolette5899]

Fabuleux ....un génie ...... un toucher remarquable .....Merci

[@juliereisner2052]

I am just seeing this in 2022. Congratulations on this intimate concert. I have enjoyed the lighting, camera work and microphone. Good work!

[@Tidiouter]

Absolutely amazing....i also was waiting for a tear or two to drop on the keys...

[@benjaminsmith2287]

He's one of the top young pianists. I always enjoy listening to him and it's great to hear him in the intimate setting of Tiny Desk.

[@woollyfingers]

What a privilege to be able to experience this intimate recital thanks to the Tiny Desk concerts. Awesome technique, matched by depth of emotion, in a thoughtfully selected programme. Thank you!

[@anastasialopukhina3943]

Такой душевный , тонкий, гениальный ...Спасибо

[@jordipeiro5265]

Moltes gràcies! ❤

[@tobiasreimann5089]

He is the Chopin Master. Love him so much..

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Im not surprised that Tiny Desk chooses Daniil. They do surprising things. Therefore we love them. For me, loving classical music, and loving Daniil, it is a wonder.