Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on theme of Paganini Lisitsa Baltic Youth Philharmonic Berlin Philharmonie

Baltic Youth Philharmonic debut at Berlin Philharmonie.
January 22, 2014 .Kristjan Järvi conducting .
I was "caught" landing in Washington - headed back to Europe on the same flight to step in for indisposed Denis Matsuev.
This video is a part of soon-to-be-coming-out DVD. You can find out when by visiting the orchestra website www.baltic-yout...
The complete program was:
A German-Russian Voyage and a debut at Philharmonie Berlin
Programme Feel the Energy - German-Russian Voyage
22 January 2014, 19:30 at the Philharmonie Berlin
Baltic Sea Youth Philharmonic
Kristjan Järvi - conductor
Julia Fischer - violin
D̶e̶n̶i̶s̶ ̶M̶a̶t̶s̶u̶e̶v̶ - piano ( Nope, it was me - stepping on a day's notice :))))
Richard Strauss - Don Juan op. 20
Sergei Rachmaninoff - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini op. 43
Johann Sebastian Bach - Concerto for Violin and Orchestra a-minor, BWV 1041
Alexander Scriabin - The Poem of Ecstasy op. 54

[@jjaus]

The problem with Valentina is that she is so very good that she makes it look easy. Maybe it is to her. We mere mortals who only play a bit basically understand how very accomplished she is. Bravasissima Valentina.

[@1940limited]

She does make it look easy and as if she's really enjoying herself, not working at all.

[@christianvennemann9008]

That's how you know someone is great. They make it look easy and effortless.

[@christopherrock3270]

It's not just that. She has a clear sense of being a romantic so we feel everything she does, because she feels it also.

[@DougHanson2769]

She stepped in to play on just one day's notice. Remarkable. Fabulous.

[@GIguy]

She embodies everything it means to be a pianist, she makes it look effortless, as thought the piano is the last step….music flows from the soul, through her arms, and the keys become extensions of her fingers. So crisp, gingerly, pure, passionate, and sincere…..one of the best, if not THE best pianists of our time❤️

[@gilgemash]

Valentina Lisitsa ! The Empress Of The Universe ! Thank you for coming to planet Earth ! Greetings from London !

[@martinisrael7]

Miss Lisitsa, it's not the first time that I write you a comment, but after hearing this, I got to tell you again how wonderful pianist you are. You are so fantastic and wonderful the way you play. I say it again, for me, you are the best pianist alive that I ever heard. You touch me each time even if it's something from a composer that I don't really like. That performance was grandiose! I just long to hear the next splendid surprise you ganna make. Thank you so much for your love. God bless you abundantly!

[@yondertz]

ValentinaLisitsa i agree!! You are the best pianist alive!!! from the first time i watched that rach etude until now.. how i wish i could watch ur live performance!!

[@angmoi4343]

Yandrell Pascua Gargantilla

[@MrRabend]

Yes completely agree. From your playing, I heard the beautiful tone that I never heard before.

[@roberthillman7111]

Bach beg

[@karelhusarek8906]

Thansk for your ideas!

[@rockwoodsteel]

I had not watched Valentina for a long time, So impressive. I believe that this woman is a goddess and an angel all wrapped up in genius! I can never get enough of this...

[@uchengc4987]

I felt so grateful to see her performance in Edinburgh few days ago. I almost cried when she played variation 18. It was just... I don’t know how to describe that feeling.

[@kirsteni.russell5903]

One of the best performances I've ever heard (and seen!) of this Rhapsody I have loved for many years. A dynamic, virtuoso pianist is Valentina Lisitsa, and the Baltic Youth Philharmonic is a wonder, too!

[@Highinsight7]

agreed...

[@vladibaby79]

Einfach herrlich!!!! Mit viel Liebe und Respekt gespielt, ohne sich selbst zu demonstrieren.

[@КатеринаФоменко-о2л]

Валентина! Спасибо за Ваше творчество! Ваша техника игры, стиль, чувственность завораживают и вдохновляют! Я студентка Луганского института культуры и искусств, мне очень нравится фортепианная музыка, в особенности сочинения Сергея Рахманинова. Моя мечта посетить Ваш концерт. Музыка помогает жителям Добасса пережить это непростое время) Спасибо!

[@Varelaman85]

+Катерина Фоменко -Эх, Екатерина, если бы Вы только могли представить (а время-то, надеюсь, покажет!), скольким жителям пост-майданной Украины помогает не сойти с ума и не деградировать великая Музыка (к которой, несомненно, отнесу и большинство произведений С.В. Рахманинова)!.. Время подонков-временщиков коротко и оно, несомненно, минует, пауки сожрут друг друга (ну, а мы поможем, чем сможем!)... В оценке же данного исполнения хочется подчеркнуть не то, чтобы отдельно почти безукоризненную технику, стиль и чувственность, а воспеваемое (и воплощённое!) ещё мастерами Возрождения гармоническое единение Разума и Чувства! Впрочем, долой пафос - начнём по порядку... Совершенно изумительное слияние (возможно, противоречивых!) взглядов на шедевр Рахманинова как виртуозной и вдохновенной пианистки, так и талантливого дирижёра великолепного молодёжного Балтик-Орхестра (Кристиан Ярви), чёткое построение архитектоники произведения, вдохновенные взлёты к кульминационным (не только в плане мощи!) моментам - сделали данное исполнение едва ли не лучшим в истории мирового пианизма!.. Пафосно? Ничуть! СознАюсь честно: до событий 2 мая 2014г (и всей обстановки вокруг!) я, грешным делом, просто не знал о деятельности такой прекрасной пианистки, как Валентина Лисица! Если поначалу она привлекла внимание своими чётко очерченными и честными политическими позициями, то, с дальнейшим узнаванием, мы ( с женой - она тоже пианистка) просто влюбились в Валентину как в прекрасную и талантливую пианистку и музыканта. Сразу оговорюсь, что не всё её творчество и не всегда вызывает безоговорочные восторги, но ВЕЗДЕ видно почти безукоризненное мастерство, ум высокого полёта и трепетная любовь к Музыке - это ведь главное в нашем непростом труде!.. Читатели могут заподозрить меня в протекционизме или необъективности, но, поверьте, на наш век выпало счастье слышать десятки интерпретаций Рапсодии... как от талантливых студентов (не уступавших, порой, мастерам!), так и от мировых звёзд, таких, как Вл. Ашкенази, Д. Баренбойм, Ден. Мацуев и сам (ЦН!) Сергей Васильевич... Так я вам честно доложу, что (исключая автора, пожалуй) ни один из перечисленных пианистов (в комплексе с оркестром) ТАК не протянул "арку" от "дивно-русской" 18 вариации к жутко-мистической 20й и к финальному "Диес Ире" в обрамлении вечных рахманиновских (По-вских?) КОЛОКОЛОВ... Собственно, глядя в ноты, мы как-то и сами не вникли в существование такого "сверх-замысла", который родился в представленной на Ютьюбе интерпретации Валентины! Если Валентина (как прекрасная шахматистка) и Христиан просто "просчитали" этот момент - то уже за это им следует стоя аплодировать, а если "арка" родилась спонтанно - падаю ниц! А теперь представьте напоследок жанровую картинку: двое не совсем молодых супругов-музыкантов перед монитором отвернулись друг от друга, скрывая светлые слёзы радости и светлой боли, которые вызвало это потрясающее Душу исполнение Валентины с молодёжным (студенческим, как я понимаю?) Балтик-оркестром!.. и это - через монитор (благо, акустика 5.1 у нас достойная!)... Поэтому (не навязывая никому своей оценки) и рекомендую прослушать данное исполнение всем, кто ещё не покрылся корой духовной копоти и ржавчины: красота, несомненно, спасёт мир, а если нет - то и спасать не стоит!

[@dandreconant6827]

i gulped when she swung her arms out after she played that last note. i always get the chills listening to her play .just amazing

[@yondertz]

WOOOW! Perfection at that break-neck tempo towards the end! I think this is the FIRST TIME I HEARD THOSE PARTS (TOWARDS THE END) AT THAT KIND OF ENERGY AND TEMPO!! UNMISTAKABLY VALENTINA LISITSA!!

[@bobg7471]

+ValentinaLisitsa Miss Lisitsa, you were wonderful on that...so inspiring to me. Robert

[@Varelaman85]

+ValentinaLisitsa -Напомнило баховское высказывание о том, что "на оргАне играть совсем несложно: нужно просто вовремя нажимать нужные ноты" )))

[@1940limited]

Have you heard Rachmaninoff himself play it?

[@arber7240]

@@1940limited he recorded lots of pieces. Idk if he recorded this one but guessing by what valentina said he probably did

[@1940limited]

@@arber7240 Rachmaninoff did record the Rhapsody sometime in the mid 30s. For some reason it has the best sound quality of all his recordings maybe because RCA was using two microphones by then. It's been digitally remastered and is on You Tube. You should give it a listen when you have a minute.

[@AndreCaronCaron]

Bravo Valentina, une de nos grandes pianistes. Quelle fougue, quelle force et quelle talent. Je suis heureux d'être le contemporain d'une telle artiste.

[@Nautilussification]

I'll tell you what I like the most about Valentina performances: Intensity. She's not only playing a piece, she feels it and it shows in these different intensities she is capable of. Another thing I find relevant is how this musician is spreading classical music through the media. I never was into classical music (I only knew about the more common ones, like Verdi, Wagner, Bach, etc). Thanks to Valentina, now I'm discovering a huge new world of authors, like Rachmaninoff (or like she likes to call him, Rach). And I feel like I found a treasure chest. Thanks, Valentina.

[@reduxmisc]

What can I say that has not already been said, this is incredible... Brava!!!

[@gordgosse995]

Truly amazing. The most outstanding performance I have ever heard of this marvellous work.

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Breathtaking! She is amazing and the orchestra acquitted themselves very well. Great performance.

[@herculesraphaelolimpio3569]

HOW can someone dislike this?! I can't conceive that in my mind. I'm so grateful I met you in your performance here in Brazil and talked to you! You are a fantastic woman, with a sould filled with love and passion for music, also humble!

[@1940limited]

Rachmaninoff's music received a lot of negative criticism in its time. But not now.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Some rapper disliked this.

[@samynohff]

Oh Val ... For heaven's sake.. How could've you performed in such remarkable and heart fluctuating style, With just ONE-DAY prior notice ...!!!?? It looks as if you're the "Music Ambulance" ...

[@PhilipLanrete]

..первая любовь в классической музыке с детства.... - этот трёх минутный фрагмент с 16:00 до 19:15... еще на кассетных магнитофонах слушалось, естественно... Спасибо, Валентина! Очень люблю слушать Ваше исполнение. Особенно Листа.

[@Tearstojoyministriesorg]

She is still my favorite piano player.............. Her left hand right hand technique is the best I have seen!!!

[@Scotthawki]

Perhaps the most beautiful 3 minutes in classical music: from 16:00 to 19:15 .....

[@bobg7471]

+Scotthawki I totally agree...that part.

[@FFnopal]

+Scotthawki If you listen to it some more, you will widen the minutes you like best until you appreciate the whole Rhapsodie

[@ckshep59]

+FFnopal , I agree with+Scotthawki and it is possible to appreciate the whole Rhapsody and still have a favorite part of it.

[@martinschoneck2715]

18. Variation of nibly lightness

[@johne6081]

True. The 18th Variation is not only beautiful and able to stand on its own, but it is also one of the cleverest thematic variations in classical music. Turn the sheet music of the original melodic line upside down, reduce tempo, and you have the 18th Variation. Sheer genius.

[@curtisgrindahl446]

She takes my breath away! These kids are great, but she needs to be performing with the Berliner Philharmoniker. She is really in a class by herself. Such virtuosity. I'm obviously a fan!

[@justap19]

Phenomenal Valentina !!!!!!!! Bravissimo !!!Justyna Philipp

[@christopherdavidhewi]

Miss Lisitsa, you are my favorite living pianist. Always a tremendous performance. You are an inspiration to us all! Beautiful, moving playing, and your technique is absolutely flawless, up there with Argerich. Brava!!!

[@anthonyhazlewood5788]

So romantically played Valentina, I think this is the best I have ever heard this played... I love hearing you play... Thank you Valentina...

[@lucianoodorico856]

PERFETTA, BRAVISSIMA, UN BACIO!

[@lucianoodorico856]

AVREI PREFERITO IL VESTITO NERO! MA, LA BRAVURA VA OLTRE! COMPLIMENTI!

[@leoliatris]

16:15 ethereal, transcendent, lumière, sublime playing...the list could go on.

[@sagererf]

Finally a whole performance of the Rhapsody! Thank you so much! Perfection and virtuosity at its finest :) So beautiful!

[@williamlamb2088]

ValentinaLisitsa VALENTINA: I know that elsewhere on UTube you said that performing this Rach Rhapsody was "simple", but to my untrained ear it sounds difficult. Congrats on a great performance with a REALLY GREAT orchestra of young players. They were a credit to your ability as a great pianist, and YOU are a credit to the memory of the great maestro himself, Sergei Rachmaninoff!!!!! And might I add that your performance of this piece with the London Symphony was absolutely wonderful!!!

[@michaelcorenzwit716]

When will you perform in Philadelphia? Soon I hope.

[@ianbrown6595]

Surely this has to be one of the most comfortable and competent set of fingers in all of modern pianism - wow! And great job by a youth orchestra - well done! Outstanding job by all involved.

[@FFnopal]

Valentina es a mi parecer, la mejor pianista contemporánea. Reúne todo lo necesario. Mi favorita sin lugar a dudas

[@jamesmaxwellmagat2150]

Ah...mazing!!!! I wanna cry !!! I'm in heaven!!!

[@minervamarx2276]

Thank you for posting. Listsa is one of my most favorite pianists. Here again, she is as brilliant as usual.

[@mcnultyfp]

How uniquely wonderful! What great power of musical judgment. The weight of a line, of every note, is poised with such fullness and freedom, always generous, yet never ignoring the pulse. Totally clear for the orchestra, majestic for the rest of us. Makes it all worthwhile, does music, from time to time,

[@maxmustermann3162]

I saw her live in october, wich was my first classical concert ever but im sure it will also be my best one ever! It was just GREAT

[@hhm28061953]

The orchestra and VL fits perfect. The piece shows it's wonderful character when the protagonists are free from routine. For me it's one of the best interpretations of all time beside of the brilliant technique of recording.

[@jonathanrobinson2628]

An absolutely extraordinary performance. Ignoring the fact that you only had a day to prep (a fact that frankly cannot be ignored!), it's one of the most sublime performances I've had the pleasure of listening to. Bravo!

[@simonjessurun]

delicate and charming .thx for sharing

[@iancooper3107]

This is as near perfect rendition of this piece that I have ever heard. Every time I listen to it, it sends shivers down my spine. I have lost count of the number of times I have played this. Thank you so much Valentina.

[@alinenassar6105]

I LOVE YOU VALENTINA!! I got so excited when i saw that you've uploaded a new video. Love from Lebanon

[@sergeyvu3718]

So beautiful, beyond my expetation

[@wernerklotz8207]

I have listens to this piece so many times I can't count, mostly performed by Denis. I didn't think it could be topped, but here you are just doing that! Awesome and thank you!

[@ericnk58]

Unbelievably beautiful! The Rhapsody is my favorite work by my favorite composer so I'm always interested in listening to performances of it and this was a dream come true. I first heard it 55 years ago at the age of 2 and it is my oldest memory of Classical music. This is a performance with everything one can ask for. It is interesting they programmed the Rhapsody right after Strauss's Don Juan because its ending foreshadows the 16th variation with the inverted trills. I don't know if anyone else has drawn attention to that detail.

[@hhm28061953]

I'm not often enthusiastic but when I hear your interpretations I only can say wonderful, wonderful. Thankyou

[@gustee1000]

I adore you Valentina, you are so generous and open minded. Your Rachmaninoff is flawless in addition. Your sense of humor touch me deeply as well. Thank you for all that impressive, first class music of yours. Thank you indeed. Gustee.

[@brca5981]

Thank you Valentina for sharing your passion of music with us. You are a wonderful inspiration to us all and may God continue to keep you blessed!

[@WSBToulouse]

Magic, just love it all ! Need to listen to more music played by VL.

[@marcychristoff219]

Bravo Valentina! You played it so wonderfully after 1 day notice, amazing. 👏🎹

[@Desireyso58]

The Supreme Pianist at the Cathedral of Classical Music!!!

[@beto124988]

Honestly, for my ears to this day my favorite version of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was the Yuja Wang. But after a long time Valentina surprise me again breaking the "record". His passion and energy for classical music only add more beauty to your great skills! Congratulations Valentina! A large Brazilian fan!

[@kadercomert5012]

wonderfull lisitsa...thank you....

[@BW92116]

Valentina has inspired me to start playing piano again after a long break. I wish I could play like her - perfect and precise but with that natural, flowing style that she plays with.

[@ruthmariamendoncagomes2617]

Uma técnica refinada, com uma execução magnífica!!!! Parabéns a pianista Valentina Lisitsa por sua Performance !!!!!!!

[@bluepearl4348]

You have touched my soul with your playing. So dynamic, so full of expression and deep compassion for this piece. You inspire me...and may you ALWAYS continue to do so..♫

[@MicahRenfro]

Simply breathtaking!

[@zamboni7167]

Wow amazing, Valentina, you are awesome. :-)

[@acuriousergeorge]

She looks like she's having fun. Good young orchestra. She's the best.

[@roncrooker3010]

I love youth orchestras. They are so vibrant and enthusiastic. This one demonstrated great sensitivity in playing the music as they think the composer wished it to be played. This orchestra is wonderful. Love them. The conductor was superb, guiding the orchestra through the work with just the right tempo - exquisite pauses - very much in consonance with the soloist. No one was in a hurry - the flow throughout was smooth and so pleasing. All the soloists were fine. Of course Ms. Lisitsa demonstrated her technical skills and immense spectrum of feelings as she progressed through Rachmaninoff. More than that, she seemed comfortable with the orchestra and conductor, playing with them the way a "Concert Piece for Piano and Orchestra" should be presented. She was really having fun on that stage with those friends. Just a great performance by all. I haven't heard as fine a performance as this in a very long while. I wish Ms. Lisitsa had used this orchestra and conductor to record her four Rachmaninoff Concerto CDs. This was the real Rachmaninoff we heard. I believe she was quite satisfied - happy even, with the concert, the orchestra, and certainly the conductor. I was.The audience seemed so too. I think she was not so satisfied with her four Rachmaninoff concertos - but that is another performance at another time. I hate to add this, but I really think she needs a wardrobe change. Frilly, bright-red, "prom-style" dresses are not becoming for her. Less frills, more conservative dress would enhance her stage appearance. She is not a young girl; rather, a young woman - a young professional woman. Dress accordingly. In closing, I wish to thank Ms. Lisitsa, the orchestra, and the conductor for a wonderful performance. You all did good! Ron

[@anna662]

...and from memory. **speechless

[@swz1986]

you are a magician valentina.... amazing

[@solevita256]

I truly love watching the energy this beautiful lady puts into every performance. I hope she continues to play and bring so much joy and pleasure to the world. Thank you Valentina. Douglas Murphy

[@exilfromsanity]

Valentina, A rousing, long, and enthusiastic ovation and you deserved every bit of it. This would be a wonderful performance with full rehearsals and preparation, to do it with no notice, it was simply amazing. I've watched many of your performances (some favorites over & over) and have enjoyed every one. I love your style, grace, technical excellence, and your interpretative skills. You've got it all and my hat is off to you, my favorite pianist. :^)

[@hjs60789]

PERFACT PERFORMANCE!!!😘

[@sandyhill5744]

Wow

[@1Dickus]

praise indeed from a legend!

[@pinoyrealm4891]

I AGree, Including the SPEED and the dynamics and the softness , THANK YOU

[@nuthineatholl6434]

Would that la vraie Mme A. had indeed left this brief but glowing comment. I'm confident *she* would have managed to spell both English words correctly, though. Alas, *this* particular "Martha Argerich" seems to be the self-assumed heroine-adulatory persona of a young Japanese fancier of video games and classical piano works, as the most cursory glance at his/her? channel page shows. I recall now and then running into a "Ludwig van Beethoven" on KZbin who benignly bestows his blessings on artistes playing "his" works up to par -- there's also a Chopin, and a Bach who put in their informed 2-cents-worth of criticism. (Of course, I've also run into a "Ringo Starr" who made a disparaging comment under a rock-and-roll how-to video which purported to teach aspirants at drumming the authentic Beatles playing-style. He was roundly abused by drum-expert know-alls for his egregiously fraudulent presumption -- until one curious soul followed up his persona's link to . . . Ringo (the McCoy, none other) Starr's actual channel!) Cheers.

[@helenanova8684]

What a kind, beautiful soul! I noticed her clapping for the other people as everyone was clapping for her, and I thought that was very sweet.

[@patriciavarella]

simply fantastic!! 😍😍😘

[@pinoyrealm4891]

the BEST variation 18 i'd ever heard of. i love you

[@soogoonu]

aahh some fresh wind over the dusty classic music - always a pleasure to see Valentina's enthusiasm rockin' the building

[@soogoonu]

haha not even close as long as you're gently wiping it with your magic hands!

[@ИринаМорозова-ф3у]

Браво, Валентина! Волшебные руки! Вы - особенная!

[@Varelaman85]

+Ирина Морозова -Тут далеко не только руки: голова и Душа, и (кстати), превосходный оркестр! Необычайной силы музыкальный экстаз!

[@lilysumichan1467]

Agree !! You are the best pianist alive!! You play so wonderfully..magnificent...! All the best wishes.

[@Gratteetboutons87]

Merci pour ce grand moment de plaisir et de nous élever ainsi au dessus de ce monde gris...

[@galinagalinaa3581]

Thanks a lot Valentina! You are great!

[@hermitcrabbot]

The best of the best by the best. Lisitsa Supernus Omnis.

[@TerrenceDuncan2009]

By far the best interpretation I've ever heard, great energy and tempo indeed.

[@decitos]

Beautifully played. Bravo Valentina!

[@maxlever9196]

So beautiful and elegant in you performance Miss. Lisitsa. Thank you for your diligence and dedication to you art. To reach this highest level of accomplishment and to share it with us brings joy to my heart.

[@IsabelSantos-dv9qo]

My best pianist! You are wonderful and i hope to see you in Portugal one day!

[@sergeyvu3718]

How wonderful play! Every time I hear it I find new nuance to enjoy. Thank You, V.L.and orchestr. Funny Moestro!

[@trp8155]

Thank you so much, Mrs. Valentina! We've been waiting for a new video! And of course, you did not disappoint!

[@billstiem6035]

So Beautiful ........ Thank You Valentina Litsa

[@mamakokonao]

This performance is perfect. And the impression is the best

[@janpanufnik2477]

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo

[@jimmygove2883]

You certainly nailed this for stepping in at the last minute. Absolutely wonderful.

[@MrJorgeseijo]

Miss Lisitsa, you were wonderful on that...so inspiring to me. George.

[@stevennaylor3900]

Bravo! I've never taken the time to listen to this piece before, but now that I've heard it, I love it! It's pure Rachmaninov at work once again. Fabulous playing Valentina!

[@MrSA1829]

I wish that our youth could have the appreciation for this type of music. I feel that the world would be better off. There is so much beauty and emotion packed into this. Most people don't realize what they're missing out on..... Sad, because its the highest art form accomplished by the human race thus far, and people don't even have a clue at to what that represents.

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

Loved my 3rd return visit. This performance is a special treat, especially when I need to absorb the power of positive, joyous emotion. Ms Litsitsa, your willingness to be "accompanist" to the orchestra upon their entrance on the 18th variation (it's gorgeous, so SUE me...haha) is evidence of your self effacing nature, and your understanding of what true musicianship entails. Service to the music. As always, your pointing out of left hand counter melodies, a Rachmaninoff trademark is done in exactly in proportion. Those who love and appreciate you feel that way because you are who you are, no walls between artist and audience. Many thanks.

[@asoulabidesinlove]

I don't have to tell you, that you are simply the best by far.....but I've been trying to figure out what it is about your performance that is so striking?..... Then I remembered something that was shared with me by my teacher, who was a protege of Maestro Segovia. The music must be honored. How perfectly you find the expressiveness of the piano. It becomes whatever is demanded, be it sweet, lyrical, forceful or tender. How you feel the music breathing, how you treat the interior lines of harmony and dynamics with the greatest respect and love. The piano is an orchestra in itself under your conducting hands! The insight that you have into the music. Your approach reminds me of Jacueline Du Pre, who was of the same kindred spirit. Thank you for the beauty.

[@alfredido2]

u r simply great !

[@Desireyso58]

Valentina Divina!!! Gracias. Lo he estado esperando por largo tiempo.

[@reinhardpan]

Wonderful! Fantastic! Furious! Heart warming! Valentina, you did it again, thank you, I am just gobsmacked and can't say more.

[@starboy288]

A deep bow for your dedication to the piano. Fabulouso performance. Your memory for pieces, the nimbleness - combined with strength and stamina, and your artistic interpretation are recognized, and such a treat to view. Wishing you continued success and that more and more viewers/listeners will find out about your talents & contributions to the music world.

[@manuelasfari973]

Bravo all great people, the young orchester, the good conductor and naturally Madame Lisitsa ;-)

[@YodaOI]

why do they keep sitting down at the end i was standing up and cheering in front of my computer ? this deserves a standing ovation, come on....they must be sitting on velcro. Thank you so much Valentina, the Force is strong with you .

[@angelika-dithamorosowa459]

absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@tttft7pe]

une vraie merveille

[@angelika-dithamorosowa459]

lea weiler vraiment!!

[@danielperez258]

Heard this piece played many times by different pianists... Nobody plays the finale like you do. It's amazing!

[@KenBreadbox]

ValentinaLisitsa I'm with you. I've heard over and over that the only reason he played it so fast was to get it recorded using the space limitations of the day--and yet everyone I've heard *except* you plays the Third as if it's a funeral dirge. Your playing is incredible. Thank you for it.

[@STUPIDMEMBER]

Huge fan trying not to gush. I love that you play with such consistency without regard to the venue or accompaniment. It's one thing to play on the right piano, in right venue, with the right orchestra and with the right conductor, etc, it's another thing entirely to perform just the same with all things not of your choosing. You manage to do just that time after time. I do so appreciate your passion for each piece you play and that you apply to works from so many different composers. It's a joy to hear. Oh . . . . and being pretty while doing all this doesn't hurt a thing!

[@Dmitry1959]

Браво! Феноменально,потрясающе и виртуозно. Так красиво и элегантно исполнить это сложнейшее произведение очень мало кто сможет. Очень здорово получилось. Спасибо.

[@Dmitry1959]

ValentinaLisitsa Не за что. Это вам спасибо за такое удовольствие что мы получаем. Уже два раза слушал. В первой части вообще звук хрустальный какой-то получился. Очень красиво.

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

Ms Litsitsa, you are truly a gift from God. To perform such a warmhearted...and incredibly musical performance with these brilliant young musicians was beyond inspirational. The gift you gave them, the gift of YOURSELF will, I'm sure be an enduring part of their musical future. Please believe your generous soul is appreciated by your many fans. As regards the performance,the delicacy of your finger-work was magical. The tempos throughout were, IMO perfect, and I've not heard the 23rd variation played with the "patience" you displayed. The reverse melodic magic of the master's melody allowed to sing, without the rush to get to the climatic volume level, too often rushed. In fact, for me, the slower variations had a poignancy I've not experienced in a long while. No reason to bore others here will my rhetoric, other than to say BRAVO to these wonderful musicians who performed this work like veterans. This Rhapsody is not the easiest soloist/orchestra collaboration, but it's obvious full attention was paid by all, with joyous results. What an honor to listen...and watch.

[@Desireyso58]

The Supreme Pianist performing in the Cathedral of Classical Music!!!

[@aleksgrigorev2717]

She plays it all on memory! No notes. Very, very impressive! Bravo!

[@elizabethneill3825]

I really, really enjoyed this performance and thought that it was really outstanding work from a youth orchestra.