S. Prokofiev : Sonata no. 7 op. 83 in B flat Major - 3rd mov. 'Precipitato' (Sokolov)

[@michaelboyd4233]

It is the inexorability of his tempo that makes it so much more powerful than most performances. It ends at the same tempo he starts with but with such a massive increase of sound. And this is the same man that can hold an audience transfixed with Rameau, Couperin, and Byrd.

[@MegaLajeunesse]

Le jeu est beaucoup plus lent que toutes les autres interprétations, ne laissons le temps d'entendre toutes es subtilités de la polyphonie. Il ne faut pas se leurré, derrière il y'a un travail une réflexion d'une rare profondeur.

[@christophercurdo4384]

That crescendo at 3:48 gives me chills every time. The is becoming my new favorite of all You Tube videos.

[@opossumbly3857]

Grigory Sokolov gives a truly overwhelming performance of Prokofiev's Precipitato. Starting rather prosaic and controlled he unleashes the beast very soon, still keeping the rythm calm and steady, serving us the final inferno in an extraordinary cultivated manner without sparing us from its original energy. That's world class!

[@KaisarAnvar]

As a professional pianist, I have a conclusion about this video. The most difficult thing to do, in terms of technical aspect, is to keep the steady precise rhythm even when your emotions start to take over such a powerful work of art such as Prokofiev. It is difficult to keep the same tempo all the way especially when you DESPARATELY want to go faster. That's why I consider this performance as THE BEST rendition of Prokofiev 7th Sonata. Not because of the visual perspective, but the clarity, dynamic, steadiness, edginess, selflessness, and as well as musical mapping.

[@eddiedecazalet6836]

Good comment. May I ask you please. Wondering what capacity you perform instruct professional occupational position you may hold? As a comparison then, I am wondering, how many weeks or months do you feel it would take you personally to perform Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Sonata if you were to commit 3 hrs per day / 7 days per week SOLELY on this major Sonata. You reply would help me judge my level of learning as a comparative to yours as a ' professional. Any achieved Diplomas or Concert touring you may have done would help me balance your answer. My thks in advance.

[@adrianopiano5551]

I think the hardest thing is his sound.. that you can only achieve by doing his articulation. This is a GREAT

[@damongatewood795]

I appreciate this performance because it aligns with the overall affekt of the sonata, the relentless arrival of a war.

[@Haichcom]

This is really great performance with very clear stresses and articulations. However, I'd ask your opinion on Sultanov's performance, which much faster but not blurred and powerful like hurricane. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5LJm4OEot2YedE

[@beverleybrackett8129]

For me, it's the intensity of his performance, his total dedication to the compelling nature of the tempo, just everything about this moment in time. Then he just walks off the stage, because, really, he left it all on the piano keys. He's just mesmerizing.

[@piano1500]

Probably the best version on KZbin in my opinion. His articulation and dynamics are just perfect. While I understand some may not like his slow tempo, he at least makes you listen more to what's actually going on in the music.

[@ukdavepianoman]

piano1500 Agree. Seems odd some people think it's too slow, since if it were faster the clarity, precision and metronomic, rigid tempo might be lost. I never tire of returning to this performance.

[@ofakar]

couldn't've said it better myself. This rendition is so good because of exactly those reasons. It's perfectly paced for the breathtaking ending.

[@JoEbY-X]

Pollini's version is precipitato, fast, and clear. My favorite.

[@herodot2]

Tempo is always a function of phrasing (among other things). If you can phrase like Sokolov - few can - this is the right tempo.

[@MartinVanBoven]

Must be s different Pollini version I found on KZbin. What i Found is way too fast, way too loud, and as a result looses all clarity, instead devolving into mindless hammering.

[@99Grigor]

This is without doubt the most electrifying and quite possibly the best performance of this incredible masterpiece. Simply unbelievable.

[@denisjtassart2174]

lets go back to RICHTER !

[@lalamusic58]

I'm sorry, you should listen to Alexei Sultanov. You will change your mind.

[@simonsikorsky5895]

You should definitely listen to Yulianna Avdeeva. She plays this absolutely magnificently! But Sokolov’s interpretation is also fantastic

[@HermanIngram]

Sokolov plays like a student compared to Horowitz and Richter.

[@99Grigor]

@@HermanIngram Dude, everything Sokolov plays is tight, accurate, crystal clear and has an incredible sense of power and intense!

[@jhoward1957]

What an amazing musical mind Prokofiev had. So totally different than any other Composer. Even today his music seems futuristic. To think that his 2nd Concerto is 100 years old is astounding. Musically he was on an Island all his own.

[@richardcleveland8549]

He's one of my favorite moderns. A pity he didn't live long enough to see his work more widely appreciated in Russia, but - irony of ironies! - he died on the same day in 1953 as the Red Tsar . . . .

[@BrianPaick]

A friend played this for me saying "it's my new favorite recording of Precipitato" and within 5 seconds I started laughing and said "Sokolov!" Not because I'd heard it before, but only he could create such textures, such clarity. Listen to his Rameau or his Hammerklavier -- his timbre is unmistakeable. Greatest pianist alive.

[@robertoprevosto]

His recording of La poulle is simply inhuman, always gives me chills.

[@BrianPaick]

@@robertoprevosto if youre referring to the 1998 Madrid concert, you're absolutely right!

[@seamtaro]

This is why I love this pianist, the ability to keep the feel of the rhythm while not getting taken over by how astounding this work is.

[@shinkibigami9]

Sokolov drags you into the feeling, and has you moving like him in no time. Incredible.

[@eunamour]

The best version I’ve ever heard , perfect tempo and rhythm. Hats off

[@irinarashkevych5797]

Вся фантастика цього виконання - ТЕМП! Саме в такому темпі тремтить кожен нерв. Кожне почуття на грані. Вважаю, що саме в цьому сенс цього твору. Дякую за отримане задоволення!

[@aeolianartists]

You can't ever get tired of listening to this performance of the Maestro Sokolov, Bravo!!!

[@paradise3124]

Я кажеться заново открыл для себя это сочинение. Просто невероятное исполнение, Соколов истинный Прокофьевец!!!

[@ТатьянаПетрова-в7р3е]

Григорий Соколов - гениальный посредник между композитором и слушателем! Музыка С. С. Прокофьева - это ВЕРШИНА человеческого разума.

[@polskapianist]

another of my favorites pianists of all times,this rendition is incredible

[@TheMightyFork_]

Isn’t he great??

[@pawdaw]

In terms of the sheer inexorable power of this music and the weight of sonority Sokolov elicits from the piano, there are few who come close to this. Pollini gives you an étude, Sokolov gives you a monstrous, inhuman machine.

[@chrisosborne5464]

Very well said! 1:31 - 1:43 had me feeling almost sick with unease, like I was in the presence of something truly diabolical! Fantastic and unique performance... which is something that can be said for some other Sokolov recordings too.

[@pawdaw]

@@chrisosborne5464I regularly listen to his Chopin Préludes - there are miraculous things going on in every Prélude

[@pianolover3977]

Probably the best video on KZbin

[@theMEANpipe]

that would be zimerman and bernstein brahms concerto 2 with the wiener philharmonic

[@Классика-ы2з]

Григорий может заворожить🤦‍♀️ Браво!❤Гениальный🙌

[@palbook]

4 minutes of pure genius -composer and performer

[@bichillos7224]

Simplemente el mejor interprete de prokofiev . las notas tan claras, los matices , cada nota tiene un volumen envolvente , como si fuera un mundo cada una de ellas

[@parislovesrachmaninoff]

This is the BEST performance of this ever

[@cufflink44]

This performance literally gave me goosebumps. Still tingling. The word that comes to mind is RELENTLESS. This is, after all, the climax to one of Prokofiev's three "war sonatas," and the feeling Prokofiev created of a cruel, unstoppable war machine is frightening and amazing. For me, Sokolov's unwavering, steady tempo, with its relentless drive, is perfect. I think the composer would have approved.

[@dawggonecrazee]

Mind blowing.I just fell in love with his version of Rameau Les Cyclopes,now this ! I am a happy bunny !

[@ulesya19]

Браво, брависсимооо! Гениальное исполнение ! Григорий Соколов !!!!

[@giovannispinotti]

when at 2:47 he comes back in the main theme and STARTS HAMMERING ON THAT FUCKING PIANO TO DESTROY IT, it just blows my mind. every time.

[@hildegardtschen]

This performance is fantastic. I don't think playing faster means better or more brilliant. The tempo that Maestro Sokolov played is perfect for displaying colors, levels inside, and still remaining dramatical music.

[@PianoScoreVids]

No comments?? That's the best performance of this piece I have ever heard! Look at that staccato.. that's REALLY "detaché", not like Lang Lang sauce..

[@massspec8718]

I wonder what would you think of Horowitz’s version

[@andreypushkin7751]

"Lang Lang sauce"🤣

[@jeremyleow]

Lang lang likes to use pedal a lot... even I am not a big fan of some of his renditions... I think he's a bit soggy on some pieces that I prefer drier sound, but where a big resonant sound is my preference, he simply blows me away... also lang lang has really good voicing

[@claudialevin]

Ah, those inner voices... Phenomenal Sokolov!

[@stevietv9245]

Un bloody believable!! This is as fine as things get. Unfathomable greatness from composer and performer.

[@AndrevasA]

I had a chance to listen Sokolov's recital in Vilnius (Lithuania) several years ago. For me it was the best piano performance ever.

[@raoultak]

Perfect tempo and totally in control. Most interesting version.

[@gky7170]

Sokolov has shown us that tempo is not the only element in infusing excitement into a masterpiece!!

[@sheytanovamalena]

A couple of ears later be like, NO< still the best rendition, noone comes even close to that. Exactly because he's not spoiling this Hell by galloping through it - he takes it moderately, merciless rythmically, andshows of every bit of darkness, every machine gun shot, every distorted harmony, into a huge, massive, gigantic build up culmination. Definitely an usurpassable accomplishment.

[@Baddogphil]

3:19- Watch his right hand swoop and crash with deadly accuracy and do the same a few seconds later from head height. Superhuman skill.

[@Tiradambo]

Philip, (high) vertical (Bow-) Movements with Hand and Arms are always much more accurate then (fast) Movements horizontally (Look on the Black keys under your Hands when you make a horizontally Movement over the Keyboard! - you can't see anything, an second, you will lost a lot of energy by braking the Movement right or left. Vertical Movements are the most economic Way to do this right and economic. For Sokolov more then other Pianists. But the Movement in this case is always the same.

[@RobinLSL]

Actually he has wrong notes in the chord both times! Not that it matters of course...

[@jackcurley1591]

RobinLSL I actually think the dissonance those notes create sounds good lol

[@carloseliasmondinibelletti1798]

Só Prokoffief podemos dar essa atenção poderosa todos os tempos em execução personalidade de composição

[@philiphusband2860]

@@brianlin1247 Nozzle

[@ghoshneh]

Perfect tempo, not slow at all, any faster or you won't be able to hear his amazing articulation/phrasing.

[@claudiasibila8659]

Totally agree. Have you heard Martha Argerich's version? She plays it so fast as if she needs to go pee and wants to be done with it fast.

[@Cemballo]

@@claudiasibila8659 Yes totally agree.

[@Rastan22]

I really think this is the best version in youtube. Thanks for the uploader, and thanks for Grigory.

[@philippe-lebel]

Quelle performance ! Quel belle oeuvre !

[@DodderingOldMan]

I've just been listening to a whole heap of performances of this piece on KZbin, and the conclusion I've come to is... piano fans love to argue about who's best :P Personally, I dunno, I don't really have a favourite. I just like the fact that there's so much diversity. I do really like this slower paced version, but there are faster ones I like just as much. And faster ones I don't like anywhere near as much. Honestly, it's just good to have the option to watch them all... we live in a fotunate age :)

[@dmitrystroganov9123]

Extremely wise comment - that one can so rare come across among the numerous "your would better go and hears..." of SO CALLED "piano fans"! Who are in fact not "piano fans" at all - they just want to assert themselves and impose their personal preferences - which are intrinsically subjective...

[@chrisbobbins]

Right, so many people play this like they want it to be over. This is my favorite interpretation that I've heard on youtube. He really sinks into the groove.

[@sicongpiano8637]

I have heard so many versions of this sonata played by various virtuoso pianists. Sokolov’s version was the slowest one but THE MOST POWERFUL one ever.

[@callsean002]

Best version on KZbin

[@dc-vw4qm]

By far the best rendition of it ever played, and its not even close

[@jgesselberty]

This IS the best. Not a race to the finish like some performers, but a clean and perfect interpretation.

[@slavina6124]

Fantastic articulation ! The best performance, no doubt. Thanks so much !

[@natalialebedeva4633]

Absolutely brilliant!!!

[@YaniiiArianiii_PianoVocalMusic]

Думаю, это самое лучшее исполнение этой вещи из всех что я слышал.

[@cogit8]

stamping my feet my heart is racing tears in my eyes listening to this Sokolov version

[@arkfiglin]

One of the most phenomenal pianists of our time

[@andreafilipas1751]

Hermosa sonata!!!!. Keith Jarrett toma como parámetro esta sonata para improvisar, no cabe dudas. Tiene un toque jazzero tremendo!!!!! Genio!!!

[@lucasgust7720]

I became addicted to this video, I can't stop watching it!

[@oskarekberg3704]

It's a crime against humanity that this video only has 43.000 views.

[@cherylfoster9330]

This is an accurate statement.

[@ofakar]

Damn right!

[@GeorgeShum]

it has 173.5k now

[@Qee7en]

A crime committed by whom? The one's who haven't watched it? Wouldn't that be... most of humanity?

[@johnmanfra1]

No, it is a crime against humanity that you and others can’t count. It shows 1.6k likes and 29 dislikes, which add up to only 1629 views!

[@jakobkurup5867]

Allmost like jazz. Profokiev, what a wonderfully twisted mind!

[@DantheJazzman8]

That was astonishing! Such absolute control over such mania towards the end!

[@ifoundleon]

Love the incessant, relentlessness of his tempo. Although it’s a toccata, it doesn’t have to be played as fast as most other great pianists perform it. I prefer his tempo. It feels more like the advancement toward war. Regimented, immutable, unyielding, steamrolling over everything in its path. Thrilling performance.

[@WilburandErnie]

Wow. This is an undeniably great performance. Even tho I prefer it played at faster tempo, this is a very persuasive interpretation.

[@Aniez2305]

Браво гениальному пианисту!

[@High-Phi]

What a great interpretation. I personally love playing this piece for the unique rhythm patters and with Sokolov's staccato, you can clearly hear it all. I love his dynamics as well.

[@NoferTrunions]

He gives it air - he let's it breath. He reveals images of excitement, suspense, and mystery everyone else fails to realize as they speed along. This is a "big" piece - and you go slow to make it big. If you want speed, you can do your one stop shopping at the Buniatishvilli camp and check out her Grand Galop - the only challenge to Czifra's I've come across. And then there are the hair tosses...

[@davidtatro7457]

That's superb. I love a rousingly fast rendition of this movement as much as anyone, provided it is clean and musical. This performance achieves great intensity at a tempo which allows more of Prokofiev's writing to shine through.

[@amitbenhur3722]

Finally someone who tries to get the most out of this movement (rather than be a rockstar)

[@aotng1404]

The precision and intensity here can never be surpassed

[@SJBenHar]

Until now i love this performance most! He is like a tank drags you from the beginning to the end but with all sensitive details in the way! Simply Great! Pure enjoyment!

[@brozors]

My fingers got arthritis just by looking at this performance.

[@ばんちょうさん-q9p]

I think this performance is not subtly 'Precipitato', but is therefore beautiful and artistic.

[@tandinatamichael]

i really love the way he made it real slow with crystal clear articulation. ingenious!

[@keplergso8369]

Sokolov, one of the greatest... Extraordiray powerful...

[@gudmundnese2739]

Superb performance! Incredible powerful, with the right, dangerous and war like unhumanness expression. This performance makes the piece unstoppable like a thousand tanks on the battlefield. Not first and foremost angry, but machine like.. Frightening and wonderful. Great art!

[@guzy1971]

4 minutes qui transforment votre journée

[@sylvestrelauriotprevost]

a genius playing the piano like a god.....

[@ДенисИсаев-ж2х]

Просто нет слов ....

[@shrafe]

The greatest performance of this masterpiece on the internet

[@53aleksandra]

fantastic ...

[@ivankaramasov]

Never heard anybody else playing it with such supreme control.

[@patricklozano1738]

10,000 aaaaaaaand running. I could NEVER get enuff of this. Prokofiev got game!!! (Isn't it crazy how we can literally JAM to this!?!?!)

[@lourivalandrade4498]

Sem dúvida....paira uma agradável mística nas composições dele

[@VioletteGrazziozo]

быстро играть многие умеют!но это исполнение звучит очень выпукло,наполненно,слышно каждую гармонию,.... супер!!!!1

[@ЛюдмилаОвчинникова-г6я]

Мне очень нравится это исполнение, но у Султанова тоже класс, хотя и побыстрее !

[@tarasshtonda7875]

@@ЛюдмилаОвчинникова-г6я Я понимаю задумку Соколова- не пытаться сделать невозможное. Не соревноваться в скорости с Султановым, а наоборот, зайти с другого конца, и исполнить финал максимально медленно и выпукло. И это действительно получилось выдающееся исполнение. Но Султанов... Это просто совсем другая планета, это немыслимо и абсолютно не достижимо ни для кого. Это- как Рахманинов- свой 3-й играет в полтора раза быстрее всех остальных, а никакой спешки нет, просто музыка летит, не напрягаясь, без малейшего усилия. И никто и никогда 3-й Концерт так уже не сыграет. Так и Султанов- установил недостижимый потолок исполнения 7-й Сонаты Прокофьева НАВСЕГДА.

[@jefvandenende2217]

The meaning of 'precipitato' is here in the thunder of the repeated C#, and in the uneven seven beats measure, not in the speed. Sokoloff shows this marvellously.

[@ANARTARTISTRY]

He is amazing... a real MASTER of the piano! I was so lucky to hear him on stage live some years ago in Budapest.

[@AlejandroSanAntonio]

I just heard millions and millions of performances with the bests pianist and they're so impressive, but honeslty, I prefer Sokolov's. For me he's perfect with this! And with a lot of thing more!

[@ludovicusix23]

Simply the best !

[@kirillnenartovich6766]

The best pianist ever!!

[@christian_florez]

Chills. What an utterly masterful performance.

[@ChalumeauCauchemarLOL]

Prokofiev is so cool and Sokolov's playing is too! 😊

[@Goostowny]

Genius!

[@leidvin]

The best I've heard - Fantastic, Sokolov!

[@Peter_Joshua]

Prokofiev is the father of modern prog.

[@MrPren]

Grandissimo, il migliore in assoluto in questo brano!

[@schastyeuspeh]

Магическое, завораживающее исполнение

[@김미아-u1j]

Bravo! bravo! bravo! SOkOLOV!!🎉♡♡♡♡♡❤❤

[@acidstormbrhue4127]

It's a tight contend between this version and Lang Lang's (Gran Turismo 5 Soundtrack). Huge fan of Prokofiev here

[@childsname7294]

I'm sorry - Lang Lang's GT5 version just has better recording equipment - this version is the BOMB-ASS best

[@ABEL_ROJAS_AREVALO]

Gran trabajo y aporte musical, increíble y magnífico Sokolov!!!

[@daireoshea6107]

I love the tempo. I know it’s marked precipitato but I agree with the comment about hearing what’s going on in the music. Oh to have been at that concert. I’ve completed the first two movements of this sonata so I have this monstrous third movement ahead of me next.

[@mc12358]

Transpose this to distorted electric guitars. It's so chaotic, amelodic, war-like (naturally). Could this be the first ever heavy metal song? Prokofiev was a genius.

[@pandeunium]

интересное протипоставление Султанову. Мне понравилось спокойное размеренное исполнение Соколова.

[@TheMrALBERTMARCONI]

The best version sokolov !!!!!!!

[@luiginoriello6829]

Grandissima interpretazione, lucidissima soprattutto nella dinamica. Complimenti maestro!!!

[@kobiianardo]

one of the best proko7th's musically one of the best visual performances out of any visual performances, srsly xD i also liked how it's the exact "opposite" of my other favorite by argerich.

[@chrismontis]

Ponderable exquisite tempo setting and its correctness are wonderful :)

[@pianoandmaths4040]

I love this performance so much