Shostakovich Sonata No.2 Mov1 and 2. Valentina Lisitsa

We all wonder from time to time how things look on "other " side" , but resign to the thought that nobody came back from "there" to tell us how things are. With a few exceptions...
Dante had created his own , albeit imagined , Inferno. Shostakovich descended a real inferno, lived through it and came out alive to tell the story , to bear a testimony to the hell on earth. What else can you call it when people -- bright , thinking , loving people -- millions of them - are sentenced to living on 125 grams a day of 50% sawdust bread ration ( and only those able-bodied or well-connected ) , then to eating their pets and pests, belts and shoes ( with scraped off the walls wallpaper paste being an exquisite delicacy ) , then -- their dead , and then -- their living...
This September ( 8th- 21st ) marks 70th anniversary of beginning of Siege of Leningrad, one of the deadliest and darkest episodes in the history of European civilization (if you can still call it a "civilization"). This magnificent city rightly called Venice of the North , a cradle of modern Russia, a hotbed of progressive thought, a showcase of best in Russian art, music, literature -- predestined to the most cruel of death of starvation by two tyrants, dictators -- who despite being on opposing sides of a war , shared a common hatred of humanity. In 900 days of the siege , 1 500 000 people died -- out of population of 2.5 million. Shostakovich , abandoned as the rest of population of Leningrad , lived through it and continued composing. His 7th, "Leningrad" Symphony -- sheet music smuggled across the enemy lines and performed around the globe , was a call of defiance , a promise of eventual victory, of imminent triumph of life over death.
There is nothing triumphal about this sonata. Instead, it is a sad and subdued reflection, a testimony of a witness to an abyss of human suffering and death. Everything is warped here: a waltz turns into a funeral procession, usually "happy" major key episodes are the most sinister and menacing...
First movement is full of foreboding and unease. There are two main themes here . The opening one - in a minor key, rather sad and very sincere . The second theme , in a blazing major key , reminiscent of those awful Soviet-era patriotic marches. If only you can call music "creepy", this theme is a definition of it.
Second movement is a slow and unsteady waltz, constantly on a verge of falling apart. It is more a reminiscence of happier times than a real dance. Waltz bore a special significance in lives of people. It was waltz that commenced a graduation from school , it was waltz that was a first dance at the wedding....In the middle of the movement waltz gives way to bone-chilling half-march half-sarabande theme. You can hear steps of funeral procession , except those steps are hesitant and halting: just like in the "iconic" Leningrad documentary videos of starvelings dragging their deceased in makeshift sleds to common pits while those still alive walk by unfazed.
Third movement to follow...

[@parthoroy9141]

That was a very well-written, chilling introduction to the work by Valentina; it's important to put these pieces in context

[@MPalas96]

Dear Valentina, I have been listening to you for a few years now, and, being an aspiring pianist I can only say Bravissima. That's all i can say. I am 15 years old and being faced with Shostakovich for the first time, I believe it was the perfect entrance. Your flawless technique, your passion, everything in it is amazing. From the bottom of My heart, I thank you. You should do a recital here in Portugal, it would make many our people happy, we have been striving through some difficult times.

[@patrickwalt6903]

And now you're 27!!

[@joepiano8238]

I have been looking at so many different great pianists...I cannot see any that compare with this lady. She has the power of any of the greats, she has the technique of any of them. She has the pure touch of anyone. She can bring you up or bring you down at a moments notice. I have to say "she is the greatest". Plus she is quite young and has nowhere to go but up. Her dedication to music tells me that is the only place she'll go. Bravo Valentina! The Peoples Pianist!

[@AlfonsoDeGrassaAramendia]

He de reconocer que con esta pianista no soy nada imparcial, ni falta que me hace. Valentina Lisitsa es, desde la primera vez que la vi, una de mis debilidades "rubias". No solo es una grandísima pianista, además, es amable, simpática y accesible a unos aficionados que le adoran (virtudes, todas ellas, que desgraciadamente muy pronto abandonan los/as Divo/as del piano, en este caso, en cuanto las visitas a sus páginas, vídeos y conciertos van subiendo y en aumento). Sigue así Valentina. No dejes que te cambien ni que los aplausos te embriaguen en esa borrachera de muchos mediocres. Brava, !!! Brava !!!

[@soulechene]

Voilà une oeuvre de Shostakovich que je ne connaissais pas. Un peu déroutant pour un vieux mélomane comme moi, mais le jeu de Valentina Lisitsa est tellement magistral qu'on se met à aimer. Après tout c'est cela le talent d'une artiste. Merci Valentina pour cette belle page de musique contemporaine

[@Catilieth]

Finally!!! Finally I get Shostakovich!

[@JXS63J]

It does take a while. But Shostakovich is to the 20th century what Beethoven was to the 19th: the preeminent genius defining the course of music.

[@spaceman7271]

Ну, получили и получили. И что с того? Вы таким же образом получили свой айфон. Выводы будут?

[@onkmonne824]

@@spaceman7271 в данном контексте "get" - имеется в виду не "получить", а "понять". Он рад, что наконец понял творчество Шостаковича

[@spaceman7271]

@@onkmonne824 Вы во всём разобрались. Супер!

[@DodderingOldMan]

Aw man, back again watching this video for the first time in some years. It's fair to say that, for me, this is one of the most influential videos on KZbin, as it was the one that made me fall in love with Shostakovich, and from there other early 20th century composers, especially Prokofiev. And the description still gets to me. Thanks again, Valentina.

[@slentilus7439]

Music, the only pure thing in our existence as a whole. It gives us glimpses of true hope, happiness, peace, horror, terror. From the most beautiful, to the most scariest things. Music is here when we live, and far after the last star has been extinguished.

[@LegionAvalon]

I'd like to applaud whoever is responsible for recording the sound on your videos Valentina. The tonal range is first rate. Your recordings are my 'go-to' for quality and, of course, your moving, expressive performance. :)

[@LuluBodhi]

I’m so happy I found this. I’ve been wanting to hear you play Shostakovich. 🖤🎹

[@marcychristoff219]

Thank you for your magnificent, deeply personal performance. Bravo!

[@robtyman4281]

Wow, she's brilliantly virtuosic.....am blown away by this performance. Have to confess to not having heard of this pianist before. The really impressive thing about this performance is also that she playing it from memory! ...I've seen so many more famous pianists play Shostakovich while reading sheet music and employing a page-turner, but this lady is obviously a Shostakovich specialist......so no need for sheet music!

[@NINOABSNABSN]

Valentina is a certain KZbin product, but not undeservedly! To summarize as much as possible, what I can say is that she has absolutely the talent to please her listeners.

[@MOVINGCLASSICS]

great Sonata, Schostakovich music language is unique and so exquisite. Thank you #Valentinalisitsa for playing it!

[@MartyMusic777]

I love the Gilels-like clean and quiet opening, followed by WAVES of passion. What a musical interpretation - excellent.

[@Josemann]

Valentina, gracias por venir a este planeta y gracias de nuevo por quedarte en él, nunca nos abandones. Un abrazo.

[@laladey1398]

Interpretative notes were very helpful for listening and understanding. Thank you.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Having been a fan of Valentina for quite a few years now, I think this is still the piece that I consider to be... well, I'm not going to say her 'best' interpretation, because that's way too subjective. I'll just say that in this piece more than any other she has found an interpretation that speaks directly to my heart and mind. The shape and texture of the music is just perfect, to me at least. I know that's subjective too. Just my opinion :)

[@NINOABSNABSN]

I agree, Valentina has a clear interpretation that comes from her impetuous spirit, from her virtuosity and good musical taste, and let's say a certain verbose humility before the work, brave!

[@bolderiks]

Gosh, I hear so many colours. Glad I invited you in before winter arrives.

[@mugargusci]

@ValentinaLisitsa. I do know for certain that in my life, few times I have found so much beauty and virtuosity as in you. I dare to say that You are a jewel of the human race. You are a clear sign that we were created to the image and likeness of God. Long life fair lady!

[@josemariacoutomoreira9805]

Valentina ao piano é a aurora; é o sol; é o despertar de nossos sentimentos vivos, é a claridade inundando a escuridão; é a prova de que só pela música este mundo pode adquirir a energia que lhe falta.

[@andy31793]

Very nice. Thank you for sharing, Valentina!

[@todd3386]

What perfect technique! Such a tremendous mixture of elegance, grace, and power!

[@benconover72]

Powerful writing and playing to match. :-) Wonderful.

[@KegPatcha]

It's a delightfull feeling, coming into KZbin and finding new videos from you. It's a delight seeing you/hearing you playing, and to complete the sweet desert, your comments. So delicious, satisfaying and hoping for more. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Blessings!

[@KingTabor]

I am a guitar player (electric) and to me is a joy watching videos that good (in terms of cinema/photography) and feauring all the beauty that lives into virtuosic playing of an instrument. Greetings from Brazil!

[@Hobott]

Just amazing and priceless - your music, descriptions, comments, answers, - that's just priceless- you're a bright mind, with deep knowledge and sensitivity - such a richness - you're unique!

[@MaximusPanin]

Как не просто играть Шестаковича. Браво !!!

[@NINOABSNABSN]

The work is of an absolutely passionate level of intellectuality. The themes are absolutely sophisticated with a beautiful piano sound

[@collui40]

ne ho sentiti molti di pianisti ho ascoltato con molto interesse tutti mi sembra che Valentina sia in assoluto una delle migliori, molto semplice ,con una tecnica perfetta abbinata ad una sensibilità più unica che rara.GRAZIE DI ESSERTI DEDICATA ALLA MUSICA (ciao)

[@PBAhero]

I'm finding *much* more nuance, detail, and devastating emotional intensity in this version than the one I own by Ashkenazy (Decca, 2004), although the tempi are probably quicker. I think you will cause me to appreciate this work to a greater extent.

[@NINOABSNABSN]

Dodecaphonic music does not make an absolute concession to lyricism, poetry, classissism or romanticism. It is an irrationally rational reasoning.

[@alkuhn1]

Thanks Valentina, for this most moving interpretaion of one beautiful and haunting work. Beyond words. Thanks for the beauty. Thanks for reminding us of the suffering in Leningrad. Let us hope that what they went through never happens again. What a dream! alkuhn1

[@instinct7624]

Thank you for the amazing performance and the informative description of the piece you wrote. You are a fantastic pianist.

[@TheRanpapa]

Thank you for uploading your performance... they are so inspiring, every single one of them. Your interpretations of the Russian composers are amazing! I can't wait to hear more of them. I've also had problems with playing relaxed and still have a nice touch... really appreciate Superman's question and your comments on it.

[@jblacktree]

Thank you for your generosity.

[@classicalalways]

Valentina - Thank you so much for being the only great pianist today to take on this sonata. And of course, given your fantastic Prokofiev 7th Sonata, Shostakovich Concerto No. 1, Scriabin Sonata No. 2 playing of this type of 20th century music, this should have come as no surprise. Until now, there really was only Gilels - and thank you so much for bringing new life to this sonata. Hope one day Scriabin 4, Prokofiev 6, or even the Tchaikovsky Grand Sonata (I know - it has lots of melody!).

[@naberus73]

...sei davvero bravissima!!!!!!!

[@muninta5493]

“Nothing triumphal” ? This music is technically a triumph of humans capable translating complex language of complex horror into music. Solace? I don’t feel so. Escaping from the truth? Ashamed? Totally confused about how much we have been doing so much wrong. Thank you so much Valentina for this stunning piece of music.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Wow, this is... awesome... after a rather sheltered existence, musically speaking, I'm really coming to appreciate a lot of stuff that had previous been outside the realm of my experience. Thanks largely to you, Valentina.

[@RainerLienert]

Wow Valentina , you are becoming more and more better! Lovely to see how much you are progressing your talent!

[@ilovebuckwheat]

What a good interpertation of this piece! I love your technique.

[@angeloenricodelia3460]

sublime

[@strav12]

Loved the set - and the music too (of course) - great to have your readings of the composer too...

[@SvetoslavAtanasov]

Amazing!

[@sonicmixstudio]

Wow ! That was a beautiful description... I LOVE YOU! Thank you so so much!

[@thay7haruno]

Bravo! *-*

[@oxiigen]

Red and black scene... beautiful blond pianist & Shostakovich's music.. spooky indeed. Thank you for your art! :)

[@dogboydog]

Your video descriptions are always so thoughtful and interesting. And as always your playing is unbelievable.

[@donnellobrien]

The depth of your playing has created the inevitable result of being face-to-face with Shostakovich himself. And I am in awe. Again.

[@jeromed98]

@ValentinaLisitsa Once again, thank you so much for this music i had never heard before. It's a music about life and death, you are totally right, and being avant-garde is not the question here. (besides, i do love the Beatles also and they were avant-garde creators in many ways!)

[@JavierGarcia-ku4yf]

love it

[@Kalen1457]

I'm not a huge shostakovich solo piano(Although I like some of the preludes/fugues) fan but I must say the quality of this video is absolutely superb.

[@ErrorJke]

really liked it, cool to see a true master of his craft

[@brandondockery1]

It's as if Shostakovich were sitting at that bench himself! Fantastic Job!!!

[@Hieuhanh2003]

Bản nhạc rất hay và tuyệt. Người buổi diễn cũng vậy. Giá như tôi là bạn thì hay biết mấy. Cảm ơn vì đã cho mọi người xem một clip hay vậy !!

[@ander2365]

this piece is just so descriptible

[@jzjMacwolfz]

It would be a dream come true if you came to Ecuador....you're just the best!!!

[@ozag2]

Your performances always astonish me but in reading your commentary I am blown by your knowledge, sensitivity and perceptiveness. If you authored a book, a book about just about anything you thought a fit subject, I sure would read it!!!

[@VoicelessScream]

I sure am :) Stop by Montreal soon! You are exquisitely talented

[@Raiuval]

Wonderful!

[@EyalNahal]

Dear Valentina, greetings from Mexico City, i love listen you all day, you are my Godess, please, come here, it would be amazing listen you live. And listen you playing Moonlight Sonata, and Franz Liszt Hungarische Rhapsodie 12 !!

[@katisarolta]

Excellent!

[@lsefia]

Oh wow!!! This is a very deep piece, well played out!

[@Minanto91]

I was your valentine recitals in Rome, was the only one sitting behind you. I did not sleep that night, and I have your picture in my head. You are simply beautiful, and really exciting. Listening to you is the only way to feed my soul. See you in Palermo with the Rach 4.

[@ValentinaFan]

Remarking about Val's communications - there is a new interview video on ClassicalMel KZbin channel taken Monday last week, before her amazing Rach #2 performance for BBC at Cardiff.

[@Arrow9100kj]

Im just so happy that ur responding to your fans ^_^. Your playing is incredibly inspiring =)!

[@user-xx8st4ue4l]

연주 못하는 작품이 없네 레퍼토리 방대하고 빈틈없이 연주하는 발렌티나 놀랍다.

[@dengde]

GREAT PERFORMANCE VALENTINA.

[@Dachion]

" Valentina, has there ever been a piece of music that changed you forever, that you became a more complex & permanent personality? "

[@Maratonias]

I aso think it's very nicely played and very good interpretation. peace. =)

[@user-dp3kk1ts3p]

обожаю Вас, круть какая

[@gezafabinyi]

Amazing..

[@handsfree1000]

Love it! Hope to see you in London (Royal Albert Hall) in June Valentina. I know you must have thousands (or at least hundreds) of requests but mine would be to hear you play Pictures at an exhibition , Mussorgsky. All the best for your tour. Pete B

[@brunopiccinin]

@ValentinaLisitsa I'm feeling stupid now LOL I saw the news when you came here in 2006 (I think) and some years later, but I didn't know you back then. I'm losing all my opportunits haha But I'll be there next time. Hope you liked your stay here in Sao Paulo and Rio.

[@mrdirtydead]

Come to Sweden Valentina, please!

[@slubert]

Prilliant! cant wait for your Rach cd...

[@niazi1985]

beautiful

[@cuncatacunk]

Wow, awesome piano.

[@globalc3849]

Superlative playing as usual. Dark piece

[@juanrojas999]

Buenísimo....!!!!

[@augustodelaguila5966]

Amazing composition and performance!! Hope to hear this sonata in berlins recu

[@Strakoniii]

You are my favourite pianist and because of you I started taking piano lessons thoe at a age of 17 but I'm making my progress :) I really am amazed at what you can do with a piano and I would love it if you could visit Bulgaria! It would be awesome to hear you play live :)))) Thank you for your wonderful music!!! ^_^

[@fehler91]

living on this world can be so beautiful...

[@ThePianoguy89]

She plays like a Goddess!!!

[@ffooxxyyss]

@Supertrampstoned Sin lugar a ninguna duda, es así.

[@harryandruschak2843]

Brava!

[@hartistry]

Это замечательно играл на великое произведение. Я никогда не слышал его раньше. прекрасный Дэвид Харт

[@Sanitoeter666]

absolutely. Her music is killing me *_*

[@wcsxwcsx]

The influence of Prokofiev is strong in this piece.

[@andresludmer]

you are amazing valentina. please come to play in argentina!

[@spaceman7271]

В этой сонате Шостакович как будто полемизирует с Бетховеном, вопрошая: "Где же Ваш новый человек, маэстро? Почему Ваш гений не предугадал чудовищное падение в бездну потребительства? После стольких жертв на алтарь духовного восхождения человека!".

[@Rashomon1989]

WOW

[@Redprojectstudios]

@ValentinaLisitsa Your so awesome I am so blessed by your videos keep making more I want to see you when you are in the US do you play more solo's concerts or with an orchestra.

[@agent224ru]

@ValentinaLisitsa I agree

[@ItzSlamDuncan]

Then I think that I will start piabo again. Thanks!

[@WendiieCannibal]

awesome you are my role model

[@Dachion]

@Dachion " Valentina, has there ever been a piece of music that changed you forever, that you became a more complex & permanent personality? " ( Valentina, read this with the beginning of the slow movement )

[@donnellobrien]

Your beautiful performance coupled with this thorough and elegant description of a slice of life in this important composer's world is reminiscent of the kinds of instructive music performance/education for which Leonard Bernstein was famous. I think you should begin to seriously consider bringing your profound knowledge and appreciation to a major network or perhaps a partnership with National Public Radio. I know I would find it riveting.

[@meowcatcool]

Now that I heard of Shostakovich's history, it is no wonder that Shostakovich's pieces are quite dark sometimes.

[@berklee24365678]

I love you

[@Vesivian]

EVERYONE READ THE DESCRIPTION, IT'S AMAZING.