This Jazz Pianist Destroyed Autumn Leaves

[@Olivier-Jaquet]

Fun fact Petrucciani is burried right next to Chopin in the Cimetière Père Lachaise in Paris.

[@goldenagenut]

How wonderfully appropriate.

[@carlanderska]

actually one grave away , not next to. Been there!

[@-FranzLiszt]

);

[@ivvgra]

Это поразительно и здорово. Представить не могу, как удивительно бы исполнил Петруччиани этюды Шопена!

[@Falstaff1972]

True, I've been there.

[@surielcastillo5718]

Ah, the great Michel Petrucciani, one of the most tasteful pianist in modern history. His solo versions are always captivating thanks to his full usage of the piano, and this has to be his best version of Autumn Leaves.

[@themusicprofessor]

Agreed! I like your use of the word 'tasteful' there. To some extent, the finest artists are those who subvert orthodox 'good taste' and redefine what it means. I think he was one of these.

[@OsvaldoBayerista]

True. His version of Round midnight it's one of my favorite recordings of all music out there.

[@Thouveninpascal]

How many piano Jazz players in modern history do you know?

[@coyote6154]

​@@Thouveninpascal No matter how many you know, as soon as you go watch and listen to his "Jazz in Marciac" show, you know he is one of the best there is. 😊

[@F0nkyNinja]

I love his version of "Misty" with Stéphane Grappelli, and that live version of "Caravan"

[@adolfosalani1]

The animation you add to the music makes it so better for people like me that don't have our ears that trained. please keep it up, marvelous content.

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you! It's lovely to know that the animation helps the ears.

[@SuperBromberg]

totally agree

[@XeLYoutube]

yes the explanation poping are dopamine and nerd points

[@TheNat11]

when i was a child, my family would put on an album of mr. petrucciani every sunday morning breakfast, haven't been listening to him for the past 25 years. Thank you SO MUCH for bringing him back to me!

[@themusicprofessor]

So glad to remind you of his brilliance!

[@coyote6154]

When I was a child I had almost the same routine, not during breakfast but when playing board games with my granparents. Love the memories it brings back!

[@ivvgra]

Michel Petrucciani. This pianist has a phenomenal level of development of harmonic improvisation. His "Autumn leaves" shimmer with colors, in which joy and thoughtfulness, drama and light sadness. This performance "makes" us think about many things that we may have to remember more often.

[@NotTheWheel]

What the hell was that!? In a good connotation, he swung notes around like a brush and made a painting out of it, that was some kind of art!

[@ripleyhrgiger4669]

What a great way of putting it.

[@skinnysnorlax1876]

Listening to Petrucciani is like having a conversation, and every once in a while, everyone shuts up and listens to someone making a *really* good point ...and then back to the conversation. He was so curious musically, but so unpresumptuous. He explored so much, and it showed, but was never "showy". Just classy.

[@themusicprofessor]

Yes. A fascinating pianist.

[@skinnysnorlax1876]

@@themusicprofessor my favorite jazz pianist I think. His performance of round midnight is just sublime.

[@edzielinski]

Fantastic. A rare insight into the brilliant techniques of Michel Petrucciani. So glad to see him getting more attention.

[@themusicprofessor]

He certainly deserves it.

[@Domingojazz]

I was so lucky to see him in concert two times... What an incredible player he was...!

[@thomasmartinscott]

Love Petrucciani. His playing always had a sense of wandering, that was definitely not aimless, but went down unexpected paths. I always liked where he'd take me.

[@themusicprofessor]

Absolutely. He had a terrific musical imagination.

[@thomasmartinscott]

@@themusicprofessor Puts me in mind of some of Frank Zappa's imaginative things. Way outside the box that I have always played in.

[@rickowenkennedy]

Wow. A seminar on Harmony on the fly... Outstanding.

[@pieropurich990]

absolute genius! I listened to him live 5-6 times and all of his concerts were sound emotional experiences without comparision!!!!

[@raphaellloyd]

Love these videos you’re making, so informative and entertaining, can’t wait for the next one!!

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you so much. We'll produce a new one soon!

[@SuperBenette]

A very sweet and gentle snippet, thanks , ist lovely.

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you!

[@AmbientDawn]

Saw him play many years ago. Utterly extraordinary. Probably the best jazz pianist I've seen (along with McCoy Tyner and Oscar Peterson).

[@themusicprofessor]

Yes. Astonishing!

[@RobertoScognamigliorobi6826]

In jazz if you say... Petrucciani? You say everything! This man is a living icon today... and forever!

[@Sadowsky46]

Unfortunately, he passed away 1999.

[@Eden_Rubin_Music]

It's amazing reharm of this, my favourite recording of this standart, my favourite Jazz Pianist of all times! So none-cliched but in a beautiful way!

[@andreaberetta6918]

Ah Michel...we miss you so much!!!

[@baptisteabarnou9725]

The best « jazz » pianist ! He made me love the jazz and his compositions are so beautiful. Théâtre des Champs Elysées - Night sun in Blois Live at Juan les Pins - Autumn leaves (this song made me start jazz piano) !

[@ceticobr]

Again, another beautifully edited, entertaining video. Than you.

[@themusicprofessor]

That's so kind! Thank you so much for your support.

[@andersonpetilde]

I don't even know how to read those pages, however with your high quality video and guidance I could feel exactly what you wanted us to understand. Amazing video congratulations 👏👏👏

[@themusicprofessor]

Thanks so much!

[@lupash]

These vids are gems. Don't stop!

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you so much for your support. Reading lovely comments like this make it all worth while!

[@jenniferbate9682]

Blimey! That is pure genius! Thank you.

[@honeysoi]

Even when the piano sounds like a frying pan, as it is the case here, Mr Petrucciani can give us a thrill.

[@MusicisPartofMe5]

DO THIS WITH WHOLE SOLOS PLEASE SO SATISFYING

[@ondaride777]

It's all about jazz: harmonizing, re-harmonizing creating creating and even re-creating. Not supposed to be structural, supposed to be free and new with new mind. Those who can improvise on flight like Michele are actually composers rather than musicians. They're simply saying that this way is a lot more beautiful, but this version will come with grain of crazy practice labor. It's a lot to keep in mind reading that sheet!

[@cesimone2009]

Wow! What a find! Thank you Music Professor.

[@TinyMaths]

Yes yes, love Petrucciani. I tried to transcribe two of Petrucciani's tunes from the 'Promenade With Duke' album back in about 2001. I knew then that he was 'crazy' 🤣, but man, mesmerising to listen to. I actually love his solo stuff even more than his in-band playing.

[@themusicprofessor]

His solo stuff is very special.

[@ukestudio3002]

We should all be so crazy..

[@Миланкасметанка-о7ы]

Thanks 🙏. This is so beautiful

[@sagittarius_]

Thanks for this awesome video. He really was one of the greatest.

[@IkanGelamaKuning]

First video I watched about him, was "Take the A train", with Steve Gadd. Long time ago. It was amazing.

[@bigpompano1659]

You should keep doing more videos with the breakdown animations. Really lays out the intricacies involved with improvisation

[@themusicprofessor]

We will do. Many of our other videos involve animated scores, which you may also find interesting. But yes, we will come back to improvisation again.

[@lektor7682]

That's so awesome! Thank you for your brilliant work on KZbin, I'm so glad I have discovered your channel! Regards! ^_^

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you for your awesome comment and support!

[@ermanevcil]

Wow ! I am already subscribed after one video :)

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you so much!

[@goldmund2902]

Michel Petrucciani, Tigran Hamasyan and Hiromi Uehara will always be my 3 favorites. 😊

[@timothyj.bowlby5524]

A fascinating demonstration of the art of variation.

[@harrymattah418]

Petrucciani signature. Sophisticated harmonization, yet still enjoyable for the non-skilled ears, and a developped sense of melody. If you listen to all his albums, you may hear similar harmonizations and similar patterns on several pieces. They are the result of consumed writing skills and long hours of practising, so that he could use them at will.

[@Leofiora]

Eternal Master. Petrucciani.👏👏👏👏👏

[@Med2402]

How i hope to understand those subtils and elbaorate things...i will continue to study harmony, that's my first ever goal.. Petrucciani he's wonderful

[@myplan8166]

Oh, that's cool. I am just so lala with notes and harmonies. This helps a lot for better understanding.

[@themusicprofessor]

So glad it helps!

[@myplan8166]

@@themusicprofessor i wasn't seeking, yet, but are there more vids like that, or is it your (educational) style of vids?

[@themusicprofessor]

@@myplan8166 There are similar channels but I don't think there are any others that do exactly the same as us

[@NovellNUSoulSeries]

He used chord progressions from Thelonius Monks "Round Midnight"

[@vinodsrivatsava]

After burt Bacharach micheal petrucciani is one of my favorite jazz muscians, knows how to play with emotions so well

[@MikaelLewisify]

Remember when jazz was about breaking boundaries? This guy remembers.

[@rigelloar7474]

I heard his trio live 25 years ago, he made incredible musical magic, what a genius!

[@PepperWilliams_songcovers]

I have the full solo and it’s a statement of profound mastery and texture❤

[@stanleyhoh3309]

His rendition of autumn leaves is definitely one of my favorite, alongside bill evan's and ahmad jamal's version!

[@danilopianca1957]

I love so much Petrucciani playing. It was one of the greatest jazz piano,player ever.

[@craighall3820]

Awesome. Wynton Kelly actually played those changes (B-7 E7 Bb-7 Eb7) too.

[@98raja]

Wonderful !

[@alvarocorreagarate5997]

Increíble Michael !!!

[@pilipilipilipilipili]

Biber, Tombeau and this. Ok you got me subscribed!

[@themusicprofessor]

Superb! Now we've got to keep you interested...

[@juans6639]

I saw him on video play Satin Doll...WOW!

[@ezrac704]

Sometimes simple is nice, but wow that's an incredible arrangement.

[@Nicolaspro26]

More Petrucciani please!

[@themusicprofessor]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@goshu7009]

Well, its about time people understand what ,,jazz" music is. Thats exactly the fragmentation and destruction of music. The video just prove my words.

[@goshu7009]

@of-cinema Sure. But that doesnt change the fact that jazz is literaly 50 songs and most of this songs are just classical or folklore peaces with different, fragmanted harmony.

[@masterchain3335]

@@goshu7009 This is one of the dumbest things I've ever read.

[@JeffLebowski-ec9mn]

@@masterchain3335 you're probably dumber

[@kyleethekelt]

Takes theme and variations to a different planet.

[@titolivio6832]

Fantastico!

[@nickfosterxx]

'buried in le Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, beside the tomb of Frédéric Chopin.' Phew, now I feel so ignorant. If I'd known I'd have paid my respects when I was there. Thanks for the introduction... [Edit: and now I see his performance that you linked to has had a million views]

[@benedictjazz]

He was my favourite piano artist. Amazing guy!

[@easypeasyabcsy7883]

Thank you!

[@mackenzie77777]

Fun question for anyone here; how do you rate Michel compared with Tatum, Peterson, Powell, Benny Green or more modern players like Jesus Molina??? Ive got grade 8 piano but i cannot fathom these players out. I can do two different versions of Michels "Looking up" from transcriptions though. I would give anything to learn the jazz language of these guys but i get zero help from people. Ive had great classical piano teachers who just say - oh its above me that kind of playing. Is there any online course from Berkley or similar teaching this stuff? l have tried countless note for note books of solos, but just go round in circles. Its like tongue twisters for your fingers:) Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[@umbracul]

autumn leaves but the seasons keep changing, so it becomes autumn winter spring summer dry rainy leaves.

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you for your poetic response.

[@Cyclically]

💀

[@oloolo140]

He didn't destroy it. He played it as he felt. Quite rythmical and for me much enjoyable that dull original.

[@EvanZamir]

He meant destroy in a good way. Like he killed it man.

[@ChadRosas]

Master!!!🎵🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵

[@Mitsuhirato.]

Michel était un travailleur infatigable qui comme beaucoup est parti trop tôt. Il avait tant à nous donner....

[@goldmund2902]

I've just looked through the comments and am wondering where all those fierce comments come from. I mean, I get it: If you just don't enjoy Petrucciani as much as some others artists, there is no reason to argue. Taste is individual and that's fine. But some comments depict this, as if it is utter musical nonsense without any nice or pleasant qualities to it... I really don't get how somebody could state such a think. I think it would be an objective observation that he did an interesting, energetic and exiting rendition of this song. Obviously one can prefer any version one likes, but I simply don't think, that it would be a adequate move to state there is no beauty in his playing. So where does this come from? I remember, that back in the days I really couldn't stand plenty of music, that I now think of, as my favorites. I'd say that I've probably had no trained ear. As an example: I wouldn't feel the groove when rhythm's got more complex and syncopated. Some music just felt way out of time. I guess I couldn't feel the direction the harmonic tension wanted to release to (I'm struggling to find a good wording, I hope you get what I mean). So, i'll probably sound quite arrogant but: are those people maybe just lacking some musical proficiency? Or might it be something, that I've just learned within the last few years to detach from: Do people just just don't want to enjoy this, because it doesn't fit their identity that they've created for themselves? For a long time I've been a metalhead and definitely an elitist. i wasn't too serious about it, but if some bands name or visual aesthetics wouldn't fit my idea of how some real metal band should present themselves, I'd definitely wouldn't leave a good word about them. Sometimes it even was the other way around: I would like a band, because I'd mainly enjoy their way of presentation. Maybe this could be the reason for those derogatory comments underneath such videos? I'd be interested in the thoughts of you guys. Either of those peoples thoughts, that run this channel, or of anyone elses. I'd definitely be interested into the thoughts of someone who might hate Michels music with a passion.

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you for your comment. Since you asked for thoughts from people who run this channel, I'll try to give a succinct response: I think the answer is actually very complicated: musical taste is enormously diverse, and people tend to like what they know. Really outstanding artists tend to be highly disciplined, brilliant people who have spent years honing and refining their craft, and very often they engage in work which is too complex and sophisticated for audiences to appreciate or enjoy immediately, because it takes time and effort to understand what they are doing. They also tend to be rule-breakers. This means that they inevitably violate accepted codes of taste. These factors explain why, historically, there were such negative contemporary responses to artists from Bach to Stravinsky, from Monet to Charlie Parker, from George Eliot to Yuja Wang. Michel Petrucciani was a fabulously gifted human being whose struggle with severe disability seems to have enabled him to possess a certain artistic fearlessness. In this respect there is a comparison to be drawn with Beethoven. To me, it doesn't really matter that great artists receive negative criticism, because negative criticism tends to be the outward sign that you're actually doing something right!

[@jujoropo]

Do you have transcribed more of this solo? I would love to play it

[@themusicprofessor]

More has been transcribed, but there is still a lot left to do.

[@jujoropo]

@@themusicprofessor could I have a look? I have been in love with this and it would be amazing to play it

[@themusicprofessor]

@@jujoropo This is something we planned on putting up on our Score selling site in the near future. Unfortunately we won't be giving out the transcription for free. Here is a link to the site: bit.ly/3IGdfCZ

[@krnflks]

loooool dude opens with So What. Straight ballr.

[@britoroque]

Marvelous.

[@paulnicolosi4792]

I shared the stage with him once. Amazing…

[@themusicprofessor]

What were you doing?

[@paulnicolosi4792]

@@themusicprofessor It was at an outdoor music festival. I was playing bass for the act following his set…

[@themusicprofessor]

@@paulnicolosi4792 what a privilege!

[@dmsanct]

petrucciani is so good ❤

Bravo!

[@rillloudmother]

I think I see a Petrucciani rabbit hole in front of me...

[@mortalclown3812]

Joe Williams singing this is my favorite.

[@Korozzz]

Today I learned the name Petrucciani

[@rifelaw]

Gods he was brilliant, and a very giving artist.

[@tH4ttUs]

well great

[@LeandroLoan]

I don't understand the end. Where's the full version, please?

[@themusicprofessor]

It's linked in the description

[@LeandroLoan]

@@themusicprofessor Thank you!

[@myFavourite030]

Damn bravo!!!!!

[@aviadleibovich]

I don’t agree to the undermining of standards. They exist and they are standards for a reason. They allow you to “take off” so you can give them their credit, use them to fly away and make them your own. You can be Coltrane for all I know, yet you still do standards no matter what. They’re amazing for what they are.

[@themusicprofessor]

Standards are cool, and Autumn Leaves is beautiful - we do say so in the video (at 0:40)

[@giorgimantskava924]

Can someone tell me where can I get notes of this masterpiece?

[@themusicprofessor]

I am still in the process of transcribing this recording!

[@bencausey]

Loved him with Gadd and Jackson.

[@Kalvin_G]

Do you have the transcription pdf ?

[@themusicprofessor]

We made a partial transcription yes. Not the entire performance though

[@Dededrum2007]

❤❤❤❤

[@Sadowsky46]

Michel was such a genius

[@curlymyhero]

I luv Bee Bop with the syncopated off 1st beat and I'm sure they grabbed that from 1899 ragtime like Scott Joplin & James Scott. But how how the jazz greats like Coltrane & Miles think syncopated jazz would work?? They experimented I'm sure but would they gess that it hit the heights for another 10 yrs?? What's even weirder is no composer of classical music ever used syncopation. The 1st beat always strong.

[@themusicprofessor]

Thank you for the interesting comment. Classical composers do use syncopation, but in a different way. Beethoven's music is very interesting from this point of view. Some 20th century composers like Stravinsky, Bartok, Ligeti, Nancarrow etc. have explored syncopation very extensively in their work. We'll try to do videos about some of this in the future.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

Many used. Principally in the sturm and drang era

[@ALF8892]

OMG I could hear the notes that where circled, I mus be getting better. Who is the real virtuoso here the composer or the guy reading colorful circles?

[@themusicprofessor]

I think it's you

[@fstover5208]

Where was Alkan buried?

[@themusicprofessor]

Montmartre

[@AxistubeToulouse]

Michel !

[@mohammadhamzahidris5319]

where could I get the piano sheet music of Petrucciani Autumn Leaves?

[@themusicprofessor]

We only transcribed this small excerpt. We do however sell other scores and arrangements linked on our community post We will put up the Petrucianni excerpt too if there is interest.

[@mohammadhamzahidris5319]

@@themusicprofessor could you please send me a link?

[@themusicprofessor]

@@mohammadhamzahidris5319 bit.ly/3IGdfCZ

[@Johnkang5714]

Damn bruh i would never think of that line

[@XeLYoutube]

meshuggah and rackmaninov are secretly trying to colab something better, they also asked john cage and liquid tension experiment to join

[@ayumimori1986]

❤❤❤🎉

[@antonio_rioseco]

Master Perucciani!!

[@maluse227]

The fact that the original is still so clear in all the changes is mind-blowing like compositionally, that's insane, and then the playing is absurdly spectacular.

[@stevewilcock4767]

Another pianist who is a genius is Martial Solal. Check him out deconstructing 'Tea for Two.' Mind blowing.

[@themusicprofessor]

Yes, very cool.

[@patrickvalentino600]

Autumn leaves is the Folia d'España of the 20th century

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I never liked jazz until I heard Petrucciani.

[@chuckc7375]

Listen to Keith Jarrett’s version of this tune, you will be just as amazed.

[@themusicprofessor]

Yes, he recorded it several times with his trio. Very fine performances.

[@evertvanderhik5774]

I first thought (by reading the title) that he messed up the song..