To All Broken Hearts… Chopin Ballade No.1

[@heartofthekeys]

Hey everyone… I know this recording is not perfect and there would be many technical and interpretational things I would point out normally. However, when I recorded it this morning, I didn’t care about it at all. I just wanted to play and let my emotions run. I am not good with words and right now I am not having the best time of my life so expressing myself through music seems to be the only way to truly deal with my feelings. I hope all of you are doing well and if you are also going through some hard times now - I feel you and I wish you lots of strength. Broken hearts will be healed by time and music I guess.

[@d_rivadeneyra]

I'm sorry to hear that... I know it must not be easy. Your playing doesn't have to be perfect for us to appreciate it. I hope you get better. Ink and time; nothing is eternal. And as someone with a broken heart, this heals me.

[@mostafaheshamahmed1607]

Hey Annique! I hope you feel better and thanks a ton for your persistance in providing us with these beautful recordings :)

[@tojma07]

To All Broken Hearts... Nocturne op.48 no.1 next ? 🙏

[@melmelsmusicstudio1800]

you are so lovely ! Thank you for sharing you passion with the world! You are my favorite pianist right now, not just because of your technical ability, which as a piano teacher I have learned much good advice from you ! Mostly because you are approachable, have made the piano accessible to all - despite skill level. I have had some many snooty people in my world from playing this instrument and as a music student in college. you are a breath of fresh air!! Your expression in music is exactly as it should be in the moment. Much love Annique!❤🌹🌷🌺💐🌹

[@jesseltan5759]

Take care ya🎵🎹🎶❤️

[@birgirkarl]

My 17yo daughter was stabbed by a stranger in downtown Reykjavik last August. She died from her wounds six days later. Since then I have, for some reason, listened to the G minor ballade nearly every day since her death. It has given me comfort. Strange to find this video now, played by another broken heart ♥️ I wish you the best.

[@starsandnightvision]

Jezus, not even Iceland is safe anymore....So sorry for your loss.

[@birgirkarl]

@@starsandnightvision Thank you. Iceland has really changed in the last few years. There have been 8 murders this year in this land of small population, three of them being children. It's not a happy place anymore. My daughter died a hero, she was saving another teen girl from the attacker when he stabbed her.

[@Julian-fs1uk]

@@birgirkarl i don't know how you'd go through something like that. may spirituality or religion console you in ways that this internet stranger cannot; i will pray for your loss nonetheless. i'm sincerely sorry for you.

[@jim6433]

Wow. I was in downtown Reykjavik just last year, and I can’t imagine a 17 year old girl getting stabbed in such a peaceful city. Much strength to you my friend.

[@eminajovanovic2574]

I cried while Reading your comment, i wish you all the best from my heart ❤ and sorry for your loss😢

[@brucemattson9528]

I am 74 years old and have played for 67 years (although I am not nearly as proficient as you). There have been many times that the keyboard has been the best (if not the only) medicine available. To listen to the honest emotion an artist puts into a performance is so much more satisfying to a listener than technical accuracy or speed of the fingers. Thank you for a brilliant performance.

[@DougMaverickTube]

Someone once told me “The great thing about the piano is that every day you are different, but the piano is the same; and every day the piano is the same, but you are different.”

[@AntonioDoesMetal]

There are those that are listening for pure technical execution, and then there are those who are listening to the music of it. This was lovely

[@YihaoChen-db4yy]

Im listening to technical executive

[@silhouettes887]

@@YihaoChen-db4yyme too lol

[@recuerdos2457]

Ego and art

[@acompyt]

I feel as though sometimes when we make mistakes in playing, it can be our emotions trying to break through this seal of perfection we try to put up. But it’s never perfect, as music is never without emotion.

[@piano_soul]

Isn’t it emotions that really make music perfect? 😊

[@cedmelancon]

In my case they’re just screw ups though. 😂

[@lindasaroucos5718]

Sometimes our emotional vision of a piece goes galloping ahead, before the technique catches up..

[@jota2284]

"missing a note is insignificant, but playing without passion is unexcusable"

[@tabtheysay]

There was a time when everything I played reminded me of her. Today, the memory of her reminds me of why I never stopped playing. Have a sweet recovery, Ann.

[@evriposss]

Honestly one of the best ballade no 1 I’ve heard

[@michellana3606]

I usually don’t write anything here or leave any comments, but this time I felt I had to, so I really hope you read my message… This ballade is so far my favorite Chopin piece since I was a child and I’ve already listened a thousand of different interpretations by many pianists. Although yours may need tecnical adjustments as you said, I experienced some feelings I've never felt before, even when hearing the most famous pianists. There's a sense of heaviness and loneliness I can't explain, everything is so sharp and dry. The breaths between the scales at the end were absolute breathtaking. I really hope things get better in your life, but save this video for an artistic reference, because it really inspired me. Hugs from a brazilian admirer.

[@JOSPH1]

have you listened to Zimmerman

[@michellana3606]

@@JOSPH1 Of course I did

[@mrmaxboypvp5097]

@@michellana3606 which ones ur fav? martha argerichs mines

[@davidbrake609]

This is perfect timing for me, exactly perfect timing. I have been having some of the worst days of my life the past week or so, and the only thing keeping me afloat has been music. I appreciate this and I feel as though God is trying to let me know that I am far from the only one suffering. That “art redeems the soul” as I heard a professor of mine say once. This piece especially breaks me, I see everything I’ve ever loved in it. Thank you.

[@AH-fm2ex]

suffering too. hang in there. god has a plan for all of us sinners. we just need to accept jesus' love.

[@Disconsonance777]

I will pray for you brother. I'm also going through a time where things feel bleak. God bless you.

[@basharanwar6858]

Put it in his hands and live day by day minute by minute, praying for you!

[@RolandHuettmann]

As an amateur player, when I play Ballade 1, especially the beginning, I imagine a deep dark forest and flowers suddenly blossoming, sparkling, shooting colorful rays of light. All is magical, full of life. The mystical story begins.Maybe then, from a distance, you can witness your own emotions going with the music, flowing. Even sadness then is not so overwhealming, but recognized, present, not subued, but accepted, accepted again and again.

[@thegreenpianist7683]

I'm suprised at how much I liked the main theme dry. Would've never imagined it could work this well.

[@dominomi9016]

I truly think that this is the best piece of romantic music ever composed. No other piece can touch me on such a deep and intimate level. It's as if the composer uploded his emotions directly onto the sheet music, and now, 200 years later, we can almost enter his mind for 10-12 minues and feel how it was like. It simply transcends time. The bond between the composer, the performer and the listener is truly something unique - who needs portals to alternate universes, time travel and the ability to talk to ghosts when you have classical music. And the interpretation... Omg. I felt with my entire soul that you understood Chopin perfectly while playing this piece, that you didn't express just his, but also your deep and profound feelings. That you had your own message to tell. Yes, there may have been some very minor imperfections here and there, but that just added to the whole experience. It's like if someone was singing their heart out and their voice cracked slightly from time to time - it only emphasizes the emotion. Anyway, sorry for my slightly rambly comment, but thank you very much for this amazing performance. Cheers from a 16yo fan and music lover! Stay strong!

[@yousifmusician4361]

This video feels like a hug that I've needed for almost a year now. Thank you so much annique.

[@gustavos882]

the quick breath at 6:50 was elite

[@rojinegro777]

The music is our best medicine

[@Chopinmybeloved]

Im so sorry for whatever you are going through, but I truly wish the best for you as you are the pianist who inspired me to get better and practice without getting bored or losing interest. We love you Annique!!

[@Tonyd5996]

The music played does not either have to be, or need be, perfect. What it needs is for the performer to convey feelings and emotions through their rendition. You certainly have done that with this piece. I found it very moving and enjoyable.

[@roronuajikan3928]

This piece is 188 years old and damn, sounds so modern, so emotional, Chopin always will be on of the best keyboard player of all time. 🎹❤

[@klippklapp3004]

Your playing is so damn emotionally loaded especially from 06:56 on. I get shivers

[@piokul]

I agree. Especially her interpretation of those extatic, happy parts is to me the best I've ever heard.

[@franzliszt8090]

Such a gorgeous interpretation and you’ve brought out colors and textures that I have not heard before. also you’ve got such an elegant rubato it made we well up. I sincerely wish you peace and healing at this time

[@AllisonOverton-k6r]

When words fail, music speaks. Raw, emotional and beautiful......thank you.

[@Bobcloclimar]

Je suis vraiment touché par ton interprétation de cette musique et toute l'émotion que tu as pu transmettre dans ce moment difficile pour toi. Je suis de tout cœur avec toi, continue à rayonner chère Annique

[@cr3sB3n]

Thank you for this touching interpretation! This is my favorite song for life and you played exactly with the feeling that this song needs imo

[@StanleyDevastating]

Wow, first time I've ever really loved a Chopin piece. Don't know what you did differently here but i really felt something.

[@nickk8416]

This Ballade along with the F minor and A Flat are pieces I couldn't live without. I used to play the G minor and I've heard countless artists play it. You played this piece like it was the love of your life! Bravo. It was very beautifully played. I love hearing it played as you did. Best wishes! The sun will shine brightest for you very soon. :)

[@Hyde2997]

interresting how much time you took for the end end =) I can imagine Chopin doing that too thx for sharing, very well play, she is always good to ear

[@darkblu09]

Hugs to you, Annique. I’m going through a tough time too. The other day I was looking for pieces to learn that would help me express some of my emotions. Thank you for sharing yours. ❤

[@cooper2871]

Oh! So many people go through a tough emotional time. I also found a piece of music (by Handel )to play which is healing my pain . Music is a great medicine!

I just love the fast parts are played with so much clarity, and intensity... usually recordings show a more chaotic mood but loosing clarity... I really love your version... I just started learning this ballade yesterday

[@gorgeousjoanna]

Hugs Annique. That soothed my soul, thank you, and I hope yours feels better soon too.

[@matthewwhelan6644]

This piece has been my favourite for years and even now it hits just as hard. Thank you

[@gregorsamsa4580]

Stunning. Art is supposed to speak aloud what the rest of us can only think and feel. Here, you are creating true art. Freedom of expression using music as an almost transparent medium, to go from your deepest insides directly into the audience’s. Distinct phrasing, seemingly unhurried, speaking whole ideas through dynamics, slight and purposeful rubato, spare use of the pedal so that nothing is blurred - as painful as it may be, I urge you to start playing everything in your repertoire with this much depth and freedom. This performance stands out as unique where other interpretations tend to be indistinguishable. Yesterday you were a very fine pianist; today you are a genius.

[@victoramezcua4713]

Your heartfelt sharing of your experiences and emotions during difficult times, along with your soulful playing, deeply touched me. I found myself overwhelmed with empathy, tears rolling down my cheeks. Thank you for sharing your passion and artistry through your music. May it bring healing to us all.

[@Dylanthestudent]

This filled my broken heart with warmth and catharsis. What a beautiful performance, I aspire to this level of expression as an artist. Music heals!!!!

[@maxencepetit3665]

I really feel your pain in your interpretation, this is gorgeous. Thank you for ignoring the little missed notes and let us enter in your emotions. Bon courage Annique

[@anotherhackneyedusername]

This was gorgeous, Annique. Expressive, heartfelt, and really moving as a result. Thank you

[@CathyFeemster]

Well done! Perfection is in the ear of the listener.

[@nikolalaric2433]

A lovely controlled piece. Chopin should be played with beautiful expression. You did it. Well done. Will be nice to hear you play again.

[@ianbokyo]

Wow! What a very expressive rendition of this piece- Chopin would be very glad of this interpretation!! Bravo!!

[@HubertRieger]

Don‘t worry be happy. Es gibt nicht viele Menschen auf der Erde, die dieses einzigartige Werk so wiedergeben können. Als ich es mit 15 Jahren zufällig im Radio hörte, war ich geschockt fürs Leben. Nelson Freire, bin mir aber nicht sicher. Bin mir auch nicht sicher, ob ich es ein zweites Mal angehen möchte. Alles Gute ❤️.Eins ist sicher: Sie haben dieses Werk verstanden.

[@orenji_nini9482]

I was struggling with my emotions these days and then you suddenly drop this video 😭😭😭😭😭 I love you for doing this ❤

[@michaelacord228]

I thought it was an excellent, emotional performance. It's one of my favorite Chopin works. Sorry to hear that you're going through something tough. I hope you feel better very soon. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us!

[@tomarmstrong1281]

All 'good music', however you define it, has powerful emotional content, which is not a zero-sum component. Many thanks to this young woman for her sensitive and skilful rendition of one of Chopin's much-loved pieces.

[@shuang9218]

I have been through some tough time. And playing Chopin is my way of going through them, though i don’t think I will ever touch this piece, which is the true love of my heart. Thanks for making my life more colorful. You are delighting the life of others. Hope you cheer up soon and everything is going well soon!

[@kevinm6790]

Beautiful interpretation. Hugs to you, Annique. ❤

[@KanekiKen-zb3ir]

Even if you say this performance is not perfect I still find it amazing to see a raw run, to say. Thank you for all those beautiful memories, watching and listening to your music, you gave me ❤ J'espère, du fond de mon coeur, que tu iras mieux très vite 😊

[@sbstorage95]

This is amazing! Thank you for the inspiration

[@oam-soundengineering6772]

Absolutely moving, heart warming!

[@alfredrundqvist7949]

No words, just wow.

[@brucecrane9605]

Very lovely performance.

[@DiazSasha]

I listen to the piano on KZbin while working and have heard countless renditions of this piece. Halfway through this video I had to stop what I was doing because this performance felt different. Beautiful work.

[@Tobbeh99]

Tough to hear. I myself have been having a quite a hard time lately too. I think I've been pushing myself too much. Don't know about you, but take care of yourself, I wish you the best. Really enjoyed watching some of your videos, quite entertaining ^^ :).

[@DavidRoodman]

Such beauty and sensitivity. Through the music, I feel for you.

[@renaudnormand3246]

Beautiful, I hope the healing will go through your body, heart and spirit.

[@ngocminhnguyen449]

the pianist and the piano really merge into one, so beautiful

[@NegarHossieni]

So beautiful!! 😍😍😍

[@Farahvideo-so9sx]

Good luck for you, and thank since all these years for making such good quality content for free, and wish you the best and a lot of strength 😢😊❤

[@manuellloreda07]

You played it perfectly, you can clearly see the work you have put in. I really think you should upload it to spotify.

[@LD9_YT]

Amazing, Thank You!!❤❤

[@andreemery4964]

Thank you for being able to share your music with us.

[@tarttian3079]

AMAZING STUNNING 10/10!!!

[@blackandwhitef]

So beautifully played. Not having a good day and your playing nearly drive me to tears. Thank you for sharing. You are right, music heals.

[@williamkramer105]

Annique, I have listened to you on and off for the past few years, and have enjoyed your channel. But this was the first time I listened - really listened - to you play. I too am "not having the best time of my life" - but your interpretation of this piece, which has been played to death by everyone, struck home in my heart in an unexpected way with power and grace. Bless you. Keep to your path, Annique, though it be hard.

[@Panzerfaust_XLII]

The best piece with the best pianist

[@bryangesinger8898]

Thank you, dear Annique. Brava! ❤

[@jacobhebbel6448]

piano is my therapy. I learn pieces not to perform, but to feel. I feel the moment is too fast to properly taste the emotions associated with it, but conjuring the memory in the rapid frenzy of performance brings tidal waves of feeling that cover my skin in goosebumps. In short, I nearly feel human in these moments. The ballade was supposed to be the jewel of my application for music schools, but I burned out shortly before auditions, and ended up at a polytech school where I study cs. I still love my world and life, however I fear I have had my first " what if " in life that won't resolve itself. I must make my own peace, which I find conformist and deceitful. It's ironic actually as I play this piece more and more the emotions surrounding the whole affair imbue themselves into the noteheads. The cycle of anger, beauty, crash and burn, is tragic. And like always, there's a girl involved. Someone I finally stopped thinking about recently, the type of someone who's beauty alone merits them the world, and their kind soul the sky above. We don't share a future together, but the memories she gave will never leave. Those memories were so full that the sadness of their absence obscures their own beauty. I hope someday to be mature enough to see that beauty again.

[@s-koala4510]

This is the interpretation I was looking for. True emotions portayed in a such pure playing. The technique may not be perfect but your playing is screaming so loud what you are feeling right now that it makes it perfect its own way. I hope your soul will heal soon and wish you the best Annique

[@davidesguevillas]

Hallo Annique, ich bin schon lange (c.a 2020) ein Zuschauer von dir. Es tut mir sehr Leid, dass du gerade harte Zeiten erleben muss. Ich wollte dir sagen, dass ich dich sehr toll finde, auch beim Klavierspielen und in dem was du auf KZbin machst, und dass diese Phase die du gerade durchgehst wie du schon sagtest vorübergehen wird. Mir ging es vor einem Jahr genauso und ich wusste nicht, ob oder wie es aufhören sollte, doch mir der Zeit wird es schon. Das Klavier ist auch ein sehr guter Freund in solchen Momenten 🙂. Ich wünsche dir noch alles Gute und freue mich auf weitere Klaviervideos von dir!

[@luciapanarello8316]

Oh mio Dio ..nella mia vita di pianista l'ho sentita suonare centinaia di volte, ma come l'hai suonato tu mi ha davvero emozionato

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

Thumbs up for BOSTON pianos!! I own a Boston grand, and it's the best piano I've owned for 40 years! Good GRACIOUS!! You make this one sing like it's alive!! Marvelous playing!

[@jerryshi8394]

I’m sorry you’re going through a tough time, and thank you for sharing such a heart-felt performance! Chopin’s music brings out such rich dynamics of emotions, but what I like even more is even in the darkest of the melodies, he resolves them with a happy chord or phrase, which always gives me hope. For instance, this is what I feel listening to the section starting from 2:27. It starts out with uncertainty and wariness, which builds into an undeniable tension, leading to the heat of the moment where tempers flare and glass shatters, sinking into circles of repeated arguments, but eventually and gradually resolving the tension with an F major arpeggio. It’s that final resolution that gives meaning to all those struggles

[@surfulez1983]

This was incredible! I got goosebumps throughout. Beautifully played!! I just started learning this one. It was always my dream to. Thank you for the video and inspiration!!

[@OperaKing]

Annique, I have quietly followed and watched your channel for sometime now and regard you as one of my favorite pianists to watch. I don't engage with people on the internet other than a like or follow here and there. But today I felt compelled to share my heart with you as you did with us. These quiet and vulnerable moments in our practice rooms (at least for me) bring respite from the heartaches that induce them and my hope is that it did just that for you today. Deep down I always wished or imagined someone was standing outside of the practice room listening so that they too could surrender some burden unto the music. You have provided us with that here and I am eternally grateful for you and your bravery.

[@christa_khoury]

FINALLYYY THE VIDEO I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR IT TO BE POSTED FOR THE LONGEST TIMEE

[@lovecats_3346]

the goosebumps lasted for the whole piece, thank you so much for this video

[@johnmcconnell6294]

Very beautiful, thank you for this! Music moves the Soul!

[@alex-plays8407]

@heartofthekeys, "La ballade" is one of the most moving pieces ever penned, and for me at least, it's a real tear jerker. Wishing you well.

[@em8476]

This was inspiring ❤️ I'm classically trained but I've had a feeling of disconnect from classical music in the past few years. Your music spoke to me tonight, so thank you for sharing. I hope your heart heals well 🥹

[@kidlatazul]

This is a lovely performance. From the heart.

[@Andrew-uy9ms]

Really loved the tempo and the interpretation. What a beautiful way to perform such iconic and legendary work. Really proud of you 🤍🤍🤍

[@MrFabienLloyd]

after the scores of versions i have watched on youtube i am so glad i watched this one. it is the first time i ever heard it played as a tone poem and given the historical period, it seems perfect. bravo!

[@vitale6633]

Wishing You Well - and - Thank You for such a touching Expression of Ballade No. 1.

[@br.christophermcbrideo.s.b7246]

That's why it's practice. Love hearing you play!

[@MrPaulopiano]

This is an amazing job studing this piec🎉 Congrats for your great interpretation and well put together technique

[@bzkjim]

Amazing performance!!! One of the best i have ever heard..if not the best!!! 👌Thank you so much!!💖!💖💖👏👏👏

[@RDL-fl3zg]

So beautiful and heartwarming . Merci de tout cœur. All the best!

[@shadxw6281]

This is actually one of my favorite interpretations I have ever heard. The middle section articulation is really unique and I love it! My heart goes out you

[@felynia]

Amazing interpretation! I love the individuality of this recording.

[@salpicar9506]

As always such a beautiful rendition annique, and so restrained too

[@Piasznist]

I used to play this every day in the memory of someone I really liked. She turned out to be the most backstabbing person I could imagine. Lied through her teeth about everything we had. Yet, this piece wasn’t corrupted by this, it’s loving memory prevailed. Now I play it in hope of finding someone better.

[@notcoolcookies]

We all wish you well! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@georgehaydenmusic]

The tension you build in this piece is gorgeous. Beautiful interpretation.

[@leilayh]

Music in its best form: emotional expressions.

[@djautotur4875]

i'm also dealing with heartbreak at the moment thanks for sharing

[@Momo-ib2hm]

Hey Annique, you really touched me with your rendition. Not only is this one of my favorite pieces ever, but also I'm having it rough right now as well. And this piece never fails to give me some peace. I tried matching my breathing to your performance, and though I don't know whats going on in your life, I believe that I could feel a lot of your emotions through this recording. It's not only this piece, but your videos in general fill me with a lot of joy, and I believe that you should know that. I hope that we will continue to see you grow on your piano journey. And I think that I can speak for a big chunk of the community, when I say that you have all of my support and admirarion. You always amaze me, truely. Hut ab!

[@pierrebitant]

Well I'd say you put all your soul into it and played the way you felt. That was beautiful and I hope you are feeling better :)

[@Jcorban08]

So sorry… may your beautiful music continue to cradle your spirit, serve as an emotional balm, and gently guide you through to better days.

[@osxar7188]

my favourite piece, nice treat from you :)

[@lh2227]

I was feeling very sad these days too... Thank you for this video, Annique. ❤I wish you sweet recovery...

[@piokul]

Thank you for sharing this Annique. Wish you all the comfort you may need.

[@pensierounico7]

I think this is the best chopin I heard from you