Chopin Ballade No.4 Valentina Lisitsa Шопен Баллада Оp.52

Instead of writing a long description, I would rather share with you a little poem, written in 1848 by Jacob Polonsky ( in English translation, the original below- in Russian)
The poem that inspired Rachmaninoff later on to use the lyrics for one of his most enigmatic songs.
The poem that in a few words captures both the spirit of the times and somber, brooding mood of Chopin late period works, like this Ballade....
"When Yesterday We Met."
Jacob Polonsky
When yesterday we met, her words and glances falter'd;
In silence I, too, stood before her, speech evading
O, heavens! How the passing years her looks had alter'd!
Her eyes had lost their fire; her beauty fast was fading . . .
A long while thus I stood, and watch'd her, dumbly, coldly . . .
She offer'd me her hand; her smile was sad and yearning.
I longed to break the spell of silence, speaking boldly.
'Twas heaven check'd my words!
Then, quickly from me turning,
She drew her hand away and made her last endeavour:
"Good-bye, good-bye," she whisper'd,
"till our next meeting!"
Ah! how I long'd to say:
"This is our one, last greeting;
Farewell, poor erring soul
Tho' dear to me as ever."
Вместо длинных предисловий, стихи Якова Петровича Полонского, написанные в ту же эпоху, что и эта баллада, послужат лучшим путеводителем в мир "позднего" Шопена, мир надвигающегося мрака, щемящего предчувствия смерти и разлуки со всем дорогим сердцу поэта, мир уже не пышных роз и наивных и очаровательных полевых цветов - а бледных, одурманивающе душистых белых лилий и осенних хризантем....
"Вчера мы встретились."
Я. П. Полонский
"Вчера мы встретились: -- она остановилась --
Я также -- мы в глаза друг другу посмотрели...
О Боже! Kак она с тех пор переменилась,
В глазах потух огонь, и щёки побледнели...
И долго на неё глядел я молча строго -- Мне руку протянув, бедняжка улыбнулась;
Я говорить хотел -- она же ради Бога Велела мне молчать, и тут же отвернулась,
И брови сдвинула, и выдернула руку, И молвила: «Прощайте, до свиданья.» А я хотел сказать: «На вечную разлуку Прощай, погибшее, но милое созданье.»

[@clyneheretic]

Valentina's fingering technique is incredible. Most good pianists can produce the music but look like they're operating machinery - Valentina's style is more like watching a great artist paint a picture. Just watching her hands is mesmerising - add the sound and it's simply sublime.

[@JoeLinux2000]

She certainly has very graceful hands. Her mother wanted her to be a ballet dancer. Now her hands perform the most intricate dances on the keyboard with grace, beauty, and with the most delicate precision.

[@vladpolushkin3610]

I think Chopin would have loved this interpretation. One of the most emotionally challenging pieces. Today I also listened to it performed by Harasiewicz and Oborin. Your rendition definitely stands for itself. Bravo!

[@carloseduardobarrosrodrigu6318]

Valentina is, now, the best woman pianist in the world...

[@the_great_phoenix231]

@@carloseduardobarrosrodrigu6318 she is the Queen of Rachminov rn

[@adalina3166]

@@carloseduardobarrosrodrigu6318 gr

[@lmgaulin]

Your interpretation of this Ballade by Chopin is truly splendid and seizing, Mrs. Lisitsa! The poem is very beautiful, too.

[@cosmichorror8550]

she makes it look so elegant and effortless

[@anonimous2451]

That SHE is a HE, just in case you missed it.

[@Seleuce]

@@anonimous2451 ?

[@dwacheopus]

​@@anonimous2451what?

[@anonimous2451]

@@dwacheopus Tranny, or maybe you do not know what that is? Listen to it speak. The resonance is clearly a man.

[@MrArturoPM]

@@anonimous2451 ???

[@ВадимПетров-т5й]

Не верится, что у такого произведения, в таком исполнении, так мало просмотров, но будем это исправлять :)

[@smakovsky]

Stunning performance. You have an amazing skills of finding hidden moves of the melody in every single piece you play. Bravo!

[@v-vendetta8154]

Pure genius striking every note with perfection. Thank you so much for this rendition of the 4th Ballade Madam Lisitsa.

[@jesschrystal2400]

Absolutly Right ! Valentina is awesome❤️

[@jesschrystal2400]

I know many and many and thousand Pianists in the World and in the Time and many are very Good Pianists ! BUT I know only Three Perfections ! Ludwig Van Beethoven, Franz Liszt and >>> 💕Valentina Lisitsa💕 !!!! with Love ! JC

[@hannastaszak1684]

Chopin to najpiękniejsza spuścizna dla ludzkości ❤️

[@achaley4186]

I love you Valentina. I love you so much! I have a picture of you on my piano and every day you are smiling at me while I play. May God continue to bless you in every area of your life. 🙂🙏🏼⭐❤

[@trancosomarcus]

How can anyone conceive a music like that? The biggest composer ever.

[@pianogus]

Magisterial, sublime and exquisitely powerful, Valentina. Such lyrical depth and freedom in your rendition of one of Chopin's most inspired and difficult works. The Ballade No. 4, composed at the pinnacle of his career, in a way depicts the pathos of his declining health and is premonitory of his impending, untimely death. Your interpretation does justice to it all. Bravissimo!!! And thank you! Gus Zdanovich

[@Hailstormand]

Of all the composers for the piano, Chopin alone - for me - brought the human loneliness, its inherent sadness and longing into his pieces. Schubert does it to me sometimes, Beethoven is an angry soul at the keyboard, but only Chopin manages to wrap all these emotions inside a very small bundle, that when unwrapped, do not lash out at you, but lingers and comforts you. Tells you that you are human for feeling these oftentimes dark emotions, but they too shall pass.

[@BulentBasaran]

Hailstormand Try the slow (3rd) movement of the Hammerklavier and you'll hear a lot more than just anger in Beethoven. And, of course there are many other rich emotions in other compositions of the master.. (Chopin is indeed another master with richer harmonics that built on what the classical masters started...)

[@Hailstormand]

Don't get started on Hammerklavier. Or Appasionata. Or heck, his Ghost trio. Sonata No.31 though, now that's my real discovery. Optimistic, bright and blue skies all around. Thank you for bringing my attention to his gentler side 😁

[@rooron3152]

I was thinking just the same! Chopin was an outstanding musician. The best, in my opinion. I've heard that if you don't play Chopin you can't call yourself a pianist.

[@waifuw3566]

@@rooron3152 thats a lie!

[@rooron3152]

MOBILE GAMING some people say that but of course it's not true

[@cristinabarbieri4627]

suona come se cantasse ogni nota,grande espressività.Adoro tutto del suo Chopin! Per me la migliore interprete del mondo!

[@ГалинаГалкина-ц3щ]

Господи, благослови эту женщину! Какое счастье, слушать её МУЗЫКУ! Невероятная ❤❤❤

[@jesschrystal2400]

God created Valentina for that millions of souls can access the Pure Beauty! Valentina Thanks to Exist ! Love JC

[@JoeLinux2000]

The 4th Ballade is my favorite of the four. This is a superb performance, particularly the final section which is played at breakneck speed. The entire performance is very musical and extremely well done. As I've found more and more of your videos on KZbin, I have gained the greatest respect for your playing.

[@ВикторияКривчикова-я9ж]

Замечательное исполнение!! В Вашей игре сочетаются и идеальная техника и удивительное, очень чуткое понимание музыки!! Спасибо, что выставляете столько записей и даёте людям возможность окунуться в волшебный мир классической музыки!

[@janpanufnik2477]

Thank You, Valentina... Listening to this was worth living for. I could not be more grateful. Thank You from Poland...

[@luizdigaetano]

GOD BLESS Chérie.

[@jeremywu1238]

On my darkest and most difficult days, I always find myself coming back to Valentina's rendition of this otherworldly piano composition. The beautiful melodies and rich harmonies feel like a warm embrace by an old friend and make breathing a little less challenging. I couldn't ask for a more delightful listening experience.

[@Reinaldo146]

No matter how good, how great an interpretation is (and this one is superb), I never forget to include my appreciation of the one who made it possible, the main contributor, the one who created the great music in the first place. Here is Chopin, but in a few days it'll be Beethoven, then in a week or two it may be Puccini, or Rachmaninoff, or Bellini, etc. When I'm applauding, I always think of the person who created and placed the music in our world. Music touches me deep and I must always give and repeat my thanks to whom brought it to us.

[@vadimvolkov7160]

Валя, убедили даже такого старого капризника, как Ваш покорный слуга. Но думаю, это не столько, может быть, на тему Полонского, сколько о Польше. Шопен показал всему миру, что такое Польша, а Вы в числе тех, кто так прекрасно ему помогает. Ах, художник сам не осознаёт, ЧТО он говорит - и музыкант тоже. Слушатель тем более. Стараюсь слушать эту запись если не каждый день, то хоть почаще. Это примиряет с жизнью.

[@Memale2009]

Que c'est beau, chère Madame! Vous savez interpréter Chopin d'une manière sensible et émouvante. Merci!

[@charliesommers494]

This beautiful interpretation speaks directly to my soul, thank you.

[@Cold12345]

Amazing. Valentina is epic when it comes to Chopin Ballades.

[@pianogus]

Well, I think it's fair to say Valentina is epic in everything she's recorded thus far.

[@solangesaconato6782]

Bravo!!!!! 👏👏👏👏🎵🎶🎹🎼💖💝💕💞👏👏👏👏🎵🎶🎹🎼

[@BundlesOfFivers]

Incredible. She strikes a wonderful balance between maintaining forward motion and letting individual phrases speak. Inner voices well articulated and balanced. And of course, her coda is crazy good. This is music. Bravo!

[@Rachman01]

Mesmerizing performance.. If this is not inspiring to other pianists, I don't know what is!

[@dwacheopus]

Played with tender and love!

[@tubbie0075]

Master of voicing and cantabile! Why you keep doing this to me? Every time after I watch your video it makes me go to my piano immediately.

[@liebesleid]

tubbie0075 true,this video made me go to my piano, its 3:37 am right now xD. sorry for my english

[@jesschrystal2400]

I never love Chopin BUT I like Chopin only since I watched and listen YOU playing Chopin with a real Perfection ! JC

[@jesschrystal2400]

God LOVE YOU for your BIG WORKS and your Heart Intelligence ! Your Fan number ONE in France ! JC

[@jesschrystal2400]

I Listening 230% of your Masterpiece and I continue ! God Bless You Dear Valentina ! JC

[@heyjianjing]

My favorite Chopin piece! Thank you Valentina!

[@eddie1344]

Thank you so much Valentina! What a wonderful way to start my day. Exquisite!

[@Jockeymahorn]

It is fantastic how relaxed your hands and arms are when you play such high virtuosic pieces 😎

[@jellospeed]

A very individual interpretation that stands out from the so many robotic performances available. So refreshing, of an old chestnut.

[@b.kwanmin3367]

Your music enriches the moment in this short passage of autumn. Thank you Valentina Lisitsa.

[@shaythiele1320]

I’m just left in awe and wonder of how these composers came up with such stunning music

[@GeoffDay-t4g]

i agree, I see it as the most complex mathematics arranged in such beauty.

[@andrewkrueger7811]

Absolutely perfect.... I discovered you playing Hungarian rhapsody 2 and simply could not get enough since

[@willemeret2398]

Andrew Krueger saaammmeee!! Soooo good

[@jimmyfeatherstone8223]

I absolutely adore how you accent the Chopin's counterpoint in your interpretation. Well done! A pleasure to listen to

[@WilliamWorld]

Chopin and Lisitsa are the perfect couple ever.

[@lp1927]

Ferencz Liszt I believe...

[@2011persol]

THE SAME THING CAN BE SAID ABOUT V.L AND RACHMANINOFF

[@Reinaldo146]

@@2011persol I absolutely agree

[@Reinaldo146]

Sorry, my comment was directed at per solbakken

[@Reinaldo146]

I think exactly the same

[@andrewey764]

This is a suberb performance of this wonderful song. I was very moved by the fine touch and melodies that come from the soul. Congratulations on this amazing work Valentina!

[@ulisesuribe7396]

Congratulations for another flawless execution of a Beautiful piece as this one. I've never really commented any of your videos but now that I'm doing this, I'd like for you to know you are one of my examples to follow and inspiration to become a great pianist As You Are. let me tell you that you are in fact my favorite piano player I've ever seen. You're a real inspiration for me since more than 3 years ago that I started playing piano. You and of course my girlfriend are the greatest inspiration for me for reaching better skills on the piano music. I would like to thank you a lot and tell to you please keep this way and I hope one day I will become as great as you are. Greetings from Mexico

[@randyvaliente6457]

am so happy ive always wanted to see her play ballade no4 my childhood is finally compleate and am also proud to say what a great performeance she gave

[@omarino99]

I absolutely love the way you play it. Thank you.

[@sheana2005]

Her hand movements are so graceful.

[@Ellie931]

I have to study this for music and I'm so happy I get to listen to such a beautiful interpretation!! you're such an inspiration to me and your musicality and talent are phenomenal, thank you so much.

[@rakeshkrishna1795]

Oh my god Ive never heard Chopin like this. You have simply renovated the piece by yourself with amazing touches... I never knew you had this ballade... Thank you so much you made my day

[@osamaal-mahdy7442]

an interpretation that capture the soul, and a beautiful poem. Thanks Valentina

[@sol3682]

Cute is waking up in the morning and listen to tjeif songs. Valentine thank you send good vibes to you from Argentina.

[@hasumedic]

Amazing interpretation. Amongst the best I ever heard.

[@AnotherediS]

Yet another heart-wrenchingly stellar performance

[@jim9756]

It seems like an entire lifetime is represented by this Ballade. I always felt this for Chopin's Fantaisie Polonaise - Sonatas too. Splendid.

[@thomasc6229]

Stunning and beautiful and enchanting.

[@sohamsatapathy4151]

Valentina, this Ballade, when played by you, describes the depths of my soul like no other ! You are sublime, Maestra ! May God bless you ! Thanks to you, I'm now seriously learning classical music ! I've composed a Ballade myself, in D minor, as well as two other pieces. I'm Soham from India, remember ? I commented on your Totentanz performance as well in the April of last year, the one with over a million views now. Take care !

[@jasone.819]

Valentina once again...perfection. I was waiting for you to post this particular ballade and it was worth the wait!!!

[@Diario.do.pianista]

incredible interpretation lisitsa, I loved it! this Chopin is very amazing and delightful

[@pacobrezel]

Always a pleasure when you play such kind of pieces!

[@Anigmus_]

You’re voicing is insane! I can only dream of having that level of control over my fingers

[@pessim1st681]

This is one of, it not Chopin most difficult piece (in my opinion). The fact Valentina combines such virtuosity and emotion is incredible

[@fabscud]

Great performance! Valentina's touch 4:18 - 4:22... It surprised me. Dear, let me listen Op.62 No.2 from your heart and hands!

[@chadhaines7784]

This is one of the finer pianos that you’ve played on for this channel, or to me at least. Sounds very good on a variety of composers! Great interpretation of this ballade too!! And as always, many thanks 😊!

[@IsaacWatson]

This is wonderful! I'm playing this for my 3 month old daughter right now... :D

[@10mimu]

What a lucky child :D

[@cuball2484]

Hope the coda doesn't wake her

[@БогданБогдан-ш8е]

Как всегда прослушал и получил массу удовольствия. Вы как всегда прекрасны!!! Я учусь у Вас. Спасибо Вам) Удачи!

[@papillonmonica]

Excellent rendition of the pieces! Love this interpretation.

[@rafjeevarafjeeva5952]

This interpretation is, by far, my favourite of this beautiful piece

[@carolineandtigger]

Bravo! This is very nice. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed it very much.

[@andreablade]

thank you so much for sharing!! thank you Val!! ...and congratulations!!

[@lucyyoung77777]

MISS. YOU ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL. LADY.

[@rywilk]

One of my favourite pieces, thanks for sharing it with us! 😊

[@dianaliberty3099]

I've go to leave my comment. Can you say perfect! This performance was mesmerizingly moving, deep, heavenly. I am simply amazed, at Chopin, and at Valentina Lisitsa. Her playing style allowed me to listen intently, to hear the poetry, like a magnet.

[@abrahammulder]

I admire your pianomusic, you are one of the best!!

[@SertavisSaviPianist]

It is as if I have buried myself in a shallow grave, just so that I could no longer hear the music in me that used to be, but his tune makes it through all that I have used to bury myself. Oh dear, what has happened to my soul. The music that you play Val, it makes me feel what I had to sacrifice. Thank you.

[@ВадимПетров-т5й]

Вчера был на вашем концерте, вы бесподобно-прелестно сыграли, надеюсь попасть в августе на вашего Шопена, не могу дождаться 4 баллады

[@philippeperin7186]

probablement une des plus belles pieces de Chopin, Chopin a réinventé le piano, l'instrument en quelque sorte, l’écriture aussi, Difficile pour un simple Interprète de le suivre sur cette voie, Mm Lisitsa est probablement une des premières pionnières en la matière, bravo, j'admire votre travail mais surtout inspiration ...

[@Joinscome]

Magnifique. Quelle belle interprétation !

[@nelsondopacolameira3575]

Boa música. Interpretação esplendida. Como sempre, Valentina, obrigado!

[@tommarvoloriddle2965]

Beautiful as always, Miss Lisitsa. Truly wonderful P.S. Just convinced my mom to buy me your Rach 3 on Amazon😁

[@tommarvoloriddle2965]

+ValentinaLisitsa It is us who should be thanking you for your wonderful work, Miss Lisitsa

[@knallfroosch]

I will definitely buy the Rach concertos cd too when i have some spare money. Oh Dark Lord, why are you calling yourself by your filthy muggle father´s name?

[@tommarvoloriddle2965]

+knallfroosch Because Lord Voldemort is yet to strike, I must continue using the name until I assemble an army. All wizards and muggles are then doomed. But artists like Miss Lisitsa shall be spared😁😁😁

[@bdmediaagency4478]

Miss Valentina, why don't you play prelude in e minor by Chopin?? it is really short and quite emotional, it would certainly be amazing if you play it! do it plssss 🙏🙏🙏

[@markrymanowski719]

It's Mrs.

[@luispena15]

I love it! Thanks Valentina!

[@Desireyso58]

Y ahora LA PERFECCIÓN!!! Bella y Talentosa Valentina! (La Divina Valentina)

[@exitoentudia398]

Señora Valentina gracias

[@pininopinin]

Valentina,your interpretations are celestial, and you're more than an angel!!! Sorry if I take too much confidence, but you inspire pure sentiment.

[@buildasnowman4601]

Amazing, simply amazing! Every note is taken as important. Best performance I've heard of this piece.

[@adrianamitre1335]

Genius, beautiful Valentina. Thank you.

[@elianalongosongwriter6962]

This gives me chills. So wonderful!

[@Musicloveena]

One of my favorite piano videos 🎹🎵🌺

[@alanaflorio9599]

Beautiful! Magnificent!

[@whh_t]

It continues to blow my mind how so much emotion can be expressed through the keys...Bravo!

[@AlejandroKet]

Please never stop playing.

[@cloridratodenafazolina5128]

Perfect! Congrulations Valentina Lisitsa!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@rickwilmot9127]

Beautiful music, beautiful poem. With love....

[@10mimu]

Wow! The section just before the coda, the second theme reprisal, was sooo beautiful and unique.

[@rooron3152]

The best interpretation of this beautiful ballade

[@tangdexian3323]

you just made the world a better place, thank you.

[@borgesliu4543]

Never imagine you could play this great work naturally! Love this!

[@ccccoooooollll]

Bravo. I cant wait for the other ballades. =)

[@vs483]

ValentinaLisitsa can't wait for op 38. Seems to be the most difficult in terms of interpretation. It's just harder than the rest to make musical, at least it seems that way to me (an amateur pianist).

[@ExRFRServer]

ICANT WAIT FOR THE REST BALLADES TOO,

[@null8295]

Brava*

[@h.k.1671]

Beautiful! I;m waiting for Ballade A flat!

[@SebastianJMMader]

Hi Ms Lisitsa, I really liked your interpretation! While listening to your interpretation I checked how many times i listened to Chopin's Ballade No.4 on Google music and was quite suprised that it was more than 30 times. I was really used to this interpretation (which was from another artist) and this made it possible for me to hear your personal nuances from the beginning. I was stunned by your interpration although it was on your Steinway and not on your Bösendorfer ;). I love it. It's now my favorite one! Thanks for sharing it!

[@michaelmusic6296]

Beautiful!