Van Cliburn - Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, B-flat minor

[@stephenmccartney8089]

I was flying to Manila Philippines (June 1973) but stopped in Honolulu. I saw him behind me on the escalator so I introduced myself. We ended up talking for the whole time after I told him I was a fan. My big wave rider cousin arrives to say hello and Van could not have been nicer. We all talked and laughed about everything but his career, he was fascinated with giant wave surfing and my medical school career. He went to play in Manila a short while later. As we departed and saw him getting in his limousine he got out again, came up to the window and said how nice it was to talk, etc. I told my cousin who he was as we drove off..and he was surprised..he said "Gee Steve ..I just thought he was some dude you went to school with.."!! A true story for the ages. God Bless you Van..you brought peace to the world.

[@cynthiagonzalez658]

Amazing experience!!

[@englishwithteachermark4307]

How interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@Highinsight7]

GREAT story! I LOVE VAN... miss him dearly

[@mikeclaunch7575]

Van was my home boy from Ft. Worth♦️❤️♦️

[@michaelbrooke6326]

Thanks for sharing that story!

[@johnorlando9839]

Despite the political tensions between Russia and the US at the time, the audience knew greatness when they saw and heard it.

[@ooviedoc]

"Damned politics!" said Roland Orzabal while singing "Sowing the Seeds of Love"

[@richardcarter-flitz6074]

I don’t know where to begin . I met Van on November 30, 1964 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. An incredible friendship developed and we remained close friends till his death in 2013. A more kind, generous and beautiful soul you could never meet. I remember sitting in his living room at his apartment in NYC listening to him practice this. God Bless you my dear friend May your rest with the angels be blessed. We will meet again !

[@Dylonely_9274]

Wow, that’s very interesting and you are really lucky. I’m sure he’s waiting you in heaven.

[@hjlawdoc]

Beautiful tribute to a great genius.

[@ruthhellkamp926]

what a wonderful thing....

[@hakimaha.milanmilan4110]

Loved everyone of your words😇😇💫👏🕊️

[@margaritamorahan]

Great pianist also lovely person and what he left to the future young musicians and afterwards the Contest honouring his name

[@Nitramius]

In my humble opinion...Van Cliburn is the undisputable piano king. No one played with the finesse, style and grace that he exhibited every time he sat down to play. A true genius and Master.

[@ellisonhamilton3322]

When I made a trip to the Soviet Union in the mid 1980s I encountered a number of people who remembered Van Cliburn very fondly and eagerly asked me if was still giving concert performances. 2 of them had been in attendance at this triumphant performances. They told me that the ovation had gone on for over 20 minutes as he was repeatedly recalled to the stage. The Russian people really fell in love with this man. And he carried at deep abiding love for them all through his life. That performances was nothing less than spiritual.

[@looeyt4767]

Wow! I watch this performance every several months and it always gives me chills. 1958 ...and Khrushchev was there!

[@Highinsight7]

It's STILL my favorite performance of this timeless work...

[@nightbloomer4739]

What a magical encounter! Your experience demonstrates that classical music can be ecstatic , leading one to higher states of consciousness. VanClyburn was extraordinary

[@crazymelomanka]

he was very popular in the Soviet Union, even my mom and grandma remember about him)

[@mrsnegy6001]

It is absolutely how it was.

[@christinestill5002]

Please don't ever take this down. Can't count the times I've watched it .World is missing him!

[@marthaperdew]

I agree

[@joyceetter8643]

I’ve watched many times too!

[@mrsnegy6001]

Van Cliburn is not to be forgotten. Not only was he an awesome musician; he had rare charisma , true charm, and unbelievable warmth.

[@buffnerdtv]

Tchaikovsky and Cliburn brought everyone together. Music is the HEART and SOUL of humankind.

[@loisfitch1486]

My late ex-husband, who knew Van Cliburn, and I attended a concert where Van Cliburn gave a grand piano to a church in Shreveport, LA. We talked with him, and I asked if I could shake his hand and he said, "Of course my dear." One of my fondest memories!

[@jbbevan]

This posting is a rare gift of historical importance. The complete concerto performed in Moscow -- if not the actual competition performance (which it isn't) -- at lest very contemporary with that period. Both Kruschev and Gromyko are present. Kondrashin conducts. He played with a rare dignity that is rarely seen any more. This is SUCH a gem.

[@Ikapoika]

There was no Gromyko but Mikojan. But what about the matter, Yuja Wang is at least as good.

[@hakimaha.milanmilan4110]

Conductor's are not 🚫 like that any more. What a shame 😢😂😢

[@jbbevan]

@@Ikapoika This is not about Yuja Wang it's about Van Cliburn. Which one you prefer is a matter of taste. I have not heard Yuja play the Tchaikovsky. But I have seen her interviewed many times and what is said of Van (below) cannot be said of her: "A more kind, generous and beautiful soul you could never meet." I do not contest her technical proficiency or musicality.

[@michaelanthony1988]

As a young Black kid not yet in my teens, I credit my father for introducing me to Van Cliburn and classical music in general. Not many Cajuns have influence beyond the deep South let alone the U.S. My deepest accolade is that Lavan transcended Cold War politics so fully that even America's sworn enemies embraced his ethereal renditions.

[@albertseabra9226]

An intelligent, highly rational comment. There is only one Race, as Van was able to establish in that International Competition held in Moscow. And that event took place before the Civil Rights Movement, before the Kennedies, Martin Luther King, etc. As an European, who studied in Boston, in the late 80s, early 90s, I missed this Fantastic Artist. Thank you for your perceptive and acute comment.

[@johnblahuta8361]

I think it was never and will never be played better again. It was one of those days in history.

[@judywaddle6233]

I was 15 when he won the competition and yes, I was from Texas. I got to see him in concert in Wichita Falls in 1963 and saw him in Dallas in the 70's at the Highland Park Cafeteria. But my biggest thrill was on my birthday about 20 years ago when he was appearing at a bookstore to promote his book. I not only got to meet him and get his autograph on the book, but he hugged me!!!! I actually hugged his waist because he was over a foot taller than I was. It was a huge thrill!!

[@fairlytaleofnewyork]

Awww, you have such a wonderful souvenir from him. I remember my father used to talk about him a lot. What I see him via YT and DVDs I can see his warm personality. Thank you for watching :-)

[@tiamia7139]

Ahhh...Van gave great hugs! I got a few myself when talking to him backstage and handing him roses on stage. He would throw out those long arms of his and pull you in with his ham-hock size hands. Then he would rock you from side to side - he was a champion hugger! :-)

[@anitashuller4473]

Wow! That’s amazing .!!!!!!

[@xzzx4664]

That is beautiful!

[@L8nitedave]

My mom was his invited guest for his send off concert before going to Russia and met and visited with him afterwards. She would have been about 16 at the time. Her Rachmaninoff work might have actually been better than his. She had little experience performing before large crowds in public and still lived in the Masonic Children's home in Fort Worth but they were considered to be musical peers at the time.

[@teresitaarzadon9440]

Always brought tears to hear classical music done by great talent and artist Van Cliburn thank God for endless recordings of his piano pieces and contributions

[@nataliatolstova3253]

С этим гениальным исполнением Первого концерта для фортепиано с оркестром Петра Ильича Чайковского не может сравниться ни одно уже 64 года.Я услышала и увидела Харви Лавана Клибурна именно в этот вечер,когда мне было 5 лет,по телевизору.И помню через 64 года так,как будто это было вчера.Только человек с такой же светлой душой,как у самого композитора,мог так исполнить это гениальное произведение.Спасибо Вам,дорогой Ван,и Царствие Вам Небесное!

[@hakimaha.milanmilan4110]

Just beautiful words ❤🎶💫👏😇

[@катякотина-г4ю]

А для меня лучшее исполнение это у Эмиля Гилельса, слушала и видела.

[@waterbird91]

Spider fingers..what every pianist dreams of. Such beautiful hands, the kind of long longer longest fingers that glide @ warp speed...He is an American national treasure. Van Cliburn will always be remembered in the centuries to come...Beautiful soul that he was.

[@Вера-ф3л]

I agree

[@brynfarr]

In the 1980s at an early round of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Texas, I waited for the drinking fountain behind a dark-suited man. When he stood up and turned, it was Cliburn. I can't remember what I babbled in greeting, but will never forget a close-up look at those hands! Huge and beautiful.

[@JuanHernandez-wy6gp]

I saw Kruschev in the audience .

[@annjeanmillikan]

Van Cliburn is so superb in all his piano performances. His fantastic hand technique is "to die for"! His musicality is phenomenal.

[@fairlytaleofnewyork]

You are welcome. I was so happy to have found this video and I had to share with everyone. It is also wonderful to see Cliburn speaking a bit of Russian. Thank you for watching.

[@konstanzaangelova9879]

Thank you so much for this video - brilliant performance !

[@FahimibnDawud]

Can you imagine hearing he and his mother playing alongside one another?! That had to be the most incredibly beautiful thing to hear.

[@praaht18]

Tchaikovsky, Cliburn, Kondrashin and this orchestra. a marriage made in heaven. Next to perfect, very much still alive.

[@jannetatrenholm3141]

One of the best performances of Tchaikovsky ! Bravo Maestro!👏👏👏 Piotr Ilyich would be proud!👏💙💜💚💙💛

[@Highinsight7]

what a pianist... what an artist... what a soul!!!!!

[@johnhenthorne1588]

I purchased his album in 1958, shut myself in my room and let the tears flow. I was 18.

[@adelasussman3838]

I heard the hauntingly beautiful 2nd movement of this concerto in my car while coming home from the grocery store. I had tears running down my cheeks. The beauty of the music brings out all the emotions of the soul! I liked that you were only 18 but still felt the music so deeply!! I turned 18 in October of 1958!!. I hope you are well! It's a very hard time for so many of us!

[@jamesholt3758]

God bless you and Van Cliburn.

[@keithmccaslyn2527]

Wow... funny, I was born in 1958 and here I am listening to this absolutely beautiful,moving Concerto!! What a gift of depth,John,to give yourself. Blessings to you and all, Happy Thanksgiving morning. enjoy. We are supposed to be 'touched' by life and music,thank goodness is definitely one the major way this happens....Enstein once said " awe" is the beginning of awakening of us,expanding consciousness. (and I'll add,and expanding our HEARTS!!) peace.

[@brucewhitney6650]

How many 18 year olds would be mature enough to recognize the greatness in this piece! !!

[@johnhenthorne1588]

Thank you for all of your thoughtful responses. At 80 I am doing quite well. Covid has not effected neither me or my family. At the slightest hint of irritation of the nasal passages, we jump on the zinc and other supplements to increase our immune system. I am presently focusing on "Crossover" singers. It all started with Jackie Evancho. I am Facebook friends with a young Contralto, Anastasia Lee, whose voice fascinates me. The classical and popular French and Spanish songs are perfect for her voice. More on this later when I get home.

[@ruthhellkamp926]

Only once in a lifetime are we blessed with such exquisite talent.....I watch this U Tube every once in awhile just to remember how thrilling his playing was......he was my musical hero, as I was very young then and even then realized what 'greatness" sounded like..EVEN KRUSHEV loved him!

[@BullCricket75]

Bravo! Van Cliburn was an amazing artist and person. ❤

[@7521jacqueline]

Van Cliburn was a very gifted, talented pianist. May he rest in peace. We miss him and his beautiful music.

[@daleonard1914]

Van Cliburn's fingers just fly over the keyboard, a superb performance.....

[@marthaperdew]

Don't ever take this masterpiece down ! This is magnificent!

[@roninovereasy]

You can feel the orchestra and Van driving each other, pulling each other towards higher levels of music

[@PapaKryptoss]

I took my son to see him at the Cynthia Woodlands Pavilion and it was so great...My son got to hug Mr Cliburn and get his autograph....What a great artist...

[@natachabelikova8726]

Как хорошо сказал по русски. Браво ! Ван Клиберн всегда отличался своей любовью к России. 🚩♥️

[@charlesdavis5802]

He touched the whole world… with great skill, grace and love. CVD

[@donitabell3877]

This video is a treasure for all to behold! Van Cliburn's slower pace in 6:00 leading to excessive speed in 7:10-7:30 is amazing! Again we see it at 14:50-15:17. Wow! Only 24 years of age. See once more at 18:46-19:16. How he loved performing for the Russian people as did Glenn Gould. Thank you for posting this timeless performance for the world to enjoy. ✨✨✨

[@manolodelgadoyO]

I am a classic music lover, Tchaikovsky being perhaps my favorite composer. Ever since I heard Van Cliburn performing Tchaikovsky´s Piano Concerto Nº1 in B Flat Minor at the Moscow 1958 International Piano Contest Tchaikowski, I became so enthusiastic about that historical performance, that every time I hear it, and I heard it many times, I cannot avoid getting goose pimples. It was with deep grieve that I learn about the death of such a gifted artist.

[@tiamia7139]

What a thrill his concerts were, no one could top him. Van Cliburn was a true genius. I had the pleasure of sitting front row at several of his concerts throughout the U.S., sat on stage with 99 others during his recital at Bass Hall in Fort Worth, and talked to him backstage and in the lobby at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, where he spoke to me for a half hour. We both shared a deep love of Russian music, the Rach 3 being our favorite concerto. No one played the Russian classics like Van, he played from the heart. A particular favorite encore of mine was Van's ethereal playing of Schumann-Liszt's "Widmung" -- and he always played that as an encore if he spotted me in front row. Van was so thoughtful and kind, and appreciative of his fans all over the world. I will never forget him as long as I live. He played like an angel.

[@anotherplebian]

I cry every time I hear him play. My mother was born in 1920 and studied classical piano all of her life. I remember one of my mother's old professors once told her 'Van Cliburn played just like her. She replied "but I have no where near his endurance." Van Cliburn really was a miracle, an absolute miracle.

[@rigutongmong40]

He was a godsend. No other pianist will come close to this.

[@fairlytaleofnewyork]

Yes this is an incredible event in the history... I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

[@cldavis33]

Brilliant, elegant, touching to the soul. Words can't really describe the beauty of that performance.

[@grp9748]

Thank you. I was 18 when he played this. I've heard it countless times, but now at 75, I get to see this. Marvelous...thank you so much

[@fairlytaleofnewyork]

grp9748 You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@vettegaddia6234]

fairlytaleofnewyork I'm crying...

[@marcela21884]

I was 18 also when I saw him for the first tme !!

[@WhiteStone21475]

I am 74 and thoroughly enjoying this marvelous music through KZbin. To be able to see these great performers and listen to them, one after the other, is such a blessing. In my lifetime I never could afford tickets to these performances but now I can see them anytime I wish.

[@enriquesanchez2001]

HISTORIC - brings tears to my eyes for all mankind and its struggles with peace and universal humanity. ♥♥♥♥

[@vivavasquez]

I found a copy of this at a thrift store for a dollar , it was in almost perfect condition , and while playing it for ginger my adopted cockatoo , he listened intently to the piece and let out a cry that would have broken your heart .

[@markhalyard7969]

Got to meet him in 1991. I think the year is correct. My aunt worked for Van as a business administrator. My grandmother had died and we had a visitation at the funeral home. My aunt and I were the only ones who knew what Van looked like or even who he was. When he walked into the room, everyone ( around 30 people ) stood up. Almost none knew him, but the aura surrounding him made everyone come to their feet. When my mother passed away in 1995, he ask if I would like him to play something. There was not a piano in the place. I am still broken hearted.

[@fairlytaleofnewyork]

Mark Halyard Wow, you had an amazing experience. R.I.P to your mother. You both are so lucky to have known him.

[@marygordon1602]

Mark so sorry for your loss. But what an amazing blessing to have him there. Just goes to show what an amazing person Van was. The compassion he showed is something to be admired. You are so fortunate to have known him.

[@tiamia7139]

I know exactly what you mean about Van's "aura." I noticed it many times when watching him perform or talking to him. He literally had a golden glow about him, an energy that was palpable - I call it the aura of genius. The last time I saw him play live was when he played the Grieg (one of my favorites) at The Shed at Tanglewood. He literally charmed the fireflies out of the trees that evening as a golden cluster of them hovered above the keyboard for several minutes as he played. He was so lost in the music that he did not notice them. I mentioned this phenomenon to him backstage: "Van, you played so beautifully tonight - even the fireflies were entranced!" Van gave me a sweet smile and chuckled. He was a beautiful, very kind and very special man.

[@marygordon1602]

Thank you Mark and Denise for your comments. I love Van and hearing about what a truly great person he was. I did have the honor of seeing him perform and he was awesome!

[@tiamia7139]

He was a phenomenal pianist and a very down-to-earth, kind and humble man.

[@Hassanelnagar1]

Wow .. what a talented performer he was and what a magnificent performance

[@karlheinzkirchmann6469]

Looking and listenig in 2024. It's so peacefull und so unbelieveble wonderfull played. I love concerto b-moll, and Lang Lang und so nice Bunitiaschvili but this is somehow extraordinary ❤❤❤❤❤

[@cs_fl5048]

This is among the top 5 favorite concertos, and Cliburn owns it. Thibaudet remarked once remarked about the magic that existed between Chopin and Rubenstein. I think that is true with Cliburn and Tchaikovsky. The composer speaks to the artist, the artist listens, and the music flows. One can see the chemistry of the artist who becomes one with the music. So many of the greats emote all over like they are struggling to get the music out. However, it seems to flow out of the super-greats. It doesn't have to be shaken out of them. So many of the super greats are relatively quiet at the piano. It's almost like... he doesn't perform, he creates. And with Kondrashin - you can't ask for much more.

[@believethebible88]

Dear God, what a truly gifted artist. It is truly a blessing to see this man perform. Thank you for making it available to us.

[@tiamia7139]

His concerts were electrifying. No one commanded a stage, or a piano, like him. The shimmering colors Cliburn could extract from the keys, creating the sound of plummy raindrops falling on a pond, were like no other. His Debussy ... "Reflections on the Water" and "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" were breathtaking in their quiet beauty. Heard him perform both in concert and he transported us all!

[@hakimaha.milanmilan4110]

Yes, yes, yes !!!

[@stuartschwartz5168]

Hard to believe that 36 people placed a thumbs down to one of the greatest musicians of our time. Each time I watch this, I get chills up and down my spine, goosebumps up and down my arms, and tears welling up in my eyes. The combination of Cliburn and Tchaikovsky is no less than genius.

[@cathymarshall449]

Perfectly said, Stuart. I am so thrilled that we have these video archives so that we can see his incredible talent in display!

[@КонструктивныйКритикан]

Stuart Schwartz. In every population group there is percentage of some "special" individuals - nihilists and other inadequate personas. It's just statistics. I'am Russian and was growing up with this concert from 1960th. In province we had only 2 black and white TV channels: Moscow central and local, but this Van Cliburn concert was always super hit around Soviet Union for many years. I, myself, couldn't find better passioned performance like this so far...

[@tiamia7139]

I saw audiences sitting dumbstruck in their seats after he took his final bows and left the stage. They were so moved by what they had just heard, so gobsmacked by his obvious genius. There was actually an expression that people used to describe this phenomenon - they called it being "VANIFIED." No one could move an audience like Van. I sat front row for dozens of his concerts over the years, and the very moment he walked onto the stage, the audience was electrified and on their feet. Absolute chills! There will never be another concert pianist like Van Cliburn. TRUE GENIUS!

[@tiamia7139]

@@КонструктивныйКритикан Spasibo.

[@beatlessteve1010]

Never pay any attention to those nay sayers they are always in the greater minority and very rarely are commenting on the substance of the video. Like a baby crying for attention.

[@martivandermerwe2593]

Memories of listening to Van on a long playing record . What a priviledge to watch him on KZbin...a master at the piano. South Africa.

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

I too, remember the old records..! Also from 🇿🇦:Cape Town Was 8 when the competition took place,so only got to know it from looonnng after that!

[@robertbullock9554]

His gift had to be from heaven. Can't teach that! Cold chills. Watch the hands; the caressing movements, etc. Wow!

[@natalievandenblink7802]

Oh my there is such a rapport between the conductor and van Cliburn. The build up to the finale just gives me goosebumps. It is the most thrilling piece of playing ever. Tchaikovsky in his musical Heaven must be ecstatic when he hears this.

[@annjeanmillikan]

Van Cliburn is so superb in all his piano performances. He is from the HEAVENS with his piano and musical talents!

[@FahimibnDawud]

Absolutely a master and I would have loved to hear his mother play as well!

[@Pilgrimm21]

In 1971, I attended an outdoor concert at Ravinia Park in Chicago, I took along a nice young lady on our first date. I forget who was to be the scheduled performer, but while I was arranging our blanket and wine glasses, an announcer apologized that the scheduled performer was not able to appear, but they were happy to announce that as a consolation, Van Cliburn would perform the Piano Concerto No. 1 by Tchaikovsky!!! Some consolation! I never saw the young jady again, but my love of Mr. Cliburn's performance endures to this day!! Bravissimo!!

[@bsinger3189]

Still my favorite after all these years. What a gift.

[@natalievandenblink7802]

something absolutely magic happened here this night. Masterful !!!!

[@Astrid-jt8cd]

He will always be one of my all timefavorites. For one special magical moment the ugliness if the world stood still beauty and peace came together the cold war stopped and the world came into harmony due to this great maestro. Rest in peace dear van and thank you for your gift of mellody

[@natalier6339]

This very performance is the stuff of legend and I had only heard the recording until now... Thank you for the video of the LIVE footage!!!!! He is magnificent! Absolutely spectacular!

[@looeyt4767]

yes! magnificent!!!!!

[@scretching08]

I first heard this concerto when I was 11 years old in 1976 and first learned of Van Cliburn during that time, and I became an instant fan. As an African American in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I narrowed my musical options down to what I knew: Motown, Funk, Jazz, Gospel and now Classical music since watching the late, later show on Channel 10 during those days when they would show re-runs of old movies. The famed Actor Kirk Douglas played a school teacher sharing his love for learning and music with his students listened to the Brahms Piano Concerto No.2. Liberace in a 1955 film played the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 I'm blessed to have such a diversity of music from which to chose and enjoy as well as great pianist like Van Cliburn, Gould, Rubinstein, Richter, and Liberace.

[@divamccall198]

A genius with this repertoire- transporting, sublime- His interaction with orchestra is impeccable!!!

[@Pau9pau]

I love Van Cliburn and his mind boggling performance. I never get tired listening to this piece played by him. Ang many many thanks for this complete video. Van Cliburn was invited by our then first lady in the Philippines to perform same concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines which was televised nationwide. I was then a college student. From then on I became a Van Cliburn fanatic. May he rest in peace!!!

[@ulyssewang]

After listening to so many versions of this pieces played by other top pianists and orchestra, I just keep coming back to this one. Admittedly the recording is horrible, but that just does not cover the beauty of rendition. Magnificent and singing touch by Cliburn, superior conducting by Kondrashin and splendid performance by the orchestra! I think I've used up all my adjectives here... In my opinion, the slightly slower tempo really makes this performance shine.

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

The Best Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1 players Are really= 1: Emil Gilels ( The King of All pianists! The Best beautiful piano sound Ever for Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1) 2: Grigory Sokolov ( The Titan of The piano The Giant of The piano! Sokolov The most vital rhythmic Beat! Unbeatable vitalness! Sokolov The most Titanic) 3:Artur Rubinstein ( Rubinstein better piano sound than Horowitz! Rubinstein better art than Horowitz The crazy Mad Roar fashion bashing playing Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1) 4: Mikhail Pletnev ( The most Powerful Ever Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1) 5; Andrei Gavrilov ( The only one who follows the notes correct tempo score! Gavrilov The Best creative smart ideas for Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1)

[@michaele.stovall6364]

you took the words out of my mouth, the second best is evgeny Kissin, and Herbert Von Karajan, of this concerto, but this is the best rendition of it. I just got done listening to the Karajan Kissin version, and this one eventhough recording sucks, Van Does a Great Job better than the Child Prodigy Kissin

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

En memoria de Van KLiburn. + ❤️ +

[@christinestill5002]

I am not a musician but I always wondered why so many pianists seemed to rush this piece. Now I realize I had been listening to Cliburn so long, I got used to this tempo.

[@kevinh5349]

Lesser pianists can't get the piano above the thundering orchestra, but Cliburn certainly does.

[@johnblahuta6904]

Watch his fingers from 14:30....unbelievable!!! And he plays all this entire concert from MEMORY!!!! What a genius he was!

[@1psoas9]

By heart. FRom the heart. And with his eyes closed most of the time -- at least, that's how it looks from the video.

[@truthlivingetc88]

"the great pianists" usually play from memory especially on fairly grand historical occasions although I suspect that you are referring to his memory skills in order to honour his musicality

[@arthurhogan3047]

No put down of Van, sir. But, at this point in their careers, all top classical pianist play this music from memory.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Many, many pianists have their music memorized when playing in concert. They reach thr stage where they concentrate on interpreting thr music and no longer get having to sight read to k ow what keys to hit next. Just watch Valentina Lisitsa play Rachmaninoff 2nd and 2rd Piwno Concertos not only with music but without an orchestra. She played them "solo!"

[@lensrp]

It was quite the accomplishment for an American to win the Tchaikovsky competition, or any other competition, during the Cold War with the USSR. Nevertheless, Van Cliburn did it...an absolutely huge accomplishment at that time. It is said that the Politburo had to approve Van Cliburn as the winner in order to avoid any negative PR fallout. This was one of the first records that I ever purchased and I still treasure it. I saw him perform many years later and although he was excellent, you could see that his hands were in some pain. He was, and still is, one of my all-time favorite classical pianists.

[@YRebBugleman]

I say to one and all: As a child of immigrants from Kiev; music of this magnitude is a once-in-a-life-time experience. We should cherish it universally. It is the path to peace in this untidy world!!! It is magnificent!!! Whenever I must write something, the slightest bit serious, I call on Van Cliburn to move me. Would that the World worked this way!!!

[@deborahwhitney837]

Joel Leson what a lovely sentiment.

[@danwaldis4553]

I'm with you there!

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

Beautifully expressed

[@melodiusthud4536]

What a wonderful performance of the piece! I remember when he won the competition in Moscow. He actually changed the attitude of Russia toward the United States during the cold war -- no small feat! What a great musician, and what a great legacy!

[@cynthiagonzalez658]

The Russians fell in love with him!!

[@hakimaha.milanmilan4110]

Wasn't that Premier Nakita Frustrate 👏 in the audience???

[@huh8338]

@@hakimaha.milanmilan4110 even NIKITA can not escaped from Van cliburn spell just like the rest of us

[@jar5903]

...после 1⁴⁰ минуты у меня на несколько секунд сердце замерло...

[@artwatch-y9j]

Why? Was he late?

[@fredgordons5382]

So many of the comments here have touched my heart. I was a young teenager (just 13 yo) in 1958, and had been taking piano lessons since I wa 8 years old; I thank God that my piano teacher introduced me to so much good music, bless him. In 1958, I heard on the news and read in the newspapers about van Cliburn's win in Russia, and very soon after managed to save up enough money to buy his first recording of this work (33 rpm LP record!). And here I am now an old man, and am thrilled to see that this priceless video had been uploaded to KZbin. What a fantastic pianist - a supreme artist in technique and interpretation - I don't think I have ever seen or heard his equal in my life, and I have been to many concerts. And yes, many people mentioned that they were brought to tears, which makes me so happy because I also get seriously choked up when I see and hear this. Yes, I agree with some who wrote here that music has gone to the devil, but maybe it's not so bad, but just due to the increasing way that kids and adults have been exposed to the 'bad' stuff as it became more and more easily and universally available. I don't loose heart - there are excellent young performers today, for example have a look at and listen to - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4jMYp1jp9WWe9k it's fantastic (ignore the Korean subtitles), and so mind-boggling to me that a YOUTH orchestra can play better than many symphony orchestras I have heard in my life. Not everyone can like classical music, but I wish to God that the education authorities would fund more music education. I loved this KZbin upload of van Cliburn in 1958! And I did hear from good sources that he WAS quite instrumental in stopping the cold war. He was loved in Russia, and loved in the world. I wish I had met him when he was alive.

[@amandal.7702]

This is the most captivating performance of the Tchai piano concerto no. 1. Mr Van Cliburn not only excelled in skills and techniques, but also behaved in a humbled gentleman manner with amiable grace and charm.

[@drusilladelp5162]

Thank you! Thank you for posting this. I was 13 when this was recorded. I am currently in tears. Van Cliburn was one of the best ever❤️❤️❤️

[@marialuisadejesus8860]

Never fails to moved me...he was a genius!

[@ЕленаПончик]

Он Творит Музыку! Так одухотворенно! Полный восторг!

[@MsLinjohn]

Great playing. Not overly dramatic fingers like Valentina and overly dramatic face like LangLang. Just magnificent piano playing

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

Kruschev!!! This IS, of course a monumental achievement by the great Van Cliburn. Not only is it a wonderful performance, but the historical significance cannot be underestimated. Thanks for posting this video!

[@m.a.3322]

Apparently Richter was on the jury and was moved to tears by this performance. Even gave it a perfect score!

[@skykink]

I cannot tell you how many times i have listened to him play this piece. In the 80's, I had the pleasure of meeting him in person. I was an airline pilot and he was on my flight from Washington to New York and I introduced myself as one of his biggest fans.

[@kar120cus]

I have watched this over and over and over and am blown away every time. The second movement is so gentle and beautiful it brings me to tears. Of all of the music I have listened to and there has been much in my 61 years, this is, by far, the most beautiful, poignant, gentle, magnificent rendition I have ever heard. I wish that I could have known Mr. Cliburn and Mr. Kondrashin and could have been in the audience. I love this beyond words.

[@tiamia7139]

Cliburn and Kondrashin were a match made in heaven, which is why Van brought him over to recreate that same feeling and conduct the recording of this. They had a tremendous mutual respect for each other. You can see it in this performance.

[@kar120cus]

I will always love Van Cliburn. He was the epitome of a class piano virtuoso.

[@Ikapoika]

In my 75 years as a violonist I agree with you about beauty of the second movement. Van Cliburn plays it very well on this video. Unfortunately, the poor recording spoils Van Cliburn's performance. I also have watched that movement over and over and over, however played by Yuja Wang (2012 in Helsinki). I must say, that I like Yuja´s interpetation better than any other´s, including Van Cliburn´s. Yuja plays the part with such sensitivity and emotion that no one else has been able to. In addition, the rapid splashes are sparkling bright, storming more expressively than by anyone else.

[@judithsochor9755]

kar120cus

[@pplustts]

kar120cus b6

[@ginnymurray1869]

This is timeless. Thank you for posting. It brings great joy. Best video on UTUBE!

[@ginnymurray1869]

Agreed. Best video ever. Timeless.

[@janiceconnett3192]

I had the privilege of seeing Cliburn close up on one of his last tours....still the mesmerizing talent that he possessed throughout his long career. The fingers...so long that just flew over the key board with such grace! I feel so fortunate to have been present to watch such a great performance.

[@sultansnark5522]

I had the privilege of hearing him TWICE live and in-person on my birthday, in 1968 and again in 1975. Both times, he saved my life, literally. I shall forever be in debt.

[@elenatorkhova6957]

Какое счастье слушать Чайковского в исполнении Клиберна

[@nrazz9985]

It's great that such a wonderful moment was captured in film, so simply, yet beautifully

[@gailwebb9619]

My late mother was a huge fan of his....she played his music for me as a child and teen....have always love his music. RIP.

[@ronstriebig2749]

Probably the greatest pieceof music ever created by a genius and played here by one of the world greatest pianist's

[@Olga-xk6bk]

Благодарю Вас! У меня захватило дух! В его пальцах живет Бог.

[@queenofnevers6990]

Besides the performance itself, I like so much the communication between him and Kondrashin. Those little signs they give to each other while playing and the hug in the end.

[@zopilote62]

Van Cliburn sin lugar a dudas el mejor... Lo vamos a extrañar. Gracias por permitir ver tan bellos momentos saludos.

[@acohen3951]

I listen to this recording of Van Cliburn playing the piano in Moscow at least once ever week. I am a cancer researcher and this recording gives me a much needed break from my work, and I so much enjoy listening to it. When Van Cliburn passed away the world lost a talent that it may never see again. This was music, and was passes for music today, I shall not even mention it, but to me it basically is noise.

[@richardcondon3797]

+Allen Cohen i hope you keep busy in both departments all. cancer research and listening. how would you think the two could be connected linearly, and proceed from there.

[@tiamia7139]

Ironically, Van died of small cell lung cancer. Chain smoker his entire life. Damn cigarettes!

[@marcela21884]

Smiking was not an issue in those days, and unfortunately lost a great deal of wonderful people due to smoking...

[@jannavanbellen9085]

Allen Cohen iii

[@kathycromartie7878]

I saw him in Atlanta, Georgia when he performed this Concerto. My date was a Atlanta radio personality and we were able to ride the elevator to the floor where I was able to meet Mr. Cliburn and shake hands. What a wonderful experience!

[@karencurtis3559]

This has been my favorite recording. As a child I'd play thru the record so often that dad bought copies in multiples at a time. It was my Christmas present. It was his hope that they would last till next Christmas. They made it till August in time for my birthday...with luck. I can feel every note . I get just as lost in it listening as he does playing. It's the shortest 37+ minutes ever. And now to be able to watch him get lost in the piece as I get is magical. Thank you again for putting it on KZbin.

[@bakytbekzhanuzakov1294]

Unique! Great clarity and mastery of the instrument! I read about him 25 years ago and thanks to the internet we can now enjoy the performance of such a great pianist!

[@stonestone1000]

Oh God it does not get any better than this !! When I want goosebumps from the Cosmos I listen to Van Cliburn. I am enraptured all over again, listening to this heavenly music, Thank you Thank you

[@ЛюдмилаЩербинина-е7б]

Когда у меня очень плохое настроенгие, я вседа слушаю эту запись и мне становиться легче, у меня поднимается настроение. Никто не играет так , как он.

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

@@ЛюдмилаЩербинина-е7б NOT TRUE!! Better than Van Cliburn Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1 players Are really=Emil Gilels Grigory Sokolov Andrei Gavrilov!Sultanov! Artur Rubinstein!! Better piano sound than Van Cliburn Are Wilhelm Kempff Radu Lupu Artur Rubinstein Vladimir Ashkenazy! Dimitri Bashkirov!

[@pattyfutrell5236]

@@ЛюдмилаЩербинина-е7б 😊

[@christopherboye7112]

Completely agree. The greatest interpretation of this concerto ever recorded. By far. Add Rach 2, 3, Sonata #2 in B Flat Minor, MacDowell and Brahms 2 to that list.

[@jillandrews6132]

....and only 24 years old at the time of this performance. Thanks, Dr. Paul C. Roberts for sending this to me.

[@rltmlt]

PCR sent me too ! I was born and grew up in the Texas city that Van would come to call his lifetime home. Difficult to believe when you consider that by far the most popular music in this area of the country was C&W ! A continuous source of pride for a city and an area of the country that produced a large number of nationally acclaimed actors, singers, and dancers over the years !

[@tiamia7139]

Actually, Van was 23. He turned 24 on 7/12/58. He won in April.

[@goldenoldiesPete]

Actually Van Cliburn was 27 or 28 at the time of this 1962 performance. I believe you may have been thinking about the 1958 Tchaikovsky competition in which he played this concerto and won.

[@PersnicketyRed]

Yes this is 1962, I have a DVD of the recording! ❤️

[@noeldown1952]

Wow. This was the first time I've heard the dedication that the beginning - to the memory of Alexander Goldenweiser. Well done, Mr. Cliburn, well done.

[@scretching08]

So, right and over the years I have collected three of the original 1958 recording.

[@1psoas9]

Thank you. I knew it must be something like that, butI don't speak Russian. Do you know who Mr Goldenweiser was to Mr Clyburn?

[@henryrusch9475]

Thank you so much for posting this recording, and for the very complete program notes. Harold Schoenberg's words describe perfectly Van Cliburn's playing and rich, full, expressive sound. No wonder that he was appreciated so much by Russian audiences, as well as audiences around the world. A word also for Kiril Kondrashin, one of the great, and not always acknowledged, conductors, and the Moscow Philharmonic. There are great orchestras and outstanding conductors in the world, but, when it comes to Russian music, nobody quite has the needed expressiveness, the daring, and yet the precision as do Russian musicians.

[@natalievandenblink7802]

I love the way the men in the audience are so enraptured they are giving him flowers !! So wonderful to see their appreciation.

[@Choderus]

Uh, I know they have muscles & mustaches, but those are the women over there.

[@annjeanmillikan]

Breathtaking, fabulous performance, I can watch this great video over and over again!

[@littlebrookreader949]

I absolutely love you for posting these performances for us. My heart is on fire with the love of them. BRAVO! ENCORE!

[@violamateo-on8pc]

Not only is Cliburn's playing of an extraordinary level, but you sense a real communion between him and Kondrashin. They're entirely on the same wavelength and the results are spectacular. Art is achieved!

[@thinkerly1]

Khrushchev has a wistful smile on his face. He has seen and heard genius.... The audience stands and cheers and applauds. Women rush the stage to offer bouquets of flowers. Immortal moments.....

[@rivaridge7211]

I saw Mr. Cliburn perform this work in October 2001 and he was absolutely thrilling! It was just a few weeks after the awful "911" event, and I think all of us (in the packed concert hall) were looking for something to take us to a different place and time - and we indeed were! RIP dear man - I'll never forget it.

[@steinwaygrande9736]

For what its worth, I believe and will continue to believe to my dying day that Van Cliburn set the bench mark for this concerto, Not many have come close to Van Cliburn

[@gabrielortiz8959]

I believe some love should be given to Kiril Kondrashin as well. One of my favorite conductors of the era!

[@judithsochor9755]

Gabriel Ortiz

[@natalievandenblink7802]

Yes Kiril Kondrashin had IT

[@tiamia7139]

Kondrashin and Cliburn were a match made in heaven. When he was conducting Cliburn, and what a beautiful conductor he was, they were on the same wavelength. There was such mutual admiration and respect between them. We'll never hear the likes of them again.