Victor Borge - Clair de Lune

The best rendition of Clair de Lune, as performed by Victor Borge and chosen to be on his collection put together in collaboration with his family.
I have uploaded it because I have not found this specific version on youtube, and I find it to be amazing.
I do not own the rights to this piece of video or sound.

[@stuartpoyser6678]

Clicked here for some comedy... turned out it was just a genius playing one of the best pieces ever written

[@sophrosyne3760]

Same stroke of luck. Borge masters all he endeavors.

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Me too!

[@kathielillie9791]

Beautiful

[@desertlillie9659]

Lovely words for a lovely man. 🥰

[@yumphallangthaphal1598]

You are not alone.

[@barryallenflash1]

This is the Victor not many of us appreciate. We know him for his humor, but forget what a wonderful and accomplished pianist he REALLY is. He is greatly missed in all aspects.

[@jpboileau5473]

Yes he was a genuinely wonderful natural performer. And a fabulous entertainer too!!!

[@elifriend6556]

I was longing for this music of him. Because I know he could play almost perfect if he could troll those hard mozart's pieces.

[@stevoschannel4127]

My neighbor plays piano, never met him or her. One weekend summer afternoon this was played, without hesitation or any mistakes. I sat by our common fence and listened just enraptured by the sound…it ended and i applauded. As did several other out of sight neighbors …

[@candtalan]

On holiday from UK, in France some years ago, we were walking in the outskirts of a country town, in sunny warm comfortable weather, along a fairly spacious street with pleasant traditional gardens and houses. At a corner, I heard this played, all windows were open for comfort, it sounded like real playing not a recording. A magical experience, one I am grateful for.

[@mercenary1881]

Everyone knows who there neighbour is what BS

[@davedave5787]

No its true lived in california growing up never met neighbors for 26 years pretty common american culture…..😂😂

[@elifriend6556]

​@@davedave5787 my grandparents moved to Canada in 2006, in 2007 they had a vacation and this is one of the things they hate. You can almost never play to your neighbor as a child if you haven't called him/her in his/her house.

[@jefferybernard4800]

The beauty of the song is non pariel

[@samikbharwad3769]

"I only know two pieces; one is 'Claire de Lune' and the other one isn't."

[@Qitipput]

This lady asked me if I could please play a song for her on stage.. She really really wanted me to and finally I said yes and asked what song it was, and she said "I would love if you could play 'Clear the saloon'"

[@davidquattlebaum1233]

A true master !

[@BebetoDJ2012]

hahaha I´m just discovering him!!!!!! I´m delighted, amazed... he´s a genius...

[@PikkaBite]

always cracks me up.

[@jeanlasallevevo6315]

There is no e god damn it, its un clair, not une claire, that a female surname

[@nomimalone7520]

No jokes, no slapstick, just a genuis playing one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.

[@dualdodgeownerlift5795]

Thank you. My mom played it seamlessly. A young girl of 6-7 came up crying, saying how beautiful it was. Bless you❤😊

[@Josh_Fredman]

As someone else mentioned, this video finally answered my long hope of hearing Victor Borge finally play an entire piece. Ironically, having not watched any of his comedy routines in a while (KZbin just suggested this out of nowhere), to hear him finally get to play, but not speak, was bittersweet, like seeing the light from galaxies we'll never reach.

[@tonyalways7174]

That’s a beautiful description. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@marydonohoe8200]

Well said.

[@adrian-f-m]

He did both to perfection!

[@MarioNintendoh]

Nailed it.

[@carolglover3582]

Saw his full performance in person! Such a perfect gift! So talented it was breathtaking!

[@sirstrongbad]

This is probably one of the first times this man has brought a tear to my eye that WASN'T from laughter.

[@pr1v1]

Tears here too!

[@jbdmed]

me too

[@mockinbird512]

He was ingenious😢

[@mcassely5321]

This must have answered many people's prayer of hearing him play a whole piece once. We knew he was a wonderful pianist but we had only heard snatches of his playing until now. Thank you.

[@Qitipput]

You are welcome. I hoped this video could show off the amazing gift he had that wasn't often the center of attention.

[@gravypatron]

This is the only song he would perform with no parody. 👍

[@davidcantwell2489]

@@Qitipput And it did, indeed. Thank you.

[@helenmorton4155]

Me too. We would watch him always on TV. He never played to completion nor seriously. I'm an elderly lady now. I just discovered this piece. It's like gold to me. Thank you.

[@i.ehrenfest349]

@@gravypatronBut i do hear parody in it. Have never heard anyone perform it like this , at any rate…

[@JollyGreen79]

Nobody will ever be able to replace him. He was one of a kind.

[@enzogomes9371]

@Luke Products did you actually read what he said?

[@darl_-yi7pj]

I like this phrase the most. "One of the kind."

[@hijodelaisla275]

@@darl_-yi7pj I don't know what that phrase means, using the definite article.

[@matthewfisher44]

Yes, a genius indeed! A polymath - languages, music, piano, actor (see the early Charlie Chaplin like stuff!)

[@samforoozan3929]

Well it is better three say he was "two" of a kind.😂😭

[@marcos7801]

Borge was a comedian yes, but he was also a serious and accomplished pianist. I was moved by the performance. It was just beautiful.

[@truefilm6991]

And that is why Victor Borge earned the right to make fun of classical (or romantic in this case) music, because he was a wonderful pianist himself. Fantastic musician, incredible timeless sense of humor. Is there anything more preciuous than a person who can make people happy?

[@Florestan1207]

Victor Borge was a great pianist with a beautiful sound and phrasing. What a crystal clear tone! Old school-playing without excessive liberties.

[@Qitipput]

Yes when he took his time to not be a clown, he truly played like a master.

[@MrSulfor]

@@Qitipput but he loved to make them laugh. Was such a great man.

[@wilsen27]

Que sonido tan hermoso le saca al piano!!

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

I played in a professional orchestra that regularly hosted Victor Borge 'pops' concerts over many years. I remember being impressed at how much musical integrity he demonstrated for any music he ventured, even though he made his living 'disturbing' the audiences conventional association with classical concertizing. I often play this piece. Knowing it as well as I do, I am often disappointed by the mannered performances of modern concertizing pianists grown bored of its now too familiar tropes, their performances manifest as so much indifference and disrespect to the music. Borge manages...musical restraint with a fragile old friend.

[@jws1272]

My dad passed away on April 10th. One of my best memories with him was he and I FINALLY going to see Victor Borge in concert. I will never hear Clair De Lune without thinking of my Dad..........rest his wonderful soul. DAD, I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@mxcafx]

I have listened to this piece from so many other performers. At one part, I just started getting so emotional because his voiced a part with his left hand that I've never heard before. It's such a unique performance. Someone below said old school piano. That's true. Very romantic interpretation but without being too sentimental. It's a performance nuance that's sadly been largely lost.

[@mariannejorgensen712]

Never ever heard a better rendition of this piece. So varied, nuanced. Pure and utter genius.

[@KT-ur7pi]

💘

[@pr1v1]

Right

[@lukejackson4964]

And just so natural and seemingly effortless. Almost as if he had conceived the piece himself

[@davidkeefe2655]

I have tears in my eyes at this rendition of this most beautiful piece of music.

[@frankpeiffer5380]

Victor Borge has more talent in his little finger than most of us could hope to have in our whole bodies. Truly magnificent performance.

[@stevecarter8810]

Good lord. There are common threads between comedy and music, e . g. expectation, and nuance - - and he was master of both

[@jacktrades24]

So true!

[@azureflametarot]

I don’t like to use the word “sublime” too often because it can sound awfully pretentious… but there really is no other word to describe how celestially beautiful Clair de Lune is. It is utterly sublime. And it’s so sweet to see the amount of respect this musician and comedian has for it… that he will only play it with the sincerity it deserves. 🙏

[@purplegromit11]

My Mom's favorite song. In my 3 hours practice daily, I had to play this SEVERAL times. Miss you Mom❤

[@jeta7]

You’re mom would be proud 🕊

[@maggiegarber246]

My niece ( who was about 20 at the time ) played this for my mother’s funeral in 1993. Mom had heard my niece ( her granddaughter) play it in a recital and loved it. It is beautiful, indeed. Serene.

[@atallguynh]

Early clapping. Ugh! Keep yourselves under control and savor that last note people!

[@bengtgoransson7565]

This is the best performese of this

[@SpandauJerry]

Right! Had exactely the same thought. There's or are always these must be arrogant clappers. Disgusting.

[@boostfiend]

I found out who they are! I wrote them a strongly worded email. They replied before I sent it.

[@ahmetyildiz7684]

The resolution of the comedian pianist :(

[@jonasgoulart2187]

@@SpandauJerry underrated comment

[@jfan4reva]

Personally, this is for me, the most beautiful, saddest, most hopeful pieces of music ever written. It's like a balm applied to a wound. When the pianist finishes, I have to go do something else. Whatever I'm doing is complete. And here it's played by one of the most under-rated pianists of all time, but one of the best.

[@badpurvis1]

So true.

[@BrendawWinters]

May our Father in Heaven allow this to be played for all in paradise.

[@davidblalock9945]

Victor was a gem, he is greatly missed.

[@MrSulfor]

I've listen to so many renditions this song, but this is the only one that hit deep enough to bring a tear to my eye. May just be seeing Borge playing with such a solem look on his face.

[@hildegardderbal5908]

I certainly agree with you. Absolutely.

[@ceciliapastrone1907]

Have you tried Moravec?

[@madelinewilliams2068]

I agree. His slower playing allows the listener to savor the harmonics of the chords. Reminds me of the style of Artur Rubinstein.

[@ceciliapastrone1907]

The cover from Pascal Rogé is wonderful in this sense. In all senses, but regarding this, so specifically.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Yes, I wonder if this song had some special personal meaning for him, for it seemed like just about everything else was fair game. I grew up watching him on TV specials with my mother. We both studied the conservatory repertoire (and now my daughter does!).

[@gravypatron]

That piano sounds like snowflakes and icicles.❤

[@danwaldis4553]

Debussy heard and conceived harmonies that no one had heard before. His many ways of harmonizing the little three-note melody in the middle of the piece, played so elegantly and masterfully by Victor Borge, is sheer rapture. And this after hearing him play part of a Rachmaninoff concerto in the wrong key for a gag! He could be such a goofball, it was easy to forget his depth as an artist -- until such a performance as this. RIP Victor.

[@agnesvanya2329]

Loved this man since I was a child. In my mid-thirties, I travelled 90 minutes after a hard working day, by car, to see him perform. It was worth every minute. His "punctuation" routine still makes me laugh after all these years, but he was a formidable musician as well as a brilliant comedian. His handsome son joined him on stage at that live performance. I do hope that he and his family are well and thriving.

[@samforoozan3929]

Yeah he was just twoderful

[@anthonyn4603]

He grew old, but he never lost his soul for playing the piano because he wanted to leave a smile before he left. His spirit lives now among the heart of the universe.

[@tourzrap]

His life force was long.

[@georgealderson4424]

Well said Anthony.

[@martinslvsten428]

Grew up watching every televised show with him here in Denmark. So many fun and fond memories watching him with my parents, who are now both gone. I have yet to hear anyone else play Clair de Lune with his soft almost angelic touch. I always feel his life motto (The shortest distance between two people is a smile) shine through, when he plays this song somehow. He was a great comedian and piano player.

[@gunnjorunjungeengelsen6612]

I do so agree with you 👋🏻🇳🇴 he was just one of a kind 🎶🙏🏼

[@sunhelios9086]

§ The shortest distance between two people is a smile § You can feel his masculine no nonsense and straight forward attitude towards what he believes in come through in this piece, with the delicate sensitivity and gentleness for your mortal wounds. (mortal not in the sense of being fatal, but that we are mortals, imperfect and know suffering)

[@mcassely5321]

I'm envious of you. I've only discovered him on the era of KZbin and counted myself as lucky too.

[@vincentneale2620]

After all the jokes he shows just how good a pianist Victor Borge was. He had real talent

[@samforoozan3929]

Look how old he was it was like playing a goodbye song to this world after those many years make people happy and laugh and make our moments but now when you see him playing a song completly this beautifuly i cant stop my self crying but this time not because of the laughter because of how gentle and soft he plays this piece with that old hands of him

[@DaveVelo1]

It's a treasure to see and hear Victor play a whole composition without his usual comedic routines. He was one of the greatest concert performers of his time.

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

One of the greatest gentlemen and pianists who ever lived.

[@linny3260]

Love love love.

[@stevehartmann8067]

If there is a more beautiful song ever written I've never heard it. Brings me to tears every time.

[@flok.8317]

Marvelous piece played marvelously by a marvelously gifted man.

[@sack943]

Just close your eyes and listen one of the most beautiful pieces ever written and he plays it perfectly

[@Trapper50cal]

This is just Victor showing off! The feel, the pressure, the volume...just proving that he's got the goods.

[@erinallen9101]

This was one of my Mom & Dads songs in their Wedding. Mr. Borge is a talented man!

[@monklefrommel7266]

When I got to see this man live, performing (my 16th birthday) THIS piece toward the end of his concert, I was in TEARS! That was 64years ago, and HIS performance STILL DOES IT for me, unlike any other.

[@tilltilly1421]

What an exquisite sound... ❤

[@LouieNeira]

My favorite schtick of his was when he started playing a piece, didn’t sound right, flipped the score over, turned out he was reading it upside down!

[@Ndotra]

This one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIHaf6qEmapqpqc

[@Earth_Mother]

Mr. Borge was a funny man, but his musical talent was never fully realised by most, as he never completed any of the pieces he chose to demonstrate in the favour of his comedy routine. This video proves beyond reproach that he was a magnificent pianist. Simply lovely, really! 👏👏👏

[@vickyburton2434]

Just beautiful. His fingers ever so gently glide on this magnificent Bosendorfer. Just amazing the sound this instrument makes.

[@jefferybernard4800]

Of all the people that play this song Victor Borge has the most beautiful version played and he has the touch to do it which comes to mind when I think of the song very smooth

[@t00by00zer]

Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, longing, lonely, glorious melodies ever put to keys.

[@RichKosack]

I’ve watched and listened to Victor for 70 years. This is the first complete piece I’ve seen him play without the comedy that hooked many youths into piano interest. Prima!

[@mamacitadelosperros533]

I never missed any tv program he was on, from the time I was a kid, until he died. I miss him so!

[@jacktrades24]

I have also missed his splendid music and his gentle humor. I first saw him on the Bell Telephone Hour (ancient). I had no idea who he was. They introduced him and the NBC orchestra; they were performing one of the Rachmaninoff piano concertos. He was very dignified as he flipped the tails of his tux jacket and sat at the piano. The orchestra began, and played the prelude section to the first movement. When Borge entered on the piano, he only played about 3 measures. it sounded terrible! He stopped the orchestra, and asked "What key are you in?" My parents and I were watching, and we were all in hysterical laughter. I was hooked!

[@saamegan2985]

It's inspiring that a brilliant musician can also be a fabulous clown . Thank you Victor for still bringing us so much joy

[@timrogers2638]

He was such a master a mixing classical music with wonderful comedy, that one could be excused for forgetting that he was a virtuoso pianist. A lovely performance of ne of my favorite pieces.

[@catweasle5737]

Very nice. RIP Victor.

[@andrewpetik2034]

I am listening to this nearly in tears..... A masterpiece of classical music that was a favorite of my paternal grandmother who died before I was born.....being played by one my father's favorite entertainers. I would love to hear my father's laughter at Mr. Borge's antics at the piano again.

[@moonshimmer4776]

His playing this. Straight. With all of his other brilliance. Gives me shivers. Wow. Just. Wow.

[@philsarkol6443]

The way the audience is aplauding, just before the ending bars of this wonderfull piece, playd so exquisitly by Victor Borge, was like a part of the piece itself. The sound of the aplause was like a crescendo of rain that becomes heavier and heavier..One could feel and sense the admiration from the people. I was looking for Victor Borge to play a piece seriously, without the jokes, just him on the piano, and boy I am not disappointed at all, he is truly a master pianist, thank you mr.Borge for setting a benchmark in how to play this beautifull and difficult piano.

[@uralbob1]

He was a wonderful human being, and a great gift to us all.

[@samforoozan3929]

Yes he was really twoderful❤!

[@simongeorge9875]

I have watched his performance at his 80th birthday concert and now this one. I love them both equally. The warm orchestral tone in his 80th birthday concert; the purity of his unaccompanied performance. I also love his comedy. Much missed. RIP.

[@kenanderson5240]

This was one of few pieces he'd play all the way through with no comedy touches. I saw him about a half dozen times during the 30 years I lived in the Twin Cities, and he was marvelous. Like me, it appeared that most of the audience knew many of his routines by heart, and when he'd pause before a punch line, they'd laugh, knowing exactly what was coming, and laugh again as soon as he delivered it. I'd been watching him since the early days of TV on the Ed Sullivan Show, and am so happy I got to see him live at Northrop and Orchestra Hall.

[@Bashkii]

He was a GREAT musician and an AWESOME musical comedian. Huge talent! Very generous always. He's sorely missed. Victor Borge ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sharynlikantor]

I saw Victor Borge in concert when I lived in New York City. Without a doubt, he was one of the very best pianists, performers and entertainers ever. And a most excellent human being as well! The world needs more people like him.

[@joshrogan9854]

I had the pleasure of seeing him perform his comedy live. But i always hoped to experience a 'serious' performance. This was beautiful!

[@penniesfromheaven9724]

There will never be another quite like Victor Borge. What a talent, what a genius, what a hoot. I hope he is entertaining the angels in heaven as we speak. Thanks for the memories kind sir.

[@TheMarman57]

A true master of his art. I love this piece, and I don't think I've ever heard it played more beautifully. It is one of the few classical pieces that can make me cry - and especially when played by Victor. I miss him so much.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

Victor is the Alchemist of the soul His magnificent performance turns human's lamentation into glittering pleasures Nothing is impossible in Victor’s performance power

[@shin-i-chikozima]

This masterpiece is the lullaby of mankind , and the cradle of human soul gently cradled by Borge

[@stuartpoyser6678]

Lullaby of mankind. What a lovely phrase

[@shin-i-chikozima]

@@stuartpoyser6678 Thankyou A corner of shining and colorful autumn Tokyo 🇯🇵🍣🍋🍁🍊🍇🍄🍂🌽🌰🌾🍜🍱🎴🎑

[@MAY051260]

Charming, elegant evoking an early evening of peace and contentment brought about by the clear moonlight❤

[@gabrielaturcu2278]

He is one of the greatest pianists ever, a musical genius and a very, very funny guy, and real smart too!

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

Did you ever hear anything so beautiful I heard it once long ago and it was a favorite I shall never forget.

[@dougarters2691]

I attended his live performance at the Jamestown High school auditorium in 1968, just after my discharge from active duty.

[@jeromehenen8256]

incredibly delicate & perfect!

[@richardcheese4680]

I love this piece of music. It touches my rotten soul.

[@janel342]

Then your soul can’t be rotten. Must try harder

[@mariojoaomachado]

Amazing performance by Víctor Borge!

[@ritahiggins139]

Thank You!

[@johnanthony6191]

never got to see him play thru a whole piece...... magnificent

[@francoiseniederhauser7048]

Just discovered this moving interpretation of Debussy. It was evident that he had to be a great performer to play with music as he did ! Thank you for this moon ray in a dull period of time !!

[@semihcorbaci]

OMG, this should be one of the best interpretations of Debussy's Clair de Lune--totally remarkable and intense. Thank you for uploading this great clip. Greetings from a classical music enthusiast, from Turkey. 👋

[@vinnywa]

Magnificent, absolutely wonderful. Why am I crying?

[@Dell49ers]

The beautiful of the love of music causes that to happen

[@jpboileau5473]

Mastery in action.

[@Doug.]

omg same and im like 14

[@chobeeboy44]

Because you can’t help but to cry! I am right there with you.

[@brettsargent7261]

I am 64 and that happens every time I hear him play this .

[@DoubleGauss]

The piece is sublime.

[@supermintymints]

Thank goodness this was recorded.

[@hijodelaisla275]

His playing shows the depth and sensitivity of his years and intelligence.

[@johnsweeney5946]

The most beautiful Claire de Lune I've ever heard. Please set wolves on the noise makers.

[@madwhitehare3635]

🤣

[@31Alden]

@John Sweeney Yes..

[@whalesong999]

I've loved that piece for all my music appreciating life but this does have some qualities that are clearer and more distinct than other performances. So well done, if words can convey as well.

[@pr1v1]

No One has EVER played this melody better than Victor Borge! Many have tried. There is NO comparison !!!!!! For some odd reason, my Eyes start to have water coming out of them when I hear him play? Fascinating ,to say the least.

[@Julian_Wang-pai]

Exquisite music, it never fails to move me.

[@jeffbaca1173]

Thank you for your generosity and sharing this version, Victor B magnificent.

[@webhead66]

For all his comedy antics... (and I love them)... the boy could play. RIP

[@emgee44]

Beautiful, simply beautiful.

[@user-op9iv5eo2i]

Coming straight from his heart to ours.

[@haroldgillette7157]

A master Craftsman of comedy,and flipped to serious stately music flawlessly

[@macmcleod1188]

Thank you... RIP Victor Borge... December 23, 2000, Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S. I grew up in this time and the coughing and clapping doesn't detract from the performance at all. It makes it human and more real. Studio recordings are perfect but sterile.

[@CHRISDABAHIA]

A valid point. The extra sound effects, if barely audible, not overbearing, do add something: they render it a shared experience in that moment by all those present; a connection.

[@BenSlover1]

God, I miss him. The tune was his well-deserved signature piece. It was always absolute magic the way he could mesmerize the audience with his performance of this one. If hearing him play this doesn't evoke an emotional response, you might need hearing lessons.

[@joseramonfernandezroure5856]

Grande Victor Borge. Gran persona y gran pianista. Como pocos, capaz de hacernos reir y de hacernos llorar de emoción a la vez.

[@christopherhogan691]

Wunderbarer Musiker.. wunderbarer Komiker und wunderbarer Mensch..

[@michaelratcliffe7559]

Like so many many others this is favourite piece and I have listened to it being played by many concert pianists over the years. This was simply remarkable to listen to. Like the music that light would make if it could make music when the full moon rises and gently then more aggressively moves across the trees and fields and then passes on. I have never seen or heard this piece played with such a lightness of touch and such a clear understanding of the emotional language of the piece. I was enraptured. In the event that I am not able to find a recording of this piece I am saving this video so that I can listen to it again whenever I feel the need to see and hear beauty.

[@the_historical_glass_guy7457]

Highly probable that there'll never be anyone that can fill his shoes. Not only was he a great, and very funny entertainer, but also an extremely talented master of the ivories; as this video so clearly demonstrates. This was such a pleasure to watch & listen to. A HUGE thumbs up!

[@maryserrato97]

This was my mom's favorite song and I learned that peace by ear

[@jeffreyadams648]

So, he could play!

[@Rubiastraify]

WOW! That was SO dramatic; he breathes life into the piece! So different from other performers...thanks so much for posting.

[@Organintetnational]

Thank God, I am finally able to listen to Victor's rendition of a music piece and that too composed by the master of whole tone scales and Major thirds, The Great Debussy. 🙂🙂

[@egilbratas2080]

Vilken underbar MAN. VIKTOR BÖRGE.