What a difference! Hear Chopin Fantasie Impromptu on 150 year old, 100yo and modern Bechstein pianos

3 pianos from the same piano maker. Up until the 2nd World War Concert stage sound was fully dominated by Bechstein's pianos and was forming the culture of sound that was a "standard" at the time influencing all manufacturers to follow the tone quality. This would probably still be true if Steinway did not bribe American pilots to make a "detour" from military targets and drop bombs onto Berlin's piano factory in 1945. A truly competitive practice I suppose...
C. Bechstein did resume piano production some 30 years after that but never since was able to dominate world stage.
The first one belonged to Rubinstein and is pictured on the very famous cartoon. Now it is on display in museum "Family of Pianos".
3 Bechstein pianos here and 150 years between the first and the last one. What we gained... and what we lost in these years. You decide!

[@johnathanb123]

0:10 - 1800’s C. Bechstein 4:39 - 1900’s C. Bechstein (Model V?) 9:04 - 2000’s C. Bechstein

[@raphaelcontin1]

Merry Christmas Valentina! Love your playing! ❤❤❤❤

[@tergit]

Лучшая часть любого, даже самого лучшего инструмента - руки Музыканта, и это Ваши, Валентина, руки!

[@user-sei-]

What a wonderful sight!🎉 Every movement you make when you play the piano is beautiful. You are an undeniable artist.🎉🎉🎉

[@YA-cl3jz]

Большое спасибо за возможность насладится музыкой Шопена в вашем исполении и сравнить три модели фортепиано. Как современному человеку, мне больше нравится современный Concert Grand Bechstein за его силу, мощь, богатство обертонов. Но благодаря этому его свойству, тихие и лиричные вещи начинают напоминать рок-музыку. У вас, Валентина, очень энергичная исполнительская техника, и старому Бехштейну, ИМХО, лучше удалось передать оригинальный замысел Шопена.

[@galinagalinaa3581]

Thank you Valentina! You are great!

[@zukizaba]

Такого качества инструментов уже давно никто не изготавливает и таких исполнителей как Валентина уже не встретишь - спасибо Валечка что Вы есть и радуете и украшаете этот мир своим даром, берегите себя❤️

[@georgehennessy1256]

You are a great genius at the piano with wondrous feeling for the music!!!

[@squaddiepete]

Such clear, beautiful voicing. Her melody sings out!

[@НатальяБондарь-ы1ъ]

Валентина,вы так великолепны, что мне порой кажется что вы и есть сама музыка. Благодарю!

[@karlbauer9734]

Geniale Musik, meisterhaft gespielt, was will man mehr? Besten Dank und Frohe Weihnachten.

[@juliang9439]

First of all: THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS "PIANO IMPROMPTU EXPERIENCE". I did my homework and liste to the three outstandings interpretations of the Fantansie Impromptu and I concluded that the piano I like the most was the first and old Bechstein. The sound is so complete...so warm and so clear... delightful sound. And the work of the wood in its exterior is beautiful. Nobody do this kind of instrument anymore... Long live to that old Bechstein! Bravo Valentina and thank you once again! Please share more of this kind of experiences with us!

[@deltasquared7777]

Although the he earliest of these pianos does not have the concert grandeur of the later two, it has a voice and intimacy that makes up for everything.

[@jc9552]

You made my day with this. I love and miss you Valentina. I hope you are well. ❤

[@adityabodhe3340]

love it ❤

[@mariamadalenacarneirosanto1424]

Toca com uma facilidade que impressiona. Parabéns lindíssima e super talentosa Valentina. ❤❤❤

[@AlexGritsenko]

Второй инструмент был прекрасен, насколько вы ему позволили. Исполнение божественное. Закрыл глаза и улетел. Вы опасны.Это потрясающе.

[@ИгорьПетров-ы3ч]

Хотя на самом деле первый инструмент в своëм потенциале должен звучать лучше, просто Валентину посадили за убитый не подготовленный к игре Бехштейн, по которому капетальнейшая реставрация плачет. Тем самым создатели видео вызывают презрение к инструментам за 150 лет, что мол они развалюхи все такие. У Ставицкого в музее в Рыбинске отреставрированные хорошие инструменты

[@TJMalana]

This is such a beautiful piece! Chopin is such a genius. The elegancy and beauty of this piece is unimaginably mesmerizing no matter what piano its heard on. 😌😍

[@grigorygusev2191]

Just thank you, no more to say

[@gabrieleruffini4884]

It's always a great pleasure listening to Valentina playing piano. A wonderful Christmas gift!!!!!❤❤❤

[@juliandolby]

What a wonderful Christmas present! The superb Valentina Lisitsa treats us to the glorious Fantasie Impromptu on December 25, which is now officially Christmas for the first time in her native Ukraine. Three renditions on three Bechstein pianos from different times allows us hear the subtle differences as the piano evolved over time. I think my favorite is the warm sound of the modern piano, closely followed by the delicate tones of the oldest piano. Such a treat to hear them all together, thank you! 🤩 🤩

[@viktorlafontaine6222]

Impressive. You really are a pianist virtuoso. I love the way you play, valentina. You catch my attention. Your hands dancing like the waves of oceans over the piano. That's really magical.

[@Pianist_24680]

Very beautiful.😊❤

[@mencken8]

There is complete relaxation, no tension in those hands. Remarkable.

[@YoshiyukiMukudai_NBC-ABC-CBS]

Браво Валентина, и Молто большое спасибо за твоей игрe в 410 Hz фортепиано!!! Veritas vos liberabit!!!

[@Del_Monico]

this woman is an angel sent by God himself to us.

[@FabianEspinosa927]

You are the Best!!

[@2manysigns]

Fantastic

[@cafedehuerta5926]

EXELLENT , WONDERFUL - From Argentina CONGRATULATIONS and WE LOVE YOU ::..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😎...😎...😎.............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mariyayankovich9626]

Удивительная❤Дивовижна! And so wonderfully generous pianist, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the Music! Дякую за таку красу!

[@Earl_E_Burd]

I liked #1. Beautiful art performing this work.

[@MassimoMalavasi]

Very interesting comparison! Thanks.

[@河野通文-e4y]

Merryxmas from tokyo ! we're waiting for you.❤

[@JudgeDredd_]

🎄 Good day all :) 🎹

[@VesolyyeRebyata]

Настоящая женщина-виртуоз играет на превосходных фортепиано К. Бехштейна. Мне разве стоит большего желать?

[@vitaliymal1674]

Валентина прекрасная и волшебство музыки ❤

[@davidkhaan195]

great valentina !!!

[@romeovernarelli7676]

Well done Valentina! Do you remember your concert held in Villa d'Este - Tivoli, on 11 September 2011? I was there. I remember you with respect and sympathy 💐❤️

[@marcosPRATA918]

O 3o com realce da notas altas (agudas) e da ressonância especialmente com pedal. Mas cada um nos oferece seus harmônicos, o principal está nas mãos de V. Lisitsa.🎉

[@takuh6830]

今夜もありがとうございます(^^嬉しいです

[@frankorusso]

Grazie e Auguri!!! 🤗🤗🤗

[@rickwilmot9127]

Amazing! 🤩🤩🤩

[@karalynlee8572]

So beautiful - I wept XOXO 😘

[@Gfthce3426]

Beautiful ! Thank You. Love your coat ' hope is real furs .

[@Heylomusicmusic]

❤❤❤

[@johanwiman5983]

Steinway bribing the air force is a very bold and these days political statement. And it doesn't make sence, condidering also the Steinway hamburg factory was bombed. Besides Bechstein was very close to the German regime and everybody knows their reputation was spoiled because of this in the post-war era, which is why their way back was difficult, even though the pianos were great.

[@yafetpalomeque75]

It is not her claim. There are some reports suggesting this, you can Google it. She didn't make this up😅

[@johanwiman5983]

@@yafetpalomeque75 Provide us with a trustworthy link.

[@johanwiman5983]

@@yafetpalomeque75 You need to provide a link too proove this.

[@rubenmarchandpumacayo4101]

Feliz navidad .... saludos desde el Perú. Estimada Valentina

[@hermitcrabbot]

3 lucky pianos and the world's greatest musician.

[@lucyyoung77777]

HELLO, BEAUTIFUL PLEASE KEEP JOY FLOWING.

[@lucyyoung77777]

4:01

[@lucyyoung77777]

Watch the flow of dress as playing 8:21

[@giuseppepellegrino8656]

❤

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

Bravo!!!!!!🙏🏻🎁👋🏻👋🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@SunFlower-ts2ts]

Valentina you inspire me every day only by seeing you playing, but what do you tink about doing some more than just playing?Something like shorts or video tutorials? That would help me and ather ppl a lot .I ve seen some of your masterclass but I am more curious about how you teach from the root of the piece . Pls consider my suggestion, I know there are a bunch of other tutorials but we want to see your opinion and approach because we know that we can learn a lot of things from you. Please continue to delight us with your playing 😊😊❤

[@LuluBodhi]

How can they have eliminated the lions? Come on. That looks so amazing. I want a piano with lions. I love the sound of all these pianos, and I do love the modern piano- but they are so boring looking now!

[@ConviveconelArte]

amazing

[@tebaldo1935]

Ohh MIO GRANDE AMORE !💟 410 hz dolcezza impareggiabile♥️

[@dartek14]

Very old school Europan, the expression is is all in the hands, separating European from Asian performers. Notice the elevation of the fingers and the placement and anticipation of beauty.

[@invisableobserver]

With Val playing them they all three sound good .The first one seems to have a more enjoyable tone, and the second has better action, since Val is the expert which one did she prefer. I'd be eternally blessed if could just kiss Val's fingers.

[@allannakama2787]

i am not an expert. i preffered the the 100 year old. loved your performances

[@mohamedkhamiss4738]

She plays more fluent than she speaks

[@IvanIvanov-hz7dy]

Все же мне больше нравится звук нового рояля. Хотя, в исполнении Валентины с удовольствием послушал и первые два инструмента.

[@benr7882]

Ah! The music breathes on the first piano!!

[@buddydog1956]

Her 'pinky' finger is as long as my middle finger ~ lol~

[@privateprivate1647]

150yr instrument has more colour, bell shaped tone and resonance compared to 100yr and it "sings". It seems to be in better condition or better mic'd. The 100yr sounds likes someone has pressed the practice pedal and muffled the sound. The modern grand is certainly superior but the mic setup is not great and it sounds a little metallic. Though i have a Bechtein and tend to be biased, I can't say this modern grand is the best sounding or mic'd instrument. But Valentina is an inspiration as always. Molodets, Valya! 💐

[@selcuksofular]

💫🎹💯✅

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

Esta es la velocidad que me enseñaron. 🎹🇮🇷🖐️

[@mughetto99]

dedicated to GKP.

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

No tiene sonido de Beisten

[@jp412bh]

Interesting how some comments disappear.

[@metemizol]

🥀

[@robertklein2649]

Belle Valentina, sublime Valentina, ...I love You ! Ich warte auf Sie ,...jeden Tag in Deutschland !...,..,.. Küßchen Belle Valentina 🥰💘💝💗💞💕❤💔❣

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

Está parte cantable muy bien. 🎹 Mejor ❤️‍🩹 no se desboco 😮 como la primera vez NO es competencia de carreras. 😢

[@stanislavalevoryan2429]

Что ты делаешь.Хочу клавесиин. Пожалуйста. Вы заставляете меня плакать.

[@emaldonadog]

Time is really cruel.

[@PiotrBarcz]

I personally think that very very old pianos, or rather, pianofortes, are quite unsatisfactory when it comes to tone. The inferior design and materials resulted in the sound being metallic, have very fast decay with little to no sustain making them lack power in every way. Pianos made after the 1870s are all of (IN THE MOST PRACTICAL SENSE) the same design almost all the way through which means the sound really isn't going to be much different if you play a piano from 1888 to when you play a piano from 1988. The only tonal differences you'll hear are caused by the wood aging and almost nothing else.

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

Bechstein. 🇮🇷🙋🏻‍♀️

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

No tiene buen sonido demasiado acelerado. 🎹🎶

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

CANTABLE OK. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🇮🇷🙋🏻‍♀️ 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻🎵

[@blackmore888]

Καλά Χριστούγεννα Βαλεντίνα...ΙΧΝ...

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

We know what this monster can do in a year to a new grand piano, so banged up they must be sent home for complete remaking. Imagine what the first piano must be experiencing!? She's very dangerous! Piano tuners beg her not to string them up.

[@gabrielgabriel8096]

I am sorry, but the Sound quality of the modern Bechstein cannot be compared with the older ones... In fact, it sounds like any other Piano maker of today. In terms of musicality, the older ones were conceived to make to Sing the piano (moreover..., what a warm and Human sound). The newer ones, by contrast, sound just mechanical, if compared... Like the world of today: Materialistic (anti idealista).

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

Contable ok.

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

🇮🇷🙋🏻‍♀️👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@edaguirre8952]

Sounds good. Play something for the Lord.

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

Modelo. V.

[@creativecolours2022]

My dear Valentina, you've played way too fast for these old pianos. They are not so responsive, partly due to their age and partly due to their mechanism so there is no point to try to juice out of them what they simply can't give you.

[@Flodhesten]

And they say pianos havnt evolved.

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

Es la gran pianista. ,pero no de carreras.

[@barnesmultimedia2725]

Well interpreted, but could you just calm down just a little bit? Relax.

[@CarmenReyes-em9np]

El Beisten es el que me gusta ,pero no te desboques. 🐴

[@PiotrBarcz]

I majorly disagree with the statement that Bechstein set tonal standards that other companies tried to follow. I would argue that *Steinway* set that standard. Bechsteins have a far weaker tone compared to them and are far less suited to be versatile instruments to be used in concert halls where the piano has to sound good no matter what music is being played on it! I've heard many recordings done on Bechsteins and they frankly just sound straight up inferior to Steinways and the other major piano brands.

[@bobbygray496]

The most overplayed piano piece of all time which makes me repulsed....

[@ValentinaLisitsaQOR]

Paris. Louvre. The room with Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa". Crowds of tourists, admiring, making selfies.... One young man, in a loud voice: -"The most overhyped piece of art of all time. What's so special about it? I just don't get it"... The museum attendant, in a quiet voice: "You see, Sir, over the last few hundred years Mona Lisa was admired by so many people, that now she can afford to pick and choose whom to be liked by and who to ignore. I pity you" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I pity you.