I thought your presentation last Friday on the Chopin Mazurka Op 59 no. 3 could not be surpassed for the profound pleasure it gave me . . . but I was wrong. Oh, the sheer elegance of these first three Consolations by Liszt! As can be detected in my own feeble attempts at composition, I find myself irrevocably drawn to the quality of melancholy (!) and today’s performance, Cole, so exquisitely captures that deep sense of introspection which permeates this music. While listening to, and watching your hands play the piano keys, I was reminded of a Pablo Casals' quote: “Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” And your performance here certainly spoke poetically to my heart, as must have been Liszt’s intention. I know no. 3 is the most often played of the six . . . but I love No 1 and No 2, which seamlessly flow together and always manage to tug on my heartstrings! Thank you. And thank you for another excellent commentary on these gems by Liszt. But now, I must listen again, and again, and again to this wonderful music . . .
Thank you so much for the wonderful choice for this week's video! Consolations no. 2 and no. 3 have such pronounced lyricism and expressiveness that can be compared to the likes of Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. They remind me of Russian romances - maybe because they are similar in structure, short, tell a story that touches the soul, convey the feelings of love, happiness, sentimentality, loss. Adding the sostenuto pedal in Consolation no.3 certainly adds another beautiful layer to the piece and, in my humble opinion, is absolutely justifiable. Perfect performance, as always!
Wow. First time seeing your videos (found you after being greatly moved by these compositions). Really excellent content and fantastic playing. Subscribed!
Great set of pieces; I'd forgotten how lovely #2 is. I remember playing No.3 in Db Major in my younger days because I didn't feel I was up to the challenge of the Chopin's Op.27 No.2 yet, and as you mention they are somewhat reminiscent of each other. (although in truth, some of the 16th note upward run figurations in the consolation still gave intermediate level me quite some trouble!!) You also mentioned the Harmonies Poétiques Et Religieuses in the video. I'd certainly love to see your thoughts on "Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude" from that set when you have the time to work on some more ambitious/demanding repertoire again. It's one of those pieces I wish I could play, but that is beyond my capabilities, both technically and in terms of the hand stretches needed for the opening right hand accompaniment! So it would be a nice "consolation" prize to at least get to see your performance of it. ;)
Hi Mitch, thanks for your comments! Funny that you should mention the Bénédiction-that is a piece that I have actually played quite a bit before, and that I was definitely planning including on this channel at some point. Now that my life is a little bit liberated again I will definitely do it, since you request it! It is one of several pieces from the "Harmonies" that are well worth knowing.
I am not joking, but I spent the whole week practising liszt consolation no.3 and got nowhere near the original melody. It seemed to me as if I myself required some consolation. I have to say that ur way of playing is emotionally very powerful and attractive. I was clearly able to see the beauty, peace and a sense of consolation offered by your performance. I wish that I could play like you someday. But yeah, you surely motivated me to continue my practice. Thank you sir.
I thought your presentation last Friday on the Chopin Mazurka Op 59 no. 3 could not be surpassed for the profound pleasure it gave me . . . but I was wrong. Oh, the sheer elegance of these first three Consolations by Liszt! As can be detected in my own feeble attempts at composition, I find myself irrevocably drawn to the quality of melancholy (!) and today’s performance, Cole, so exquisitely captures that deep sense of introspection which permeates this music. While listening to, and watching your hands play the piano keys, I was reminded of a Pablo Casals' quote: “Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” And your performance here certainly spoke poetically to my heart, as must have been Liszt’s intention. I know no. 3 is the most often played of the six . . . but I love No 1 and No 2, which seamlessly flow together and always manage to tug on my heartstrings! Thank you. And thank you for another excellent commentary on these gems by Liszt. But now, I must listen again, and again, and again to this wonderful music . . .
Thank you so much for the wonderful choice for this week's video! Consolations no. 2 and no. 3 have such pronounced lyricism and expressiveness that can be compared to the likes of Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. They remind me of Russian romances - maybe because they are similar in structure, short, tell a story that touches the soul, convey the feelings of love, happiness, sentimentality, loss. Adding the sostenuto pedal in Consolation no.3 certainly adds another beautiful layer to the piece and, in my humble opinion, is absolutely justifiable. Perfect performance, as always!
Gorgeous, once again!
Wow. First time seeing your videos (found you after being greatly moved by these compositions).
Really excellent content and fantastic playing. Subscribed!
Great set of pieces; I'd forgotten how lovely #2 is. I remember playing No.3 in Db Major in my younger days because I didn't feel I was up to the challenge of the Chopin's Op.27 No.2 yet, and as you mention they are somewhat reminiscent of each other. (although in truth, some of the 16th note upward run figurations in the consolation still gave intermediate level me quite some trouble!!)
You also mentioned the Harmonies Poétiques Et Religieuses in the video. I'd certainly love to see your thoughts on "Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude" from that set when you have the time to work on some more ambitious/demanding repertoire again. It's one of those pieces I wish I could play, but that is beyond my capabilities, both technically and in terms of the hand stretches needed for the opening right hand accompaniment! So it would be a nice "consolation" prize to at least get to see your performance of it. ;)
I'd enjoy seeing that, too!
Hi Mitch, thanks for your comments! Funny that you should mention the Bénédiction-that is a piece that I have actually played quite a bit before, and that I was definitely planning including on this channel at some point. Now that my life is a little bit liberated again I will definitely do it, since you request it! It is one of several pieces from the "Harmonies" that are well worth knowing.
I am not joking, but I spent the whole week practising liszt consolation no.3 and got nowhere near the original melody. It seemed to me as if I myself required some consolation. I have to say that ur way of playing is emotionally very powerful and attractive. I was clearly able to see the beauty, peace and a sense of consolation offered by your performance. I wish that I could play like you someday. But yeah, you surely motivated me to continue my practice. Thank you sir.
Very glad to hear that your motivation was renewed. Don't give up! Sometimes it takes time, but you will get there.
@@TheIndependentPianist thank you once again. Dear sir 😊