I have never heard of the composer and the piece before, but now this is my favorite prelude of all preludes. It's hauntingly beautiful and melancholy, just the way I love. Your performance is remarkable and I also love the setting that is perfect for the piece! Thank you for introducing me to this unforgettable piece.
Thank you so much - that's really kind of you to say! Bortkiewicz wrote a lot of beautiful romantic music that has sadly faded into obscurity. So lovely to hear that you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for introducing us to this piece, Luke! It’s so hauntingly beautiful, melancholic... I got chills! It’s one of my favorite preludes now.
Luke Faulkner plays the piano not just with his hands, but with his own soul. He's pure musical sensitivity. Thank you Luke for sowing these sweet musical notes in the garden of our soul.
Beautiful, haunting, and melancholy . . . like meandering through a cold castle hung with beautiful tapestries and eventually finding the door that leads onto the gardens. Very well done.
Thank you for not only playing the composer's music but also giving us some history. This piece seems to perfectly describe Bortkiewicz's life story. Have an awesome week, Luke! 😃
A mesmerising and haunting piece of music; so sublimely descriptive. You certainly know how to choose the works you so ably perform for us Luke. I have never even heard of this composer before yet my immediate reaction to this prelude was one of strong identification. Quite special. And the setting remains magical creating an ambience which is splendidly complementary to your performances. Great choices all round.
Thank you so much, Danie! I've been meaning to reply to your kind comment on the Blumenfeld video, esp. your point about gestures and body language but I went away last week. I agree with your points, and actually a mentor/friend said the same thing not long ago. It would be great to develop a distinctive visual playing style, but I fear I'd struggle to come up with something that didn't seem contrived... There's sometimes a bit of fun footage at the end of the videos when I finish playing/get up (esp. in the upcoming collaborative videos) but beyond that there's not a lot on the ideas board at present! Perhaps I should get some acting coaching as you recommend ;)
That was awesome! Thank you. It was beautiful, it was soulful and haunting. It's amazing how Bortkiewicz managed to write such beautiful music throughout such a difficult life. I am sure he is looking down now and giving you the thumbs up.👍 Warm Wishes, Ros
I don't know if I'm right or not, but I pray for your hands which seems very cold, poor Luke 😕😱 Anyway, this story about Bortkiewicz is very sad... But even if this melancolic prelude seem to represent his hard life - it is the way how I listen to it - it is quite peaceful in my ears... Thank you for sharing his music and his story, Luke. This is beautiful 😍
Aww - thank you, Manon! Haha, very well spotted. The chapel had no heating beyond a couple of standalone heaters I couldn't put on (due to audio) and only a tin roof, plus it was November 🥶 P.S. the piece I mentioned isn't online yet but I'll let you know 😉
@@LukeFaulkner Haha, I suspect that this kind of place is not heated Luke! and I doubt that 2 heaters were enough, don't you think? Anyway, I felt bad for you! 🥶😱🥺 And : oh yeah, November !!!!! what an idea ! 🤷♀😊😘 If I understood correctly - PS : favorite piece ?! last Saturday ? shhh, okay, I think I got it, words and mouth closed 🤫🤐🕵♀shhh... thanks... (hehe, I'm discretion incarnate ! 🤣🤣🤣)
I only discovered (at 74!) Bortkiewicz earlier this year, thanks to his surprisingly melodic first piano concerto (wait until you experience the superb soundscapes he generates with 2 & 3). Yes there are nods to Rachmaninoff and early Scriabin, but his counterpoint and expansively yearning lyrical melodies are his own making and so little known. If you think this prelude is exquisite (beautifully played Luke), then look at arguably his finest prelude (op 33 number 8), then drift away with his Elegie, then sink into his Ballade. What a melodist! So underrated, and I hope this heartfelt performance goes some way to redress the undervaluation of this wonderfully romantic composer. Mike H. Prelude 33/8: ua-cam.com/video/ckkNXNV1XnQ/v-deo.html Elegie: ua-cam.com/video/upVc0xWz5Bw/v-deo.html Ballade: ua-cam.com/video/6XzW_upL26o/v-deo.html
These are excellent recommendations, Mike! I've been seeing more love for some of these more obscure late-Romantic works in recent years including the Bortkiewicz concertos (which is a very promising sign).
Thank you, Lennie! The building has an interesting history - it's a former almshouse chapel in south London that was bombed during WWII and never restored.
@@LukeFaulkner wow. Being from California USA, I don't see many older buildings, as Europe has. I enjoy buildings especially older ones. I hope to visit Europe someday. If I have time. 😊 Thank you. ❤
Hey Luke. Have you read Any Human Heart by William Boyd? The story you mention reminds me a bit of this book. If you haven't, it's a story written in diary form (though it is a novel), of a man who lives through each decade of the 20th century. A lot of the narrative focuses on his romantic relationships and adventures, but also on his career as a writer and spy. One of the background themes is about how human life contains this balance between good luck and bad luck - which is perhaps the link I'm making with Bortkiewicz. For anyone to endure such hardship and persecution and still create is an amazing achievement. The human creative spirit never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for sharing.
I've not read it, Kalila, but I have seen the series and found it incredibly moving. There is a parallel to be drawn between the two for sure! It amazes me how many musicians in the early 20th century experienced such suffering yet were able to create exquisite music. Another name that springs to mind is Gyorgy Cziffra - he's one of the most inspiring musicians I've ever come across yet his life story is nothing short of a tragedy. His recordings have such intensity and depth and they make for powerful listening.
@@LukeFaulkner The series is wonderful too! I think whoever was responsible for the adaptation did a truly remarkable job. It's visually compelling, as you say, incredibly moving and beautiful. The three male leads who play Logan are also wonderful. However, like so many adaptations, the book is well worth a read too if you have the time! It's probably the book I recommend more than any other - there's just something about it that captures my curiosity and inspires me to reflect. I'm curious about Gyorgy Cziffra and will see if I can find some of his music. As always, thank you.
@@LukeFaulkner Have you played/recorded the Barber? It seems like it would be right up your alley. I played it for a recital in college in a set with a Chopin Nocturne and a Field Nocturne.
Awesome musicianship! For instance the dynamic balance and clearcut layering of the different voices - not to mention the goosebumpishly sublime "poco rit." - right before the Tristan inspired section at 1:57... is so freakingly spot on! And all the rest is of course just as beautifully excecuted. Thank you, Luke 😊
Excellent work. The piece sounds quite Wagnerian, at times bordering on direct quotation. According to Wikipedia, Bortkiewicz taught at Klindworth's conservatoire in Berlin for a while, so I assume he would have been exposed to Wagner's music there.
Here is the track (and full "Forgotten Melodies" album) on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/5tPnkrEi7T2sAkr2kXjV3l?si=f5fbdf1c93f54fe5
Soo beautiful! I have never heard this music!! Thank you very much for sharing, dear Luke ❤
Bortkiewicz such a great composer and you perform him beautifully Luke. Thank you. 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
I have never heard of the composer and the piece before, but now this is my favorite prelude of all preludes. It's hauntingly beautiful and melancholy, just the way I love. Your performance is remarkable and I also love the setting that is perfect for the piece! Thank you for introducing me to this unforgettable piece.
Thank you so much - that's really kind of you to say! Bortkiewicz wrote a lot of beautiful romantic music that has sadly faded into obscurity. So lovely to hear that you enjoyed it!
Same here I heard and played this years ago but keep coming back
You are a rare sighting Luke!.Hope you take care being busy and we always love to hear from you 😊.
Thank you, dear Suraini! Always lovely to hear from you 🥰
Thank you so much for introducing us to this piece, Luke! It’s so hauntingly beautiful, melancholic... I got chills! It’s one of my favorite preludes now.
I'm really happy to read this, Thea! It's not a well known piece but deserves to be enjoyed more, I think.
@@LukeFaulkner Absolutely!
Luke Faulkner plays the piano not just with his hands, but with his own soul. He's pure musical sensitivity.
Thank you Luke for sowing these sweet musical notes in the garden of our soul.
You're so kind, Jorge! Thank you for your wonderful words 🥰
Beautiful, haunting, and melancholy . . . like meandering through a cold castle hung with beautiful tapestries and eventually finding the door that leads onto the gardens. Very well done.
I love the imagery, Heather! It really does evoke that sort of former world.
Thank you for not only playing the composer's music but also giving us some history. This piece seems to perfectly describe Bortkiewicz's life story. Have an awesome week, Luke! 😃
My pleasure, Miriam! I'm really glad you enjoyed it - I agree that the music does reflect his life rather closely. Hope you're well 😊
A mesmerising and haunting piece of music; so sublimely descriptive. You certainly know how to choose the works you so ably perform for us Luke. I have never even heard of this composer before yet my immediate reaction to this prelude was one of strong identification. Quite special. And the setting remains magical creating an ambience which is splendidly complementary to your performances. Great choices all round.
Thank you so much, Danie! I've been meaning to reply to your kind comment on the Blumenfeld video, esp. your point about gestures and body language but I went away last week. I agree with your points, and actually a mentor/friend said the same thing not long ago. It would be great to develop a distinctive visual playing style, but I fear I'd struggle to come up with something that didn't seem contrived... There's sometimes a bit of fun footage at the end of the videos when I finish playing/get up (esp. in the upcoming collaborative videos) but beyond that there's not a lot on the ideas board at present! Perhaps I should get some acting coaching as you recommend ;)
@@LukeFaulkner Don't force it Luke. It'll all come in good time. One day you will know that this is it: doing what comes naturally . . .
Wonderful ! 🌸
Congratulations Luke ! 👏🏻
Thank you 🥰
That was awesome! Thank you. It was beautiful, it was soulful and haunting. It's amazing how Bortkiewicz managed to write such beautiful music throughout such a difficult life. I am sure he is looking down now and giving you the thumbs up.👍 Warm Wishes, Ros
That's so kind of you to say, Ros! Haha - that's a sweet thought.
Thanks!
Aww - this is the first time anyone has given me a Super Thanks! Won't forget this, Mã 🥰
@@LukeFaulkner you welcome!!
I don't know if I'm right or not, but I pray for your hands which seems very cold, poor Luke 😕😱 Anyway, this story about Bortkiewicz is very sad... But even if this melancolic prelude seem to represent his hard life - it is the way how I listen to it - it is quite peaceful in my ears... Thank you for sharing his music and his story, Luke. This is beautiful 😍
Aww - thank you, Manon! Haha, very well spotted. The chapel had no heating beyond a couple of standalone heaters I couldn't put on (due to audio) and only a tin roof, plus it was November 🥶
P.S. the piece I mentioned isn't online yet but I'll let you know 😉
@@LukeFaulkner Haha, I suspect that this kind of place is not heated Luke! and I doubt that 2 heaters were enough, don't you think?
Anyway, I felt bad for you! 🥶😱🥺
And : oh yeah, November !!!!! what an idea ! 🤷♀😊😘
If I understood correctly - PS : favorite piece ?! last Saturday ? shhh, okay, I think I got it, words and mouth closed 🤫🤐🕵♀shhh... thanks... (hehe, I'm discretion incarnate ! 🤣🤣🤣)
@@LukeFaulkner this is beaytiful, another lovely discovery, in which you put your heart and soul.
Such a relaxing and sweet selection
I'm happy you enjoyed it, Mã!
@@LukeFaulkner of course Luke, I always enjoy your selections, thank you so much!!
I only discovered (at 74!) Bortkiewicz earlier this year, thanks to his surprisingly melodic first piano concerto (wait until you experience the superb soundscapes he generates with 2 & 3). Yes there are nods to Rachmaninoff and early Scriabin, but his counterpoint and expansively yearning lyrical melodies are his own making and so little known. If you think this prelude is exquisite (beautifully played Luke), then look at arguably his finest prelude (op 33 number 8), then drift away with his Elegie, then sink into his Ballade. What a melodist! So underrated, and I hope this heartfelt performance goes some way to redress the undervaluation of this wonderfully romantic composer. Mike H.
Prelude 33/8: ua-cam.com/video/ckkNXNV1XnQ/v-deo.html
Elegie: ua-cam.com/video/upVc0xWz5Bw/v-deo.html
Ballade: ua-cam.com/video/6XzW_upL26o/v-deo.html
These are excellent recommendations, Mike! I've been seeing more love for some of these more obscure late-Romantic works in recent years including the Bortkiewicz concertos (which is a very promising sign).
Wow..
That was so soothing to my brain! lol Thank you, Luke. May God bless you and yours.
And you too, Leela! Thank you for your kind words as always!
Piękny utwor .Nigdy nie slyszalam o tym kompozytorze. Slyszę niemalze swojego Rodaka F.Chopina. Ta melancholia, harmonia...
Oh wowwww this is so hauntingly beautiful!! I NEED to learn it! Beautifully played Luke :)
You should, my friend! It's wonderful to play and fits nicely under the fingers :)
@@LukeFaulkner It reminds me so much of Chopin’s nocturne no. 19 in E minor op 1
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you Luke ❤
My pleasure, Elle!
Элегичная пьеса с романтичным флёром и сентиментальностью чувств!
Большое спасибо!
Beautiful. Interesting building you're in as well. Thank you.
Thank you, Lennie! The building has an interesting history - it's a former almshouse chapel in south London that was bombed during WWII and never restored.
@@LukeFaulkner wow. Being from California USA, I don't see many older buildings, as Europe has. I enjoy buildings especially older ones. I hope to visit Europe someday. If I have time. 😊
Thank you. ❤
Beautiful again mate, any chance of a piece on the accordion that contraption I couldn’t play when you tried to teach me.
Hahaha I'll need to dust it off, Ian! Been years since I played regularly but it is tempting. Will have to write something for it!
Superstar mate
Really nice!
Thank you, Chris!
Hey Luke. Have you read Any Human Heart by William Boyd? The story you mention reminds me a bit of this book.
If you haven't, it's a story written in diary form (though it is a novel), of a man who lives through each decade of the 20th century. A lot of the narrative focuses on his romantic relationships and adventures, but also on his career as a writer and spy. One of the background themes is about how human life contains this balance between good luck and bad luck - which is perhaps the link I'm making with Bortkiewicz.
For anyone to endure such hardship and persecution and still create is an amazing achievement. The human creative spirit never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for sharing.
I've not read it, Kalila, but I have seen the series and found it incredibly moving. There is a parallel to be drawn between the two for sure! It amazes me how many musicians in the early 20th century experienced such suffering yet were able to create exquisite music. Another name that springs to mind is Gyorgy Cziffra - he's one of the most inspiring musicians I've ever come across yet his life story is nothing short of a tragedy. His recordings have such intensity and depth and they make for powerful listening.
@@LukeFaulkner The series is wonderful too! I think whoever was responsible for the adaptation did a truly remarkable job. It's visually compelling, as you say, incredibly moving and beautiful. The three male leads who play Logan are also wonderful. However, like so many adaptations, the book is well worth a read too if you have the time! It's probably the book I recommend more than any other - there's just something about it that captures my curiosity and inspires me to reflect.
I'm curious about Gyorgy Cziffra and will see if I can find some of his music. As always, thank you.
Thanks for this. I had never heard of this piece or composer. This reminds me of the Samuel Barber Nocturne, but it's less angular and cerebral.
Good call - they have a similar texture and dramatic arch for sure!
@@LukeFaulkner Have you played/recorded the Barber? It seems like it would be right up your alley. I played it for a recital in college in a set with a Chopin Nocturne and a Field Nocturne.
Awesome musicianship! For instance the dynamic balance and clearcut layering of the different voices - not to mention the goosebumpishly sublime "poco rit." - right before the Tristan inspired section at 1:57... is so freakingly spot on! And all the rest is of course just as beautifully excecuted. Thank you, Luke 😊
Aww - thank you so much, my friend! Sorry it took years to reply...
😂@@LukeFaulkner
♡
100000/10♥
Excellent work. The piece sounds quite Wagnerian, at times bordering on direct quotation. According to Wikipedia, Bortkiewicz taught at Klindworth's conservatoire in Berlin for a while, so I assume he would have been exposed to Wagner's music there.
Thanks so much, Stefan! There's certainly a Wagnerian romanticism to this.
My favorite all time heavy-weight champion of emotional manipulation paying tribute to other musicians
Haha you have a talent with words, my friend! You always make me smile.
@@LukeFaulkner 🔥♥