I don't understand all the bad comments. All the comments saying he played too fast or whatnot is complete BS. The song is different for everyone who plays it. It depends on how you interpret the music. I think he did an amazing job and I will want to play like him.
Yes, indeed! Great movie. Off camera, Levant and Crawford didn’t get along. Well, SHE didn’t get along with HIM. Levant was just being Levant, no pretenses.
I'm learning Prelude 1 at the moment as well! What a headache! But undeniably brilliant. It's a different world getting into these types of pieces, as opposed to more rigid truly classical pieces. This one is just a joy to interpret. Nothing beats nailing that final run!
To all of those say this is not how it's meant to be played because not "jazzy": the swinged interpretation of 2 quavers as 1dottet and 1semi-quaver came out in the 30's. THESE preludes are from 1926. So this is how they've been conceived. (check out on youtube Gershwin himself playing them and see). Obviously Porgy And Bess is more "swing and jazzy": it's from 1935 (in the beginning of "big bands era")
Oh my gosh! When I play this song, I tend to add a few little grace notes before that first A flat (they're not written in). He does the exact same thing! I guess the piece just lends itself to that, doesn't it, as well as the ritardando before the final statement of the theme? I'll have to listen to more recordings to see how widespread the trend is. He does go quite a bit faster than I, however (though I'm not criticizing), and I like to add a subito piano and a drawn out crescendo nine measures before the end--you know, to contrast the decrescendo later? Anyway, nobody probably wants to hear this. I should just play the darn piece and post it.
I think he leaves between preludes because these were apparently played as encores to a concert. How often does one get treated to a performance of a full work as a series of encores at ANY concert?... I guess that also answers your question concerning the look to his foot before starting (he had barely just returned to stage due to the clapping) Concerning the interpretation, you're certainly allowed your opinion. If I may comment, I would actually say it's brilliant, in a scholar way.
Zimerman totally hangs into the sense... that's it! I love his Gershwin... no other is comparable to this, even not Gershwin himself!!! (Compare yourself)
Over 500 likes for his playing and the wonderful music of George Gershwin, Less than 20 'dislikes' awarded for the appearance of Mr Zimmerman's bow tie appearing to be stuck at Ten past Eight, Its the only negative I could imagine people could have with this performance.
Krystian Zimerman is probably known as the greatest pianist alive today and for the past several decades as easily concurred with by many others. If you have not seen his performance of Chopin's Ballade #1 go to the search bar now. It is without a doubt one of the greatest performances ever by a living human on the piano. -Mark Seibold, Artist-Astronomy Educator, Portland Oregon
Gershwin premiered these in Dec 1926 at Roosevelt Hotel, NYC. 5 preludes were performed, and ultimately these three were published. Of the three, Technically, I think the FIRST is the hardest. Much more virtuosity -- scales, arpeggios and a final, fast A-FLAT ascending run in 4ths. SECOND is least difficulty, but easy tempo allows me to be swept away by it's beauty. THIRD, the issue is speed, especially the final presentation of the theme in octaves. All in all I think it's easy to get too bangy
+BirdsUnion It's certainly the most interesting in my opinion. The back and forth major/minor thing works so well all the way up to the satisfying ending
In Prelude 1, he was rushing. It's supposed to be at an INTERMEDIATE speed and not a super fast one. When there are large spacings between the notes, the composer is trying to tell you to take your time. Also he was supposed to wait before he played the scale to give the audience a surprise. Gershwin's a surprise composer.
Jack Pred They can, but they can't really change everything. What I meant by that was he can put his own twist, but make sure to still follow the composer's instructions.
@marthinandres hmm--I think that it's important with gershwin to be accuraet and nail all of the right accents (so much for accuracy with my spelling errors, haha) and he nailed the accents and was true to the rhythm. So I thought it was great
First time I listen to one of Gershwin´s works, but it seems to me that it is played not only with excellent technique, but also with great taste. Just my opinion though.
@pianozachary If he wouldn't have done this, and stop the evening out, he would have had to play 9 others until the audience would have let him go home. He is not at all arrogant but very humble. You can hear that in his other music everywhere.
It feels as though he just wants to get through it. Where is the feeling, the stimulation of jazz rhythmic appreciation that Gershwin so loved? This is not it.
Its amazing how ignorant some people can be. They don't realize that Gershwin helped pioneer jazz as we know it. Maybe they don't know that gershwin was born before the 1900's and grew up listening to the same classical heritage as every other kid his age, which gives Gershwin the classical edge of his famous jazz style. The problem with people now-a-days is that everyone thinks they are allowed to be the world's critic without first having a thorough knowledge of what they are trying to judge.
It may be unprofessional, but this was an encore performance, not the main attraction. Encore performances aren't usually as serious and professional. He goes out because that was going to be the end of the performance, but the crowd called for another encore, so he came out again and performed the 2nd prelude.
I really liked the third one. Everyone of the people I heard play it were all too fast and jumbled. The notes with his are clear and easy to hear EVERY single one of them ;) NIce jobb.
+Melchiorblade7 Chill Melchiorblade7 Maybe your handle's too serious. It's music, and should be heard, not dissected. Who cares about the format? You?
8 років тому+2
+Melchiorblade7 It bothers me too :D But judging from japanese titles, he's playing it in Japan. As you may now, people there are very polite (sometimes too much) and audience probably thinks that pianist deserves applause for every piece he plays. That's just my guess though :D
I don't get why that person thinks that just because a piece by gershwin doesn't sound like what he has stereotyped many of gershwin's other pieces to sound like, he rejects the fact that gershwin wrote it... Why should a composer, especially one that helped make the way for jazz, be repetitive?
Gershwin is a flamboyant showman and the performance of the Preludes will expectedly be outlandish. Zimmerman played them truthfully and reservedly.
I've been a Gershwin freak for over 50 years and to me the 2nd Prelude is the most beautiful music he ever composed.
Bobby D absolutely intoxicating.
I don't understand all the bad comments. All the comments saying he played too fast or whatnot is complete BS. The song is different for everyone who plays it. It depends on how you interpret the music. I think he did an amazing job and I will want to play like him.
This is actually probably about the speed that gershwin played these
In Prelude #1, the last run to the end is simply perfect. Like a perfectly controlled glissando. Bravo!
Вкус, культура и чувство юмора - вот три главных качества, что меня привлекают в этом пианисте!
#2 and 3 were used in a great movie from the 1940s, Humoresque with Joan Crawford and John Garfield. Played live by the incomparable Oscar Levant.
Yes, indeed! Great movie. Off camera, Levant and Crawford didn’t get along. Well, SHE didn’t get along with HIM. Levant was just being Levant, no pretenses.
I'm learning Prelude 1 at the moment as well! What a headache! But undeniably brilliant. It's a different world getting into these types of pieces, as opposed to more rigid truly classical pieces. This one is just a joy to interpret. Nothing beats nailing that final run!
The best performance of Gershwin´s Preludes on UA-cam ever! Amazing! :o)
Just when I thought I have reached the stars, this guy shows me that there is still another universe to reach to.
On repeated viewings the clapping gets old.
0:00 Prelude n. 1
2:46 Prelude n. 2
7:10 Prelude n. 3
And yet he deserves every second of it. Thanks for the links, nonetheless.
+Nando Florestan These three preludes were played as encores! That's why they clapping after each one! :D
+Nando Florestan So the @@$# what?
Why do they clap so long
That's what the do in Japan. They knew there were three preludes coming, and everyone knew the encore ritual...including the performer.
Of the 3, I like the moody 2nd prelude best. All are absolutely brilliant pieces though! BRAVO!!
best performance on youtube, great style, helped me with fine tuning a lot! thanks for the great video!
A really fine performance of these evocative works! I particularly loved the 2nd.
The second prelude is so ridiculously beautiful. mindblowing
@Shoyrou Mine too, I never thought Zimerman could be so jazzy and be so great at it.
Superb performance. I wish the applause hadn't interrupted the suite.
To all of those say this is not how it's meant to be played because not "jazzy": the swinged interpretation of 2 quavers as 1dottet and 1semi-quaver came out in the 30's. THESE preludes are from 1926. So this is how they've been conceived. (check out on youtube Gershwin himself playing them and see). Obviously Porgy And Bess is more "swing and jazzy": it's from 1935 (in the beginning of "big bands era")
i like his head nod in the beginning of the vid - he's like ya i'm the shit.
I love how similar to Chopin's 2nd prelude the 2nd Gershwin one is
!!!!!! Skvělé! Díky!
Che meraviglia!!!!!!!!!
lol the audience never stops clapping, great pieces and this man plays 'em very well.
Zimerman is incredible. Too bad he won't ever visit the USA again. Looks like I gotta go to Poland.
Wspaniały pianista //////////////////////////////////////////
"No description available." So true!
Beautifully filmed!
Oh my gosh! When I play this song, I tend to add a few little grace notes before that first A flat (they're not written in). He does the exact same thing! I guess the piece just lends itself to that, doesn't it, as well as the ritardando before the final statement of the theme? I'll have to listen to more recordings to see how widespread the trend is. He does go quite a bit faster than I, however (though I'm not criticizing), and I like to add a subito piano and a drawn out crescendo nine measures before the end--you know, to contrast the decrescendo later? Anyway, nobody probably wants to hear this. I should just play the darn piece and post it.
Dear alegamacorta,
Do you have the Valses Nobles et Sentimentales by Ravel from this same concert, if so can you PLEEEEEEEASE upload them!?
I think he leaves between preludes because these were apparently played as encores to a concert. How often does one get treated to a performance of a full work as a series of encores at ANY concert?... I guess that also answers your question concerning the look to his foot before starting (he had barely just returned to stage due to the clapping)
Concerning the interpretation, you're certainly allowed your opinion. If I may comment, I would actually say it's brilliant, in a scholar way.
Amen!!
absolute perfection.
why is the category listed as "comedy"
Zimerman totally hangs into the sense... that's it! I love his Gershwin... no other is comparable to this, even not Gershwin himself!!! (Compare yourself)
Zimerman is one of the best pianist I've ever seen playing live.
Over 500 likes for his playing and the wonderful music of George Gershwin, Less than 20 'dislikes' awarded for the appearance of Mr Zimmerman's bow tie appearing to be stuck at Ten past Eight, Its the only negative I could imagine people could have with this performance.
I actually played it for my exam three months ago, managed to get an A! Yes it was, indeed, a joy to play ^___^
Most wonderful pieces, I adore the 1st one..but you should also mention the super performer's name, Krystian Zimerman.
Krystian Zimerman is probably known as the greatest pianist alive today and for the past several decades as easily concurred with by many others. If you have not seen his performance of Chopin's Ballade #1 go to the search bar now. It is without a doubt one of the greatest performances ever by a living human on the piano. -Mark Seibold, Artist-Astronomy Educator, Portland Oregon
Waanzinnig mooi
Gershwin premiered these in Dec 1926 at Roosevelt Hotel, NYC. 5 preludes were performed, and ultimately these three were published. Of the three, Technically, I think the FIRST is the hardest. Much more virtuosity -- scales, arpeggios and a final, fast A-FLAT ascending run in 4ths. SECOND is least difficulty, but easy tempo allows me to be swept away by it's beauty. THIRD, the issue is speed, especially the final presentation of the theme in octaves. All in all I think it's easy to get too bangy
Prelude no 3 is the best
Classical M.U.S.I.C. I haven't heard a single pianist handle 7:48 as flawlessly as he does. Unreal.
+BirdsUnion It's certainly the most interesting in my opinion. The back and forth major/minor thing works so well all the way up to the satisfying ending
+BirdsUnion I think: It's the shortest, fastest and most difficult one of those 3. ;)
@superpoopermonkey It IS Zimerman. He's aged, just like the rest of us. Still the finest pianist I ever heard.
Does anyone know why he got up and walked off stage between each prelude?
In Prelude 1, he was rushing. It's supposed to be at an INTERMEDIATE speed and not a super fast one. When there are large spacings between the notes, the composer is trying to tell you to take your time. Also he was supposed to wait before he played the scale to give the audience a surprise. Gershwin's a surprise composer.
I'll take your valuable comments into consideration thanks
So musicians cant put their own spin on a piece they play?
Jack Pred They can, but they can't really change everything. What I meant by that was he can put his own twist, but make sure to still follow the composer's instructions.
Watch Gershwin play it himself; he played it fast too
RandomAwesomeism I know he did but not SUPER fast
Fresh!
I love Zimerman,He play very nice
Wow, is this the dude that I've only seen play Chopin?
This is fabulous!
@mcgoergl
Missing? Fast? Did you consider that you may be listening to it incorrectly?
Jaymz
Kony 2012, like and let the world know
do you think the third of first one is harder?
@marthinandres hmm--I think that it's important with gershwin to be accuraet and nail all of the right accents (so much for accuracy with my spelling errors, haha) and he nailed the accents and was true to the rhythm. So I thought it was great
Just awesome, not that I'm surprised 'cause it's Zimerman!
My favorite pieces to play for fun.... Did he play this as an encore?
+Caterski Yes, he did! *smile* I never heard it better (different yes - e.g. no.2 by Rubinstein also great)! :D
President snow plays piano?
It would be nice if the poster identified the pianist, the label etc.
The pianist Is krystian zimmerman.
+Ronnie Moore everybody knows who is this guy.
Oo which piano exam is this piece for?
@PlayStationFanz The second one is actually my favourite
swietnie Krystian........a ty zawsze taki powazny....co sie stalo
Now, what's more likely: that everyone on Earth has watched this video about 11 times, or that you, sir, are pulling my leg?
@mcgoergl what is missing?? lol
@Selinayumi986
that part isn't trills, just telling you :)
i totally agree with you.
First time I listen to one of Gershwin´s works, but it seems to me that it is played not only with excellent technique, but also with great taste. Just my opinion though.
Why did Lang Lang do this one?
@pianozachary If he wouldn't have done this, and stop the evening out, he would have had to play 9 others until the audience would have let him go home. He is not at all arrogant but very humble. You can hear that in his other music everywhere.
It feels as though he just wants to get through it. Where is the feeling, the stimulation of jazz rhythmic appreciation that Gershwin so loved? This is not it.
Amazing job, but I like it a little slower, to really feel the complex harmonies.
Welp. Time to start setting up alt accounts so I can like this more than once.
fkk learning this right now for piano exam.. So damn hard.
master!
where was this?
What's the name of the pianist ??!!!
For all who don't know:
It's Krystian Zimerman.
A polish pianist.
hmm i dont know what but something is missing ...
and prelude 3 is going on too fast
ugh...third one is SO HARD FOR SMALL HANDS..
I RELATE
Its amazing how ignorant some people can be. They don't realize that Gershwin helped pioneer jazz as we know it. Maybe they don't know that gershwin was born before the 1900's and grew up listening to the same classical heritage as every other kid his age, which gives Gershwin the classical edge of his famous jazz style. The problem with people now-a-days is that everyone thinks they are allowed to be the world's critic without first having a thorough knowledge of what they are trying to judge.
It may be unprofessional, but this was an encore performance, not the main attraction. Encore performances aren't usually as serious and professional. He goes out because that was going to be the end of the performance, but the crowd called for another encore, so he came out again and performed the 2nd prelude.
he does this best :)
Fingers, fingers, but nothing of Gershwin's spirit!
the very last section of the third prelude kills my hands
hannah lipton How big are your hands?
+Ace Tiberius Stryker (Ghost) pretty small :/
O_dea Banana Lol I saw you on the other video of him playing this
^_^
@gcaee yes billy, i believe his is God.
Quite subdued.
I really liked the third one. Everyone of the people I heard play it were all too fast and jumbled. The notes with his are clear and easy to hear EVERY single one of them ;) NIce jobb.
did he died?
is he a wizard?
おしゃれ、、、
Who is the pianist?
Why does he get up and get applause after each individual prelude? Usually the performer finishes the whole set in one sitting and then gets up
***** Because they were all for encore! Zimmerman rocksss!!
+Melchiorblade7 who cares?
+Melchiorblade7 Chill Melchiorblade7 Maybe your handle's too serious. It's music, and should be heard, not dissected. Who cares about the format? You?
+Melchiorblade7 It bothers me too :D But judging from japanese titles, he's playing it in Japan. As you may now, people there are very polite (sometimes too much) and audience probably thinks that pianist deserves applause for every piece he plays. That's just my guess though :D
bill ding umm...I'm a music major, so it's my job to dissect music?? And I agree it's not a big deal, I was just curious, that's all
Who is this pianist?
Zimerman is a beast.
hmm i dont know what but something is missing ...
@arondrusek indeed.
good!
But in all i thought it was brilliant! might even end up learning all three preludes myself!!!
Why some peopler doesn't see rhythm in this performance? For God sake!!! Zimerman is awesome!
I don't get why that person thinks that just because a piece by gershwin doesn't sound like what he has stereotyped many of gershwin's other pieces to sound like, he rejects the fact that gershwin wrote it... Why should a composer, especially one that helped make the way for jazz, be repetitive?
I am doing this for my advance ^^. i hope i can play the half good like him :)
Wonderful player, but aren't Nos. 1 and 3 too fast? I guess after all of that Ravel he was still excited.
Very mathematical, adds his own stamp on the master.
0:04-0:09 :)
Lol