Tiffany Poon - Chopin Etude Op.10 No.4 

Um this video looks SPED UP

This wasn't just fast, this was musically brilliant.

All piano composers: Should the melody be left or right hand? Chopin: Yes.

People say flight of the bumblebee is hard. Chopin: PFFFT!!!

If you play this back at 0.75 speed, you can hear each and every note and just how perfect the volume and sustain of each note is held. This isn't just music, this is art in its purest form.

advanced human.

What impresses me the most is her posture.

For those who don't play piano, it's flashy and awesome. But for me who has been practicing piano (and trying to get into Julliard as a professional piano performer), I know the amount of seriously rigorous and many bored hours that must be spent working on the middle section, as well as the last right hand ending... Tiffany you are a star, and I aspire to one day play as well as you! (Currently learning this etude no 4 right now, and it's driving me nuts!) edit: (2021.6.20) I was definitely not expecting so many comments and likes here... Sorry for not responding earlier to all of you amazing ppl! So 2 years later, I currently just completed sophomore year at Manhattan School of Music (I ended up just applying to MSM not Juilliard), classical piano major. During my freshman year I went to the Columbia Uni grounds often and walked just where Tiffany used to be it was unreal. At MSM we get Columbia Uni professors for our humanities electives, we are very fortunate. Due to Covid I retreated back to my hometown in China for the past year with online lessons, and as I type I have been at an excellent internship at the Tianjin Juilliard School (the first and only overseas Juilliard branch in the world, opened 2 years ago). I'm sitting in a TJS practice room right now and practicing Chopin etude op 10 no 2 and no 10 and no 11, as well as a contemporary piece "toccata" by Peter Mennin. A Shostakovich concerto as welll... I guess all there is left to say is thank you to Tiffany her videos have inspired me to work hard in the roughest times when I auditioned in New York. Wishing her and all the musicians out there all the best! Edit: (2022 November 17) In my senior year bachelors at Manhattan school of music, putting together a recital and stressing lots about some of the work I have to do. Again, coming back to this comment is crazy, so much time has passed, and yet I still remember the day in music class when I first saw Tiffany’s video in high school. I hope I could meet her one day, and really thank her for everything she’s inspired me to go for! (I also need to get a few practicing tips from her too…) time flies. (Btw I just noticed how pretentious my previous edit was, what a prick haha)

These dynamics give me chills 😭

Listen to that articulation! Absolutely perfect. Bravo, Tiffany!

I can’t even play the wrong notes that fast

I can finish my homework with this video speedily!!!

Flawless!

When you are so good at chopin ppl think the video is SPED UP HAHAHHAAAHHAHA you're awesome Tiffany!!

I have a feeling this is another one of those 2 minute pieces that is 20 pages long.

This is the best performance of this piece that exists anywhere on the internet. It's just on a such level of performance, it really is a different league compared to most people playing it.

This is the best rendition in terms of dynamics imo. I love how she pays discreet attention to the piano parts so that the escalation to fff at the end has maximum impact. What a wonderful performance.

My favorite interpretation from my favorite pianist ^^

Yes! This is THE DEFINITIVE version of this piece. Speed. Quiet hand. Con fuoco. Outstanding.

I dont get tired of listening to this, usually people play this piece so fast and clean, which is technically correct but they way Tiffany plays is in another level, all the phrasing, all the notes so clear and the ending is the best one so far, so damn epic

Your level of concentration is ABSOULTY AMAZING! I started taking lessons last year I'm 64. I watch your videos and when you talk you're a sweet innocent girl, but when you play a maturity flows out of you and you look like a different person. I appreciate the very hard work and dedication you have to be the best, and you are! Thank you for the great music....Keith

i can't stop replaying this over and over

I think this is the best recording of this piece on RU-vid

Why is it that on all virtuoso piano renditions on youtube, there's always some arsehole in the comments claiming the video's been sped up or otherwise manipulated? I remember watching one once where the performer had got so fed up with it that she had a massive MickyMouse alarm clock on top of the piano to prove that it was played/recorded in real time. Ridiculous that she had to go to such lengths to appease some silly, jealous, pathetic scumbags.

The absolute BEST interpretation of this Etude, or any Etude, for that matter - literally took my breath away and I simply can't grasp the perfection and excellence of this recording. Bravissimo!

Oh my god. The staccato and use of pedal in this rendition is perfect! Helps to really bring out the notes

The best version I've seen.

I am speechless. You are fortunate to have had a family to provide you with so much support. Such a beautiful soul.

I’m suprised this video doesn’t have more views! It’s so good that it’s probably the best interpretation I’ve ever heard.!!

1:39 the genuine pressure you can feel in the music as that part is being played is surreal. I can only imagine how it feels to play it.

This is my favorite interpretation of this Chopin Etude on RU-vid. It’s extremely clean and precise, but it also maintains such an astounding degree of contrast and expressivity.

God the dynamics...so perfect. This is by far my favourite interpretation. You can feel the ups and down in intensity so clearly.

1:41 - really loved how you timed that passage. Also very clean and crisp playing, unbelievable!

Amazing Tiffany, as always! Can't imagine how proud your family must be of you! Keep playing and inspiring!

SO AMAZING , somehow i think this was way better than when you played at chopin's competition

音が素敵一目惚れ好きです

Best Op.10 No.4 performance so far I've ever listen. Thanks for sharing and one day I hope to listen you live.

The articulation at that speed is what impresses me the most. Sounds beautiful ! Thanks for sharing

By far the best recording of this piece!

Exactly this what this Etude needs: It's a soft piece with some fortissimo eruptions, but it's not a fortissimo piece; we hear it today mostly played in a wrong way, as a sempre fortissimo piece. And Tiffany's technique makes me breathless.

I’ve listened to this etude countless times over the past 30 years but with this recording it’s like I’m hearing it for the first time. It’s musical, full of life, and with a scary, fast tempo. Absolutely incredible!

This is insane. The amount of dedication to one instrument that you have Tiffany is amazing. Truly inspiring!!

Being a musician, i know how hard learning this stuff is, especially the coordination between hands. You are a legend for even attempting to play this piece. Good job.

This is by far the best interpretation ive heard on yt. The dynamic control, articulation, phrasing, and everything is so perfect.

Wow, really good! Flawless technique and very musical. Also, this is one of my favorite Chopin pieces - so perfect writing! Thank you very much for uploading this video!

i’m out of breath and my fingers heart from watching this. this is pure talent!!

I've been looking up a ton of performances of op.10 no.4 recently, and your interpretation still reigns as my favorite! your tempo is so even, and I love your dynamics. I've recently started studying piano in school and you've been a big source of inspiration for me :D

She's absolutely brilliant. Incredible articulation, voice blending/highlighting, and tone control at a dazzling speed..

Whenever I heard others on RU-vid played this piece, I always come back to here, and I always be amazed by the details in phrasing, and micro dynamics within the fast running note. This piece doesn't sound like an etude at all under her hands. I have lost my words and cannot have enough praise for Tiffany's achievement.

Your voicing is genuinely so interesting to listen to. You've made interpretations which have peculiar parts I would never have even considered before. Thank you so much for the treats!

Those dynamics !!! Pure elegance, love it!

Your enthusiasm for the music put a smile on my face, bravo!

I've been watching this video for a month, 2 and even 5 times every day. You're wonderful. God bless you.

What is this? Absolutely insane inner intonation, theres not a single mistake or a note that could be played better. Awesome!

Yes!! One of my favorite Chopin piece, I am currently learning this piece! :DDD

This is one of these videos that I come back to once a while to be mesmerized. Its like a sunset... you can't do anything but contemplate it. I am in awe everytime I watch this performance.

I have watched your videos for some time now and I must stay that I am deeply moved by this performance. It has every thing I love about Chopin, and Tiffany, combined I one mesmerizing performance. You are an inspiration to us all.

Lol. I used to think people were being disrespectful when they say stupid things like it looks sped up but actually it’s a compliment about your tremendous ability. Besides any real pianist would know that’s not the case. This is still one of my favorite videos of yours and I probably watch it at least once a month.

Her facial expression gives me shivers. Amazing

I swear I've rewatched this more than 100 times. You are amazing Tiffany!!

I’m so glad there are young people in my age (you and other talented pianists) that are putting out there such amazing performances of classical music, reviving it and bringing it back to life.

The rarities of this performance: 1. truly well synchronized and consistent tempo; 2. consistency in the sound as well (cresc. decresc.); 3. very clear and balanced sound. Thank you, I rarely like this performance as I liked yours.

This performance is absolutely amazing.

Really really wonderful in many ways! Very impressive! Thank you!!

No words..am just in awe this is one of my favourite classical piece ever ..and you are truly talented and you are a gift to music itself.Hope you stay happy and healthy.

i can hear every single note. Even the ones that doesnt exist

This very close to what I would consider a perfect interpretation and style of playing of the piece. Great!

This was released on my birthday 3 years ago. Thanks Tiffany. I appreciate it. Even though I did find it 3 years later. I appreciate what you did for me.

This is the best Chopin etude op.10 No.4 version ever in youtube. I really like it.

this is so sick. love it! （I put it on loop and listened for 15min straight）

That was technically so so perfect. Bravo!

The flow and speed of this version was ultimate in its execution. Completely excellent. It had me on the edge of my seat. I thought she wasn’t going to be able to keep that pace up all the way through. Truly unbelievable training and devotion to music. Thank you. 👍

The blast of volume towards the finale is just amazing, love it! 😍

Absolutely incredible!

I love how she doesn't look and the keys at all times even playing such a difficult piece, very impressive.

That was about as close to perfect as I could hope for. Spectacular!!!

Beautiful phrasing! Probably the best performance of this flashy etude on RU-vid.

Sounds pretty different than the previous interpretations you've had! And I really like it! 💛 Now you motivated me to pick up this piece again!

Hey Tiffany, would you consider uploading technique tutorials occasionally?

So, now I have two favorite renditions of this composition. Pollini and Poon. A great balance between force, clarity and speed turns this etude into a beautiful musical experience. Bravo❤️

As a pianist, I’m amazed by your phrasing and dynamics. Everything sounds absolutely flawless!

You are awesome. You are young and talented. You can play the piano very nice. I am just dreaming that i can play the piano as good as you. I wish everything good for you. THAT WAS AMAZING!!!

Simply the best!

This performance will never cease to amaze me

absolutely amazing! such incredible skill is always a wonder to behold with each video ive watched

Очень и очень великолепное исполнение! Лучше сыграть невозможно! Аминь 🙏

The best interpretation of this study. It is said there is an inverse relationship between the speed of a piece (that here is played faster than usual) and the emotional feeling it gives. Here’s the proof it’s not true

After listening a lot of performances yours is the best for me! ❤️

One of the best I've ever listened. Bravo!

So perfect... I never be like her. :(

Dios mío esas manos no son de un ser humano, esta mujer si es increíble tocando así

Every time I practise this piece, I set the video in slow speed and practice with you. I really love your dynamics in this piece. You are a great pianist!

to this day this video still floors me. The amount of dedication to pull that off is absolutly insane.

Me:how many hours a day do you practice?? Tiffany: yes

The best version on youtube, by far.

Brilliant! Perhaps the best I've heard so far. You are so musical! I loved your understanding of the form and your phrasing!

Tiffany never fails to amazing me. She’s an angel

Interesting how Tiffany adds extra levels of expressiveness in dynamics and in tempo variations not present with some other virtuoso performances of this piece on RU-vid. I think enriches the listening experience.

すごい うるさすぎないのに迫力がある！！

HOLY...THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY IN THAT PIECE. You seriously NAILED it. This is absolutely impressive!! You are SO good at what you do