Amazing, most exciting, compelling pianist I've heard in my 73 years of life. Yuja Wang defies description; no words can aptly do justice to how astonishing lovely Yuja Wang really is. She's precious beyond words.
Can you imagine if George Gershwin were alive to hear his famous piece performed by Miss Wang? For 70 years Ive been in love with everything Gershwin composed. Rhapsody In Blue is a favorite. I’m hearing it played for the first time right now it seems!! There are no words to express the joy. As my son would say, Miss Wang is crushing it. Now I’m in love with her!!! Thank you Peter.
Yuja Wang is probably the best, and certainly the sexist, pianist in the world, the most sensational we've seen in years, but... she doesn't understand American jazz. A very mechanical performance that she rushed through as though she couldn't get back to the classical repertoire of Rachmaninoff, Brahms, and Chopin soon enough.
@@williamfankboner4206 she's young. Will see how she plays in 20 years. In fact, there's quite a few young pianinsts which I can't wait to to hear in 20-30 years from now: Yuja Wang, Trifonov, Yunchan Lim.
I just discovered her about a month ago, and I’ve listened to no fewer than 50 of her concertos, sonatas and other pieces in her vast repertoire. Outside of just a few truly remarkable artists, no one blows me away like Yuja Wang. I’m just happy to be sharing the planet with her. This piece is masterful like all the rest!
By the time she's done, she will be the greatest performing pianist that ever lived. She's in a class entirely of her own making. There's only one Yuja, and she's incomparable.
I have listened to various recordings of this classic for literally decades, and this just might be the best interpretation I have ever heard. Her phrasing, her timing, her finesse are impeccable. It is almost as though the piano was invented for her. Breathtaking performance. Superb!
It is a great performance, one to hear again, though I don't usually listen to Yuja's playing. Can there be a 'best' interpretation of any complex work? I don't think so. If you can tolerate poor recording quality and a piano transcription, this one is bluer, less polished but also great: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_jBkR9eZLbM.html Thers is a studio version on Spotify but the magic, and the tears, are in the live performance.
@@murdo_mck I suppose “best” is not the correct word. I will rephrase and say this might be the interpretation that I like more than any other. It is definitely bluer than most others, which, to me, is appealing. As far as less polished goes, I am a life long lover of jazz. I do not like it when music, especially certain genres, is rehearsed over and over to the point where the spontaneity is absent. I realize with dozens of musicians on stage, one cannot stray too far. But I love this transcription. Not trying to start an argument. I appreciate your comment. Also, nearly all the music I listen to are live performances. As you said, that is where the magic lies.
@@t4fnut No argument from me, we both agree (and I should have phrased that more carefully). I just viewed Joe Patrych's LTCL interview; he knows the difference between a studio recording and live.
When I die, I’ll pay for my own funeral/ memorial… no speech, if anyone comes… I just want a video of her/ that incredible clarinetist/ the whole orchestra… this song… my favorite, I’ve never seen or heard a rendition of this classical piece, she added measures beyond brilliant…
I am on a YUJA WANG listening marathon and am blown away with every concert she does! And today is her 36th birthday February 10th 2023 which makes it a real celebration!
Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Gershwin...there is apparently nothing that she cannot play with the mastery and musicality that sets her apart from the rest. Absolutely stunning.
She’s brilliant..!!! She’s deeply committed with the Gershwin’s spirit!!! Strength and softness..., passionate and playful..!! This a great performance..!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Ms Wang has the ability to pull the rhythms of her two hands apart to outrageous levels and then calmly collapse together again in such a sublime way! I have never seen anyone else even come close to this amazing technique, and it transforms the whole sound of the piece into something fresh.
I think this all has to thank Yuja's percussionist father who, she described in an interview, demanded absolute cleaness playing from her rhythm wise and note wise. The result as we see today is her incredible rhythmicity and clarity in her playing.
I think she just enjoys performing, and has a massive amount of natural talent. It's not something she learned. She was born with it. It could well be her father's genes.
There is no other artist that enthralls me every time like she does. The mystery to me is how anyone on Earth could play the way that she does. She plows through the most difficult pieces one after another year after year.
Most definitely the best " interpretation" of Rhapsody in Blue possible..... The orchestra & Ms Wang become as one.....playing the " long version" to perfection & on top of that the impeccable video recording & great sound quality....... I think George would be impressed! .....Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it......
Yuja doen't give a darn about convention, just enjoys herself in the moment and THAT is what I love about her. Amazing skill, does as she darn well pleases!!!
@@ernsthergenbeck872 finally someone who understands. Previn is the king of this piece... she is clearly struggling against her classical education... it is interesting though.
@@alessandrozigliani2615 Thanks. Actually, I think it's not only her. It's rather the whole classical orchestra and high-brow setting that completely sterilizes everything. Sure, they all are technically perfect musicians. But (despite what younger jazzmen and -women are thinking these days) jazz is not about being perfect, but about these little imperfections and unpredictabilities that make the whole experience exciting. Ot at least it was so, when jazz still was something to reckon with (i.e. before it became academic itself). Just compare this to the original recording from 1924, or even the 1945 film version.
I first played this piece nearly 60 years ago, in high school (solo trumpet, sigh), and have heard dozens of renditions since, but this young lady's lyrical interpretation and blistering tempi have reduced me to tears every time I hear her play. Bravissima!
The first time I watched this I was dumbstruck at the incredible beauty. I love this piece, and Yuja's interpretation breathes new life into it. She's so passionate and expressive and yet a real virtuoso. And she is very beautiful ... it's not a contradiction, it's a glorious form of serendipity.
No...No...No! Not too fast! Perfect! Never have I heard so many subtle nuances and contrasts expressed so magnificently in this masterpiece. Such a joy to watch and listen to her, and to see and hear the orchestra loving being pushed to their limits with this stunning interpretation! The conductor, too, is swept up in the music and the moment. This truly is a magnetic and unforgettable performance.
Interesting interpretation. I've been listening to the Rhapsody for over 70 years and heard notes I'd never heard before. Yuja brings enhanced concepts to Gershwin's masterpiece.
LOVED Yuja's take on this favorite Gershwin beauty! Her contrasts are mesmerizing and her varieties of playfulness and power sweep through the listener with a magnetism that's irresistible. Seeing her movement and expressions adds immeasurably to the experience. She's the BEST!
Wouldn't that be a hoot if we could bring him back to life for an evening to experience her performance of his work? If I had the power of God, that would be on my short list of things to do.
I’ve greatly enjoyed this, and so many other of her concerts, multiple times. It just occurred to me that the way she’s dressed for this performance recalls the Jazz Age flapper aesthetic.
I am constantly left dumbfounded by what this young woman can do. Apparently nothing phases her at all, modern, jazz, the classics, she brings her own marvellous interpretation to everything. I rather like the faster tempo here, at times Rhapsody moves at a snails pace. Here... off we go, perfect syncopation and a great orchestra backing her every note. Bravo to the conductor also for letting this speed manifest itself. Superb.. I listen to this all the time.
My mother used to play this, from memory, on her baby Steinway, with me listening at her feet. My first exposure to classical music. I went a different direction (writing). Now, at 73, I've started writing the stuff. You're never too old ;).
That is the sexiest I have heard Gershwin's Rhapsody played... sensationally done... played with true deep feelings, I am sure. Oh, and the orchestra... they backed her up beautifully with the same 'feeling' - great musicians and conductor with feelings, too. The whole performance was superb = GG would have been proud and pleased as punch, I am sure!
There are so many things I could say about Yuja Wang, and these have already been eloquently expressed by others, but one other thing I really appreciate about her is that, unlike so many classical pianists, she doesn't engage in any of the affected swaying of her body while she's playing, as seems to be required by most other - especially female - pianists to express their evident feelings and emotions about the music. All of Yuja's emotions are expressed through her fingers and her obviously genuine facial expressions, which really are entrancing.
Fantastisch - Dieses Werk hat alle seine Kritiker überlebt und Frau Wang weist sie in die "Schranken!" - Schön diese Bereicherung unseres Lebens - danke!
I was just blown away. The recording quality with the piano - the absolute musicality of Yuja (notes become compelling melodies, her famously nuanced dynamics, etc!) the conductor and orchestra giving the best interpretation of Gershwin, I can’t give it enough justice. All around musical excellence - like others said -Gershwin would be so happy, I’m thinking.
What a fantastic wonderful performance! The orchestra is great and powerful and super hot, an Yuja Wang is amazing, full of joy of life, her brilliant instant improvisations and decorations are awesome, she is an Angel!
What a fantastic pianist, I would go as far as saying this is the best performance I have ever heard. Simply mind blowing, (the phrasing) and must add for such a young and talented young musician.
Simply fabulous. This gal rolls this piece off her fingers like it's nothing. Infallible technical ability and she learns pieces fast! I saw and met her in 2009 when she was just coming out and she was astonishing. She just keeps getting better. She doesn't take a back seat to anybody.
Surely she does since she's human. But I haven't heard one yet. I'm going to speculate that her level is so high that a "mistake" to her is perfection to the rest of us.
It's hard to find adequate words to describe her talent, her beauty, her modesty. She gives us so much. How can we, ordinary people, make her a gift? Listen to her and love her with our warmest feelings. That's what we can give her.
@@wendycarter5718 Poor Wendy Carter! If that is all what you can say about her and her performances, then you are an extremely poor person. Not poor with money, but poor as a person.
@@MrEdgaralain You misunderstand !! She is hugely talented but she is a performer !! Performers perform for financial reward ! Without that monetary incentive she would not have put herself through the many years of arduous training to reach such a level ! But to eulogise her to the point of idolatry is utterly ridiculous .
A great moment in any clarinetist life. To me, this is the most moving musical composition ever, (just one guy's opinion) Goes without saying Yuja is brilliant. She really "gets" the soul of this work. It seems to me that all musicians really like to play this.
Fantastic Yuga. You are so beautiful to me! I've loved this Gershwin piece my entire life and never have I heard the piano played so wonderfully. Thank you!!
Yuja caresses, touches and hits all human nerves. So many colors, so many moods. Each phrase its own character. Presenting all accents of the score. And so much more. Caressing the architecture of the piece. Perfect interaction with the orchestra. Challenging and visible tickling the conductor. Providing infectious fun. Looking for the essentials of the composer. Adding a very convincing contemporary and personal twist. Must have been just arrived from heaven after an intense conversation with Gershwin, also about her own drives..,
Incredible depth of tone, precision, range of expression, dynamics, technique, musicality. Her ability seems to bring up her fellow musicians to her level as well. Head and shoulders (and heels) above any other interpretation.
she is exactly as you described - attractive young woman. But then a lot of people connect it with "magnificent musician" while they just like to watch at her :)
How can such a slim, graceful, maybe dainty, pixie gal get such expressive power from wood, steel and strings? Perfected technique in all areas. If there was a technique for fingering, changing arm/hand position to the greatest advantage, her technique must come from "On High." She can do anything, vamp, swing, wild cadenzas, authentic stylings in any genre. Two different personalities but she is close pursuit of Martha in their friendly competition. Maybe signaling with her indicator that she is going to pass. She is only 36. I agree, this is the most compelling rendition of this Gershwin great, I've ever heard in 76 years. After dozens upon dozens lending their artistic prowess to the effort. She is a nice person, realizing, it's the music, not the person except the great music is filtered through her. She has revolutionized great piano playing. She looks like she's strolling in the park, without a care. Adds some real spice to "classical" music.
I think in times there is a gift beyond words. I shall try and give HER some kind of words. But I shall fail on opening. This is beyond my explanation. I have played this perhaps a thousand times. Each time is more precious than the next. Ms. Yuja transcends space and time. Delicate and Forceful. Impertinent and Bellicose. Soft and Firm. Demanding and Accepting. Her is the greatest of any human musical endeavor I have had upon my ears. Her rendition of Gershwin tickles my Soul. A fine Thing, for I am individually blessed now in ways She wishes for us to be by her Music. Amazing and Breath-taking. I adore her.
The Rhapsody is in my top 10 and I have to say that this is about the best interpretation of the piece I have ever heard. It is absolutely magnificent. I'm not sure now who does it better, her or Gerswin's contemporary Oscar Levant. She is that good!
She is as close to perfection in playing the instrument as humanly possible. I love Gershwin, I adore Yuja Wang, not because she is pretty, but because she is a perfectionist in everything she plays...
This is my favorite 'straight' interpretation of this work. Yuja plays everything she does with such an uncanny authenticity as well as virtuosity that it is impossible to give it the accolade it deserves; we just thank the powers that be could share the planet with such transcendental gifts. Thank you Yuja this was wonderful.
I've listened to many versions of Rhapsody in Blue. The first was my father's 78 upon which Benny Goodman played the opening bars on clarinet. The Disney orchestra made a good run at it, but Miss Wang knocks this out of the park. A deft touch, a clear phrase and passion that rocks the whole auditorium. There are two pieces of music upon which I will have no pretenders: Yuja Wang owns Rhapsody in Blue and Nigel Kennedy owns The Four Seasons!
Play on Yuja. I love this piece. Have heard it a 100 times, but not like this. Have you all Noticed how much you can feel, appreciate this music because of the passion in which it is being played!! What a Cambo.. talent and charming personality. ❤️ Love this incredible lady.
Well she seems to wrap the music round and round, an produces a fascinating and magical mix of herself in the way she plays, each note. And the orchestra are right behind her, pure magic and talent, never heard it played with so much feeling and raw passion, and brilliant score of music.
Great description - her playing is always exciting! You might also like to check out Cateen (Sumino Hayato) who plays music with great artistry in many genres.
Sublime! Ms Wang just does not know how to disappoint. For me, it's always the clarity that she brings to each individual note - even at breakneck pace.
Yes for me too. I absolutely fell in love with her unmatched clean and clear articulation of each note, bright and crisp sonority, and the way she moves with the music.
Quelle interprétation, je ne m'en lasse pas...faire de ce classique conçu initialement pour un jazz-band une oeuvre pleine de sensualité et d'explosion de joie dit l'immense talent de la virtuose de l'émotion qu'est Yuja Wang et la direction sans faille de Lionel Bringuier sur la même longueur d'onde 💕💕💕
Wang actually raises my esteem for the composer. I’m having trouble thinking of another pianist who has done that for me. Including the 20th century greats.
You have a problem appreciating Gershwin? R I B is not the quintessential symphonic vehicle, it was written, unavoidably, very much in a hurry, in just a few days. So, it's not the greatest measure of his worth, but he's really at the heart of the American songbook, which has yielded endless bushelfulls of musical fruit of the highest order. I'll let you go, I see Leonard Bernstein and Antonio Carlos Jobim would both like to have a word with you.
![Yuja Wang: Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue [HD]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
