Gershwin - Rhapsody In Blue (solo piano version) - Vestard Shimkus
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
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George Gershwin - Rhapsody In Blue (original version for solo piano by George Gershwin, 1927)
Vestard Shimkus (Vestards Šimkus), piano
March 21, 2011, Riga
For the people that wonder why he making these facial expressions... He obviously has a serious passion for music, and he isn't a robot haha, when I play a piece I love, i add a story to it and it helps express the way you play and he's probably done that. ❤️ brilliant!!!
Appears he's having a GershwinGasm...
Agreed. This is jazz - music created from the wild smoky alcoholic speakeasies of early 20th century America by African Americans venting their long-suppressed dreams and desires into creative art. It’s the mother of rock and roll. It demands passion, movement, laughter, loud conversations. The fact that the pianist is the only one showing passion in a room full of bored looking old stuck ups is a travesty. Proves that jazz never has and never will belong in a pretentious classical music setting.
Karl Uppiano he was talking about jazz being created by African Americans not George Gershwin being black
Looks like he really needs to sneeze but he can't.
@@Leo01471 Thanks. Karl's forgiven as long as he provides proof someday of him yelling and dancing during a Gershwin performance XD
I used to be a bartender in a fine dining restaurant. The pianist, a friend of mine, would automatically switch and play this every time I walked in the door. I'm still grateful to her...
Repent and trust in Jesus. We all deserve Hell for our sins, such as lying lusting coveting and more. We can't save ourselves, but Jesus can save us. He died on the cross to save us for our sins and rose from the grave defeating death and Hell. You must put your faith in him only. He is the only way to Heaven. Repent and trust in Jesus.
Romans 6:23
John 3:16❤😊❤
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 As a pianist of nearly two decades, this is the piece that reminds me that I'm not good enough.
This makes you want to get better and better
Eh, I still hope you keep at the grind. It's not about the performance, it's about the experience.
what makes it so hard?
@@MrVibriocholerae Rhapsody in Blue is about 30 pages long, there are several key changes, and it's extremely technically demanding. There's so much chromaticism, giant chords, sixteenth and thirty-second notes, and trills, played very quickly so it takes a long time to learn and practice it to get it to a point where it sounds good. I have the music and I gave up after the third page, but I want to go back and try learning it again. I wouldn't be surprised if it took me over a year to learn, and that's with consistent practicing.
@@tamalyncervin2117 What is the most What is the most technically difficult part of these 15 minutes? As a layman I assume it's the piece starting at 12:20, but I don't know
This is one one the most difficult pieces I have ever encountered. Much more difficult than some concertos I have studied. Hats off to this guy for playing it so effortlessly.
no joke!!!!
I think Rach 3 is easier to play that rhapsody in blue
Alan Ferris well in that case, you aren’t a pianist and you haven’t read the scores. This may be the most ridiculous comment I’ve ever read.
@@bartwatts1921 get over it
Alan Ferris get over what you arrogant little twat?
I heard the Rhapsody in Blue in December 1987 or January 1988 in an Australian airplane hangar on a piano that was lying around. We were unable to fly due to a storm, had to wait and one passenger played in the sweltering summer heat to pass the time. I was 17 years old at the time and I will never forget this piece of music.
Thank you for this marvelous recording.
Repent and trust in Jesus. We all deserve Hell for our sins, such as lying lusting coveting and more. We can't save ourselves, but Jesus can save us. He died on the cross to save us for our sins and rose from the grave defeating death and Hell. You must put your faith in him only. He is the only way to Heaven. Repent and trust in Jesus.
Romans 6:23
John 3:16❤😊❤❤
im going to play like that someday
Hopefully, you get a piano teacher who teacher you better than this schmaltz-y crap.
You gotta practice !!!!
@@costanzomusicworld don't get it.
No, you're not playing like that anyday. Everyone plays differently, and you might as well be the brilliant different. Or just the terrible different. No harsh feelings, just saying.
Gage Aulik How’s ur progress?
I thought to myself while following it with the score, "I wonder how George Gershwin would have like it"?
Then I answered myself, "He'd have LOVED it".
Plenty of personal interpretation but no loss in original feeling. Wonderful.
I thought the same. I absolutely love the personal touches he added!
First listened to this music in Disney's Fantasy 2000 (accompaned by an amazing animation, by the way). Have fallen in love for it since them.
+Samuel Ducca exactly the same for me
Me too!
same xx
First heard it on the 1984 olympic games opening ceremony... And then on those airline ads...
14:07 probably the part you've been looking for
its my favorite part
Thank you good sir
Awesome part.
Yes! Finally, a performance that captures the imagination and genius that was Gershwin. Played from the heart! Bravo!
Not even close. It's robotic and worthless.
to me it sounds like it's being played by a pianist who's never heard jazz or blues before.
@@doranselwyn8608listen to Gershwin play it 🤦♂️
when you play like that, with such a piece, you just can't help but hear the orchestra with every note. explains every colour of his facial expressions, and every strand of goosebumps I am currently experiencing.
I teared up a bit ngl
Gershwin was one of the greatest composers of all time, and this pianist did him proud
Looks more difficult than with orchestra.
This guy plays this piece with more humanity and soul than just about everyone else I have heard on CZcams, including Lang Lang, Horowitz, Michael Tilson Thomas, or even the Gershwin piano rolls (the story is that Gershwin played it very fast for the roll recording because piano rolls at the time were not long enough to record it as he would normally play it). YEA Shimkus!!!!
Best piano version of this work I've heard. It is a plus that the performer shows he's having fun too.
Prime example of why youtube comments are not worth reading
He is amazing.Perfect rendition.He gives his soul when he plays.
A dub Dubai du ba
For the morons that have a problem with this performance, "Rhapsody in Blue" is an early form of "Classical Jazz" in its entirety. And for all who know the fundamental truth and basis of Jazz music, you know that the interpretation is NEVER the same, and its the creative change and musicality that makes the genre what it is, no matter what song.
This is a salute to Gershwin for his genius, but its a song that set the tone for much in it's genre that came after.. It wasn't meant to be interpreted the same way; by any means necessary. The song itself is a centerfold of the golden age of early jazz music and has been translated musically by countless artist, including guys like Herbie Hancock, Earl Hines, Marcus Robers and many others. So please.... respect the music but also the creative genius of the performing artist. Shimkus killed it. Period.
+Darryl Adams Well said!
An excellent rebuttal of idiots squirming in their own comfortable misery.
+Darryl Adams Well no, not really. This isn't jazz. It simply employs the jazz idiom. There is no improvisation to it, as the notes are written down on a piece of paper. There certainly was a tradition of improvisation in classical music - Bach, through Haydn and what not, but if you had to classify this, it would be an orchestral tone poem.
+Lebowski53 The original piece, is classical jazz in it's truest form.. Gershwin said it himself, and other master pianists such as Herbie Hancock who also preformed this piece embody the Jazz aspect. And although there is no improvisation, there is a different interpretation to the music than the original. Otherwise, there would be no negating the way Shimkus translated the song.. -_- This song falls into more categories than classical. Look at the introduction and series of transitions and rhythmic changes..
+Darryl Adams
I certainly don’t disagree that Gershwin took so much from
the jazz of Harlem and composed melodies that reflect chromatic blues. It’s as close to the jazz idiom as you can get. But the method of delivery is pure Concert Hall. I don’t think pianists improvise in any meaningful way with this piece, or at all. And without improvisation, you're not playing jazz.I understand that there are different versions. Alice Zizzo has produced a transcription that restores the piano solo to Gershwin’s original score (much more sparse) which I presume was used for Paul Whiteman’s concert. The one that I worked on and learned to play was the standard piano solo transcription which adds some clunky, heavy chords where Gershwin was perhaps more playful. But
still, there’s no improvisation. Yes, people do take great liberties with
rubato and I know certain pianists (Bernstein) in particular, added extra bass notes to ham up performances - but that is window dressing. Not jazz.I guess we’re in broad agreement, and I don’t disagree that
Gershwin is approached with more chutzpah than say, a Schubert sonata, but you still have to play by the rules!
I agree completely with Darryl Adams’ comment. When an artist like Gershwin or Rachmaninoff or any other composer creates a piece of music, he knows that every performer with every performance will add an interpretation of their own. Every poet knows that every reader will see his words in a different light. I can not know the brain of the author of what is referred to as art; I can only know the wanderings and snatches of memories from my past as I realize that I’m enjoying what I see, what I hear, what I feel. Shimkus knows exactly what he's doing!!
Almost otherworldly. I was completely amazed. A work of art like no other played beyond perfection. Gershwin would have treasured this performance.
As someone who studied piano in college, I can tell you Shimkus is very gifted. This is a very hard piece and he really played it marvelously
Those facial expressions. Yes. One of the best performances I've ever heard of this song.
Not sure just how many times I've watched this over the past couple years but am blown away every time. Just love this rendition.
celticslimjim still watch it?
@@AntorasStudio Of course. Vestard is the best!
This is fantastic! It is unbelievable his mastery and passion playing piano. Amazing really. (As I side note, it is disappointing reading some people comments here, you can tell that not everyone has a true appreciation for music)
Rhapsody in Blues is one of best songs that i love 🌹
I love his personal flourishes to this. Really a stunning performance. Thanks.
Just found this. Man. Wish I could express myself through this piece like Vestard. A great artist. Kudos to this man! I’m on page 14 and it is a lot of work for a guy with no teacher.
Just keep going and you'll get it. I'm about to start practicing it myself.
I am also slogging my way through this piece without having had piano lesions. Normally I perform pop stuff by ear at a local Marriott every week but this piece is my secret passion. It has become my hobby and hope to someday to be able to play it more or less properly. This guy really nails it!
@@randymchenry4838 It is been decades since I had piano lessons. Working on it now - slogging a good way to put it. I saw Andre Watts perform this in 1975, and I prefer taking some parts a bit slower so that it is in the 15:30 - 15:40 range. If I can do it in the 17-18 minute range, I will be very happy!
Recorded in 2011 and I think Gershwin is still smiling with this in 2016...
I’m loving his expressions and liveliness. Sound is amazing.
Enjoy your flight, and thank you for flying United
I get this reference
I hate that this is where people think this piece comes from
@@tjcogger1974 why?
@@ooswald6392 they associate it with a cheesy airplane marketing ploy, and don't know it for the complete piece that it is.
@@tjcogger1974 oh ok! I thought that you were talking about the fact that it is an american piece. I didnt have the reference :p
Gershwin was a GENIUS! This rendition is truly impeccable, you can see his passion and love towards music, beautiful!!! I love Blue Rhapsody, I can play some parts of it and it's my life goal to played the full piece one day!! ❤
I just love how everyone plays it slightly differently like how they push and pull the dynamics and the tempo
We are supposed to play it differently. Otherwise we can just listen to the record.
His precision is like a finely cut gem .... exquisite!
I have been a Gershwin fan for decades, and have heard many, many performances of this piece. OMG, this guy is *fantastic!* Loved watching his face - he obviously is enjoying himself, and he really brought out the playful side of the rhapsody. I don't think I stopped grinning the entire piece. So beautiful, and so much fun!
If you cannot feel it deep down....don't play it or sing it. It will never sound right. This young man has a gift of feeling his music and expresses it perfectly. Bravo!
I have never heard this played this beautifully and to perfection. Gershwin himself would love the playfulness, technicality and sheer joy. Absolutely amazing!
His little smile at the beginning always makes me smile in turn! :) His enthusiasm for the piano is apparent in his playing and his interpretation of the song is wonderful!!!!! :DDDDDD
Very crisp and wonderful interpretation of Gershwins masterwork
I have listened to a lot of versions of this piece and I gotta say, this guy absolutely smashes it with this rendition. Wicked, ornementation, tasteful rubatto and some sweet voicing. Loved it!
His performance is 1000X much more alive than those people sitting there... Nice!! Bravo Vestard!
Martins Martins it’s usually considered to be good manners to sit quietly and listen to an artist when they are performing.
Martins Martins you’re not supposed to clap or make disruptive movements or actions during any performance including instruments that isn’t a rock,pop, etc concert. Their faces were expressionless every time the camera panned them though.
@@jonm7989 No. These people look like the couldn't give two shits. Smile at least. God damn, you're listening to the best, world class performance of one the the greatest pieces ever written. They look so bored. Its not about sitting quietly - its about realizing how lucky you are and enjoying it
Whoever produces the transcription of this master piece / best arrangement and interpretation ever, will be rich, and will have my eternal gratitude 🙏 😅
this is the original piano version by Gershwin. You can find it online
Simply put, one the greatest pieces of music ever written...
Good performance, generally most pianists that play this play it too fast and without emotion. You seem to savor it, bravo.
Agreed!
I really love your cereal man
@@Z.Toast1 Mmmmm... You got that right!
“Good” is an understatement
I listen to my share of modern music, and I lean to classic Rock and Heavy Metal. But I have to say, I THANK GOD classical music is being kept alive and well! It's timeless beauty is for all.
This pianist is amazing!
I am fortunate enough to have a 1927 copy of this sheet music and just knew I could find someone on youtube playing it. Brilliantly. I'm sure I'll be forever trying to get this under my fingers.
Ive only ever heard this song with full orchestra. This is a fantastic randition. Love the pianists passion as musical phrases progress
i love this piece so much it can be expressed in so many ways happy,sad,anger,nervous by how you play the piece but still keep the soul of the piece
I'm not a musician. I wish I were, but this is brilliant on so many levels. I do appreciate the complexity and masterfulness of this. This was my grandfather's favorite composition. Of course, it's mine too. This rendition is breath taking.
This is the first time I’m hearing this. I absolutely love the way the melody changes keys throughout the piece!
THIS MAN IS VERY VERY VERYY GOOD. THE PASSION
I was raised on my mother playing classical music on the piano. She loved playing the piano & classical music was so dear to her. If you watched her play, you would see facial expressions which told you how much she was in to her music & gave her so much joy!!❤
I so love the piano solo version!!!!!!!!!!! I feel what he's feeling, such a great tune!
Fantástico, maravilhoso, que interpretação, fiquei fascinada pela interpretação do pianista.
Gershwin deve estar feliz!!! OCT 2023
Wonderfully strong and clear performance. I like his aggressive attack. Everything is so clear and precise and thought out.
that face he's making
it's precious
also this is the best jazz
Such a serious pianist. Such a fun piece. Well played.
I wish I could see the audience's reaction at the end of the video. Surely lots of shivering cheers and applause.. His style is unique, different from other monotonous digital-like(?) ones.. Love it!
Theme song for United Airlines commercials back in the day..... when it was a pleasure to fly.
Absolutely beautiful, amazing without any sheet music. Very passionate for the piece. Bravo!
Do you play with sheet music? I can’t play unless I memorize it
His performance gave me chills! Breathtaking! Bravo!
I love the smiles and faces he's making! He looks like he's having so much fun, almost like kid in a candy store
An absolutely magnificent rendition/improv!!!!
Fantastique..Mr Gershwin serait heureux de voir un tel pianiste jouer magistralement son oeuvre !!!!
Ever since hearing the starting tune in the rainbow tunnel at O’hare I’ve been obsessed with this song
Wow. Just... Wow. I've been listening to the recordings of the piano rolls Gershwin himself did, for over 40 years. Love them! This is a very faithful performance to those. Since I have very little experience playing piano, I could never reconcile what I was hearing, to how the hands move through the different parts. Now I can watch it, too. I'm so happy right now! Thank you!!
I could almost cry at 9:26 - such a moving part of the piece I have always adored. Wonderful
Love the passion in his playing this epic Gershwin piece. I'll never get tired listening to it - easily one of my favorite. Bravo Vestard!
amazing, one of the best performances ive ever seen/heard in my life
awesome. He seem to love playing every single tone!
This guy is great! Playing that masterpiece...trancends our human ability...very cool...listen to the music folks...
It's an art a passion a craft that's from the soul
I was transported somewhere else while listening to this it was perfect I wish I could play like this wow
The most impressive Rhapsody in blue that I've ever listened!
Guess it's a custom not to smile when you experience joy at those types of concerts. I wouldn't have been able to control mine. 😁😁😀😀😁😁
Incredible.. From one pianist to another- its such a fun. passionate piece, Well done!
sans doute une des meilleures interprétations, bravo Shimkus
I was never so proud as when an original ballet was set on me to Rhapsody in Norfolk. Fondest memory of all the ballets to which I danced in my 25 years as a dancer 🎉❤
From the best piano solo interpretation of Rhapsody in Blue that you can find in web!! Excellent!!
+Jonathan Pacheco Hey Now. Check out Jack Gibbons. Peace!
One of my favorite recordings, one that I used a reference while studying it!
So much colors to this full and rich notes!! It's a time machine to travel into Gershwin mind and into 1950's in america
This dude is in the same zone that Kobe was in when he dropped 81 points. So mentally focused, practiced, and skilled that the physical limitations of the human body cease for a couple minutes and you are able to manifest exactly what you hear/see in your head, whether that be music or basketball
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I was going to buy the sheet music....changed my mind. What a treat to watch and listen!
Quelle magnifique interprétation, fluide et passionnée. Merci !
Wow this guy is really talented.
absolument phénoménal.
Absolutely sublime!!
best version, literally a goat
At United, we're connecting people. Uniting the world and doing it safely. From all of us, thank you and enjoy your flight!
A beautiful precise and crisply delivered style, yet so much soul infused into the fabric of the performance. :)
United, it's time to fly.
You play as if you are living the notes. I miss this type of passion.
You are brilliant. Played with great flair. I loved it. It’s such an iconic piece and hard to pull off.
The best, most accurate interpretation/rendition of Rhapsody in Blue that I can possibly imagine....
You know, I love thr performance but also the atmosphere of this building itself
My absolute favorite piano recital piece along with Aaron Copland's Cat and Mouse. Brings me back to the time when my Papa tells me to stop practicing for my piano recital because it was 12 midnight. Reminds me also of Czerny finger exercises.
I love how, at the end, he's all like "fuck this shit, I'm done"
lol wot
One of my favourites. I've known this piece since I was 5 when I watched Fantasia 2000. Great film! ;)
My absolute favorite piece of music.
The otherworldly sounds from Heaven. 😎♥
I have played this piece, though not nearly as talented. I make faces. It is pure ectasy to play, if you can even wrap your hands around it, even imperfectly. The first time I made some of the hand-over jumps, I was a teenager. And then powering down on the main theme after that was more than the icing on the cake. Once you play it and this piece's power starts driving your playing, you will never forget it. I love this pianist's interpretations and occasional forays, but I believe his ecstatic face is genuine.
This arrangement and performance is so beautiful, sparkling and sublime! I prefer the solo piano version even to the orchestral one! 🎹❤️🎶🎶🎶🎶
PS so bad that the ending was almost cut off....I can imagine the boost of applause he received from the audience! Bravo! 👏👏👏👏
This is beautiful. Congrats to all human beings.