S. Prokofiev : Sonata no. 7 op. 83 in B flat Major - 3rd mov. 'Precipitato' (Sokolov)

Problably my favourite performance of Prokofiev's 7th Sonata (3rd mov.) by Grigory Sokolov live at the Théâtre des Chapms-Elysées in Paris (2002).

[KaisarAnvar]

As a professional pianist, I have a conclusion about this video. The most difficult thing to do, in terms of technical aspect, is to keep the steady precise rhythm even when your emotions start to take over such a powerful work of art such as Prokofiev. It is difficult to keep the same tempo all the way especially when you DESPARATELY want to go faster. That's why I consider this performance as THE BEST rendition of Prokofiev 7th Sonata. Not because of the visual perspective, but the clarity, dynamic, steadiness, edginess, selflessness, and as well as musical mapping.

[michaelboyd]

It is the inexorability of his tempo that makes it so much more powerful than most performances. It ends at the same tempo he starts with but with such a massive increase of sound. And this is the same man that can hold an audience transfixed with Rameau, Couperin, and Byrd.

[opossumbly]

Grigory Sokolov gives a truly overwhelming performance of Prokofiev's Precipitato. Starting rather prosaic and controlled he unleashes the beast very soon, still keeping the rythm calm and steady, serving us the final inferno in an extraordinary cultivated manner without sparing us from its original energy.
That's world class!

[christophercurdo]

That crescendo at 3:48 gives me chills every time. The is becoming my new favorite of all You Tube videos.

[piano]

Probably the best version on Youtube in my opinion. His articulation and dynamics are just perfect. While I understand some may not like his slow tempo, he at least makes you listen more to what's actually going on in the music.

[Grigor]

This is without doubt the most electrifying and quite possibly the best performance of this incredible masterpiece. Simply unbelievable.

[jhoward]

What an amazing musical mind Prokofiev had. So totally different than any other Composer. Even today his music seems futuristic. To think that his 2nd Concerto is 100 years old is astounding. Musically he was on an Island all his own.

[pawdaw]

In terms of the sheer inexorable power of this music and the weight of sonority Sokolov elicits from the piano, there are few who come close to this. Pollini gives you an étude, Sokolov gives you a monstrous, inhuman machine.

[shinkibigami]

Sokolov drags you into the feeling, and has you moving like him in no time. Incredible.

[palbook]

4 minutes of pure genius -composer and performer

[ghoshneh]

Perfect tempo, not slow at all, any faster or you won't be able to hear his amazing articulation/phrasing.

[polskapianist]

another of my favorites pianists of all times, this rendition is incredible

[Baddogphil]

3:19- Watch his right hand swoop and crash with deadly accuracy and do the same a few seconds later from head height. Superhuman skill.

[aeolianartists]

You can't ever get tired of listening to this performance of the Maestro Sokolov, Bravo!!!

[BrianPaick]

A friend played this for me saying "it's my new favorite recording of Precipitato" and within 5 seconds I started laughing and said "Sokolov!" Not because I'd heard it before, but only he could create such textures, such clarity. Listen to his Rameau or his Hammerklavier -- his timbre is unmistakeable. Greatest pianist alive.

[claudialevin]

Ah, those inner voices... Phenomenal Sokolov!

[hildegardtschen]

This performance is fantastic. I don't think playing faster means better or more brilliant. The tempo that Maestro Sokolov played is perfect for displaying colors, levels inside, and still remaining dramatical music.

[paradise]

Я кажеться заново открыл для себя это сочинение. Просто невероятное исполнение, Соколов истинный Прокофьевец!!!

[seamtaro]

This is why I love this pianist, the ability to keep the feel of the rhythm while not getting taken over by how astounding this work is.

[PianoScoreVids]

No comments?? That's the best performance of this piece I have ever heard! Look at that staccato.. that's REALLY "detaché", not like Lang Lang sauce..