Khatia Buniatishvili plays Liebestraum No. 3 from Franz Liszt | Verbier Festival 2011

What an encore! Liebestraum No. 3 by Franz Liszt, played by Khatia Buniatishvili at the 2011 Verbier Festival.

The ‘Dream of Love’ that is Liebestraum No. 3 in A-flat major is not only the most recognizable work for solo piano by Franz Liszt (1811 - 1886), it’s also one of the most famous piano pieces of all time. Liszt published it in 1850, alongside two more such ‘love dreams’ (S. 541).

The basis for Liebestraum No. 3 was the earlier Lied ‘O lieb, so lang du lieben kannst’ (S. 298), which Liszt composed for solo voice and piano accompaniment in 1845. For the lyrics, Liszt reappropriated the first four verses from the poem of the same name, by Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810-1876). The Lied dealt with reminiscing over a lost love – and the too-late realization of not having that love lived to its fullest.

Liebestraum No. 3 for piano is a mood piece, in which the opening melody of the song becomes the main theme, repeated through multiple variations. The Liebestraum carries a characteristic atmosphere of melancholy. Khatia Buniatishvili is enraptured as she plays, as if she were alone with Liebestraum No. 3 in the concert hall – a most romantic work for piano in an interpretation that none could fail to be drawn into.

Pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, born in 1987 in Tbilisi/Georgia, was considered a wunderkind as a child. She began playing piano at the age of three, giving her first concert with the Tbilisi Concert Orchestra at age six. International performances followed from the age of ten. In 2008, she had her US debut in New York's Carnegie Hall. Since then, Buniatishvili has been a regularly invite at many high-profile festivals, and has performed concerts in the world's most renowned concert halls, including Vienna's Musikverein, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She has twice received the highly respected Echo Classic Award.

The Verbier Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious classical music events. The quality of participating artists – coupled with the originality of the programs – has established the festival as a highlight of the musical calendar. It is held for two weeks – from late July to early August – in the mountain resort of Verbier, Switzerland.

© EuroArts Music International / Idéale Audience

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#KhatiaBuniatishvili #Liszt #Liebestraum

[annauwuu]

Liszt would be proud of her! She plays so beautifully !

[jakob]

I love how "calm" this interpretation is.
Where others rush you just let the melody sing - beautiful!

[ruykava]

The way she played the part after 2:50 gave it a totally new meaning for me... usually I hear people power through it but this really brought out a different emotion

[MrTrackman]

I didn't know the piano could be played this softly, especially in a large auditorium. Beautiful.

[heather]

Okay, I'm crying. The emotion she can portray through her playing is outstanding. Wow.

[lux]

it's great how the melody is so clear even though she plays quietly

[brucek]

This beautiful woman is such an amazing and expressive pianist! I love watching her facial expressions while she plays. She sees and feels every note she plays. Awesome!!

[boblapee]

Franz Liszt would have loved the way in which Khatia plays this piece. I've sure never heard Liebestraum played so sweetly.

[harriskalogerakis]

By far, the best interpretation of liebestraum I've ever heard.

[craigstephenson]

Such a reserved and calm interpretation of the piece. It really brings out the subtlety where a lot of times people just power through it. A true beauty to hear.

[bobareebop]

Everything I hear her play sounds like the first time I have heard it. Even an old favorite like this one.

[Nogah]

Queen of the piano. Khatia Buniatishvili.Romantic to the core. Moves your heart and soul, utterly.

[jimichecha]

She really put tears in my eyes, she did it...

[huanghank]

I’ve been playing this piece for almost a year. This level of performance is just so hard to reach....

[donhowarth]

The sound recording and filmwork of your sound engineers & film makers was out of this world. Magnificent. Such a lovely and uplifting performance from Khatia. Bravo

[drmichaelshea]

This was my mother’s favorite piece for the piano. It’s beautiful. And I love this lady’s performance.

[asloii_]

If anyone tells you Liszt is just a technical show-off, show them this piece.

[liter]

love the sequins on that gown. it's perfect for her and the occasion. Thank you Khatia for coming into our world. You are as beautiful as the music.

[anneli]

I love her so much.. how does she do that? Every time she plays something, it becomes the best version out there! Congratulations Khatia ❤❤❤❤

[thigoamigo]

This is the most delicate, best portrayed piece of art, being played by someone who, beyond having a technique that is impecable, does it from her heart.