Schubert-Liszt Ave Maria

It's a test for the pianist ( Liszt score "looks" deceptively easy - the first page 🤗) and for the piano. I think the old "dumpster" [see the previous video about this piano] Bechstein passes it with flying colors.
The music is divine and little can be left for the interpreter, be it a singer or a pianist.
Just sing your soul out.
Yet it's a surprisingly difficult task.
If you'd ask what is my favorite recording of the original - brace yourself for an answer.
It's Frank Sinatra. Seriously!
He managed to sing the divine melody with true faith shining through - and without operatic exesses that plaque performances by even the most remarkable opera singers. Sometimes it's hard to even tell whether it's Ave Maria or Casta Diva, if you know what I mean.
The best "classical" performance IMHO would be Jessye Norman. If not for her piano partner who with her eye rolls and head swings completely messes up the impression. Here it is, you be the judge.

[olegkoptelov]

Как изменилась Мария! Раньше было больше движения, теперь - задумчивости. Бриллиант блеснул новой гранью. Спасибо.

[HyPrivetOk]

Ну Валентина вы как обычно, великолепно. Я молсь на вас, на ваши руки, вы богиня! Вы такая красивая, и крутая, я вас люблю💋

[sei-]

I love your piano.
My heart is filled with the endlessly beautiful sounds.
Please come back to Japan someday.
It's my dream to hear you play live.
Please take care of yourself and continue to do your best.

[CharlieRiceMusic]

I learned this 40 years ago. The vocalist gave me the music in Ab. All this time, I never knew it was a step higher!

[antoniomaccagnan]

Masterclass in expression and dynamics.

[Mercy_Pants]

Nobody performs this piece like you! Worlds greatest! Such passion

[marianorubiomenendez]

Maravillosa Valentina, si cerramos los ojos nos elevas al cielo.
Muchas gracias por tu virtuosa interpretación.❤

[СветланаКлер]

Прекрасно! Великрлепно! Спасибо вам Валентина!!! Успеха!

[donaldcrawfordiii]

From your fingers flow, such beautiful music. Your very soul is a repository for all music that is great! Thankyou ever so much for your time and effort.

[Edward-W]

I discovered Valentina's version of the same arrangement about 7-8 years ago on youtube. It's been one of my favorite piano pieces ever since and Valentina one of my favorite pianists. Glad to hear a different take on it from you ❤ Now it's calmer and gentler, more introspective and mellow

[Thomas]

I remember I used to listen to your first video of this piece in replay a lot back in the day. Your sound has matured even more over the years. I love your playing and still hope to meet you one day and get your approval on some pieces you inspired me to learn and play. Love you Valentina ❤ My genuine role model ❤

[ultraultra]

Thank you! You don't know how badly I needed to take a moment and listen to my favorite pianist! Wonderful selection, played with such elegant excellence, I think I saw Maria shed a tear!

[gabrielbehimer]

The perfect balance between emotional discipline and passion. One of the few sufficient words in response to a performance like this is, "Whoa."

[daniellaordem]

Toda una belleza!!!!.... Gracias por compartir.... Saludos desde Caracas Vzla.

[parkthoven]

Meditation time~~ C.Bechstein sounds beautiful with your artistic touch~~!

[emiliano.aureli]

Sei veramente bravissima. Quando ti sento suonare il piano, mi tocca il cuore, stupendo, meraviglioso! Grazie per emozioni che trasmetti ❤

[curlywa]

The way you play that restored piano is beautiful and brings tears to my eyes. Much love 💞🗺️💞

[nic.bot]

You're the reason why I started playing Rach 2 lately, you're inspirational! Your beautiful playing guides me through this very challenging piece. This is another demonstration of your virtuosity, it's admirable.

[dpaolad]

Grande Valentina, sei eccezionale, che emozione❤

Solo il grande Listz poteva miscelare virtuosismo, su variazione al tema, e dolcezza in questo grande pezzo di Schubert.
Ti Adoro ❤

[vanewfies]

God bless Schubert, Lisitsa and Bechstein. I've never heard such beauty! My favourite rendition ever!