All credits go to Ashish Xiangyi Kumar's other Waldstein video, I just made the times stamps accurate for this performance. If you have any other observations leave them below and I'll add them. Hopefully this helps someone! Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonate, Op. 53. Dedicated to Count Ferdinand Ernst Gabriel von Waldstein, composed in 1804. MVT I, Allegro con brio EXPOSITION 00:00 - Theme 1 00:34 - Transition 00:52 - Theme 2, Part 1, in E(!) Major. The chorale, one of Beethoven’s typical melodic non-melodies, is built around the 5 descending notes in the RH of Theme 1. [0:04 and similar] 01:20 - Theme 2, Part 2 01:54 - Codetta (Note the “never-ending” modulating section at 1:59) DEVELOPMENT 04:30 - The infinitely modulating section is expanded 04:37 - Theme 1, modulating. Note the prevalence of the 5-descending-note motif 04:56 - LH figuration from the transition joins Theme 1 05:10 - Theme 2, Part 2, modulating 05:55 - The 5-note descending motif appears in the LH, except now it’s shortened to 4 notes. Inversions of it then enter in the RH, then, at 6:10, figuration from the transition which leads to the RECAPITULATION 06:16 - Theme 1 06:34 - The unexpected landing on the Ab signals a little spurt of new material, which leads back into a restatement of the main idea 07:00 - Transition, now in A min 07:19 - Theme 2 Part 1, which when it enters is still not synced-up with Theme 1, as it’s stubbornly in A Major. It takes some time to wander to A min, and then finally lands on the “correct” key: C Major. 07:46 - Theme 2 Part 2, C Major 08:21 - The “Codetta”, with the modulating idea still attached, which leads into what is by all accounts a pretty substantial CODA 08:46 - Theme 1 enters blithely in Bb Major, as if the entire movement is going to repeat itself. In fact this Bb Major section recalls the opening, where the main idea is stated in Bb Major immediately after it’s presented in C Major. 08:50 - Well, now it’s clear this is not a repeat. More modulation and compression 09:00 - A pause on the dominant, which leads to a syncopated RH descent over the pulsating chords of Theme 1. 09:06 - Theme 1’s RH is now in the LH. Eventually it is used sequentially [9:12], and leads into a concerto-like cadenza [9:23]. 09:41 - Theme 2 enters right where you’d expect a final cadence 10:16 - A final statement of Theme 1, leading into the ending cadence MVT II, Introduzione. Adagio molto 10:33 - Prelude 11:45 - Melody 12:43 - Postlude MVT III, Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo 14:14 - A SECTION 15:20 - B SECTION 15:58 - Transition 16:23 - A SECTION 17:29 - C SECTION 18:18 - Transition 18:43 - Syncopated modulations 18:55 - Arpeggiated modulations, with the A theme implied by the LH 19:31 - Eerie circling around the dominant 20:00 - A SECTION 20:32 - B SECTION 21:07 - Transition. More extended dwelling on the dominant 21:40 - A SECTION / CODA 22:09 - Sudden modulating into Ab, with the A theme continuing in the LH 22:31 - The notorious RH octave glissandi 22:49 - Another gorgeous statement of the A theme, which slips into C min at 22:57, then into Ab, then into F min, then lands on an Italian sixth chord, before suspending itself on the dominant 23:18 - A big, chordal statement of the A theme, which leads into the final cadence The Waldstein Sonata is one of Beethoven’s most expansive and uplifting works, but its instant likability sometimes obscures that fact that it’s a deeply restless and innovative work, structurally and texturally extraordinary in ways that sound natural only because the sonata is so well-put together. Take the opening of the first movement. What kind of a sound is this? It’s tense without being dramatic, ambiguous without being vague, motoric and shapeless and aurally without any sense of harmony even though it’s just a C maj chord in root position, of all things. There’s also the tonal restlessness of this work: right after the C maj chord we get a secondary dominant, almost immediately followed by an unprepared shift down to Bb maj. (This is one of those moments that be played either as a funny gesture, or as something more mysterious.) The second theme group (which has a surprising link to the first theme in the form of a 5-note descending motif) is in E major, rather than the more normal G maj/F maj/A min. And the recapitulation is surprisingly playful - there’s tiny dashes of new material, and the second theme group enters in the rather flippant A maj, another “wrong” key. (There’s more, like this little infinitely flexible modulating idea, but that will be singled out below.) The second movement, an extended introduction to the rondo, is one of Beethoven’s moat harmonically deceptive and moving slow movements, and the rondo itself is a blaze of wonder. There’s the A theme, hovering over a haze of blurred harmonies; a B theme which builds the second time it occurs into a huge orchestral peroration; a transitional motif, based on the A theme, which is both joyous and sad and noble at the same time; and an extended coda which is as developmental as it is brilliant. (The mere fact that the last movement is so weighty was pretty novel for the time - Beethoven gradually shifted the heavy lifting from the first to the last movements over his 32 sonatas.)

One of the finest examples of 'is a lot more difficult than it sounds despite the fact that it already sounds difficult'

YOU WANT MORE STACCATO?!

I read that this was the first thing Beethoven wrote after he got his 5th and final piano, the most modern and strong. This piece seems as a celebration of what he was finding the piano now capable of allowing.

I can fail my education, bad things can happen, but this music will always exist.

Hanon made me hate the scales and arppegios while Beethoven made me fall in love with them.

His technical proficiency is astounding.

"Waldstein" is a piece of music that every human being should listen to at least once. A "Bucket List" essential.

People say "no human being could have written this", but I prefer "only a human being could have written this"

Demonstrates the importance of practicing scales and arpeggios!

Oh man, the sudden modulation into Ab Major at 22:09 is gorgeous.

That part at 18:56... those chromatic-ish arppegios! Those are so visionnary and daring for that era! Love it

20:35 - 21:07 I have no words to describe it. Just incredible.

The only thing holding KZfaq together is the recent tsunami of quality and quantity in classical music. Thank you very very much.

The brisk tempo Pletnev takes for the first mvt really allows him to let the calmer phrases breath through rubato, leading to some lovely character changes, and a stark satisfying contrast to the bubbling passagework that surrounds them. Probably the best recording I’ve ever heard tbh.

This is the perfect music to listen to when you wake up in the morning. The perfect way to begin your day is with Beethoven

What an extraordinary performance! This has perhaps become my favourite rendition of this fantastic piece...

One of the most satisfying accounts of this sonata I've ever heard. Pletnev is one of the greatest artists ever to touch a keyboard. His virtuosity is immense, his control total, his imagination boundless, his versatility awe inspiring, and his sincerity unquestionable.

Happy 250th birthday Beethoven! This sonata has always left a big impression on me.

As a pianist I imagine how long it took to learn this piece... And I can say this was fantastic performance🎉 I hope a lot of people will find something in this Sonata. I think they will! Of course they will!!!❤

0:00 1 10:34 2 14:16 3

1 часть ГП 0:01 ПП 0:53 ЗП 1:54 2 часть Начало 10:34 3 часть Рефрен 14:14 1й эпизод 15:20 2й эпизод 17:30

That repeating b note at 1:23 is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.

Can someone explain to me how the Moonlight, Pathetique, and Appassionata are the gold standards when the Waldstein is out there. This is one of those pieces you listen to and marvel at the fact that a human being actually created this.

At the third movement, even I have listened to this Sonata many times, I always wonder how far the basic theme can be extended? Beethoven pushes this simple but so clever music theme to the edge. It is like he is obssesed with it and doesn't want the piece to come to an end.

I love how everyone enjoys different parts. If you read through the comments, most people reference completely different times. A great piece through and through. :)

The pianist has muscles and tendons that move much faster than many machines can...incredible.

By now, I have heard many performances of the “Waldstein” on You Tube and in concert, and none as MAGNIFICENT as Maestro Pletnev’s ! THIS. IS THE BEST! HE is a GENIUS!

Me, trying to work on my literature essay: just one more sonata

I absolutely love how he references the first movement in the third at 19:15 :)

The 3rd movement is the most beautiful 'sunshine' i have ever heard so far. *_*

During my trip through Germany I listened to Beethoven and read his biography simultaneously. I couldn't hold back the tears of emotion I felt, knowing that such an incredible musical genius has asked for the misfortune of not being able to admire his own musical work because of his hearing problem, that feeling of sadness covered by a great admiration for all those masterpieces that he wrote and that allows us to enjoy it today at any time and feel that wonderful essence of his music, he was one of the most incredible composers this world has ever known without a doubt. Very good performance by this artist.

Who else finds that the Rondo is especially beautiful!?!?

When you've had one of those days and you're surrounded by idiots and chaos; home, tea, the Waldstein and everything slots into place. Perfect.

This blows my mind every time I listen. This piece deserves this performance.

Apart from its beauty this piece is also a brilliant prank for pianists. Starts out deceptively easy in C major, second movement is Largo but has 1/32nds, third movement has mostly 1/8ths but is Prestissimo…. Nice one, Ludwig! Imagine someone sight-reading this. “I can play that… Still easy… Sweet Moses are you kidding me??? Ah, finally an easy movement. What do you mean, prestissimo?”

One of Beethoven's most unique pieces. My favorite piano sonata by him.

The 3rd movement is so special, so refreshing, full of energy. Superb!

This and some morning coffee.

Wow, I just realized something interesting - if you listen closely to the top notes, you can hear at 15:21 - 15:28 the main theme of Andante Favori, which was supposed to be the second movement of the Waldstein!

just doesn't get old. I can listen to this for eternity

What a masterpiece! Truly Beethoven’s gift to humanity.

You breathe a sigh of relief when you see that the sonata is in C major. You then flick through the score and see pages black with accidentals, and realize that you need a few more years of piano lessons with a few hours of practice every day- scales, arpeggios, chromatic scales to the max!

17:30~18:18 I can't get enough of it!

This has Pletnev's signature poetic sound all throughout. What a PLEASURE to listen to!

Wonderfully played. In particular, 18:55 left me utterly spellbound

Man, Beethoven really was a genius.

This is beyond sublime... each and every second of this sonata is pure gold

Pristine melodies, clear voicing, carefully crafted phrasing. Best interpretation by a long shot.

Every human being should listen this. Incredible!

All of a sudden, piano seems to shine for me, whereas before I didn't care much for them at all There are just so many playful and sparkling performances that just lifts your mood and makes your thoughts dance

I really LOVE this performance...

Pletnev gives full splendour to the musical context.

The whole piece is unbelievable but the Rondo part ... it's miraculous !!!

My God. That is stunningly melodic... Gorgeous Beethoven.

The transition from the second movement to the third has to be one of the most magical moments in all of music.

此のソナタは第3楽章の色彩の溢れる場面揃いなのが最高です。 途中で同主調(哀しいハ短調)になる場面しかり、その後原調ハ長調に戻り雄々しく歌う場面しかり、圧巻は 最後のクライマックス、プレスティッシモになる場面、これぞベートーヴェンの大ソナタと言わんばかりの曲ですね。

It is said that Beethoven’s first thought when he sat down at the piano to compose was “I absolutely must make this hard as hell to play!”

One of my favorite's of Beethoven's sonatas, definitely on my bucket list of pieces I hope to eventually play.

This is really a GREAT execution, one of the best I ever heard!

best Waldstein recording/interpretation i have ever listened to. depicts in a full extent Beethoven's sharpness and wrath

22:30 those slow octave glissandos are perfect

Wonderful! Thank you for taking the time linking it to the sheet music too. I've gone out and bought the CD and look forward to exploring other Pletnev performances.

He is so amazing!! I love Pletnev. Look at the PERFECT articulation in the first movement and the intensity, the build-ups, the details and little variations in the second theme, etc Incredible performance

I can't emphasise how much I love this 😍😍😍😍😍

Some of the most wonderful music ever written. Beautifully performed, too.

It feels so light, definitely a piece I would listen to in the morning.

There's something truly magical about this entire piece, I love it so much

No one who dislikes this video has any conception of not only musical, but intellectual genius.

This piece is really what allowed me to play the piano much more seriously! Beautiful interpretation!

I just keep listening to this over and over again. It's astonishing.

Very many thanks for uploading this great performance by Pletnev. And for your introduction, and for taking the trouble to include both the score and the start time for each movement. Exemplary. Thank you also for the views you express below on Pletnev's tempi, and on the general question of interpretation.

Pletev’s interpretation is absolutely stellar. This really lifts you up 😊

The way he explores the E major tonality between 0:53 and the final cadence at 1:54 is just so beautiful and virtuosic at the same time

I'm glad to have the opportunity to learn this piece. Currently working on the left hand. With my time working on this, I can honestly say that this is one of the best pieces I have ever played, if not the best. Such a beautiful piece.

Hands down to the best version of this sonata on youtube

I love the intro part. The harmony is so “contemporary” almost. I just like, love it.

Amazing, you get more and more from it every time you listen to it.

For me the most beautiful ever composed. It took me 6 years practice on the grand piano to be able to play it.....and never without goosebumps.

The if the finest rendition I have heard of this piece in years! He does everything on the page, yet brings own expressiveness into the work

Pletnev incroyable ! Quelle précision et quel éventail de dynamique !!!

If you have a bad day listen to this recording. Suddenly, life is sweet again.

One of my habits of the day is listening to Beethoven😊

Following the notes, or trying to follow the notes, makes you realize just how gargantuan this work is. Insanely brilliant!

I used to listen to it to fall asleep as a "berceuse" as a child... It brought me peace and nice dreams... To a point that I couldn't go to bed without it...

3:35 literal eargasm holy shit.

I've heard other renditions of this piece but this one is my favorite so far. I like that tempo is maintained and doesn't drop off like in other renditions. Especially in the final movement, at 20:41 elapsed time.

Beethoven took me to another world by listening to this piece

Staggering performance. Thank you.

The best of composers. What passion in this music.

Right, I've decided to take over this challenge. The fact that people say this is harder than it sounds, although this already sounds hard, is frightening.

This one is very dear to me. Brings back a lot of emotions and now I'm crying 😢

Awesome performance of an awesome Sonata!!😍

Thank God for the music of Beethoven wonderful technique of this great pianist , certainly a great intéprete.

I'm browsing through classical piano content and it's just super exciting to see the difference in style, feeling, chord progressions, etc. between different composers. I went from Chopin, to Mozart and Beethoven, and now I have this feeling that Chopin was greatly inspired by those two guys. Awesome stuff.

20:45 is sublime. Might be my favourite part of any composition, of music in general.

Ashish thank you!! your Beethoven sonata videos are very handy and helpful and really make these extremely magnificent and complicated works much easier to tackle!

This is just a beautiful beautiful piece...

Words cannot express how this is outstanding!! -- And what interpretation!!!..

People, please, stop arguing about what is better to drink to this music or if there should be piano or forte on those three notes in x-th minute. It doesn't matter. What matters is if you like and enjoy the music. If you like it with cup of coffee or glass of wine so drink it with it. If you like to listen in your living room or in nature, so listen it there. And focus on the whole piece, not on three notes. There always is and will be not so perfect stroke on some painting, there always is some bigger piece of black pepper in your meal or small cloud on the sky. But if the piece of nature, meal, art brings you a joy and takes you to another world, that counts.