It is ridiculous the way some people pathetically criticize her playing here. She has precision, fluidity, grace, and focus. But some say that she's TOO precise and technical and has no passion or emotion. Then when she's "passionate and emotional" they complain that she's sacrificing precision and technicality. She's damned if she does, damned if she doesn't. Give it a rest! She's a phenomenal pianist with more talent, beauty, and strength in her pinkies (literally) than her incorrigible "critics" have in their whole bodies.

After participating in so many masterclasses, I learned that the passion and emotion is in the sound and not in the facial expressions. This is why I admire Valentina Lisitsa’s playing. Every single millisecond of it is intentional and sincere, and she isn’t milking out “extra music” from the piece. Neither is she falling under the requirements. Her technique is pristine for a reason, and one of them is because she cares for the ultimate clarity of tones, runs and all other passagework. I think her playing is absolutely fantastic, I mean, it’s organic. Her hands lyrically flail at the right times. I think she is just embodying what she was taught by her Russian teachers. They’re looking for sound and not a matching face. She’s not up on the stage to make you say “oh she’s a good performer and she’s so expressive”. She’s up there on that stage to convince you to say “this music is divine.” It was divine for me. Thanks Valentina, I continue to pick up my old pieces, the Appassionata included. My soul was set on fire after hearing how you brilliantly turned the finale into a thunderstorm.

I know I'm nutty, but I play this nearly every night. A momentary escape from the everyday ugliness of life, to the beauty and genius of humanity.

I AM COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED. Beethoven would be proud of her. What a talent!

I was listening to it while comfortably sitting on a chair and studying. At the end of the piece, I found myself in hospital diagnosed with high blood pressure!!

I love how she's hunched over.. and her fingers are like witchy scary magic fingers. Her arms.. her face.. this is insane good!!! This is beyond amazing.

I believed it was Vladimir Lenin who once said “If I keep listening to Beethoven’s Appassionata I won’t be able to finished the revolution” great quote.

In my opinion, Lisitsa is by far the best interpreter of this movement. The other day I watched Lang Lang playing the same piece. He seems to be slightly more precise and technical, but Lisitsa wins by far because she's not only precise and technical, but also makes much better decisions on dynamics, which results in a higher artistic performance. The first time I've watched this video was on March 2016. Since then, I came back here a hundred times or so.

The way her fingers fly over the keyboard. Breathtaking to watch. And to listen.

THIS IS JUST PERFECT. she plays just at the correct speed, not too fast. Every notes she played are really clear. Bravo!

Every note means something. I always feel excited when I hear her play. 😍

The story goes that Beethoven first played this to someone on the day that particular someone became the first to notice that he was going deaf. He was out walking with his assistant, who heard someone playing a flute and commented on how beautiful it was, before turning to Beethoven who didn't know what he was talking about. After hiding his encroaching deafness for years, and realising that the cat was finally out of the bag, he returned home with his assistant, and then proclaimed angrily "NOW I shall play you something" and bashed this out in a fury. Must have been a hell of a thing to witness. Fantastic playing, by the way.

I can't stop coming here to hear this. Well this piece and the 3rd movement of moonlight sonata. I love her playing!

I can't understand the people who say that the way she plays lacks emotion. I mean don't you hear the many crescendos and decrescendos as well as the different piano, pianissimo, forte, and fortissimo? She always interprets the pieces the same way as the composer intended it to be played. Beethoven could have been described as a very emotional person with extreme mood swings (because of his illness etc.). And that's the way she plays it. The different sections are in contrast to each other in terms of tempo and dynamics and describe the mood of Beethoven like it's written in the sheet music

Nothing like a HD piano recital rehearsal in the morning to cheer you up.

Хотя бы один русский комментарий) Валентина, Вы прекрасный музыкант и замечательный человек, уважаю Вашу гражданскую позицию. Слушать Вашу игру -- настоящее удовольствие: идеальный баланс техники, музыкальности, тонкого постижения композиторского замысла и собственной интерпретации. Спасибо за Ваше творчество!

Талантливая , трудолюбивая, правильно обученная и сценичная. Слов нет!

I like when it's well played. And this is really well played.

There is no logical reason for anyone clicking the "dislike" button for this piece. Perfect simply doesn't begin to describe it.

I probably know this Sonata better than any other piece of music. I've played it and I've listened to dozends of interpretations. This is as clean and honest as it gets. No pretentiousness, just the music speaking for itself. Thank you very much, your performace is amazing!

Beethoven was thinking "let's see if anyone can play this hehehe"

That's crazy good. I've seen a lot of pianist, but she is one of the best.

If you say that Valentina lisitsa has no emotion you don't know what your are saying Incredible performance It is amazing You are the best

valentina has been one of my favourite pianists for years & i only JUST discover her performance of appassionata?! it is GORGEOUS

Such passion. I'm addicted to watching this.

the look on her face upon completion is absolutely incredible.

Valentina must be the person with the most inner calmness. Music relaxes people and she creates gorgeous ALL day long on her own. She never looks stressed. As soon as she hits the piano, an expression of love comes over her face. She is not just a pleasure to listen to but a delight to watch as well. She is perfection.

I don’t know why I’m crying but it’s amazing. Seeing someone so near perfection is truly breathtaking.

Absolutely incredible performance. Never ever have I seen a pair of magic hands like that in any pianist I've ever watched. She has me in a trance and her Beethoven is out of this world.

Merry が学生の頃、Samson FrançoisのBeethoven のピアノ、ソナタのレコードを購入し、毎日聴いていました。その中には３曲が録音されており、この熱情が特に好きでした。青年の迸る燃える様な感情が表現されていました。Valentina さんの演奏からも、燃える様な感情が伝わって来ており、素晴らしい演奏と感じています💐 The performance of playing piano is splendid 💐

Лучшего исполнения не слышал. Феноменально.

I can play the piece from 0:00 to 0:04

I've never seen it being played this perfectly. I'm mind blown.

The critics are simply jealous. To say she has no emotion shows that who ever commented did not watch her play.

Valentina and her living fingers, of all pianists I watch she is the only one who can make it feel so easy when I look at the hands, I don't know how she does that.

I don't understand why all the best pianists in the world REDUCE THE TEMPO in the exact most difficult part of this Sonata 6:48. Only Beethoven didn't, and of course Valentina Lisitsa. At last I've listened this Grand Sonata almost as it is, as it was written and sometimes performed by the Great Master L.v.Beethoven. Thank you!

This is amazing.. I can listen this part over and over... 7:07 !Those last 20 seconds are nonhuman

She is a very good pianist, borned for piano and very much talented. i love seeing her hands moving up and flying over the keyboard, its so amaizing.... only good words for Valentina Lissitsa, and a lots of respect ! Music and piano its a great art... Brava Valentina !!!!

удивительная , великолепная, фантастическая пианистка ! Б Р А В О !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was perhaps the most passionate pianist i've ever listened to.

I typed "piano music for beginners" in goggle and it brought me to this. The Fuck?

A ballet by fingers, grace and of course, brilliance as she performs Beethoven's piece with such dexterity.

Absolutely wonderful performance. One of those profound moments where I felt so glad just to exist and be able to hear it.

Absolument fabuleux ! Quelle netteté, quelle virtuosité au service de la musique de Beethoven

I guess, there are ppl who are gifted. There are ppl who are gifted and talented. And there are people who just move with the music - in ways, we can never fathom. To witness that, is divine.

The more I hear her, the more I'm sure that she stands out by far with the mortal pianists! Valentina has no one to compete with her. She's pure PERFECTION!!!

My piano teacher told my parents I would never be able to play the piano after two years of lessons. She was right. I love to watch and listen to this. I'm glad someone has the talent that I don't have.

Wow. Absolutely mesmerizing.

There’s so much clarity in every piece I’ve heard her play. She truly does these great pieces justice.

Великолепное исполнение. Браво! Благодарю, Валентина. Творческих успехов и покорения новых вершин!

KZfaq allows us lowly people to watch and listen to the super talented, for this I am grateful.col.

I love this lady's work. None better; few, few equal.

This is my absolute favourite interpretation and recording of the Appassionata. Absolutely incredible, thank you Valentina ❤️🔥

Probably one of the most beautiful thing i've ever seen on piano!

The emotional she puts into it, the piano really can sing! ..amazing and bravo, Valentina !

Sybelle. Her physical appearance even reminds me of the character. Beautifully played.

This is a wonderful, almost miraculous performance. Valentina Lisitsa has become a favourite pianist of mine. It just makes me wonder at the limitless potential of human achievement.

Изумительное исполнение изумительного творения Бетховена. СПАСИБО.

Под большим впечатлением от ЕЁ игры. Всегда!

It's 2018 and I still love listen to your playing!

I've followed and enjoyed Valentina's performances on KZfaq for many years now, but coming back to this very early recording, it's remarkable how much she seems to have relaxed into the role of virtuoso pianist over the years. She seems much tenser here than in later performances. It's by no means a criticism of her playing (which is stunning), rather that she just seems to have more fun these days!

This is the speed. Same as the one I heard 20 years ago on cassette. More relaxed and enjoyable. Your sound engineer needs vodka. Clean crystal clear audio. Best so far in piano recordings on KZfaq.

I admire Valentina so much, I admire her that she devotes herself to such long hours of practice & study and has such great stage presence. I am an autistic savant that can sometimes hear a musical piece, then play it perfectly though I may not ever remember how to play it again so when I see how hard she worked I am truly in awe of her talent and to be able to remember all the musical pieces she plays. Thank you Valentina !!!

I love the intensity she always brings. Classic Lisitsa! Each note is so clear and driven. It's like she has 10 pistons for fingers.

Breathtaking performance!

I tried listening to 5 other top players I could find on youtube searching but they absolutely paled in comparison to the masterful performance of Valentina. Not even close! Her ligato and tempo is unmatched, period!

The highest accolade for her prowess! Words cannot describe my appreciation for her.

You know what? She reminds me of my psychiatrist. Intelligent, emotionally gifted and compassionate. She could do the impossible. Valentina embraces you with respect for her own boundaries. She's letting you in in her world but you will never be able to abuse her. Valentina has the gift to make the romantics look balanced, in control of their emotions. What an incredible transition. She's giving mental care to Beethoven and Liszt in her own peculiar way. Truly magnificent!

This is absolutely brilliant! She plays with such genuine and non-exaggerated intensity.

Beethoven... Magestuoso. Infinito. Incomparable.

I am beyond envious and more than jealous of her talents and I can admit that.

Миллион лайков поставил бы, если б мог. Валентина, Ваши руки просто чудо! Спасибо, что Вы есть.

I couldn't believed what I've heard and seen. Outstanding performance. I'm mesmerized.....

I think she unlocked all the songs in Grand Master level. Saw her in every super hard songs :| I'm enjoy so much. Thank you

Превосходная игра и интерпретация от Валентины. Сама по себе пьеса наполнена бурей эмоций с самого начала до самого его могущественного конца. Мрачные и властные переходы, буря ярости переливающаяся в луч надежды это то, что так трогает и заставляет в который раз нажать на кнопку повтора. Невероятно)

Thank you for the time you sacrificed to play Beethoven for the world!

Beethoven is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Боже мой,как это восхитительно. А как прекрасны и выразительны в игре руки,они летают ,бьются ,любят и страдают . Обожаю Валечку и ее гениальную игру.

Sad that only 550k have subbed. This person deserves a set of wings and a heart of gold when it comes to her passion. Dedication, perseverance and time. No amount of KZfaq subs can rival a life like this.

By far best the best I’ve ever heard this played.

Fantastic! One can never tire of hearing this! absolutely wonderful ❣️bless her for bringing the brilliance of Beethoven to me❣️perfect❣️

Валентина, Вы прелесть! Я Вас люблю.

So intense. Even after all these years of first seeing this recording, it still impresses me so much how much work it must take to learn such a complicated piece of music.

How the hell can anyone play this??? Let alone compose it?????? Beethoven was an absolute genius. I know this piece so well, but forever am just memorized. I suppose my gift is to appreciate genius. Period.

The unbelievable and extraordinary talent it takes to be able to play this piece but the talent to be able to actually compose such a masterpiece? Beethoven must have been a God or something

60 FPS in 2009? Unbelievable

wow! the dexterity in her hands wrists and fingers are amazing

What a melodramatic piece! I love it

I've lost count of how many times I've seen this video. The pleasure it brings me is always the same ! Love it ! BRAVO, VALENTINA LISITSA !!! BRAVO !!!

Браво! Узнаю нашу школу: исполнение искреннее, страстное , темпераментное .

Finally a young artist who can play this warhorse with percission and passion. Hats off to her.

Absolutely fabulous. She has a very strong, percussive style in this piece, which really brings out the underlying drama of the whole movement. I've seen people comparing her renditions to other pianists, and I say this is just as good as kempf or barenboim. different, sure. More dynamic than lyrical in many places too. But absolutely fantastic.

Браво, Валентина!!!

Uff es una Diosa del piano, que manera de tocar tan magistral. Beethoven fue un genio monumental, como describir lo que su música transmite. Es un universo.

This is a stupendous punch in the gut every single time I watch it.

She is Magnificent !

Valentina Thank you so much for giving live to masterpieces , you to let us feel life and experience the beauty of music through your playing 🎉

My beautiful Valentina i really admire you, best regards from Perú, seeing your videos always reminds me not to give up in my piano practices.

you obviously understand how beethoven would want this to be performed. and your finess is unparalleled

Classical music rocks!!!!!!!!!!! As a striving young composer, it can be quite daunting to see the rise of atonal music but this piece helps me remember that music can still be beautiful. My latest original solo piano piece Second Praise tried to draw from the past greats’ musical vision with a modern twist (I hope I did them justice)