Brahms, Rhapsody Op. 119, No. 4

[rachfan]

Brahms sometimes composed piano works orchestrally rather than pianistically, despite the fact that he was an accomplished pianist (although he became sloppy in his late years due to little or no practicing).  This rhapsody presents the pianist with a good challenge.

Update: I deleted the CD cut (42 downloads) and replaced it with the original tape recording for better fidelity. 

[fnork]

I only managed to listen to the first minute, sorry, but I couldn't stand the sound of the piano - it sounds very strange and it's hardly pleasant to listen to. I can't comment on the whole piece, but the part I heard was very "beaty" in some parts and overall a bit too slow for my taste. Can't you make a better quality recording? If you will, I promise to listen to it

[teresa_b]

Part of the problem is the sound of the recording.  I listened to both your Brahms rhapsodies, and I think you did quite well on Op 79, but on this one you should do much, much  more!

You accented the downbeats as directed, but there is way too much accenting and no direction to the phrases.  Think beautiful phrasing throughout.  This is a very hard piece to pull together. 

In the "grazioso" section, make it grazioso.  Note the melody is legato, and must be heard, all the other stuff is filigree.

Keep up the good work--
Teresa

[rachfan]

Hi fnork and teresa,

The problem was that when I recorded Op. 79, it was on very inexpensive equipment, so the recording itself is the problem.  The sonics are not great, I agree, and the higher frequencies tended to get clipped along with soft notes in the treble, some of which are very important.  I hesitated before posting it for that reason.  I think Op. 119 has much better fidelity overall.  Thanks, Theresa, for your constructive criticism on 79, even though you had to suffer through the poor fidelity!  By the way, in listening to recordings, I've often found that I can acclimate fairly quickly, and then the music comes through regardless.  It's probably the same for you.  On 119, I don't think I lived with that piece long enough to really establish a more advanced concept of performing it.  I'll go back to it some day and keep your advice in mind.

David

[teresa_b]

Please don't think I'm being too critical, as I said, I am impressed by what you can play! 

I am an old lady ( ) and have played a number of these Brahms pieces for years--They definitely get better and better with age.  So do go back and back to them, you'll find new depths every time you revisit.

Have fun!
Teresa

[rachfan]

theresa,  I guarantee you, you're probably not as old as I!   

[teresa_b]

Well, we must be a couple of the rare Methusela's on this site!   

Teresa

[rachfan]

I think you're right, haha!