Chopin - Polonaise in c# minor Op.26 nr.1

[arensky]

I recorded this a few days ago. Let me know what you think...

[teresa_b]

Hi arensky,

I liked it very much!  You have a nice feel for Chopin, and for the Polonaise.  Your arpeggios are wonderful! 

If you would like a suggestion, maybe tone down the LH repeated chords a little in the "sweet" softer middle sections.  You can really bring out those lovely melody lines with a touch more rubato over a slightly softer rhythmic impulse in these sections.  Then you'll also get nice contrast when you go back to that powerful rhythmic first theme.

Have fun!  You play really well. 
Teresa

[zheer]

  Mature piano playing , nice contrast between the strong base chords and delicate melody. Very musical.

[arensky]

Thanks teresa_b and zheer for your positive feedback. I was sorry I posted this at first, the arpeggios are not really clean ( energetic sure) and the lyrical middle section rather sucks, imo. Teresa your advice about the middle section is correct. It seems to me that I just kind of walk through it, I could have done more subtle detail work, but I wanted to get this recorded and it's time for me to start some new (almost all of it) rep for a recital in a little less than six months. I can always do it over if I want to....

The interesting thing about this for me was comparing my live recording of it from three years ago with this. The only differences are that this new one has hardly any wrong notes and the middle section is more sensitive and flexible. Otherwise it's almost impossible to tell them apart.  I guess I'm more consistent than I thought I was. 

My piano is shot, it needs a major overhaul. If anyone would like to donate to this very worthy cause, PM me and I'll set up a PayPal account.