Scriabin Etude Op.8 No. 12

[faj]

I'm not supposed to post this since Jlh just posting his great performance of this piece.
But I don't have much time and need feedback to find good direction for my preparation of this piece.

Thanks in advance, Faj

[jlh]

What do you mean you're not supposed to post this?  lol

You've got a good start on it!  I know how much effort it takes to get it to the point where you have it right now...  great job!

What I would suggest is:

Let the piece breathe more often.  It sounds too much like a furious run of notes right now.  There is a lot more you can bring out to be expressive.  This is basically a study for octaves on some level, so bring those out.  In the LH make sure when you have the V-I octave leaps that you make them special.  The middle section needs some TLC.  It's ok to make that section a bit slower and a LOT softer.  It's a very lyrical section, so don't rush through it. 

Also in a few places you're adding notes to the ends of measures.  careful... 

When do you perform?

Josh

[faj]

Hi Josh thanks a lot for your comment, suggestion and advice.
Well, actually I like scriabin version more than Horowitz.
But yes, getting all notes itself is not easy so I still put more attention for the notes  .
I'll perform this on April 15.  More than one month from now, but I think that's not too long to fine polishing this.

Once again thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge and experience Josh !

Best wishes,
Faj

[jlh]

Well, actually I like scriabin version more than Horowitz.

I've heard Scriabin's recording, and while he does have a more forward push throughout the piece, it is still very creative.  Scriabin also never played any piece the same way twice.  They were very emotionally connected with him and subject to his frame of mind at the time.  In Scriabin, as with much Russian music, there is always a large amount of emotion and bravura that goes along with the Russian culture. 

Also, Scriabin was considered insane by contemporary music critics -- partly because they only saw his music as a succession of dissonant chords, but also because he considered himself to be the Messiah, or God in the flesh.  He was very interested in eastern mysticism and believed the performance of his unfinished work "Mysterium" was going to end the world as we knew it, and the human race would thus be transformed into higher beings. 

All this is to say that a straight rush through the piece is not necessarily the most authentic way to go about this or any of Scriabin's works.  Scriabin was a complex person, and his works reflect this.  I think there is so much potential in this etude to exploit this aspect.  Generally, as in most etudes, it is not correct to change tempos often and play around with the continuity of the work, but in Scriabin I think it is necessary.  This is why I suggest to bring out more expression.  Make some of the melody notes uneven in duration -- such as the faster octave leaps.  When you have the audience ready to accept a certain way you play some of the phrases, change it up.  Give the piece breathing room and it will be more effective.

[faj]

Josh, thanks a lot to be so kind to share your knowledge and great Idea.
I'm still working hard to fine polising the note. Funny thing, the more I "remember" the notes, it makes me want to play this as per your suggestion. Perhaps I become more relax (but still need more) and able to put more attention to musicality.

I agree with you this is more than just an Etude. It's very deep, need  to bring out more expression.
Well, it is just a short piece, but take alot of my time ....

Once again thanks so much to give me kind advice and great suggestion.

Best wishes,
Faj
 

[faj]

Responding your advice and suggestion, I recorded new one .
Is it improving toward good direction?

Best regards,
Faj

[rach n bach]

Sounds better!

I would like to hear more of the melody in the first 1/3 of the piece, but that's just me.  And personally, I don't like the rolled chord right at the end... I think it sounds better to have two solid and firm chords there... but agian, that's just my opinion.  It does sound more flowing, and the overall effect is great!

RnB

[faj]

Hi RnB, thanks for your kind comment and suggestion.

I did want to hit the ending chord as per you said, but my mind already stop playing there, so muscle memory rolled the chord + hit wrong note.

Thanks a lot ,
Faj

[faj]

This video was taken 1 year ago but I didn't know how to transfer it to PC.
Handycam used is samsung dvd camcoder,seems the sound dynamic wasn't catched very well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC4dladmjlk

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Best Regards,
Faj

[ramibarniv]

Responding your advice and suggestion, I recorded new one .
Is it improving toward good direction?

Best regards,
Faj

Sounds much improved over the first recording.
I'd like to hear more of the RH in the first page, especially the lower octave, which often gets lost.
Of course there are still spots to clean up, but much less than the first recording.
About the rolled chord at the end, it would be stronger if the LH rolled (fast) from the bass note to the fifth like a grace note.
Interesting discussion, tips and comments.
I'd like to add that while playing it, one should remember the Chopin influence (the revolutionary op. 10/12) , the minor key, the beginning rhythm and being the 12th etude in the opus...
Best regards,
Rami

[faj]

Hi Rami,

Thanks a lot for your kind comment and advice.
I also wacth your videos. they are great

Best Regards,
Faj

[ramibarniv]

Hi Rami,

Thanks a lot for your kind comment and advice.
I also wacth your videos. they are great

Best Regards,
Faj

You are welcome and thanks for the good words re my videos.
Best,
Rami
http://ramisrhapsody.tripod.com/