Mendelssohn - Rondo Capriccioso

[rallestar]

I started working on this piece about a month ago - Didn't like it much at first, but it really started growing on me, and I quite adore it by now.

There are still a few slips, I hope they aren't too disturbing. I'm working on getting them out, but I did it in one take so I think I'll manage it soon.

I'm going to be performing this piece on the 8th of March, so I'm uploading it now to get some critique, rather than as to show you a perfect, complete interpretation.

Any suggestions and comments both with regards to technique and interpretation etc are more than welcome. I hope you enjoy it!

[puddy]

I started working on this piece about a month ago - Didn't like it much at first, but it really started growing on me, and I quite adore it by now.

There are still a few slips, I hope they aren't too disturbing. I'm working on getting them out, but I did it in one take so I think I'll manage it soon.

I'm going to be performing this piece on the 8th of March, so I'm uploading it now to get some critique, rather than as to show you a perfect, complete interpretation.

Any suggestions and comments both with regards to technique and interpretation etc are more than welcome. I hope you enjoy it!

Well done on the reiterated 3rds and the alternate  hand octave runs. The l.h. octave melodic intervals were managed quite well. It shows that you have good technique. Some work needs to be done on the descending E major 2nd. inversion run. Perhaps the intro could be slightly slower so the melody could be more expressively brought out. I got a music exhibition to a British public school with this as one of my pieces in 1978. Good luck for the 8th. March performance.

[nyonyo]

I agree that the intro should be slower and the melody should be played in a more singing manner.

[rallestar]

Thanks for your comments both of you.

I'm not sure I agree that the intro should be slower - And if so, then only just a bit. It's andante after all, so I wanted it to have a more walking feeling.

[monkeyyy]

hmm... this comments are maybe too late to use them for your recital, but you can use them afterwards as well I suppose.. I find it difficult too say something sometimes because the sound quality makes it sometimes very difficult to say what's wrong and who's wrong (the recorder or you). (buy a good one if you've the possibility!! ) I'm practising the piece right now, maybe I'll post it later :-)

oh, and I didn't mention all the good things you did, sorry, only things you can improve (in my opinion at least). But you played it oke :-)

Andante
Beginning part: no acccents!! (in bass and soprano, example, first note bar 11)
10: No big rit.! Just a bit calmer
14 no rit!! + ff!!!!
20-21  growing intensity


Presto:
Theme:  it’s too fast for you (at the time you recorded this), it sounds very very messy, use more the tip of the finger to get a bright sound, practise hands separate.. and practise not only fast..
38 dim.!
40 and on: more left hand!!!

Con anima
Clean pedal!
82 and on: better balance:  left louder, more expressive, right lighter and less messy
106 ritard. Too early/too much


A tempo
133-136:  legato, not a wrist movement or something like that for every chord..

154 and on: Check the dynamics please!! (F -> P)
174, last note:  make more special
202 rit. Too early
211 and on: left hand to short? (not sure, can't hear this well)
 

[jinfiesto]

Ummmmm. Good start I guess, but you're obviously taking the presto too fast for your current capabilities... Anyways, good luck for whenever you perform this.

[jinfiesto]

I'm gonna be a jerk and challenge you to a duel on this. End of the week?