My YouTube Piano Contest Video (Chopin 10/1 and Debussy Arabesque 1)

[violinist]

Hello friends,

http://www.risingpianofire.com/
My video is on the website and links to the other pianists entering this amateur competition on YouTube - Van Cliburn

It's not too late to enter, the deadline is April 30, 2008 - where's your vid?

We all get a chance to vote (details on web page).

[thierry13]

The only thing I didn't like in Chopin etude is the way you ended it. The arabesque was I think a bit too slow and there was way too much rubato in the beginning and in unstrategic places. Otherwise I think you're quite good!

[violinist]

Thanks Thierry!  I've been learning lots, and I'm getting lots of info from this forum.  I'm happy to the get the too slow comment   I've always been too fast with most everything I play - at least so far. 

It's always hard for me to balance things and get it "just right."  I think that's the real art in piano and any music - it's too hard, too soft, too fast, too ugh!  But to get it just right - would be art and music!

It's been a fun and beginning journey for me. 

Please keep sharing info and tips with me.

[nyonyo]

I think the Chopin Etude is way beyond your technical ability.
Especially for a competition, you MUST play with authority when comes to Etude.

Your Arabesque is too slow, there was no flow. You have to keep the tempo and follow the notation written in the music. Follow exactly what Debussy wrote. Arabesque is deceptively difficult...It does not look difficult, but to play well is not easy. An amateur pianist usually cannot perform this piece well.

[pianovirus]

I think the Chopin Etude is way beyond your technical ability.
Especially for a competition, you MUST play with authority when comes to Etude.

 

I don't think this is a fair comment. This was a very good 10/1! I admire your crisp finger articulation (only some exceptions). Also, the crescendos/decrescendos were nicely done (and I'm sure they are even better in reality than through the mics and my cheap speakers). Congrats and good luck for the competition!!

[sharon_f]

I think the Chopin Etude is way beyond your technical ability.
Especially for a competition, you MUST play with authority when comes to Etude.

  Also.

I agree with pianovirus. I think it is a very good performance of an extremely difficult etude.

[thierry13]

I think the Chopin Etude is way beyond your technical ability.
Especially for a competition, you MUST play with authority when comes to Etude.

Definitely not as bad as you say. It was not a very fast performance, but it was controlled and clear, that's what matters most.

[teresa_b]

I thought you did really well on the Chopin!  I can't play this piece, but if I could  , I would perhaps do it a little less forcefully all the way through.

Your Debussy needs a more diaphanous quality--it sounds too "solid", for want of a better word.  More dreamy, make more dynamic contrasts. 

Best of luck for the VC! 
Teresa

[gyzzzmo]

I think the Chopin Etude is way beyond your technical ability.
Especially for a competition, you MUST play with authority when comes to Etude.

Your Arabesque is too slow, there was no flow. You have to keep the tempo and follow the notation written in the music. Follow exactly what Debussy wrote. Arabesque is deceptively difficult...It does not look difficult, but to play well is not easy. An amateur pianist usually cannot perform this piece well.

You clearly dont know what you're talking about. For an amateur it is a very good performance (although i couldnt hear it clearly enough because of the recording equipment). But definitely not 'way beyond' his technical ability.

I agree with your second comment though. Debussy should be played much more freely, but with a very clear melody 'flow'. I gues he's not used to playing debussy, nor his teacher (?)

But keep on the good work, and go have a 'musical' look at the debussy piece

gyzzzmo

[dnephi]

You did a great job, and you will be the favorite of many. 

I wish you the best of fortune and success in your pursuit of music.