Schubert - Klavierstucke D 946 Nr1

[quantum]

Several of my friends have grown quite fond of this piece since I introduced it to them.  The first time I heard it was live at a concert by my teacher, and I was immediately struck by its beauty. 

Part of a set of three pieces written in 1828, they were probably intended as a continuation of the series of impromptus Schubert had begun in 1827 of Op. 90 and Op. 142.  However, they did not appear in print during Schubert's lifetime. 

Schubert - Klavierstucke D 946 Nr1
Mics: (2x) Studio Projects B1
Interface: Edirol UA-25
Reverb: Adobe Audition Medium Hall Crisp
Piano: Yamaha C3

Enjoy!

[pianistimo]

i didn't realize this about it being a sort of 'impromptu.'  some of the intensity is too  much for my ears - but as you progress, i like it soooo much!  it's very artistic!  i like how the right hnd has a mind of it's own sometimes.  you have good control when hands are played together as well (ie chords).  in the softer middle section - i'd personally lighten the bass a bit as i hear the wawa's.  but, other than that - the only other crit - and this is getting picky personal - i'd like a more continuous feel.  there are only a few places - but to me, they hinder the 'whole.'  you can still have the 'statement/response' idea - but the bling blings afterwards should come faster ( as though they are a sort of 'tail' that follows and not as important).  i feel that in some places everything is as important as the basic statement/response.  when you hear the difference - i think this will improve to my way of hearing.  of course, someone else who plays a lot of schubert may say something totally different or with better words.  bling bling probably isn't very descriptive musically.

[pianistimo]

i'm listening near the very end (before the return of A) - and i like how you DO speed up the 'bling blings' here.  and, then you go into a beautiful 'descriptive paragraph' which you bring out.  you seem to be naturally doing what i mean - now!  light, faster, non-plussed in the improv parts and not in the statement/response or paragraph. 

[pianistimo]

this seems to be in a sort of ABACADA  or some such rondo form.  i liked how it 'evolved.'

i just listened to uchida's interpretation and some of it is quite similar to yours at the beginning.  i'd like to hear a few more - because to me it sounds 'choppy.'  i can't explain this very well.  but, there was some schubert interpreter that i remember hearing recordings of years ago.  perhaps listening to some of your favorite artists will give you some other ideas for handling the transitions just a tiny bit different?  if you want?  maybe you are happy.  all that really matters is that you feel you interpreted schubert as you see him.  he always seemed to me to be that spectacled library man taking in everything (sights and sounds) around him as he took walks.  second only to the beethoven nature walks.  and, as he walked, he sensed a drama going on.  the drama of the constant push and pull in life.  you can almost see a spiritual battle.  of course, with the erkling, this is obvious.  but, i mean - even here.  the impetuous 'da da dum, da da dum'  is attempting to tempt somebody.  then, the feminine (or whatever) response is given.  you have to have a bit of crazy in you.

[pianistimo]

ok.  here's bart berman.  i kinda relate to his way of playing the statements louder and the other parts softer and faster.

www.notesonfranzschubert.com/discogra.htm  click on D840 for general idea (i can't get your piece up)

[quantum]

Thanks for your comments pianistimo. 

I like your new use of the term Bling Bling.  Could you perhaps give some time references where these Bling Blings could be played differently?  Also where you liked my Bling Blings at the return of A.

I had a hard time tracking down recordings of this piece in the nearby libraries.  Only one I was able to track down was Pollini.  Interesting you mention some similarities with Uchida, I'll find that recording. 

The entire set of D 946 me to seems a bit more "active" or "intense" than the Op 90 and 142.  Not exactly the same feel. 

[the_duck]

I had a hard time tracking down recordings of this piece in the nearby libraries.  Only one I was able to track down was Pollini.  Interesting you mention some similarities with Uchida, I'll find that recording. 

brendel's got an excellent recording of these pieces (you should be able to hear a sample on amazon)

[didier_brest]

  I am unable to tell any critic about your interpretation. It is so good! And the quality of your piano and your recording is quite amazing. Thank you very much for your very nice interpretation.

[piano121]

Just  let me say what other have said before. Your interpretations is Quite great! I love the sound of the recording. ´This piece is particurly a beautifull display of Schubert exuberance and elegance in his music. It´s compositional stile is indded somewath similar to the impromptus. I´m studing op 90 n2 and have never listened to this piece before. In fact I´m very impressed with it, and your wonderfull perform. Thanks for sahring this

[freakofnature]

Wow, this sounds great. I didn't know the piece before, so there's not much more that I could say. Great playing and great recording (sounds just like a professional recording).

[pianistimo]

ok.  the bling blings, as i recall, were the 'tails' of the first 'da da dum, da da dum' at around 02 or 03.  a sudden getting lighter and faster (a bit lighter than you are currently playing - and more like the second time around).  the recording goes at a pretty fast clip already so i wrote down 11-14 (but the seconds might be off).  i feel like i am at an arcade and trying to win a prize by hitting the seconds when they touch the blue light.  also, the 'filler' wherever it occurs (say after 14? the emphasis on certain notes in this section seem out of character to me)

now i am going to find the return of A where i liked what you did better.  51-53.  i'm going crazy now.  i have to stop or i'll start shaking getting all nervous for missing the exact seconds.  i could never be a sound recorder.  (it has a lighter more refined feel to the 'tail')