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[phil13]

Some of the replies on this board are way to harsh in my opinion.  Perhaps this Phil person has a point.  He didn't mention anything about Chopin not being a genius it's just that some of his music were overplayed/overperformed. 

I personally think that Chopin can never be over-performed/played, can never get enough of Chopin's song even to the most popular ones, the likes of his Minute Waltz.  Although, I must agree that there are some songs, not only by him, but also by other composers that are played way too much more than others which causes boredom to those who can't see through the music other than just hearing pleasure.  As with anything, we get bored with things that we've seen/heard too many a time. 

My suggestion to Mr. Philly here is that he should learn to look past (or hear past) rather music just as an end in itself.  Try and find different ways of looking into it, there is much more to music than that.  It can be like a story that you can read, like an opera and it can even be better than a film, if you catch my drift.  I always like finding different 'interpretations' of a piece of music, every recording varies and it's those little details that's exciting.  Having said all that, disagree if you may.

faerywings and twinkletoes xx

Wow, I didn't know I said that.

I can NEVER get enough of Chopin's works. As I said, he is the lord and master of the piano, and we should worship him.

I agree that interpretations are all unique in their own little way, and I submit this: If you can find a good interpretation of a piece that is more often played than not, and if you can see past the notes, into the music, your outlook on that piece will be entirely different.

That having been said, I found what may be the most perfect recording of Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu Op.66 (a piece that many consider 'overplayed'). The pianist's name is Diane Hidy.
Go find it and listen to it. Perhaps you won't think this beautiful piece is too popular afterward.

Phil

[maxy]

what a lame topic...  lame initial statement, mostly lame answers...  Chopin should always be liked, and will always be liked.
 I say we should let this topic die.  Best thing that could happen to it...  I apologize for bumping this topic. 

[pianohopper]

Horowitz once said, when confronted about Pollini's solid technique even in his old age, once remarked, "That's what happens when you practice Chopin 8 hours a day." 

The fact of the matter is, Chopin is the best thing you can do for your technique.  Better even than Bach, no matter what people say for him. 

Michael Pletnev said "Chopin's music varies.  It's everything.  For this emotional music, it makes it difficult to play.  That's why I must say that if somebody plays Chopin, it reveals he is all-nature...There's nothing to hide behind."   

[kilini]

Sounds like a troll.

[m1469]

Now, after getting us all tangled up, you are telling us.

Anyway, the argument of 'too many recordings' is really entirely mute. You don't have to buy (or 'download') any of them. In fact, if you follow this line of reasoning strictly, you should also not play Chopin anymore yourself. After all, why play something that you don't want to see recorded anymore? Why teach Chopin still?

No, let people play and record and buy and listen to Chopin, or anyone else for that matter (even Sorabji ), as much as they want. There is no such thing as 'over-played' or 'over-rated' (except Gould ) or 'over-recorded'. Everyone can still make their own decisions what to consume.

I just wanted to say, xvimbi, that this post changed my perspective on this matter.  I appreciate the insights here.


m1469 

[Derek]

-

indeed.

[jz_rach2]

The most over-performed, over-recorded composer known to man.

i totally don't agree with this and personally find it offensive. chopin's music speaks for itself its beauty and is NEVER "over-performed or over-recorded"-_-;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

[phil13]

i totally don't agree with this and personally find it offensive. chopin's music speaks for itself its beauty and is NEVER "over-performed or over-recorded"-_-;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

I'll second that and all the others who agree with me that Chopin will never die, and the new pianists today are just trying their best to pay their tribute to the master. No one can blame them for that.

Oh, and by the way...

My suggestion to Mr. Philly here is that he should learn to look past (or hear past) rather music just as an end in itself.

Do not call me that. I've put up with enough of that bullsh*t already.

Phil

[danyal]

Its these kind of topics that make me feel sick. I'm not going to even waste energy justifying Chopin's genius to those who refuse too see or listen.