New teacher-new repertoaire

[pianogalning]

This is my first topic in the Pianoforum, and I would like to say hello to all of you. I'm a norwegian citizen, based in Oslo, the capital of Norway. My teacher is the former teacher of the famous norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes. His name is Jiri Hlinka. The reason why I write this topic, is that my teacher gave me a whole lot of new music, and I'd like your opinion(s) around it.

- Rachmaninov, second concerto 
- Martinu, etudes and polkas (really funny pieces, and VERY difficult!
- Prokofiev, op. 12 and some etudes (he didn't give me any yet, but they will come)
- A sonata by Haydn or Mozart (do u have any suggestions?)
- And of cause something by the beloved Grieg...

SO, that's it, give me some feedback, and I'll be back...

P.S. What kind of exercises do u do? For myself I do alot of Hanon. And scales! 

[pooguy77]

I'm glad your learning Martinu! FUN! Oh, if you do a Mozart Sonata, plz do the one in A-Minor. Just an absolute treat! I'm just starting to appreciate Grieg more. I'm learning his Sonata in E Minor, and it is SOOOO MUCHHHHH funner than any of Schubert's (no offense...haha).

[lisztwasgod]

sounds like a fantastic repertoire...challenging too! For a really tough prokofiev work, i might recommend his toccata, op 11...

[pianogalning]

I've already played the sonata in a-minor, but hey, its great! It seems to me like my teacher is going for a more "unknown" sonata by Haydn... Time will show!

[bernhard]

Some months (perhaps a year ago), there was a documentary on British TV about Leif Ove Andness. Amongst other things he played Grieg’s Lyric Pieces on Grieg’s own piano. However there was a most interesting segment where they talked to your (and his) teacher, who seemed to be a most fascinating teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed his comments and opinions on teaching and performance.  Can you tell us about him and your experience as a student of his? (e.g., does he like Hanon?   )

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[pianogalning]

Well, i'll try, Bernhard. I had my first lesson with him during a summer-academy in Stavanger (Norway), where I played the Abegg-variations for him. His first comment was: "Really good. I've never played this piece before, but I'll try to give you some advices." Then we kept on with the "theme"-part for 2 hours... He is, as you say, a fascinating teacher. He can jump out of his chair, scream "no"-words, and then suddenly be soft and gentle (very rare though). He's really fond of Janacek and polkas
As a student, I never feel well when I play for him, which is very good I think. If not, it would be easy to think: "Ah, no problem, he'll just say: Thats ok, do it next time...".
Leif Ove Andsnes plays Hanon, and I dont think he would do that if Hlinka didnt like it!
I've only had four lessons with him till now, but I will come back when I have some more to tell... Or just ask.

Hauk

[larse]

oh no! You're having Jiri Glinka!

I have heard alot of stories about Jiri..he once threw a chair after a friend of mine who had him. another friend told me the only time he smiled was when he was laughing of his playing. They tend to say that as he became very famous with Leif Ove Andsnes, Håvard Gimse, and many other norwegian pianists of that age, his ego grew porportionally. Which made him hopeless as a teacher, because of the fact that he was never satisfyed really broke apart the students.

Though...you cannot really trust these urban legends at all...

btw..
Jeg er 2års student i Trondheim...Hvem er du?

[pianogalning]

All good teachers are a bit mad. All good tachers have people trying to make their person sound terrible, because they're jealous. Sad but true. To be honest, Jiri is the best thing that ever happened to me!

[larse]

heh, no I would'nt doubt it..like I said, he's the man behind all of todays greatest piano stars and teachers around on the conservatorys in norway.

but my friends are not being jealous or anything like that. But they quit because they could'nt handle his kind of pressure. I guess it's a typical thing being said about him...he WILL make you good, as long as you don't break apart on the way there.

[bernhard]

Well, i'll try, Bernhard. I had my first lesson with him during a summer-academy in Stavanger (Norway), where I played the Abegg-variations for him. His first comment was: "Really good. I've never played this piece before, but I'll try to give you some advices." Then we kept on with the "theme"-part for 2 hours... He is, as you say, a fascinating teacher. He can jump out of his chair, scream "no"-words, and then suddenly be soft and gentle (very rare though). He's really fond of Janacek and polkas
As a student, I never feel well when I play for him, which is very good I think. If not, it would be easy to think: "Ah, no problem, he'll just say: Thats ok, do it next time...".
Leif Ove Andsnes plays Hanon, and I dont think he would do that if Hlinka didnt like it!
I've only had four lessons with him till now, but I will come back when I have some more to tell... Or just ask.

Hauk

Thanks Hauk! He does sound interesting. By all means continue

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[zemos]

well I don't know how tough this piece is, but I just LOVE Grieg's Ballade (variations on a norway theme). Actually, I'd like to learn it myself- can you give me an estimation of how hard it is?
Have a good day!

[pianogalning]

Well zemos, here we go:
Let's just face it: Griegs ballade is bloody hard, no matter how good technique you've got. It's one of my favourite-pieces, and the first thing (almost) I asked Hlinka about was: "Can I play the Grieg ballade?" His answer? "No", you're too young, maybe in two years. As you understand, it's a piece you shouldn't play it until you've got some experience in life, both good and bad.
If you don't think the piece is hard, check out one of the VERY fast "movements", maybe the octave-section? Bloody difficult...

[pianowelsh]

Haydn Eb sonata is a really great classical sonata. Give the fingers a good workout and the second movement is stunning - third very humerous and playful! I think maestro Hlika is probably just about the best person in the world to advise you on Grieg repertory and he will know your individual strengths better than any of us. True the ballade is fantastic but your teacher is not stupid (crazy maybe but not stupid!) there are lots of great lyric pieces to choose from and it might be nice to have a group of smaller pieces than a big structure to work on - makes for nice fresh programming too!