Nocturne in Em Op. 72, No. 1 (posthumous)

[gaer]

I've taught this at least three times, so I thought it was about time to see what I could do with it myself.

Strangely, although I had worked out all the tough technical parts, the problems were all musical. I think I solved some of them. I hope so.

Gary

[violinist]

Could you tell me what kind of equipment you use to record?  Or point me to a previous post on your recording equipment?  Is the piano digital? 

Super super nice recording and playing.

[gaer]

Could you tell me what kind of equipment you use to record?  Or point me to a previous post on your recording equipment?  Is the piano digital? 

Super super nice recording and playing.

Sorry. Did you ask before? I don't own a piano. I had a grand that was destroyed in a fire, but I have absolutely no private time to play a conventional instrument. I'm using a Clavinova and it's outputting to midi cables that allow me to communicate either way with the piano. So I'm more or less staying digital. It's a bit more complicated than that, but without getting very technical, there it is.

I use Sound Forge to convert to wave files and then to MP3s. By the way, if you or anyone else wants to make the point that nothing replaces a real piano, a good one, you have complete agreement from me. If only I had the money, the space, the privacy, the time. <sigh>

Gary

[violinist]

I love the sound you're able to get from your digital piano.  Is it a Yamaha?  It sounds like the yamaha I have.. I have the P-200.  Probably a similar sound sample.  I had it on Piano #2 on the yamaha P-200 stage piano.  This was the only piano I've owned for a long time before I could actually get a real piano.  I debated getting an upright back then, but just stuck with the digital piano.. and now I got the steinway.  But my recordings sound way inferior.  I don't even know how to get it in stereo like you have it.  It sounds so much better in stereo.  I think I have to get a real microphone.  Using a condenser mike from a walk-man type device isn't cutting it.

[gaer]

I love the sound you're able to get from your digital piano.  Is it a Yamaha?  It sounds like the yamaha I have.. I have the P-200.  Probably a similar sound sample.  I had it on Piano #2 on the yamaha P-200 stage piano.  This was the only piano I've owned for a long time before I could actually get a real piano.  I debated getting an upright back then, but just stuck with the digital piano.. and now I got the steinway.  But my recordings sound way inferior.  I don't even know how to get it in stereo like you have it.  It sounds so much better in stereo.  I think I have to get a real microphone.  Using a condenser mike from a walk-man type device isn't cutting it.

Yes, but it's a Clavinova. The Clavinova (or some of them) has (have) a darker, fuller sound. I have old technology though. It's all a matter of sampling. Learning to play and record using such a method involves retraining the mind though. You have to learn to realize that you are playing a recording. You are hearing what is essentially the finished product as you are making it. With an accoustic instrument, what is recorded is never more than a very good approximation of what we actually hear.

This is a much more "forgiving" way of recording though. You can play a piece in one take, a page in one take or a phrase in one. The danger, as I think you can guess, is that if you do too many steps (much like splicing), the performance becomes fragmented and loses coherence, and it also gets unbelievably stiff.

Gary

[violinist]

I've listened to your recording about 20 times now.  It's on repeat!

You got some serious reverb on also.  It's nice.  Feels like a big hall.

[yoshiki]

Your record is great!!! I played this piece quite a long time ago and could never play as good as you!

[kelly_kelly]

Very nice! I love this piece, don't you?

[zheer]

Luvly piano playing, as you know i seriously enjoy your piano playing. The tempo was spot on so was the dynamics , nothing pretencious thank god . Am sorry about the fire but thank god you are still alive. All the best.

[rafant]

My first thought was also about the high quality of the sound recording. Very pleasant that dark, velvet-like sound.
Flawless in all technical aspects as fas as I'm able of judging. Only I missed something: Passion!! I'd like to hear the piece again one day when you are in a passionate spirit.

[berrt]

Only I missed something: Passion!! I'd like to hear the piece again one day when you are in a passionate spirit.

I absolutely do NOT agree. To me, gary's interpretation lets show up chopin's intention in a congenial way. Of course, that depends on the very personal ideas one has upon chopin's intention - but that's my perception.

bye
Berrt

[wzkit]

I think you play this piece very well, although  my usual complaint  that the use of an electric piano does not do justice to your playing still stands. Since I am currently learning this piece myself, I would say that I would take it rather differently. For one, while I would not soften the left hand ( I think there is much breathing and phrasing in the left hand which you brought out beautifully), I would bring out the right hand even more prominently, and go for a thicker sound there. I would also probably apply more rubato, and try to achieve a more "sensuous" effect. My favourite recordings are by Horowitz and Shura Cherkassky. That said, I don't think there's anything wrong with your more "level headed" approach, which is enjoyable in its own way. Lets keep hearing more from you!

[quantum]

Thank you for another wonderful recording.

You have an interesting take on the ornaments in the middle section, but they are consistent and not objectionable.