interpretation

[verywellmister]

I remember when the judges at the MTNA eastern division competition did not like my interpretation of the ravel sonatine first movement: modere.  they said it was too exaggerated and my pedaling was not so good.

now i am learning the 3rd movement: anime.

any tips on interpretation for French music?

[g_flat]

I would have to say that your problem in interpreting French music is that you interpret too much. The French were very meticulous composers, especially Ravel for that matter. It's best that you follow very closely what he wrote - it's there for a reason. Pay close heed to all his dynamic markings, tempo markings, articulation, and things of that nature. French music is very colorful and extravagently crafted; it's easy for the interpreter to accidently take it too far and play too exaggerated, as you previously mentioned. However, there is actually a lot less room for exaggeration in French music than there is in German and Russian music. French music is much more subdued, not nearly as fiery and passionate as the former examples. Give some thought to these remarks; hopefully someone else has something valuable to say as well.