Alkan Symphonie - First movement

[ronde_des_sylphes]

I'm currently working on the full Alkan Symphonie; here is a recording of the first movement.

There are far too many wrong notes for my liking, but I guess some are probably inevitable in works of this nature if you're not Hamelin. And there was a mini-pianistic-meltdown on the 2nd last page

Anyways, I would very much appreciate comments on this (especially from the Alkan-connoisseurs on the forum).

[da jake]

There are far too many wrong notes for my liking, but I guess some are probably inevitable in works of this nature if you're not Hamelin.

I think you should iron out them out. They really detract from the performance. Also, the rhythm is a bit uneven in places.

Still, it's clear you like hte piece and I think it has real potential. Just buckle down some more and really clean up the inaccuracies.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Thanks for the quick response. It's this movement and the 4th that I'm having some difficulties with. I agree with everything you said.

I have to say that it has been my experience that I can get through a lot of pretty difficult Liszt fairly cleanly, but when I come to some of the bigger Alkan pieces, sufficient technical and physical stress is placed on me that things can start to go wrong. (I've played/looked at the Symphonie, Festin d'Esope and the transcription of Beethoven's 3rd piano concerto, with mixed results).

Anyway, thanks again. Your input is appreciated.

[Kassaa]

On the first page, especially in the lyrical part right after the opening I hear some accents at the wrong place, the beginning is rhytmically not very clear. I would like some more fury in the last part. Overall I would like some more intensity and more legato instead of staccato. Could you play deeper into the keys?

[soliloquy]

Don't play the first movement like you'd play other Alkan.  Play the first movement like you would play Liszt.  But not ghey/puzzy/sl*w like Smith or Martin.

Finale needs more like, FFFFFFFFFF.

[Kassaa]

Don't play the first movement like you'd play other Alkan.  Play the first movement like you would play Liszt.  But not ghey/puzzy/sl*w like Smith or Martin.

Finale needs more like, FFFFFFFFFF.

Haha, that's what I meant with more intensity .

[tompilk]

wow.. i wish i could play like that... some more speed would be nice... amazing playing though.. this is my favourite piece at the moment i think i might go and practise it... do you have any tips for it?
Thanks,
Tom

[nicco]

Can you post sheets for it?

[ronde_des_sylphes]

There is an online score of this (and much other Alkan) at
https://piano.francais.free.fr/

I must admit this is a long way from being the finished article, but I have until November to get it ready, so time is on my side even if my musical limitations are not

this is my favourite piece at the moment i think i might go and practise it... do you have any tips for it?
Thanks,
Tom

1) Big hands help 2) Get the syncopations right (some of mine are astray) 3) Try and keep a rhythmic drive going 4) The Symphonie is (for me at least) quite a serious technical challenge, so if things aren't going your way, don't get depressed.  Oh, and 5) good luck!

[donjuan]

i remember hearing this and wanting to play it, so I ordered the music from amazon.  But then when it came and I followed along while listening, I was like 'hell no'

so props to you for taking it on!  it seems a little too big for you right now, but it is certainly within your reach!  just give it some more lovin