recital prep recording

[omgtifb]

I'm playing these pieces in recital in a week... so wanted to make a rehearsal recording of all three in the same session.  bach C# major prelude, brahms 116.4, and bach D major fugue WTC1.  the brahms starts at 1:40 and the fugue starts at 6:35.  Probably too late to change anything now but comments would be welcome!

[zong]

I'm commenting only on the Bach. The main problem I see is a general lack of fluency. This is more apparent in the fugue, perhaps because you take it at a slower tempo, but it is noticeable in the prelude as well. In the fugue especially, you almost seem to restart the piece with every bar (I am exaggerating, of course, but there is a stop-and-go sense to it that you don't want). It also affects voice leading, as it makes it difficult to follow the parts as they unfold. Perhaps you could look at the larger phrases of the fugue and try to follow through them.
I also find it puzzling why you chose to play a prelude without its fugue and another fugue without its prelude. I think that looking at the preludes and fugues as matching pairs (as most performers do) gives you a much better chance of developing a coherent interpretation of the set.

[omgtifb]

Hi Zong,

Thanks very much for taking the time to listen and comment!  I don't know how to interpret your criticisms other than to assume you have a problem with my use of rubato in the Bach pieces.  I don't have any general principle against rubato in bach, and my interpretation of the D major fugue relies on rubato for tension/release.

What you may also have been reacting to was the fact that the digital piano I was playing on has a very difficult to control action which made the articulation slightly uneven especially in the prelude.  It's much smoother on a real piano.  (I have nothing but respect for anybody who can play a fast bach piece on a digital piano with a "bouncy" plastic springy action!) 

Thanks again for listening and commenting!