Chopin: Souvenir de Paganini

[pianovirus]

I have only recently stumbled across this charming little Chopin piece I didn't know before and immediately fallen in love with it. Now I'd be happy to get some feedback and constructive criticism on my own recording from today (Youtube).


Here is some info on the piece:

Like many musicians of his generation, Chopin was dazzled by the wizardry of Paganini, whom he first heard in Warsaw in 1829. At this concert, Paganini also played his variations on "O mamma, mamma cara" from "Carnival of Venice", Op.10.

Paganini's playing inspired the 19-year old Chopin to write an own set of variations on this folk song -- a charming little homage to Paganini. The variations run continuously over an unchanging LH tonic-dominant accompaniment in gently rocking barcarolle-like rhythm. Eleanor Bailie, in her guide to Chopin's works, calls this "a poor man's version of the Berceuse"... I don't care! For me, it was love at first listen!!

[oorakoora]

I have to agree with you, it is a very charming and bewitching piece. 
On youtube you sound like a very accomplished player, it is a lovely recording.
Can you offer any advice with regards to the pedaling?  I have managed to find only one version of the sheet music basically hold the pedal for the each bar for the first few bars and then just  "simile".   There must be more to it than that!
I am not sufficiently advanced ( but I love this piece so much I am working very hard at it) to just pedal creatively,  I really need some guidance.
 

[perfect_pitch]

HOLY BLAST FROM THE PAST BATMAN...

This thread is old. However I did enjoy the piece of music posted by Piano virus. I don't ever remember seeing or hearing it when it was originally posted.

Shame - It's quite unique for Chopin... it's kind of... flirty, which for me is unusual for Chopin.

[pianovirus]

Thanks very much to both of you!! It was nice also for me to look back at this video from 2.5 years ago...

Can you offer any advice with regards to the pedaling?  I have managed to find only one version of the sheet music basically hold the pedal for the each bar for the first few bars and then just  "simile".   There must be more to it than that!
I am not sufficiently advanced ( but I love this piece so much I am working very hard at it) to just pedal creatively,  I really need some guidance.

Hi magpie, there is no way around "pedaling creatively" - just follow your ear. If the sound is too dry, use more pedal. If it's too blurry, use less!! Don't be afraid! Pedaling shouldn't be the challenge is this piece (maybe someone else has better advice though). Good luck!