Liszt-Wilde Jagd (Tran. Etude No 8) - 2nd unedited rec posted.

[mkaykov]

This is my first crack at the piece, please listen and give me some feedback.

Many thanks.


edit: the second recording is the better one.
The first recording had several splices, the second is one complete take.

[rachfan]

Hi M,

Your playing is accurate, crisp, clear, expressive and exciting.  I always marvel at your extraordinary technique in playing virtuosic pieces like this.  If I had to make one suggestion, it would be in the more lyrical Part B.  You've already got the contrasts and shadings there, and it already exudes beauty.  But I believe you need to give yourself even more romantic license, bringing a more dramatic ebb and flow,  more surge, and more nuances there, as if the melodic line were a soaring Wagnerian operatic aria.  Sing that line out loud.  Right now it's a bit too tight, like in a corset--it doesn't breathe enough.  It needs to be more ultra-romantic in my opinion.  But others might disagree.  So in the end do what you think is right by Liszt there.

[heha]

Woah, wonderful technique you have! May I know how you practise the piece? Those evil jumps and passages with both hands executing very different motions.

Btw, I do feel that the hunt requires more energy throughout and perhaps more impetus in the appassionata passages. Nevertheless, great playing... definitely way beyond my level 

[mkaykov]

many thanks for the comments, I will record this again before my lesson with Rose tomorrow.........

I changed the fingering in the middle part, it will bring out the melody more.....

Best,
Mikhail

[goldentone]

It's always a delight to listen to you, Mikhail.  This is the first time for me with this piece, and I like it a lot.  Your technique is faster than a speeding bullet.  You play with great intensity, and you've got this sounding ferocious.  I agree with Rachfan's suggestion of letting it breathe in the lyrical section.  Thanks for posting.

[mkaykov]

well, I will go record this today again, at Mannes. I am bit frightened of playing full force on my piano at home, since a broken a broken string will mean:  -$50!



edit: The new recording is posted. I didn't have time to do a second take at Mannes, but this is good because this recording is more spontaneous. The piano is a gorgeous (but heavy) Yamaha C6. And, yes, the first recording was made in 2009,not 2008 as dated.....I have to get used to the new year. Anyway, I think the middle section is a little better this time. Tell me what you think.

Best,
Mikhail

[rachfan]

Hi M,

Bravissimo!  You play far better than the C6, but where the piece is often nonlegato and nonsustaining, it works.  I believe this is a much improved performance.  I'm very, very impressed!  In Part B you've definitely injected more romanticism into it, which I liked.  I think you could take even a bit more license in a couple of spots there without it becoming idiosyncratic; but you've done so much already that I really think you've arrived.  Jerome Rose must really like working with you.  When you get a suggestion with which you agree, you know exactly how to execute it effectively.  There are so many very fine teachers in the piano department at Mannes--you're very fortunate!  The ones you work with most intensively, and who most believe in you and your future, will be mentors to you long after you graduate.  Keep up the good work.     

[goldentone]

It rocks.   The lyrical section sounds much better.

[boneil3774]

I personally prefer this etude with quite a bit of rubato, perhaps more than you used. Nice performance anyways, your technique is amazing!!