Exceptional Audition Room recordings.

[lostinidlewonder]

I think it is a good idea to honor the excellent recordings of pieces uploaded to pianostreet. Here are a few I randomly chose that I believe should be included into an honor list in the "Index of Audition Room" for easy access.

poster:  Hodi
title:      Alkan - Symphony for Piano Solo Op.39 - 4th movement - Presto
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,26188.0.html

poster:  xsoloistss
title:      Godowsky transcription Bach Suite No. 5 in C Minor - Prelude
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,18206.0.html

poster:  ozzy
title:      Messiaen - Vingt Regards, live   (I didn't list them all go to index to check it out)
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,17360.0.html

poster:  electrafingers
title:      Ravel: Scarbo
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,24727.0.html

poster:  Kassaa
title:      Rzewski - Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,24496.0.html

poster:  thracozaag
title:      Scriabin Sonata #10, Op. 70
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,14307.0.html


Post any other links to recordings you believe should be put into an Honor List. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with others. Points to consider extenuate from recording quality and performance quality. I don't think we should honor excellent playing but coupled with poor recording quality, or should we? Are there any that break this mould? Do you think we should give wooden spoon awards or is that just being mean?

[go12_3]

The award should be from the members that comments upon the pieces that are recorded.
*Wooden spoon*  awards isn't necessary. 

Many members are not professional pianists, but enjoy sharing the pieces that they have learned.  We have to take into consideration that several members do not have the finest equipment for recording their pieces or that their piano isn't perfect.

You can go ahead with the *exceptional* honor recordings though.  However, many members will now wonder *will my recording and piece be good enough?*   Just a thought.....

best wishes,

go12_3

[quantum]

I don't think we should leave out excellent playing with poor recording quality.  Not everyone can afford decent equipment.  A lot of times performances can be spontaneous and one uses whatever recording equipment is readily available.  It is not that easy to go into a studio and create an inspiring interpretation, even though you may have in the past with the same piece.  Sometimes great performances just happen at random moments. 

[lostinidlewonder]

Maybe we could categorize them into certain combinations of Good/Average/Bad recording quality with Good performance quality? I find a lot of recordings are a result of out of tune pianos of varying degrees, this hurts the overall enjoyment (for me at least) of "classical music" no matter how well you play. If there are good performances but produced with poor recording quality which ones would they include? Post links so we can check them out and discuss.

I hope members wouldn't feel negatively over an honor list. It serves as a way to present members and visitors to pianostreet the top quality pianostreet that has. Of course not everyone can be on the list and it doesn't belittle anything they have posted.

[quantum]

Personally I find good music shines through poor recording quality or shabby instruments.  When one is presented with good music it comes to the forefront ahead of any equipment deficiencies. 

[allthumbs]

Personally I find good music shines through poor recording quality or shabby instruments.  When one is presented with good music it comes to the forefront ahead of any equipment deficiencies. 

I agree, but what ruins it for me, no matter how brilliant the performance is, is an out of tune piano.

I can't listen to it, the 'out-of-tuness' simply is overbearing.

[goldentone]

Perhaps we could use this thread as an "applicant" thread to put forward the recordings that we deem the best we've heard, and then collectively go from there.  We could establish a number of votes required for a recording to be honored as an exceptional one.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

poster: marik
title:    Weber-Tausig Invitation to the Dance
link:     https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31035.0.htm

[rachfan]

Some starter nominations:

thracozaag: Bortkiewicz, Three Etudes from Op. 15

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,13402.0.html

thracozaag: Catoire, Etude Fantastique, Op. 12

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,23651.0.html

marik: Scriabin, Waltz Op. 38

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,20421.0.html

cherub_rocker1979: Bortkiewicz, Elegie, Op. 46

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,33779.0.html

ronde_des_sylphes: Liapunov, Transcendental Etude, No. 5, "Nuit d'ete"

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31182.0.html

sjskb: Scriabin, Fantasy, Op. 28

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,19047.0.html

[lostinidlewonder]

Fantastic suggestions, I agree all should be listed so far!

poster:  marik
title:      Rachmaninov, Moment Musicaux C Major, Bach-Siloti, Prelude b minor
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,28082.0.html

poster:  erak
title:      Liszt - Un Sospiro
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,9036.0.html

poster:  steinwayguy
title:       Liszt - Mephisto Waltz No. 1
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,10833.0.html

poster:  rabbidrabbit
title:       Liszt Feux Follets
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,20028.0.html

poster:  fnork
title:       Rachmaninoff 2nd concerto (recent live performance)
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,26013.0.html

poster:  nortti
title:       Ravel: Ondine (Live)
link:       https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,17070.0.html

[lostinidlewonder]

Perhaps we could use this thread as an "applicant" thread to put forward the recordings that we deem the best we've heard, and then collectively go from there.  We could establish a number of votes required for a recording to be honored as an exceptional one.

Maybe, so people don't have to vote too much, if someone disagrees that a post should be listed they can vote against it and give a reason why. If that recording gets a certain amount of votes it can be removed if people generally agree with the reason. What do you think?

[goldentone]

Maybe, so people don't have to vote too much, if someone disagrees that a post should be listed they can vote against it and give a reason why. If that recording gets a certain amount of votes it can be removed if people generally agree with the reason. What do you think?

That would work, except it would be a bit embarrassing for the person whose recording is being brought under the magnifying glass for why it doesn't measure up.  That's my thought.

So far, though, they all look like the exceptional ones to me as well.

[goldentone]

poster:  quantum
title:     Scriabin Poeme, Opus 32, 1
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,18444.0.html

poster:  marik
title:     Liszt, Rhapsody Espagnole
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,20423.0.html

[scottmcc]

this thread is great, and filled with amazing music!  bravo!  I'm being exposed to a number of pieces I've never heard before, and pleasantly surprised by a number of them.  some are certainly not to my taste, but they're well played regardless.

can someone make a sticky out of just links to the pieces?

oh yeah, I'm late to work and don't have time to find the link, but can I nominate electrafingers' chopin 3rds etude?  that was pretty impressive.

[lostinidlewonder]

can someone make a sticky out of just links to the pieces?

oh yeah, I'm late to work and don't have time to find the link, but can I nominate electrafingers' chopin 3rds etude?  that was pretty impressive.

I can put these links into the Index of Audition Room once they remain unchallenged for a while. That might be best?

poster:  electrafingers
title:     Chopin etude op. 25 No. 6 (thirds)
link:     https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31055.0.html

You can check the Index of Audition room to find recoridng links.

T...it would be a bit embarrassing for the person whose recording is being brought under the magnifying glass for why it doesn't measure up.

You have a point. I guess if people don't want to risk hurting other people they can PM me. But if there is a critique on the recording quality I think this would be a good thing to debate amongst members, and it doesn't say anything about the performers playing ability.

[aslanov]

about people getting hurt.
I don't understand why people would get hurt if we deem their work not exceptional with evidence from their playing to support it. I mean........if they are not good recordings they should be made aware of that, and be made aware of WHY.  What's the point of living in a fantasy world where everything thinks they are good. an exceptional recording is an exceptional recording, anyone who thinks their recording is exceptional when the majority agrees it is not should really rethink their view of their own technique. I for one admit my rach prelude recording should be nowhere near this thread, After many many months have passed, i realize now how bad it was (well...maybe cuz i was new to piano at that time, newer than i am now) but nonetheless, it was bad.

[cherub_rocker1979]

mkaykov - Chopin Etude Op. 25/11
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31710.0.html

mkaykov - Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1 and Tchaikovsky Dumka
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,33391.0.html

jlh - Beethoven 32 Variations in C Minor
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,23778.0.html

jlh - Chopin Etude Op. 10/8
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,29591.0.html

rachfan - Catoire 4 Preludes Op. 17
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,33929.0.html

tds - Brahms Intermezzo Op. 116/4
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,33034.0.html

[quantum]

With regards to equipment, pianos, tuning, and recording quality: perhaps we could give a separate note regarding these points.  Those who consider such as sticking points would be more informed. 

With regard to voting on exclusion:  I think by the mere fact that someone nominates a piece to this list it has made that person take notice of such a performance.  I think we should be concentrating on points to why pieces should be included rather than excluded from this list. 

[scottmcc]

I can put these links into the Index of Audition Room once they remain unchallenged for a while. That might be best?

poster:  electrafingers
title:     Chopin etude op. 25 No. 6 (thirds)
link:     https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31055.0.html

You can check the Index of Audition room to find recoridng links.

thanks, I knew about the index, just didn't have time to check it before I ran out the door this morning! 

maybe a separate sticky with "best of the audition room?" 

in the main index is fine though, either way.

[ramseytheii]

I think some recordings by andhow04 deserve to be on the list... would have to listen to them again, but the first one that comes to mind is this Messiaen etude.

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,23708.0.html

I seem to remember  a Schoenberg piano concerto as well, which is totally unusual.

Walter Ramsey

[ramseytheii]

Here is the link to the Schoenberg concerto:

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,29491.0.html

Walter Ramsey

[goldentone]

about people getting hurt.
I don't understand why people would get hurt if we deem their work not exceptional with evidence from their playing to support it. I mean........if they are not good recordings they should be made aware of that, and be made aware of WHY.  What's the point of living in a fantasy world where everything thinks they are good. an exceptional recording is an exceptional recording, anyone who thinks their recording is exceptional when the majority agrees it is not should really rethink their view of their own technique. I for one admit my rach prelude recording should be nowhere near this thread, After many many months have passed, i realize now how bad it was (well...maybe cuz i was new to piano at that time, newer than i am now) but nonetheless, it was bad.

Apples and oranges.  I don't know who would offer some of their own recordings as exceptional, as you suggest.  We have opportunity to receive feedback when we originally post a recording, and that is where it can be criticized, which should be done constructively and not derisively.  It is quite a different story if someone offers one of our own recordings as exceptional (which is what we do in this thread), and then others reply as to why it isn't an exceptional recording.  The nominated pianist isn't living in a fantasy land.  They've simply been recognized.    

[rachfan]

Personally I find good music shines through poor recording quality or shabby instruments.  When one is presented with good music it comes to the forefront ahead of any equipment deficiencies. quantum

Hi quantum,

I agree with you on this only 101%.  I have to show my age here  , but when I was a kid there were still 78 rpm records around that we played with sapphire needles.  (Diamond needles were reserved for 33 rpm LPs.)  On those ancient records, there were scratches, snaps, crackles, pops, and whatever. But as musicians, we all could instantly tune out the noise, and shining through it all would come the artistry of Paderewsky, Brailowski, Cortot, Hofmann, Gieseking, or whomever.  We all just took that "filtering" ability for granted.  

Today, perfect digital sound and error-free performances are the thing.  On an early recording, you might hear Rubinstein fluffing a note in the low bass, but we were all still in awe of him as a great artist. Now, the recording engineer fixes wrong notes with sampling, enhances the volume of inner lines, cuts and pastes a passage from "Take 3" into "Take 5", etc. to produce a pristine CD.  Ah, the dubious wonders of software editing!  

The problem is that consumers actually believe the pianist played it that way!  And then when they're at a live recital and the artist takes a risk and plays a klinker, it's like, "Wow, can this be true?"  There's that story of the concert pianist who had a bad recording day.  He was sent home by the recording engineer, and returned to the studio a few days later to listen to and approve his CD.  He was beaming. Then the recording engineer turned to him and said sardonically, "Yes, don't you wish YOU could play like that?"  When I record, I do full takes only and patently refuse to edit anything.  I simply listen to all the takes several times, make eliminations, then submit the one I consider to be best.  That way I always feel that my recordings are authentic, not contrived.  

So, for example, when it comes to a piano with a very minor tuning issue like a couple of notes slightly off in the high treble, or a wrong note in performance, a bird chirping in the distance, or whatever, I can "listen through" that stuff and still enjoy someone's rendition tremendously. After all, most of us do home recordings here.  It's unfortunate, but the filtering by the ear that I refer to seems to be a totally lost ability now.  Listeners want perfection, whether it's real or not.  I think we're poorer for that.      
 

[Petter]

quantum
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31278.0.html

[ronde_des_sylphes]

I see that strangely it hasn't been nominated yet, so:

marik: Chopin Ballade No.4 f-minor
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,30259.0.html

[communist]

andhow4: Rachmaninoff variations on a theme by Corelli:

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,32694.0.html

Thalberg: Berg sonata

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,25863.0.html

[lostinidlewonder]

poster: donjuan
title:      F. Vecsey - G. Cziffra: La Valse Triste
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,25184.0.html

poster: ronde_des_sylphes
title:      Cziffra Concert Paraphrase on Il Trovatore
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31143.0.html

poster: alhimia
title:      Liszt - Hungarian Rhapsody nr. 10
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,21827.0.html

poster: mkaykov
title:     Liszt-Wilde Jagd (Tran. Etude No - 2nd unedited rec posted.
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,33249.0.html

poster: vaiva
title:     F.Liszt Fantasia quasi sonata "Apres un lecture Dante"
link:     https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,22177.0.html

poster: crazy for ivan moravec
title:     Sergei Prokofiev - Diabolic Suggestion op.4 no.4
link:     https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,13189.0.html

[tds]

I see that strangely it hasn't been nominated yet, so:

marik: Chopin Ballade No.4 f-minor
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,30259.0.html

seconded

[anda]

poster: fnork
work:   Bartok - Piano Concerto #3
link:     https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,33176.0.html


poster: andhow04
work:   Ravel - Tombeau de Couperin
link:     https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,33323.0.html

[lostinidlewonder]

Just bumping so we can bask in the glory of these amazing recordings once more Are there any more worthy of being listed?

[fnork]

Good idea Once I have more time, I´ll look through these recordings again and hopefully make some nice finds.

[pianowolfi]

Unfortunately all of marik's recordings are gone....

[fnork]

Indeed a shame - certainly the finest pianism I´ve heard on this forum. Not to mention his insightful posts and comments. Haven´t heard from him in a long time now...has anyone else heard from Marik?

[rafant]

Some jewels:

Faustsaccomplice: Mazurca Op. 17/4
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,27777.0.html

Oreno: Scarlatti Sonatas K141, K9, K380 & K6
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,34519.0.html

[scottmcc]

Rachfan
Eduardo Dutra Preludio F#min
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=39861.0

I'm resurrecting the thread!  Let's get some other noteworthy pieces in here!

[lostinidlewonder]

I've always enjoyed listening to electrafingers recordings, shame its been 2.5 years since he logged in last or did he change user name?

poster: electrafingers
title:    Berlioz/Liszt: Symphonie Fantastique - II - Un Bal
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,17442.0.html

poster: electrafingers
title:    Scarlatti - Sonata in D major K. 96
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31068.0.html

[lostinidlewonder]

Anyone have any recordings they think can be listed? It's been a while and I'm sure some more gems should be honoured!

[outin]

I've always enjoyed listening to electrafingers recordings, shame its been 2.5 years since he logged in last or did he change user name?



poster: electrafingers
title:    Scarlatti - Sonata in D major K. 96
link:      https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,31068.0.html

Didn't hear this one before. Amazing...has to be a professional pianist...

[lostinidlewonder]

Yep you are right outin.
https://www.ishayshaer.com/

[outin]

Yep you are right outin.
https://www.ishayshaer.com/

I guess we know why he hasn't been around then 

[ronde_des_sylphes]

A few suggestions from recent years:

poster: fnork
Recital recording-Schnabel, Chabrier, Hindemith, Medtner, Debussy, Ravel, etc 
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=56040.0

poster: marik
Schubert Wanderer Fantasy
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=49879.0

poster: lafo
Lulu`s back in town - as Oscar Peterson
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=58001.0

poster: furiouzpianist
Scriabin: Prelude for the Left Hand Alone, Op. 9 No. 1
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=55955.0

poster: marik
Chopin Fantasy in F min op. 49
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=49863.0

[ronde_des_sylphes]

poster: enzo
Stravinsky-Agosti Firebird
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=58866.0

poster: can
Liszt Ballade no.2
ohttp://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=57159

poster: saryatta
Ravel and Prokofiev
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=52694

And, if it's not rather self-indulgent, I'd like to nominate my recording of Liszt Isolde's Liebestod:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=49794

[lostinidlewonder]

Really great recordings you've listed here ronde, and your own is amazing great work!

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Thanks!

Is there any way this thread could be stickied? Although it is a little bit subjective in nature, I do feel it represents the best side of this forum, there's lots of good piano-playing to be heard, and it would be nice if people coming to the site were able to find it in a readily accessible place. The periodic threads asking "who is the best pianist here..?" and also ones asking where the quality performances can be found suggest there would be good reason to sticky it. Maybe we could ask Nils to do so, it's a good advertisement for the site I would have thought.

[lostinidlewonder]

Yeah I agree. I was planning to put this into the Index of Audition room though now we can't edit posts which is a problem lol.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

poster: arielpiano
Ravel Gaspard de la nuit
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=59171.0

[ted]

This: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=58001.0

and this: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=58002.0

by Stanislav ("lafo")

[lostinidlewonder]

Has anyone listened to any recordings on here that has really moved them? Don't be shy show your appreciation here!

[pencilart3]

Has anyone listened to any recordings on here that has really moved them? Don't be shy show your appreciation here!

Yes, lostinidlewonder. The way I found this site was by listening to "electrafingers" (i think his name is Ishay) play chopin's etude 25/6, I stumbled upon it on google. Then I signed up for an account, that was 2 years ago. I just found it the other day, I've played it since then. When I listened to it it brought back some good memories

I'm sure it's on here. It has to be! https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=31055.0

[lostinidlewonder]

Yes I agree all of the recordings I've heard from him are really well played and recorded with great quality. It's a shame we haven't seen him around here for a while. Great recording you shared there pencilart3 thanks.