Piano Forum

Topic: A VERY VERY VERY big problem.  (Read 4371 times)

Offline loonbohol

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 313
A VERY VERY VERY big problem.
on: August 23, 2009, 11:44:10 AM
Sorry for hiding in shame.

I have a problem , now that I cannot theoretically play Chopin Etude (Winter Wind).

I was practicing it for almost 6 months and I am almost 3/4 of the whole piece.
The trip to China interrupted my learning.
As I came back,I realized that I cannot do it anymore.
Why does it have to be that way?

I must select a new piece.
I must select a piece that I will perform at a conservatory so that I can be admitted.

I have selected Waltz Op.42 by Chopin.
And when I watched videos of it. There are many ways to play it.

Here is Wen-yu-shen's version of the piece
(refer to this video


A slower version is


but one thing is certain, there is only one way to play it.


Question 1:Will I ever be admitted to a University conservatory if this is what I am going to perform?
Question 2:What is the rated difficulty of this waltz?
Question 3:I have to choose another piece to perform,Chose a piece that sounds difficult but easy  "Are there easy pieces camouflaged as difficult.

This is code RED.   SERIOUSLY.

By the way, I am on the 8th page already.
I will send a video A.S.A.P since I do not think my playing is correct.




All Hail Kajiura
All Hail Nilsjohan
Welcome to Merville.
Land of Utopia
Sign up for a Piano Street membership to download this piano score.
Sign up for FREE! >>
Sign up for a Piano Street membership to download this piano score.
Sign up for FREE! >>

Offline perfect_pitch

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 9205
Re: A VERY VERY VERY big problem.
Reply #1 on: August 23, 2009, 12:43:53 PM
I have a problem , now that I cannot theoretically play Chopin Etude (Winter Wind).

I was practicing it for almost 6 months and I am almost 3/4 of the whole piece.
The trip to China interrupted my learning.
As I came back,I realized that I cannot do it anymore.
Why does it have to be that way?

I don't think it has to be that way - yes you may have almost forgotten the piece while you were in China... but chances are that if you were to spend a day or two re-acquainting yourself with the piece it would begin to take shape incredibly quick since it has already been already learned.

Offline quantum

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 6260
Re: A VERY VERY VERY big problem.
Reply #2 on: August 23, 2009, 01:54:28 PM
Forgetting how to play a piece after a break is normal.  There is nothing wrong with that.  However, it will come back much faster than when you initially learned it.  Actually, forgetting parts can be a good thing.  It would be an indicator of which parts you need to pay more attention to.  Also this will exercise your brain's ability to recall the piece from long term memory. 


but one thing is certain, there is only one way to play it.

Actually, one of the marks of quality music is that it can be played many different ways and still remain within the composer's intentions.  Think of how boring it would be if everyone played a piece the same way. 


Q1: Depends on the requirements of the institution, the strength of all the other applicants, and the number of places available. 

Q2: I would say one of the more difficult waltzes.  Maybe RCM grade 10.

Q3: Searching for an easy piece that sounds difficult is something one would be more inclined to do for a recital rather than a jury.  They will be looking for technical ability and also musical ability.  Playing a piece well and having polished interpretation is much more important than technical fireworks.  For a Bachelor degree audition, I don't think they would be looking for musical refinement, but rather the ability to cope with the next few years of training.  Choose some pieces that show your technical ability and some that show your musical ability. 


Made a Liszt. Need new Handel's for Soler panel & Alkan foil. Will Faure Stein on the way to pick up Mendels' sohn. Josquin get Wolfgangs Schu with Clara. Gone Chopin, I'll be Bach

Offline loonbohol

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 313
Re: A VERY VERY VERY big problem.
Reply #3 on: August 24, 2009, 04:20:33 AM
Forgetting how to play a piece after a break is normal.  There is nothing wrong with that.  However, it will come back much faster than when you initially learned it.  Actually, forgetting parts can be a good thing.  It would be an indicator of which parts you need to pay more attention to.  Also this will exercise your brain's ability to recall the piece from long term memory. 


Given that I went to China after 6 months of practice.   It's plausible.
now that I only have 79~102 days to audition.
not a good time to relearn a part of Winter wind and learn the other half.

By the way, I must choose at least two to perform.

I have another thread in the miscellaneous.



All Hail Kajiura
All Hail Nilsjohan
Welcome to Merville.
Land of Utopia

Offline db05

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1908
Re: A VERY VERY VERY big problem.
Reply #4 on: August 24, 2009, 05:37:09 AM
Just two pieces? Usually it's an etude, a sonata (or movement) and a major modern/ romantic work. Maybe a sonata by Mozart or Beethoven will do. They are difficult in different ways, so you might find something that is also technically difficult but easier for you. Come to think of it, Mozart is better for smaller hands or something.
I'm sinking like a stone in the sea,
I'm burning like a bridge for your body

Offline bestpianosoftware

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 25
Re: A VERY VERY VERY big problem.
Reply #5 on: August 24, 2009, 06:49:32 PM
This may not be a very, very, very big problem.  I think you need to take a breather and listen to what is inside you.  For you know, somewhere deep down, you really know how the music will sound and you will play it beautifully. 
For more information about this topic, click search below!
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert