Brahms op118no3 fast/slow paced?

[bellywelly]

This particular allergro energico should be played in what kind of pace? Kissin's version is very much indeed fast paced<<< found on youtube.
on the other hand, my teacher and a friend of mine both suggest to play this peice moderately. i do not understand why they suggested to slow down a little.

If i play it face-paced, but a little slower than kissin's version, i will slow down a lot in the soft part of section A, ie, the part in between the loud macho chordal harmonies. this is because this part requires a soft gentle touch which the fast pace i started with is not able to achieve. i couldnt play it gently when im in a 'in a hurry/energetic' mood/speed.

If i play it moderately, i will have no slowing down in that soft gentle part of the song. ie, no rubato. is rubato supposed to be included in this song? i find it a little boring with the song at the same pace.

any suggestions would be welcome 

[communist]

It has to be slow enough so that the audience can absorb all the power and heaviness of the piece. It can not be too fast. Generally, I do not think Brahms should not be played very fast in general.

[bellywelly]

so..not too fast, but with heaviness.

but, for some reason, i find it better to gather up strength when i play it fast?

thanks for replying btw

[point of grace]

hey! i've had the same question while i was studying this piece...
at first, i played it just like kissin version (fastness) in order to make a good contrast with the b section... but nowadays i like to play it no that fast, to "underline" harmonies and basses, and i enjoy it more than before, i can sing it better and work the pedal in a better way...

and i dont use rubato in the part b... it's more piano and cantabile, and what i do is to accent the "retardos" (i actually dont know the english word... sorry...)

then tell me what you decided to do and why!!

[bellywelly]

i have just performed the ballade today afternoon, and, imo, i played it too fast for my liking. i dont think the audience prefered it to be played as such a fast speed. it was lacking the 'heaviness' as communist said, and it sounded...like light staccatos from a light-hearted mozart...

that's the reason why i like performing. it shows my weaknesses. haha