Beethoven- Piano Sonata No. 13 in E flat major, Op. 27 No. 1 (complete)

[emill]

(As posted on Dec. 6, 2009) - This practice session was recorded in early November at the University of the Philippines, Abelardo Hall. The performer is my son, Lorenzo, 14, who was preparing for the finals of a national piano competition for his age group. Although the competition is through, we strongly feel that we can benefit a lot from the opinions of members of PianoStreet.com . 

Any comments on the whole sonata or on a particular movement will be most welcome and appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance . . .

Edit (December 28, 2009) - we have finally the actual contest video where I feel Enzo plays the Sonata much better with confidence and emphasis. This was at the main theatre of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, November 10, 2009 on a Steinway Grand. With apologies for some audio distortions. 

1st and 2nd movements -

3rd and 4th movements -

[/youtube]

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The posted audio below is that of the practice session at the University of the Philippines which was on a Kawai Grand Piano (9 feet).  The video clips posted above (& in YouTube) were played about 2 weeks later.

[furtwaengler]

This is a phenomenal achievement! Lorenzo does a tremendous job in a very demanding sonata with many colorful contrasts and interpretive possibilities. How many older professionals struggle with the difficulties here! The last movement, as I'm sure you know is a long run of difficult passage work. A routine including regular slow practice can help secure this, and also reveal many hidden treasures in the piece. It's like digging for gold. He may already be doing this, and if so...continue in it.

I really don't know how I can express how great it is for Lorenzo to have this entire Beethoven sonata down as he does as this early age. It's truly a joy to hear.

Dave

[goldentone]

At 14 years old, Lorenzo has already attained a high level of pianism and maturity.  Only in the last movement remains some untamed territory.  This was a pleasure to listen to.  We would love to have  him part of Piano Street.  Thanks for sharing.

[emill]

Dear Dave,

What can I say,   but thanks so much that you seem to like the way the No.13 was played by Lorenzo.  He sometimes complains that by the 4th movement he is "consumed" and this seems reflected in the sudden weakness or the near fumbles in some notes.  But it seemed he was able to correct this to a large extent during the competitions which was held a week after this recording.  I must say that his competition performance was a hundred percent "better".  Unfortunately the Cultural Center of the Philippines did not allow us to videocam the event which they themselves will provide in a few weeks time.

Yes he does a lot of regular slow practice and "mental practice", whatever he means by that; I see him as if playing the piano with both his hands with eyes closed usually in late evenings to avoid complaints from neighbors or on the way to school as sometimes it takes an hour. 

Again.. so many thanks and best wishes...

Emill

[emill]

At 14 years old, Lorenzo has already attained a high level of pianism and maturity.  Only in the last movement remains some untamed territory.  This was a pleasure to listen to.  We would love to have  him part of Piano Street.  Thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much and I share your observation about the 4th movement. But as we said in our reply to Dave (furtwängler), Lorenzo was able to correct many of these during the competitions...  perhaps with all the adrenaline pumping, his complaint of being "consumed" by the time he reaches the 4th movement greatly diminished.

Again... so many THANKS!

[nick]

This practice session was recorded in early November at the University of the Philippines, Abelardo Hall. The performer is my son, Lorenzo, 14, who was preparing for the finals of a national piano competition for his age group. Although the competition is through, we strongly feel that we can benefit a lot from the opinions of members of PianoStreet.com . 

Any comments on the whole sonata or on a particular movement will be most welcome and appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance . . .

edit:   for those who want the video clip:
         1st, 2nd and 3rd movements -   

         4th movement -   

         Audio and Video : Canon HD videocam (vixia hf100)
         Kawai Grand Piano (9 feet)

Ditto!

Nick

[prongated]

...I only heard the first 2 minutes of the 1st movt. (I'm currently stuck with a ridiculously slow Internet connection, so...), but I liked what I hear. It sounds refined and elegant. That Kawai piano sounds great too.

There is no question you have a talented boy right there (and I mean really talented. In contrast, how many "child prodigies" are showcased by their zealous parents on Youtube playing pieces they can't really play?), and I'm sure that the 1st place was well-deserved. Heck, if I could play that piece as accomplished as this when I was 14, I'd probably in a better place than I am right now!

[emill]

Thank you for all the heart warming comments.  There could not be a better way to end the year.   Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to all !!   
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Edit (December 28, 2009) - we have finally the actual contest video where I feel Enzo plays the Sonata much better with confidence and emphasis. This was at the main theatre of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, November 10, 2009 on a Steinway Grand. With apologies for some audio distortions. 

1st and 2nd movements -

3rd and 4th movements -

[furtwaengler]

I just watched the actual contest video, and it is fantastic. Enzo has a lot to say and does so with passion and gusto. What can I say, except, "WOW !!!,  AMAZING !!!  BRILLIANT !!!"