prokofiev - sonata no. 8 op. 84 (live)

[rob47]

since that d major rachmaninoff prelude was recently bumped, i went back and listened to the whole recital again and decided to u/l this.

Overall i'm kind of happy with it, but my technique is much better than demonstrated; i was dealing with tendonitis issues and on painkillers during this performance (from 2008)

just the 1st movement, because no one will listen to the 1st movement if the other two are posted

rob

EDIT: 2nd and 3rd movements here

[furtwaengler]

Hi Rob,

Bravo! I love, love, love it. It is one of my favorite sonatas, and yours is a swift, dramatic, imaginative, and indeed intense performance. This movement is a complex of balancing the textures of interweaving counterpoint - a real challenge in clear pedaling for transparency (GREAT piece for exploring the riches of the sostenuto pedal!) - with the dramatic demands of balancing the structure with its greatly contrasting magical and turbulent landscapes. The coda is a surreal frenzy, and it's best live as you present it, where no one knows what's going to happen. It's a mute point, but in my opinion this is the most challenging movement because of all the variables, and holding the structure together...not that the outstanding physical and technical demands of the finale are anything to laugh at (or the architecture of the charming slow movement, for that matter). You do an outstanding job...My goodness, I can't imagine playing this piece injured I hope that's all under control now.

just the 1st movement, because no one will listen to the 1st movement if the other two are posted.

Ah, you like me cannot stand to discrepancy in download numbers in multiple upload posts. It is a sad thing. I have been pleasantly surprised though by the evenness of the downloads on some of Rachfan's postings of sets. Time could be a factor here, but I think the people who really love music will seek the full performances and truly enjoy the great sharings offered here. You give such a towering performance of the first movement of Prokofiev 8...I cannot wait to hear the rest!

Dave

[rachfan]

Hi Rob,

I cannot praise your performance enough!  Furtwaengler said it all.  You display a marvelous artistry and an affinity for Prokofiev's music as well.  I love the way you play those long, dark, restless, and ravishingly beautiful melodic lines--incredible!  The B flat Sonata is probably my favorite due to its seductive, streaming lyricism. Your recording is a tour de force.  Bravo!!

I was trying to identify the piano, but am not sure.  Can you say?

Please do post the other movements of this great sonata!   

[john11inc]

Actually, I would have only listened to the first movement, because it's the only one of substance from this sonata.

[rob47]

thanks for listening rachfan, furtwaengler and zkep. i really appreciate the extremely kind responses and your patience listening to the whole thing...uh so i guess i have to post the other two movements. 

Rachfan the piano was a beat up old 7 foot Steinway with some nice things about it.

Anyway, like i said in the first post this recording is a terrible example of my dexterity/technique, but all in all an ok performance i was kind of happy with.

here's the 2nd and 3rd movements

rob

[john11inc]

thanks for listening rachfan, furtwaengler and zkep. i really appreciate the extremely kind responses and your patience listening to the whole thing...uh so i guess i have to post the other two movements. 

Rachfan the piano was a beat up old 7 foot Steinway with some nice things about it.

Anyway, like i said in the first post this recording is a terrible example of my dexterity/technique, but all in all an ok performance i was kind of happy with.

here's the 2nd and 3rd movements

rob

D:  You'll give away my secrets.

Anyway, overview: rhythmically, too stagnant.  Aren't you only half-Asian?  First movement you need to bring out the malice, second movement you need to bring out the dissonance, third movement you need to bring out the rape.

[rachfan]

Hi Rob,

Very vibrant playing in the second and third movements!  I enjoyed hearing both, and your live audience was obviously very appreciative as well.  A wonderful performance of the entire sonata.  Thanks for posting all of it.