Bartok - Ostinato - Enzo (NAMCYA 2009)

[emill]

This was played by Lorenzo during the National Music Competitions for Young Artists 2009 (NAMCYA) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) last November 10, 2009 on a Steinway grand. The video and audio were provided in-house by the CCP. 

Despite having poured a good amount of effort for this piece, we are fully of the belief that there will always be a better, a different, a more unique, an innovative interpretation of a particular piece.  With that in mind we most welcome any suggestion or comment.  Thanks to all.

[furtwaengler]

I said I would post on this. The problem is I don't the piece and was unable to find a score. Just from an external view, Enzo plays with his usually brilliance and exciting flair, and even hams it a bit in tasteful exuberance. He is a performer, a dramatic and exciting performer. He sends an array exhilarating colors dancing out of the piano, and many unique overtones could be heard even in the recording (to be there must be special). Possible criticisms, without knowing or viewing the score...I love the colors he gets but I wonder if some of the tones really ought to be as sustained and sung as they are - maybe experiment with a drier palette with less pedal (I hesitate - it sounds *so* good!). I wonder if there ought to be a more marked contrast between the percussive principle voices and softer subordinate voices - that is a greater difference in louds and softs in the vertical architecture (this seems legitimate and important). And in terms of structure, more percussive in the outer sections, contrasting with the less percussive inner section. But take this with a grain of salt keeping in mind my relation to the score! And know that I love the performance, and it's always a thrill to hear Enzo play! 

Now if someone with better knowledge of Bartok's Ostinato could step up and help our friend! I turn it over to Pianostreet. 

[rachfan]

Hi,

Enzo has done it again!  What a brilliant and effective performance!  I don't know the piece that well so cannot really critique it, but to me this sounds exceptionally well played.  Congratulations on this fine performance.

[emill]

Dear Dave (furtwaengler) .... Dear David (rachfan) .....

My,  the realities of life ....  work, work and more work .... sometimes it just saps all the energy one has which has prevented me from coming over to say thank you for the positive comments and the suggestions. 

Please forgive me if I do not seem to respond on how Enzo receives your suggestions as he seems such a "silent" fellow; but from what I see he reads the comments several times in a span of several days.  He has printed some of them for discussion with his teacher.  Pretty serious guy when it comes to the piano.

I am sure when he comes back this afternoon from school he will "devour" especially Dave's observations.  THANKS and more THANKS....