Schumann Symphonic etudes

[pianisten1989]

This is only The Theme and 3 variations. I'll record the rest later on.

This is probably the most difficult piece I've ever played, so be nice! ;P

I'm supposed to play atleast parts of it on a short festival here in sweden in like 2 month, so tell me what you think

[pianisten1989]

and here is to... no 7

I've played it before, but not for some months now, and I made some misstakes... But that's not the whole world, is it?

[prongated]

...Var 4 is WAY too heavy, and can be taken at a more relaxed tempo. And var. 5 should be brisker and lighter. Actually, probably much the same for the 3rd variation (the tempo here should be determined by the LH cello-like melody, which to my ears can sound more dignified by resisting the urge to push, or with more practise)...or maybe it's just the mic.

As I heard it, I sense the need to improve your technique for playing staccato notes. I hope you are playing from the keys for each staccato notes, and even the chords? For example, in the 3rd variations, I find it easiest to keep the RH absolutely close to the keys with the action mainly given by the fingertips, supported with appropriate (read: slight) movements of the arm.

Make sure you can hear the top melodic notes clear above all else in the opening theme (you missed the first one! ). And I don't agree with your spacing between the variations. Especially variations 6-8 (and eventually 9-10) will need to flow pretty much right away from one to the other. You can take all the time you need between 11 and the finale of course.

Otherwise, it's promising! It'll be very good by the festival I'm sure! You have a nice sense for the music of Schumann.

[goldentone]

I enjoyed your playing, Pianisten.  Be careful to distinguish foreground from background.  Nice.

[rachfan]

Hi pianisten

I didn't follow with the score, but I think this is coming along really well.  In the opening you might want to increase the tempo just slightly, just a notch or two at most.  I think it would improve the flow and cohesiveness there.  The other point I'd offer is that as you listen to the this recording, pay close attention to pedaling in the passage work where there are passing and neighboring tones or harmonic changes in chords.  If you become more active with the half-pedal releases in those places, it'll benefit overall clarity.  Brahms often has a thick texture, as he thinks orchestrally.  If there are ties in the bass, be even more judicious, as the pedal superimposed over them can cause some murkiness.  The voicing in both hands sounds good, although I know you're still working on that. 

In No. 7, in places where the LH is accompaniment only, instead of trying to have the RH attain supremacy by competing with and overcoming the LH, try the opposite.  Concentrate on making the LH softer which will then allow the RH to prevail automatically. 

This is really shaping up well.  You've accomplished a lot!  As you continue to practice you'll iron out any remaining wrinkles in the coming weeks, I'm sure.