Schumann Novelettes: Vertical Sonority

[arielpiano]

Schumann is at the top of my list right now. I like to emphasize the vertical aspects and chord progressions rather than the horizontal lines. Here are two Novelettes (No. 4 and 6), played at a concert in Providence, RI two weeks ago. No. 4 a really a waltz, but I de-emphasize its waltziness...

And No. 6:

[yiyiku]

As I said on your YouTube channel, you are an amazing talent to watch out for! I do like your 'vertical sonority' - nice terminology by the way! I enjoy all your videos, and learn from the master class ones too. Keep posting!

[emill]

Hi Ariel !!

The view from the back and side ... you remind me of my son ENZO ...
but he seems to have outgrown everyone his age ..   EXCELLENT playing here!!

[arielpiano]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately, "vertical sonority" is not mine. I read it somewhere -- I don't remember where.
My compliments to Enzo...

[furtwaengler]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately, "vertical sonority" is not mine. I read it somewhere -- I don't remember where.
My compliments to Enzo...

I had wondered about that when I read it. Schumann's writing *is* vertical, and in playing them the "vertical sonority" pretty easily emphasizes itself. But in your playing you are actually able to successfully keep the horizontal momentum in view. Indeed you play these very well.

May I ask where exactly this was played? I have many friends in RI and gave a recital there downtown at a small place called the "Music Mansion" back in 2004. I'd love to do another RI recital!

[rachfan]

Hi ariel,

I enjoyed your playing of these Novelettes, particularly No. 4 with that wonderfully romantic theme in Part B.  You perform with artistry.

[birba]

I've heard lots of child prodigies in my life, but you have something more.  You're like a 60-year-old man in a child's body!  The 4th novelette was stunning.  I couldn't believe I was listening to a 12-year-old?  I'm just curious.  Did you listen to some recordings of this?  I'm not saying you shouldn't.  In fact, you MUST listen to all you can.  I was just wondering how you delve into these pieces.  I see you're a violinist as well!
Very fine playing.

[arielpiano]

Thank you very much for the positive comments, guys. Birba, in fact, for many years my teacher absolutely INSISTED that I don't listen to anything I was likely to play in the coming years so as not to be influenced by it before I form my own interpretation. BTW, she never tells me HOW to play something; we analyze pieces and discuss the style, period, etc. After I form an interpretation she asks me to listen to a whole bunch of performers and criticize their interpretations. I generally have very strong opinions, especially about Schumann, because I know him music very well and I think I read through most of his major stuff. (I'm still looking for a way to send you the Rameau Gavotte & Variations pdf but I don't have an e-mail address for you.)

[birba]

You sound like you have a good solid teacher.
I sent you an e-mail at the address you gave me.
I'll send you a message here at pianostreet.
Thanks!

[arielpiano]

Got it! Just pulled the e-mail out of the SPAM directory! I sent the pdf. Hope you enjoy it. It's not exactly Bach, but it is a fun piece. Var. 4 killed me (I played this more than 2 years ago).
My teacher is awesome. Her motto is: "I'm not teaching your fingers. I'm teaching your head. It is the job of your head to teach your fingers."

[scottmcc]

ugh...every time I feel like I'm making progress at the piano, some exceedingly talented and intelligent pre-teen shows me how little I know! 

but seriously ariel, you're already a very accomplished musician and I hope you continue to grow in music.  your musical mind is already way ahead of most people at any age--keep developing it so you can be a true star.

and whenever you get around to recording some of the beethoven sonatas be sure to post them here.

[arielpiano]

Thanks, guys. I do in fact have a Beethoven sonata recorded more than two years ago, but I'm not quite sure about it. There are many things in it that I don't like that much. Maybe I'll post it nevertheless. I need to listen to it again and decide.
I forgot to answer an earlier question by furtwaengler: the concert in Providence was at Temple Emanu-El, on behalf of the Conservatory of the Jerusalem Academy of Music.

[zong]

Go ahead, make our day. Post the Beethoven...