Russian Folk Song, Beethoven

[littletune]

Well I hope people don't get too angry and annoyed cause I'm posting here... but I just thought it was cool cause this piece is also here at Pianostreet So I kinda wished I could post it for a long time  And I have learned it and my teacher said I don't need to practice it anymore because I have to start learning a lot of new pieces. And someone else that heard me play this piece said I was playing it a little too fast and maybe not enough staccato and also a little too loud with my left hand... (like always  ) so I was practicing it some more and trying to think about all that, so I was wondering if it's any better now... When I listen to the one here on Pianostreet, I think I still play a little too fast  (specially the second part)... and maybe I'm doing something else wrong too... I'm not sure ...  if anyone has any comments or suggestions that would be cool    And sorry for being annoying    But I like this piece  

[mistermoe]

Good work littletune!

There are lots of dynamical changes you did very well. the echo effects are cool  (i also like the little crescendo you do in the end of the second part)
The only thing you could work on is the overall dynamic. In the beginning i had the impression you where almost hitting the piano like a punching ball 
You have to treat your piano like you would treat your pets or your doggy. Be gentle and soft. Sometimes when i play soft passages, i really caress my piano, like a human being. Just try that out.

Apart from that, great work! And don't be shy to post more!

And sorry for being annoying 

I think you are the last person being annoying here on the forum, so don't worry!

[rachfan]

Hi littletune,

Very nice playing!  You perform the piece with accuracy of notes, evenness, proper rhythms, fine continuity, attention to dynamics, expressiveness and charm.  The balancing of the hands is fine.  The left hand, which is accompaniment, is a shade quieter than the right hand which plays the melody--which is as it should be.  Keep up the good work!  

[birba]

This is a baby piece!  even for you!  Come on, let's hear a sonatina.  Or some Microcosmos.  Some Bach!  I hope your teacher is going to make you sweat this year!   

[littletune]

Thank you very much for your nice comments Mistermoe and Rachfan!!   
And Birba... well I said I liked baby pieces!  And probably I'm getting that book with sonatinas this week so don't worry... I'm sure I will start with that soon!  Otherwise I can give you my teacher's number and you can tell her what I should play 
Oh and about hitting the piano keys too much  I hope people won't think I'm beating up my piano      I'm really not violent!!  but I guess I really have a problem with hitting the keys too much  and I don't even know it when I'm playing!  Do you think it could have something to do with that I put the camera on my piano besides the keyboard?  I mean I'm not making excuses or something I was just wondering if that might make it sound even worse  Oh well I will try to figure that out! I have to do something about that! I sure don't want to hit my piano!!  Thanks again for the comments!!!   
And Birba I hope I'll soon start playing something more difficult that will make you happy!   

[rachfan]

Hi littletune,

At the keyboard, rather than thinking of striking keys from above, think instead of pressing into them. Staccato touch is different (a more detached tone), but legato, nonlegato and portato touches can all be accomplished with more of a pressing action while keeping the hands and fingers in fairly close contact with the keys in general.  That will reduce or even eliminate the very audible keyboard noise that you're currently producing.  Give it a try!  

[pianowolfi]

Littletune, you really do a very good job You make so much progress! I am looking forward to hearing more from you!

[mistermoe]

I just wanted to note that this recording is so much more professional and accomplished than the mass of recordings by that member, we are all too familiar with. That makes me happy!

[rachfan]

No question about it!   

[goldentone]

Great job, Littletune!  Your left hand is fine.

[birba]

I'm not talking about technical difficulties, Littletune!  I'm talking about MUSIC!   The Little Russian Folksong is fine, as far as "educational" tunes go.  You play it very well, etc. etc. etc.
But you should really be doing something "kosher" if you know what I mean.  Microcosmos was written for students of piano, but by a master whose name is Bela Bartok.  You are already past the first and almost second book.  Why hasn't your teacher given you any of this?  How I would love to hear a Bach from Magdalena's book!  Or a Kuhlau sonatina.!  You can do it.
I know, I should keep my nose out of your business...   But you're old enough to know that there are other opinions besides your teacher's! 

[littletune]

Thanks everyone so much for your very nice comments!     I'm happy!   
Thank you Rachfan for the advice! I'll try that!
And thank you Pianowolfi for saying I'm making progress!
And thank you Mistermoe for your very nice comment! 
And thank you Goldentone! I'm really glad my left hand is ok! Cause I have problems with that a lot of times! 
And thank you Birba too for your comments. It's ok I don't mind if you tell me what you think I should be playing But no I don't really know what "kosher" means. And I'm not sure why my teacher hasn't given me anything from Microcosmos...  I know about Bela Bartok. But isn't Beethoven a master too? Oh maybe you mean in some other way. Well I have been playing one piece from Bartok (Hungarian Song), but that one seems even more like a baby piece than Russian folksong. And I'm sure I'll be playing Bach and sonatinas this year cause I have to get books with that

Thanks again everyone!!!