Piano Forum



Grieg: The Maverick – Peter Donohoe in Conversation
Distinguished British pianist Peter Donohoe has embarked on another comprehensive recording project on Chandos label spotlighting Edvard Grieg’s complete Lyric Pieces, and the first volume is out since June 10 last year. Piano Street had a chance to talk to Donohoe about Grieg and his project. Read more >>

Topic: Chopin Nocturne No. 20 C# Minor  (Read 6463 times)

Offline monkeydudexd

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 55
Chopin Nocturne No. 20 C# Minor
on: January 09, 2011, 09:56:21 PM
I started this Nocturne about five days ago. I have a student recital at my school, and I decided to choose this technically easy Nocturne to balance it out at pretty fast and heavy program. I recorded this today so please tell me what you think what I can do better. Criticism is your friend here :)

Recorded on my Samson Zoom H1 Recorder.

(Btw, I know that the triplet section in the left hand needs work)
Beethoven Sonata Op. 13 'Pathetique'
Beethoven Sonata Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest'
Beethoven Sonata Op. 90
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 17
Bach Italian Concerto

Offline musicluvr49

  • PS Silver Member
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 213
Re: Chopin Nocturne No. 20 C# Minor
Reply #1 on: January 09, 2011, 10:12:00 PM
Hi.  :)
I played this piece as well, and I like your interpretation of it. But I also have some suggestions if you'll take them.
When you play that first high note, try to make it carry throughout the whole meaure. It gives a nice start to the piece.

The left hand is a bit to loud and bangy for my taste, try to make it more flowyish.

Also work on your trills, and carrying them for the whole time. I know how the hand tenses up, because it did that to me when I was playing this, but just try to relax your hand with the trills, and it sounds a lot better.

Try to work out the timing better for that 35 group of notes. At first I was very daunted by that part, and couldn't get it, but atfter practing I think I got it at a pretty good pace.

So these are my suggestions, but as I said, I think you're doing a great job. Keep up the good work. :)
Currently:
Chopin Grand Valse Brilliante
Mozart Piano Sonata K 332
Scriabin Preludes Op 11 no.5,6,7
Bach Prelude and Fugue in G minor

Offline monkeydudexd

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 55
Re: Chopin Nocturne No. 20 C# Minor
Reply #2 on: January 09, 2011, 10:17:17 PM
i definitely agree with the 35 note group run... haha it really needs work. i favor a strong bass and my teacher agrees that it gets too overpowering sometimes... thanks for the trill advice.
Beethoven Sonata Op. 13 'Pathetique'
Beethoven Sonata Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest'
Beethoven Sonata Op. 90
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 17
Bach Italian Concerto

Offline musicioso

  • PS Silver Member
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 203
Re: Chopin Nocturne No. 20 C# Minor
Reply #3 on: January 10, 2011, 06:43:33 AM
My personal taste is a little bit slower.

Offline gligeti

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 10
Re: Chopin Nocturne No. 20 C# Minor
Reply #4 on: January 10, 2011, 10:08:17 PM
My personal taste is a little bit slower.

I think the speed is fine; but needs a lot more rubato.
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert