Chopin - Nocturne Op 27/1

[quantum]

Here are two contrasting interpretations of the Nocturne Op 27/1.  They were played in very different situations. 

July 6 was a rather informal gathering of professional musicians.  The piano is a very nice C. Bechstein.  I don't know the model number but it was approximately 7 foot with ivory keys.  This piano has got lots of character.  The bass end tends to project a lot more then the treble.  For this kind of piece you really need to thump out the RH.

July 17, this piece was used as a communion voluntary.  Piano is a Heintzman 6 foot. 

[pianowolfi]

Interesting! Of course I anyway know and hear that you are a really great musician, so I rather just listen to what you have to say, in both interpretations and situations, instead of posting a pathetic "critique"

Somehow I think that in the second situation you might have felt challenged more than in the first. To me it seems like if you play such a piece for a communion you're entering into a sort of competition, as playing (and listening to) a piece of this kind is anyway a communion of it's own.

[rachfan]

Hi quantum,

Very nice playing!  I think you captured the poetic essence of this very atmospheric nocturne.  I enjoyed hearing it, and it sounded as though your audience of musicians was enthusiastic too.

I would bet that that Bechstein with its ivory keys was quite old.  Jorge Bolet used to play and record using Bechstein quite often in his time.

David

[quantum]

Thanks for listening Wolfi and Rachfan.  

Wolfi, it is interesting of what you mention about using the piece for communion.  In a manner I did feel a challenge about certain aspects of adapting the piece to the situation.  I like how you describe presence of two co-existing communions.  It's something I must ponder.  On a different perspective, there are elements of the piece I discovered because of this scenario.

David, indeed it is an old piano and has the battle scars to prove it.  With a little bit of work I think it still has many years left in it.  Nevertheless, it is so much of a joy to play and listen to.