Scriabin Etude op8 no12

[danhuyle]

This is a lot faster than the previous (below). The one you see below is more metronomic than the one above. Is there more layers of color to explore?

Just a recording of myself playing Scriabin Etude Op.8 No.12. I'm wondering where I can be creative and use rubato. I've listened to Horowitz's rendition of this etude, which is by far the best. Any others? Thanks.

[pianoplayjl]

I can see that you've put some effort into this piece. I saw some detailed expression going on. I think you can put a little more. But overall, a good effort.

btw, did you get your piano tuned? If not, please do. you are too good.

[49410enrique]

this is by far one of my favorite interpretations of this, Gordon Fergus-Thomas, really lovely use of rubato after the manin theme when the B section comes in mid way through.  i like his more relaxed tempo too.

i need to find my other recording but I have an encore of Van Cliburn that is really effective as well. i'm workin on this right now during my morning technique work and listen to both of these all the time for inspiration.

[kellyc]

Hi: Many things I liked. Despite the fact you mention the use of Rubato, it can be over used. Just a touch is fine.  I thought the middle part could have slightly more contrast to the main theme. I also would like to see a bit more use of dynamics in contrasting the different moods of the etude.  All in all your well on your way with this piece. I suggest you listen to the Kissen version and the Version by Vladimir Sofronitsky who was after all married to Scriabins daughter and would have learned much of his own interpretation from the source.

kelly

[costicina]

Hi Dan,
 IMO your performance is vey good...
Of course, Horowitz is great, but  please, listen to this rendition of Dinorah Varsi. It's the one I like the most. Anyway, bravo!!!

[pianoplayjl]

I must also say that this is your finest playing yet in the audition room. You have the potential to play even harder pieces. 

[danhuyle]

I play this etude at 100 per crotchet. It's up to speed. Knowing where all beats falls and internalizing the rhythm will give greater freedom to interpretation and use of rubato.

Maybe I should record a video of myself playing this with a metronome from start to finish (just for fun).

It's all a matter of creativity now.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

[pianoplayjl]

I think you did a great job in bringing out the right had over the left hand. And, shouldn't the last chord be loud?

[krystellle]

Yes, why did you end it so fluffy and nonchalant?!  You just sort of pooped out.  I thought it was very good.  I'm playing this now, myself.  You can use a bit more rubato - not rubato for rubato's sake, but just feeling the singing line and following the direction of the melody.  I listened to the dinorah varsi one and I liked it very very much.  But there is something VERY strange.  Look at 1:07 - she's playing an e, when actually it's an f-sharp.  There's that whole take there where she (or maybe someone else) is playing a whole tone down!  Wierd.  But like I say, she plays it  how I feel the piece.  And I'll dare say this at the risk of being stoned to death: I don't like Horowitz's rendition. 

[krystellle]

I just figured out that strange sequence.  The video is of the repetition of that section when it goes down a whole step - the audio is of the first part.
Also at  2:34 she changes the chord in the left hand.  she plays an e-# instead of an f-#.  I don't care for that. 

[danhuyle]

2:11 I was aiming for fff, pp, then crescendo and finish the last 2 chords soft.

Other ways to interpret. Go loud the whole way, creating phrases within phrases, and create one crescendo to the 2 chords ending with a loud finish.

[pianoplayjl]

Or start soft but build the intensity. joking!

[krystellle]

2:11 I was aiming for fff, pp, then crescendo and finish the last 2 chords soft.

Other ways to interpret. Go loud the whole way, creating phrases within phrases, and create one crescendo to the 2 chords ending with a loud finish.

Interesting!  I guess what threw me off was that you were half out of your seat while you were playing the last chord.  That's what made me think that the pianissimo wasn't intended.  If you do it, do it convincingly! 

[starstruck5]

Your playing is very confident - which is esential in a piece like the Scriabin. The sound quality is just about passable though. The sound is almost clipping at some points - (going above 0db)

I know that sounds weird to people who are not familiar with sound engineering - don't know what video/audio editing tools you have - but going through the wave file and editing out unwanted noises is a good place to start, and then using eq and a limiter would also help. As long as you preserve the live character of the recording, these edits all help!

Anyhow, well done for the virtuosity.