Brahms Rhapsody

[angierc]

comment please!!

Brahms Rhapsody Op 79 no 2

[dcstudio]

you are an amazing player! 
just wondering if your neck gets sore when you practice for long periods?  I used to hold my neck in a similar fashion--I also didn't want to tell anyone it hurt me. 

your hands are beautiful!

[angierc]

Thanks for your comment, dcstudio.  amazing's still a long long way to go, though..

just wondering if your neck gets sore when you practice for long periods?  I used to hold my neck in a similar fashion--I also didn't want to tell anyone it hurt me.

Well, I usually do an exercise 10 minutes before I sleep. It's a suggestion from my chiropractor.
Lie down on the edge of your bed (neck on the corner) and stay at the position for 10 minutes. It won't be comfortable at first, but you'll get used to it.

[dcstudio]

that's a great exercise--I do that too. I'm finally learning to relax my neck when I play, it was tough at first because I was so used to being stiff.  I found that relaxing my shoulders too really helps--but I still have to lay my head off the end of the bed before I go to bed.  Maybe someday I will achieve piano zen relaxation and performance together.      I'll let you know how it goes.

[angierc]

Well, hope that helps  I'll be looking forward to good news from you. LOL

[dcstudio]

still think your an amazing player --     tough to hear people say that sometimes....I know.

[angierc]

Im still nothing good. Well, I've got a long way to go to pursue my dreams.  *sigh*

I assume you play the piano as well. May I, as well, listen to your playing? Well, I kinda doubted whether or not I should post the video here. I'm not very confident 'bout my own playing

[dcstudio]

of course you can hear me play. 

I have many vids posted at

youtube.com/dcstudio

the first couple are my daughter.  I am "the hands and piano" vids.  Not much classical there because at the time I just didn't want to be torn up.  My sister is playing Chopin somewhere--it was her audition vid for college. 

you are a GREAT player please never post statements like those again. 

Please watch

this one first it's not perfect so it is the best 

[angierc]

Like that vid  Not like I enjoy modern pieces much, but it's good..

I'm looking for a 20th century music right now. Any suggestion??

[emill]

hi Angie !!

So you are my neighbor (Indonesia) and race (MALAY) ... 

Anda bermain piano dengan sangat baik dan Anda Brahms merupakan BAIK!

best wishes...

emill

[ramseytheii]

I feel something is missing from this Rhapsody and it is hard for me to articulate.  On one hand, I want to say, it should have more forward drive, especially at the beginning.  On the other hand, I want to say it should be broader and just feel bigger, larger, and wider, and more epic.  I suppose on the whole, it just feels too conservative to be a rhapsody from the imagination of Brahms.

It may have something to do with the bass octaves, which are toned down and played very nicely when they should roar, in my opinion.  I'd be curious to know how you describe in words the character of the main material.  It sounds all very nice, but somehow not dramatic.

The microphone is placed very close to the strings and one can hear the cleanliness of your playing.  Congratulations.

Walter Ramsey

[dcstudio]

Like that vid  Not like I enjoy modern pieces much, but it's good..

I'm looking for a 20th century music right now. Any suggestion??

Lecona Maleguena is cool. 

[angierc]

I feel something is missing from this Rhapsody and it is hard for me to articulate.  On one hand, I want to say, it should have more forward drive, especially at the beginning.  On the other hand, I want to say it should be broader and just feel bigger, larger, and wider, and more epic.  I suppose on the whole, it just feels too conservative to be a rhapsody from the imagination of Brahms.

It may have something to do with the bass octaves, which are toned down and played very nicely when they should roar, in my opinion.  I'd be curious to know how you describe in words the character of the main material.  It sounds all very nice, but somehow not dramatic.

The microphone is placed very close to the strings and one can hear the cleanliness of your playing.  Congratulations.

Walter Ramsey

Perhaps I should apologize for the super duper late reply..  I wasn't online for months REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate it!! I know very clearly that something is wrong about my playing this rhapsody, but I'm not sure which part of it... (Main reason posting this video)
I was waiting for some criticism.. Like very desperately.. (music resources in my city is no good that i must learn a lot from listening and criticism) That's why THANKS A LOT! At least I get quite a picture of your point..

[starstruck5]

I really enjoyed that performance.

This Rhapsody is precisely that -rhapsodic -The main theme is one of the strongest and dramatic in the whole lit -the second theme is also very beautiful -

The way Brahms develops these themes are not especially convincing fro me -it becomes almost baroque in some passages -and the first theme development no longer has the same drive and power.

I have listened to all of the greats playing this -Agerich, Richter, Katchen etc -no one totally convinces me this is a great piece -I am not kidding though, when I say that you came closest to convincing me -I love the way you play the development -it is so ethereal and gentle -the phrases are like the breath of a wind on a desert island -there is definitely an exotic element to this Rhapsody -and you underlined that with exquisite aplomb -

Technically there are moments which you could play with a bit more fire and drama -but whatever you do don't change too much about the way you interpret this Rhapsody -it is superb -

For modern pieces how about Philip Glass -his 6th Etude and Metarmorphesis are very beautiful -I think you would play them wonderfully!

[angierc]

I have listened to all of the greats playing this -Agerich, Richter, Katchen etc -

Thanks for your comment.. I actually like Argerich's version of this piece.. And someone said that I kind of imitating her. But I don't think I did that though. (if I did, I wouldn't dare posting this video here)

The way Brahms develops these themes are not especially convincing fro me -it becomes almost baroque in some passages -and the first theme development no longer has the same drive and power.

In some parts I agree with you that it has quite a bit baroque touch.. But that's the appeal of this piece in my opinion..

the phrases are like the breath of a wind on a desert island

Somehow my imagination's quite close to that!!