J.S.Bach - Minuet G major Anh.116

[littletune]

Well I decided to post this  Sorry if it's boring. 
I thought it sounded better when I was playing it but when I listened to the recording I don't know (usually it's the other way around ) ... is it still too much left hand and not enough dynamics? 

Oh... and I wanted to record so that I would be in the video too (so that people could tell me if I'm sitting any better now) but the camera was out of battery so I had to plug it into electricity and then the electric cord (or whatever it's called ) was pulling the camera to the side that's why it's turned into the piano.  But you can still see my fish!  And I'll probably post soon a Sonatina. Thanks!

[kellyc]

Hi : you self diagnosed yourself.  . I mean about the dynamics. Try this at 1:30 on the video when the minor theme enters, try lowering your volume and keep it that way until the re entry of the main theme . Just before the main theme reenters try a little crescendo. This provides a nice contrast as you play your way thru the piece. And no this wasn't boring.  . Nice job with the notes, your timing seemed fine and the by play between left and right hand worked quite well. Keep posting and ill keep getting entertained.

Kelly

[littletune]

Hi Kelly! Thank you very much for your comment!
Yes the dynamics!!! Really when I play I think I hear much more dynamics than later on a recording!! And I'm not saying that it's the recordnig  just... maybe i just think I hear it!  oh well... Oh you mean that I play quietly almost the whole second part (when I repeat it) till almost the end? I will try that  But I just don't know if it will sound quiet enough, cause the beginning of that (at 1:30) was supposed to be quiet already. Well I'll see what I can do I hate that I can't make it sound the way I would want it to sound!!     
Thank you!

[pianoplayjl]

I think you can do  a little more on shaping the melodic line and phrasing. I like how you make the crotchets in the piece mezzo staccato! it was an interesting effect. I played it legato when I studied this piece.

[starstruck5]

I can tell from this that you love playing the piano.  It clearly doesn't sound effortless, like you get when you listen to someone who has been playing for 300 years, every day for 50 hours - but I loved your performance just the same.

[rachfan]

Hi littletune,

Very nice!  You play with much better articulation, fluidity, and evenness now.  But you're right--you need more dynamic contrasts to keep it interesting.  Kelly made a good suggestion, for example, on that aspect. 

There are two schools of thought on this.  One is that with the harpsichord there are no dynamics as the strings are plucked by quills once keys are activated, and the sound level is what it is.  However, it's important to remember that Bach also played the piano!  True, he played some of the very early models that were far from being perfected, so Bach was not exactly bowled over by those early pianos.  Beyond that, if Bach could come back to visit us today, and if he were to play our fine modern grand pianos, I believe that he would be astounded and immediately want his pieces to be played with all of the enhancements they offer in performance. 

I doubt that Bach would say, "No, you must fetch a dusty harpsichord to play my music properly."  That also means he would want us to bring expression into his music as well.  If you listen to any of the Bach organ chorales, you immediately hear the intense and complex passion of Bach.  I think if Bach knew that some "purists" believe that his music should be played in a dry, academic and unvarying nonlegato touch to imitate the harpsichord, he'd probably burn all his scores!  So yes, feel free to bring out contrasts in dynamics and to shape the phrasing as well.

As you continue playing repertoire, I hear your playing improving.  Keep up the good work!

David

 

[littletune]

Hi! Thank you VERY much for your comments everyone!!

Thanks pianoplayjl ! Yes I guess I'll have to think a little more about the phrasing and all that thanks for your comment!

Thanks starstruck5 !  That was funny someone who has been playing for 300 years  well I guess it would be possible if someone was playing piano in their past lives too! 
I'm very glad that you can tell that I love playing piano!!    Thanks! 

Thank you David for your interesting comment again! Yes I think Bach would want us to play with dynamics and all that too! And I don't think he would tell us to play on a dusty harpsichord  And I really try to play with dynamics and all that... but I guess I just have to learn how to do it better!  Thanks again for your great comment!!