My 8yr old son needs your feedback - Petzold G Major Minuet [video]

[philiphotchkiss]

My 8 year old son likes this minuet - he went back to it just recently to play it. He wanted to record it and put it up on YouTube, but he's still not happy with it. He wants to record it again - he would appreciate feedback from the Piano World community. Thanks:)

[keyboardclass]

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Delightful.  The last ornament is fine the others are too slow.  I wouldn't do all that movement but obviously his teacher is happy about it.

[philiphotchkiss]

Thank you for the feedback - good point on the ornaments. And yes, his body movement needs to be tempered a bit - but that is how he naturally expresses himself at the piano - it's not manufactured in anyway. I appreciate you pointing to this in such a constructive way:)

[keyboardclass]

And yes, his body movement needs to be tempered a bit - but that is how he naturally expresses himself at the piano - it's not manufactured in anyway.

Many piano teachers actually require it, so I wouldn't be too concerned.

[bachbrahmsschubert]

I think the playing is fine; the main issue has already been pointed out in the ornaments. I think the problem is that his ornament is coming in slightly before the beat when all baroque ornaments should come in on the beat, this causes him to try and "catch up" with the left hand to get back on rhythm which is where the herky-jerky feel is coming from.

As far as body movements are concerned, I don't mind them as long as they are natural and don't affect the playing. Some kids think it's cool to move or that you have to move, that I find to be a problem. I do not like elbow movements, it's a misconception of relaxation. Once the elbow dictates the movement or rotation of the wrist, that is a problem. This of course is coming from an individual who worships Glenn Gould and detests Lang Lang. Movements didn't seem to be an issue with your son, so most of this is useless information (my forte).

Keep up the good work, and above all, enjoy making music.

Best wishes,

[lostinidlewonder]

Having heard this piece a billion times or more it is refreshing to hear a different take on the ornamentation. I like it and it doesn't bother me much at all but ensure that he can achieve what people are more use to.

Your sons playing is very musical and a rare display for a youngster at his age. Let him move how he wants to, do not restrict his natural movements if it is not interfering with his playing, in time he will adjust himself. I hope he is learning more challenging works than the lovely video you have shared with us.

[pianoplayjl]

Nice playing. I like your son's graceful relaxing mood while playing this piece. Nice Baroque style.

[philiphotchkiss]

Thank you all for the great feedback - very helpful and actionable.

To: lostinidlewonder

Yes, he has been playing much more challenging pieces - going back to this Minuet and another - BWV Anhang 115 by Petzold has been fun for him.

He began work on Haydn D Major Concerto, Mov. 1 - he was playing it beautifully BUT the sections with the repetitive (in long stretches) of broken chord 1/16 note intervals in the RH was causing him pain. He could play everything around these sections beautifully, but we set it down immediately once we realized his wrists weren't ready for this piece.

I haven't made many YouTube videos - but here are two you might like: The Kabalevsky Etude and a Bach Prelude in D minor.