Brahms Rhapsody Op.79 No.2

[musicluvr49]

Hi!

So a couple things...

First, this is a really crappy piano. I didn't get a chance to use my music school's piano, so for that I apologize. I hope your ears will forgive me

Another thing, this piece is not quite finished yet.

Despite these things, I really hope you enjoy the recording.
And of course, any comments or advice is much appreciated. Thanks

-Naomi

[johnmar78]

you are right, its a really crappy piano. Not worth playing on it-sorry. Because you will get trained as a bad pianist when played on such  piano. The first two phrases  towards the ending has some timing problems..... . 4/10 from Australia.

[musicluvr49]

Well, first responding to the piano comment... when you're a 17 year old girl, with parents who have financial problems, you don't really have a choice but to practice with you're crappy piano    We can't all afford big fancy grand pianos

And about the timing, I didn't realize  there was a problem 
Are you familiar with the ending of this piece ?

[johnmar78]

wait, I have a look tonight,,,,about the piano, a second hand 2000$, pretty good one. The one  you played is around 300$.... . Because I tuned pianos too.

Give me some time I come back to you in exact time where need to be polished.

[johnmar78]

ok, I got the score in front of me now. I have to say, I am trying my best to overcome this unberable piano recording, not from your playing but your out of tuned piano.9I reckon its from ww1 90 years old am I right?).  I just have to imagine what your interpratation is like on a proper tuned piano.

First section at the start, the "rit", I think its too much ritardanto. And on BAr 4 where "a tempo marked" You delayed too much. It should be played musically after RH g and b third., unless it s marked  as fermento in bar 8. . The next page the LH octave dotted rthyem need more pronounced.

Next page, LH base note c and d etc,, all base note need to be pronouced more.

Last page, counting back 6 bars both hands running ff, the LH g,d,b,a,b,a,g,d,b, base note-LH melody should bring it out(hidden melody).

Next time, try get a Casio digital piano = 400$, from piano store. It is worth it for the time being. It would pleaseable to both listeners and you self.
Overall, you got the sketch right, now you need to put colour in right
Cheers

[starstruck5]

You play this with wonderful spirit.  I think after the first section, the piece can sound a bit wooly somehow -even when played by the great virtuosos -I think you did a superb job, especially considering the handicap of that awful piano -

Would love to hear your interpretation on a decent instrument.

[birba]

I agree with starstruck's comment.  You have the spirit of the piece and it's a great beginning.  Don't slow down the middle part. you went about 3/4 speed.  There's a tendency to slow down because of the creepy nature of it.  Keep up the rythmic drive.
What bugged me the most wasn't the out-of-tune piano.  It was the squeaking of the bench.  Or maybe it was the pedal.  But I think you did a splendid job getting that beast to sing!

[musicluvr49]

johnmar - I have no idea how old the piano is, my parents bought it when I was 5.

About the ritardandos... I actually played it like that that on purpose. I like the way it sounds like that, and so does my teacher so I think I'll leave it.

I listened back and you're totally right about bringing out the bass melody in certain parts. I'll definetely work on that.

When I said my parents have financial problems, I mean they can't afford to buy me any type of new piano. Not even used, or a digital for $400. They can barely put out to get it tuned, trust me, I've begged.

Starstruck - Thank you very much   I'm going to try and record myself on my music school's piano when I get the chance.

birba - Thank you! Yeah I guess I did slow down a lot didn't I, I didn't even realize I slowed down that much till I listened back, lol. I'll definitely work on that.

And yea... it was the pedal squeaking... 

[johnmar78]

check your PM please