Liszt Consolation No. 3 Project

[zoecalgary]

So I think when I practice the polyrhythms on just those little sections I got it. (at a super slow tempo 35 bmp)  I can't seem to make it flow properly through the whole measure though. I won't get a chance to record today unfortunately but will try to do so tomorrow. Playing with the metronome has been more than enlightening I must say. I'm on for a bit and then off, then back, etc. 

DT - you'll be pleased to know I have had a couple of moments when I was on autopilot as you call it and it sounded so nice. I was so happy I completely mucked up the next one. haha I'm getting closer I think. When I count it out I can do it but it doesn't sound musical.

Choo - thanks so much for the offer to record something, but hold off (for now) until I record something. I may have got it and you can spend your time on your things.

[candlelightpiano]

STARSTRUCK: Zoe couldn't have said it better!!  She speaks for all of us when she says that. You should stand up and take a bow! In fact, I was going to re-listen to it before I practice tonight.  About your Welsh accent - would love to hear it!!  Look forward to your video of the Appasionata and Consolation. It'll be a treat!

ZOE:  Pleased to hear that your polys are coming along. They will. It's a matter of time and practice. When I first began FI, I couldn't for the life of me, figure out how to fit those notes in. Everyone offered suggestions, remember? I even tried the TRLRLRL method for a while. Eventually, I practiced hands separately with metronome, then just fit them in together with metronome. The use of the metronome really helped. Now the middle section of FI was another story again. Even though there are polys, they're slower, like Consolation, and I didn't get them right. DT pointed them out to me and Birba taught me the way to get them right. Then, I recorded myself and counted when I got to the polys to be sure I had the counts (3 and 4 and) even and I got it. I still do that, record myself and then listen for the counts on the polys.

I'll try and get a recording of Consolation tonight. This afternoon, I made so many mistakes on the 3rd page when I couldn't remember the notes in the left hand! Wish me luck! I may post it, even though messed up, but I'll warn you guys beforehand so you'll have a chance to plug up your ears!!   

[candlelightpiano]

Here's my feeble attempt tonight:

[dire_tonic]

You're making amazing progress on this Choo, well done to have memorised so much so quickly!  The pedalling sounds absolutely right (I think there was just one gap but every one of us is making mistakes on this piece at the moment).  The rubato is coming on nicely too considering you’re still probably deploying most of your thinking power on just remembering the notes. Once you’re relaxed and know the notes back-to-front you’ll be able to refine all these things.
Just think how this is going to sound on your grand.  Put in that final push (or two?) and you'll have it completed in time for its delivery!

Zoe, that's great news on the 3-2. Finding yourself able to do it in fits and starts is exactly the kind of progress I would expect at this stage.  The musicality too, that will come!  As you start to become more confident with it, when you're practising away from the piano (you are doing that, I hope!) try and hum the 4 note RH melody of bar 4 with 2 cycles of the 2-pattern.

[costicina]

Choo, but you've gone very far!!!! Really an outstanding job: you are able to bring out the melody without losing the beautiful texture of the LH arps.  And you'll se how nuanced and rewarding will be the dynamics played on  a real piano.

I  seriously have a lot to learn from your approach to practicing...

[pianoplayjl]

Beautiful playing, Choo! How many hours do you practice a day? Perseverence plays off for you, but not for me.

JL

[candlelightpiano]

Thanks, all of you, for the compliments.

DP:  I have a lot of work to do to move my audience but hopefully, someday. Doubt I'll complete it all in time for the arrival of my baby. My FI totally sucks!!  I've been playing through the piece except for the last page and I stop and start at so many places it's awful. I think I'm going to have to begin real slow again and work up to speed. Hands separately, too! Back to the drawing board!!!!    Even the middle section sounds terrible. Will you post another vid of your Consolation? I'd love to see it.

MARG:  Good to see you here! I'm hoping I will be able to play this piece well on a real piano. I won't be able to change the volume!  On the digital, I've moved the volume down just slightly from the loudest so it's still pretty loud and I have to control the left hand to keep it soft.

JL:  Welcome to our thread! It's hard to say exactly how long I practice but probably about 2  to 2 1/2 hours a day.  Don't be discouraged. Perseverance WILL pay off for you!  I've never seen you play. Could you post one of your videos? I'm sure you play way better than you think you do.

ZOE:  Hope to see a video of your polys today.

[starstruck5]

I think your playing is very beautiful already . Awesome progress!

 To take it to the next level Choo can I suggest something?  Sing the melody out loud -this will get clear in your head which notes you need to bring out most -which notes you definitely don't want an accent -A teacher once told me that the most beautiful phrasing is natural -like breathing -Sometimes our fingers don't breathe the notes -and it use to amuse me no end -when she used to exclaim -but darling -make your finger breeeeth! 

[candlelightpiano]

Thank you, Starstruck, for your compliments and the wonderful suggestion. I'd forgotten about this.  When I was watching Katsaris's video on FI, in the middle section, he also talked about singing the melody and playing it hands separately to get the singing tone. So I'll try that first before putting it together. I'll also sing the melody out loud when playing HT. Good thing none of you are around to hear me sing!    I'll also do it for the middle section of FI.  That's what was missing and that's probably why it didn't sound good.  Thank you! 

[zoecalgary]

Choo, that was amazing. How do you makes such fast progress? Wow! It sounds so nice. I can't offer any suggestions I really really liked it. Way to go!

I will try to post a video of my polys but it won't be until later tonight I think! Where does the time go? Well I bet for you today has been the longest day of your life waiting for your new baby piano! I know it would be more me! You should re-record your first 40 bars on your new baby when it comes!

DT - Yes, I try to practice away from the piano. It's like patting your head with one hand and rubbing your belly with another. HAHA If you just do it , it works. If you think too hard it falls to bits amongst lots of laughter of course!

I saw another thread by little piano who is working on the same thing. I've directed her here to watch your video and I've printed out her etude that she's working on. I'm going to see how it goes with that as I hopefully won't have to think about the notes as much and just focus on the 1,2,3.

[candlelightpiano]

It's like patting your head with one hand and rubbing your belly with another.

   What a funny image, Zoe!!  Thanks for the compliments. I'll try and re-record on my piano when she arrives.  Not been a good evening for practice, though. Everything in the toilet! EVERYTHING!  FI, Consolation. Maybe this will end up being my Consolation Prize!   

I'm looking forward to your video, Zoe.

[zoecalgary]

Ok, I finally got the chance to record and post this. I think I'm getting closer on the Consolation poly's but then LittleTune (sorry I got your name wrong in my previous post!), posted the Etude she's working on in another thread here and it was just what I needed. I needed to practice this without the notes/melody from Consolation running through my head. And there is only so much finger tapping a girl can do right! :-)

So, I think I am getting closer. At least with the 2 RH over 3 LH parts. It feels like I can do it without really thinking. Right at the end of part A it switches to 3 RH over 2 LH and I'm stretching out the notes in the RH there so I'll have to work on that part more tomorrow and do part B of this Etude. I think I missed a couple in the repeat because I was getting more confident but the good news is that I can hear it now when I'm not doing it too well.  I really can now and I can focus on what I need to fix.

Let me know what you think. Am I getting closer?

Thanks LittleTune for posting this. I think it really helped me.

Oh Choo, I posted this from my iPhone. I thought it worked pretty good. No messing around with things!

[zoecalgary]

Choo, don't worry you're going to make beautiful music on your new piano! Try not to be depressed tonight that will all change in a flash when your piano arrives tomorrow. I bet you won't be able to leave it alone! (be carefull you don't overplay and hurt your hands!).

I've been so wrapped up in this thread I haven't read too much other stuff here and haven't visited your FI thread in a long time. Have you posted new videos there too?  Well it's almost time for sleep (I feel really tired today...I think those poly's are working my brain hard!) I'm listening to your last video of Consolation because it is so nice and I'm going to sleep.  Have a good night!

[dire_tonic]

Another video!!? You’re insatiable!!  - I’m coming to suspect these vids have become the lifeblood without which you’ll wither away!!!  Choo, I’m going to have to nickname you the Video Vampire

So, no, no video, at least not until and if I’ve something new to say on this piece. I’ve spent some time listening to the pros again. Ji-Yong plays it straight and slow. George Li (lots of his versions uploaded) plays it straight and quite fast.  Lang Lang plays it fast but fluidly with boisterous dynamics.  Itin’s performance is eccentric, in fact quite weird. Horowitz is relatively fast but he keeps it light and airy – very gentle.

Of all the versions, only Barenboim’s haunts me, it’s completely mysterious.  I suspect he’s playing it, at least in part, for himself and his deceased wife, Jacqueline du Pre.  It’s deeply melancholic and seems so sincere.  I admire Lang Lang’s playing but I can’t get over the histrionics and I worry that his playing is so good he can fake anything.  I’m going to practise his facial expressions for this piece and see if it helps my performance.

Anyway, I do have something for you, some fingering for the cadenza – it’s nothing special but it works fine for me, maybe you can use it?  Sorry, can’t remember the bar numbers.  The bar before the cadenza (the bit at the end), 3 (2+1) 4
Then
1314 1314 2324 1314 1314(etc)

Get those hands warming up for the big occasion!

[danhuyle]

ZoeCalgary - I spend 30 minutes to 1 hour (if I'm onto something) on this consolation. There really is no need to spend more than 1 hour practicing consolation 3. This also speaks for other pieces I play.

As far as memorizing this piece, I don't bother since the consolation doesn't force it and you can play it well with music.


Candlelightpiano - Coming along well. I believe you need more freedom in your playing. It feels like you haven't fully internalized the rhythm in the consolation based on the video so that you can begin adding rubato to your performance.

 

[dire_tonic]

Zoe, that’s brilliant!  You’ve got it bang on, at least one part of it, namely 3 in the LH with 2 in the RH.  But where the role of the hands is reversed you’ve come unstuck.

All you need to do is practise the routine I laid out but reverse the hands. So, start off with the RH doing the “1 and 2 and 3 and” (or 1,2,3,4,5,6) and then bring in the LH falling on '1' then on ‘2 and’ (or ‘4’).

That’s it!!

[dire_tonic]

Choo, I've been playing my digital for a few days and just had a thought - please don't think me a party pooper but be aware that the touch response of your grand piano may - at least for the first few days until you've adjusted to it - give you a bit of a shock.

I don't know what settings you've used on your DP but because one can choose from a variety of touch-responses, it's possible that you've set yours to a tolerant (less responsive) option which evens out what might otherwise result in some notes being too loud, others too quiet. Of course with some DPs you can invert that response and make it even more sensitive than an acoustic piano but I suspect you'd be immediately aware of this.  It's also possible that your DP response exactly matches that of your new piano, in which case you should enjoy immediate gratification!

I wish you so many years of pleasure playing it.

[zoecalgary]

DT  - I did? Yahoo! I thought I got it! I was so excited because all of a sudden I could hear something different and musical and I wasn't counting and I thought OMG I think I got it!! Now I just need to reverse the hands and do it the other way! I went through my music looking for more
Poly's but I couldn't find any.  I want to get another piece so I can really practice the poly's before going back to Consolation! I'll have to ask my teacher for some ideas. Or if anybody has any to suggest bring them on! Thanks again DT!  I think I'm gonna go poly crazy for a bit!!

[zoecalgary]

Hi DanH - you only spend 1 hour on this? What do you mean? Did you use it as a sight reading exercise? And you only spend that amount on other pieces too? I think I'm missing something. Is your goal to zoom through as many pieces as possible in the shortest amount of time? Do you feel you shouldn't get really into a piece. Really understand it and play it from the heart? Or you don't really like it so you play all these pieces in an hour and treat them like exercises?

It must have something to do with your level I guess. On my simple 1 or 2 page pieces it takes me longer than that! But I did notice I am getting a bit faster. And there's some I just dont like so I move on without really mastering them but taking from them what I can. Most of my pieces are not complex but each one has a part that stumps me. But it still takes time to bring it all together.

Anyway at an hour a piece you must go through tons of music every week.

[candlelightpiano]

My, my, plenty of action since I went to bed!  

ZOE:  I agree with DT. The RH 2 w/ LH 3 sounds good. Not the other way around. I know this may sound strange to you but I actually found it more difficult to play the polys in this little tune than the polys in FI and Consolation!  DT, if you're reading this, perhaps you can explain to me why that is? I found the counts difficult to detect in the RH whereas I'm easily able to do it with FI and Consolation. Perhaps it's the melody that makes it easier for me than an unknown melody.

DT;  Thanks for the cadenza fingerings. I only played through a couple times briefly and I'll try yours. I'll let you know how it works. On my DP, I didn't think of loudness or softness in setting the touch. I just chose medium because light and heavy didn't work for me. When I played on the Yamaha in the showroom, the touch seemed okay for me. Not too heavy or light. The Kawai was definitely on the light side and less manageable. Thank you for your good wishes.  You are, by far, the better of the two of us, to have a grand or baby grand. You are quite a formidable pianist. Did I say I was going to post another video? Gosh! I don't remember! Surely not, especially the way I practiced last night. Tonight, I'll post a video of my new piano but probably not with me playing on it. Just a video of my piano, for fun! I may play a few notes on it. Of course, that's if it arrives this afternoon. I doubt I'll record Consolation on it tonight. It may take a few days to adjust to. It will need another tuning after arrival, in about a month. I watched the movie about Barenboim's wife, Jackie. I can't remember the name. Something about two sisters? It moved me. Such a tragedy for such a talented, lovely young woman. I can see that he would be playing it for her. I'm going to relisten to them all again as I get deeper into this piece. At the moment, I'm just concentrating on memorizing it and last night, I also began singing the melody out loud while playing it. A very helpful suggestion from Starstruck. Of course, it wasn't easy to do and I fumbled around but I know as I get more used to it, it will become second nature to me. Need to do that for FI middle section. Disappointed that you won't be posting another video. Just a practice video?  It may be a few days before I post another practice video.

DANHUYLE;  Thanks for your comment. Of course I haven't internalized the music yet. It's still very much in the learning and stumbling around stage.

[candlelightpiano]

The bar before the cadenza (the bit at the end), 3 (2+1) 4
Then
1314 1314 2324 1314 1314(etc)

3 (2+1) 4 :  What's this, DT? I'll be trying out your fingering in a moment. Thanks.

Photo of my baby. Yamaha GB1K.

[candlelightpiano]

Introducing my Baby ....

I recorded the first 41 measures of my practice for Consolation. It was the only recording I made and there were lots of flaws in it due to lapses in my memory but I'm posting it anyway. I know the volume all sounds the same (loud!) - and I now sympathize with Yi Jong more than ever - but I'm working on keeping it as quiet as humanly possible. Also, I know there are lots of problems with rubato or non-rubato, in my case. I watched Paul Barton's video again tonight and he talked about rubato so I'll be doing a lot of watching and listening in the days to come. Also noticed that the pedal sounds too loud!!  Or too long. Or both!  Maybe I should close the lid!!

[zoecalgary]

Choo, it is beautiful!! Wow! I'm so happy for you!  For the level you are at I think you were wise to move to an acoustic. Yes, the keys will feel very heavy compared to your digital. Did you happen to see the full length of the keys when you were shopping? (did the salesman show you or have you ever seen them?)  The first time I did I was shocked. But I've been told it's exactly that which will give you all the control to the sound that you need at  your level of play.  I'm imagining it sounds super loud to you. You can probably also try lowering the lid as well. It will likely change the sound.  I know awhile ago I tried a small baby grand in somebody's house and it was in a small room and it was loud. It was actually a sound I wasn't used to because on my acoustic at home the sounds rebounds right back at me. But with the grand it goes out in a different direction. I felt more at home with the lid closed on that piano but it sounded nicer with the lid open. But hey you're the player you get to decide! 

On PW I've read that it takes about 1 month for your piano to stabilize to it's new environment. Also, I've read it may take several tunings in the first year as the piano settles in and the new strings will be stretching more.

Also, you may notice your piano sounds different depending on the weather and how controlled the humidity in your home is. I know mine changes. It is like a living thing.  And I know what you mean that you are very used to the 'perfectness' of your digital but I think in no time you will be growing in leaps and bounds with your new baby!

Thanks for posting those videos! Your Consolation sounded really nice considering you've only had your new piano one day. I bet you're going to adjust to it in no time.

Again Congratulations! Enjoy!!!

[zoecalgary]

Well I've put Consolation on the backburner for a few days so I can work on Littletune's etude and smooth out the poly's.  I didn't get the chance to play this for my teacher nor show her what I've got so far on Consolation today at my lesson. The time just flew by! Hopefully next week I will get the chance to show her. If I tell her right at the beginning we can leave some time for it.

I went through some of my books looking for other (simpler) pieces that feature these polyrhythms and didn't see anything. Does anybody have any ideas of other pieces that I could work on as an exercise before going back to Consolation? I like the etude because it lets me focus more on the rhythm than the notes but it still is musical and not boring to play through. Thanks.

[ajspiano]

I went through some of my books looking for other (simpler) pieces that feature these polyrhythms and didn't see anything. Does anybody have any ideas of other pieces that I could work on as an exercise before going back to Consolation? I like the etude because it lets me focus more on the rhythm than the notes but it still is musical and not boring to play through. Thanks.

How about trying something like this - can you see the scale pattern? you could take it through other keys.. it probably counts as boring to play..  sorry I don't have time to write a whole etude ..maybe later if i'm feeling creative..

see attached..

[candlelightpiano]

AJ:  The scale pattern you made for Zoe to practice her polys on looks good. I am wondering why I find the polys on her little tune (from LittleTune) harder than the polys on FI and Consolation. I can play them but they seem harder. Any idea why? I am thinking it's because the whole etude is full of polys but then, FI and Consolation are full of them, too. Perhaps it's because of the melody. Weird.

ZOE:  Thanks!  I'm very happy with it! The heavier touch makes it easier to play certain passages but I need to control the volume. On the video, it all sounds so LOUD!!!  And yet, I felt I wasn't playing THAT loudly. I'm going to try closing the lid. The dealer also mentioned that we should allow it to get used to the house for a month or so before tuning. At first, it sounded out of tune but maybe now I'm getting used to it.  I am definitely more motivated than ever to become a better pianist. You keep talking about the level I'm at and making it sound like a very high level but I'm not at that high level, Zoe. I just happen to be playing pieces that are quite advanced, maybe too advanced for me. FI continues to be a huge challenge and I go through moments of doubt and insecurities about it. But I persevere and I hope it will pay off someday. It's okay to put Consolation on your backburner and focus on the polys. They're very important. It's good to learn them now. Perhaps you could post a video of yourself playing AJ's scale.

[costicina]

Your baby is wonderful!!!!
Dont' worry, with the lid open (generally I keep it closed) the sound seems weird, you just need to get used to it.

Also, the keys seem harder (and they are, in fact) than the digital, but they respond so well to the dynamics nuances, especially the p and pp. For instance, my Aeolian harp sounds horrible at the digital, played at the piano is really another thing...
 Didi you try the FI on your baby? How does it feel?

[ajspiano]

Right!

Given the time constraint of 1 hour (that i gave myself for the challenge) here is an etude by me (hopefully I haven't ripped anyone off) that targets both 2 vs 3 and the singing melody line, both features of the consolation.

Now, as a composition my etude is pretty half-assed I think, it could do with some harmonic, melodic and form developments..  but hey.. probably better than a scale pattern, plus there are a few extra challenges here and there.

I don't care if any of you try to play it or not - it was just fun for me to try and write it within a short time frame - and I might as well post it now that its done.

Here is a video of me playing it (mistakes an all) - the score is attached to this post

Also here's hoping I havent made any mistakes in the score :/ - there's also no dynamic or pedal markings - because I dont know how to use the notation software that well..

Also, if anyone does try to play it, feel free to ask me any questions - I havent placed any fingering marks on the score either so i apologise for that. Additionally, from a different learning perspective - should anyone want to change/rearrange any aspect of it I'm fine with that too.

AJ

[dire_tonic]

What a gorgeous piano!!!...and it already sounds fantastic with you playing the Consolation.  All that wonderful drenching sustain is exactly what the piece needs! My concerns about the response vs the DP seem to have been unwarranted, although I’ve no doubt it sounds loud you still seem to be able to easily get a gentle tone from it without fear of the note not striking. At least that’s what I’m hearing in the vid.   And that LID!!  I could spend hours just raising it and watching it float down – in fact I might find it hard to get any practice done.  In that room I think you’ve got enough space to set up some terraced seating for 40-50 people so get practising for your first recital!!  (awaiting the invite....)

3 (2+1) 4 :  What's this, DT? I'll be trying out your fingering in a moment. Thanks.

the last 4 notes in the bar before the cadenza. (2+1) is for the A and C# (Bbb and Db)

[dire_tonic]

AJ - that's a really pretty etude.  I'm no expert but to me, at a slower pace, it has the flavour of Grieg about it.

I don't know if Zoe will have a problem with the 3 note chords (octave and the 3rd within) but for my small hands, some of them are fairly difficult.  I'd suggest then just dropping the lowest note leaving the 6th interval which still sounds good although less interesting when you roll the chords.

[costicina]

 A very nice composition!!! I liked it a lot, I think I'll use it for my daughter. Thank you!!!

[ajspiano]

Dt - that's a good point about the chords. They could be played as either 6ths or octaves though 6the will sound better I think, given the lack of harmonic substance in the LH.

I think the coolest challenge is the semiquavers in the RH while using accents to produce the "2" rhythm. I could've done that better in the video ... I probably would've had more middle section with that and more variation on it but I think it may have proven more difficult an exercise than Zoe wanted.. 

Marg - If you use it with costanza and would like a score that has 6ths in place of the larger chords I can do that, and add fingering/dynamics for you without too much trouble if you think that would be of benefit..

[dire_tonic]

 - yes, I think that accent will pose a problem for Zoe, and moreso because the 'A' isn't naturally a strong note in the run.  Just for fun I added the 'D' to the A (the D above, repeating the first note in the run) which seemed to make it easier to accent but more difficult to play.  

[costicina]

Marg - If you use it with costanza and would like a score that has 6ths in place of the larger chords I can do that, and add fingering/dynamics for you without too much trouble if you think that would be of benefit..

It would be nice, if and when you have the time...I make her heard your piece, and she liked it!

[starstruck5]

   been a lot of activity on the thread since I last checked it!  

Choo -your new piano sounds wonderful -so beautiful, and considering an acoustic is new to you, your playing is quite remarkable!

AJ, your composition is lovely. Writing a study which is all about a particular technique, but making it sound so lyrical is an achievement -nice one.

[candlelightpiano]

YES!!  This thread has been a flurry of activity since my late night post!

Thanks, all of you, for the compliments on my piano and my performance.  The baby will take a while to get used to.

AJ:  Thanks for the lovely composition and what a gorgeous performance! So lyrical. I need to make my Consolation sound like that. I printed it out to practice and if I can get it to sound halfway decent, I'll post a video of it. You're such a formidable pianist that if you played on a phone book, you'd make it sound good!!!  I'm green with envy! 

DT:  I didn't think you had small hands! And thanks for explaining the complex arithmetic!     I get it now! You're invited to come and play on it. You'll make much better use of it than I will and it will sound a lot better in your hands. I only got it because it was a gift from my cousin. I wouldn't have bought one otherwise because I'm not good at piano. Will you please post another video of your Consolation? I enjoyed the last one very much. You're such a fine pianist.

MARG:  Yes, I played parts of the FI on the baby but that piece needs a lot of work! Wherever in the piece I can play well - few places! - it sounds really good on this piano.  Some passages are easier to play on this piano than the DP with it's light touch.

[candlelightpiano]

AJ, I tried out your lovely composition and have a question. Why did you choose to have an off beat accent on the A of the descending scales?  Anyway, I'll work on it and post a video when I feel confident that I won't chase you guys out onto the street with my rendition of it!   

[zoecalgary]

Choo - you make me smile in the morning! If you're playing pieces that are beautiful and complex then I would say you are at 'that' level! Not that there isn't more to learn but still you have the playing ability and problem solving ability to figure out the music. So you're at 'that' level :-)

AJ - Thanks for both the exercises. I've printed both and I'm off to try them. Your playing of the Etude was amazing I loved it! I wish I had the ability to take an idea and run with it like you did with this. When I was younger I used to dream of making up my own compositions. A friend told me I should get my teacher to teach me this but there is so much to do and so little time!  So, this is exactly what I was looking for. It will probably take me awhile to do the Etude justice but I'll see how it goes. I may end up also needing the one you talked about with Marg but I'll start with this first. My hands are pretty small but I'll see how it goes with the chords. Thanks!

[ajspiano]

AJ, I tried out your lovely composition and have a question. Why did you choose to have an off beat accent on the A of the descending scales?  Anyway, I'll work on it and post a video when I feel confident that I won't chase you guys out onto the street with my rendition of it!   

Choo, in that section there is effectively 2 "voices" in the one hand (RH) - a bit like a Bach fugue only not as complex. On the score you'll see that there is 6 semiquavers pet crotchet beat, stems down. These are part of the accompaniment not the melody and they are timed as triplets, same as the left hand. The notes with the stems up are the melody - the crotchet "e" followed bar the two quavers "d" and "a" - these are not in triplets, they are the notes that keep that bar and a half being a 2vs3 challenge. The accents probably weren't necessary because the voices are shown by the stems of the notes. I put them there to reinforce the idea that those notes are the ones that are part of the "singing melody line" - the ones that are meant to be heard.

It's not easy - actually it's kind of like playing a 2 vs 3 rhythm with one hand alone, and because the voices collide (melody and accompaniment have the exact same note) there's no easy way to mentally separate them - you just have to feel the rhythm properly.

[ajspiano]

Zoe, I suspect my etude is considerably more difficult than the one littletune posted in the other thread so I wouldnt be to concerned if you dont get it immediately. It would certainly be a step in the right direction for the Liszt though. I will make some adjustments to the score for you and Marg when I can get back on the computer (on my phone now), my fiancé will likely be using it to work on our wedding budget (*AJ has heart attack lookin at the numbers) when i want to do music things later.

Thanks for all your comments everyone, very kind, it really isn't much of a composition though - there's basically no form - you could probably call it ternary but the middle is really just a variation on the start, given more time I'd probably have added a different melodic idea somewhere and probably modulated atleast once..

[zoecalgary]

Hi AJ yes now that I've looked at it it is definitely harder than littletune's étude. Those chords are too big for me too.

 I think I've been able to get part b of LTs étude though I have trouble at the measure where the hands switch. So your étude will be a very good stepping stone for me. I don't mind that it's harder it sounds nice and is a good exercise. I will look forward for your revised version.

Thanks again!

[candlelightpiano]

Thanks, AJ. Now I get it. I didn't find the 2 vs 3 difficult, nor the chords. I have fairly large hands for a girl. I ran through it quickly just once this morning.

[ajspiano]

Alright, AJ. Now I get it. I didn't find the 2 vs 3 difficult, nor the chords. I have fairly large hands for a girl. I ran through it quickly just once this morning. It's my sight reading that sucks.

Yes I didnt think you'd have trouble, you've already learnt this rhythmic skill in the much harder setting of F.I.

The consolation presents the added challenge of the LH pattern - and generally being a more complex composition both harmonically and rhythmically. - than the etude I mean, not tougher than FI.

.............

Having said that - if you're saying my piece is not enough of a challenge for you I'll gladly throw something back that'll make you work more when/if you want it - in the words ofm1469"BRING IT!"    hahah ..I'm sure you're occupied enough already at the moment though

Glad you are going to a teacher, hope it works out well.

[candlelightpiano]

I hope the teacher and I will get along, that our goals and expectations are the same. I'll let you guys know how it goes. Well, if it doesn't work out, I'm back to where I am tonight, which is just fine.

No, AJ. No need to bring it on! You're too funny! But I was glad your composition was easy enough for me to play, though not without mistakes on the first go. My sight reading sucks!

DT:  I listened to Barenboim and Yi Jong (of course!) again. Don't you think Barenboim plays with the most rubato of them all (of those we have on this thread)? And on the 4th page, he had that look in his face! I felt haunted too!  Yi Jong doesn't do as much rubato. Just slow throughout. I'm still stuck on his version, no matter how many others I listen to.

[starstruck5]

I was also thinking I need a teacher again -but I am not sure I actually want to pay the fee the most promising one is asking!

I had just got over a muscle injury in both arms -now playing the Appassionata, seems to have bought on an injury to my left bicep muscle -different than the forearm muscles I hurt when carrying something heavy for too long - dun't know what I am doing wrong which is causing this -it is very depressing anyway.

[candlelightpiano]

Starstruck:  Sorry to hear about your muscle injury. I think you need some rest. Perhaps a week off from the piano will do you a world of good. When I put FI on vacation, I took about a week off. I didn't take it off entirely from the piano but I was only doing some exercises for FI and otherwise, nothing. And it helped. I had soreness in my wrists, arms, shoulders, even upper back!  They went away after the week and I felt better.  You may need to ice your injury, apply a muscle rub, take a painkiller if it's that bad.

Well, I hope I'll get along with this teacher and we have mutual goals and expectations. He is very highly qualified with loads of performing experience. Has a Doctorate in Piano Performance, graduated from Curtis, 26 CDs and still performs every now and then as a soloist and with orchestra though he teaches more now than before. Well, if we don't get along, this will be my first and last lesson and I'm back to where I am now, which is fine. I'll find out soon and let you guys know what happens.

[costicina]

Hi Cho, great decision to get a teacher,  I hope you  get along well!!! You dserve a good teacher after your bad experiences of the past...a good teacher can do a world of difference, and can spare you a huge waste of time!!! Let's know how it's going...
Marg

[zoecalgary]

Starstruck5 - I hope you are giving your injury some rest. It sounds very painful. Are you sure it's from the piano? Perhaps you should get it checked by a doctor. You may need some stronger pain killers to get through the next few days.  Wishing you get well soon!

[ajspiano]

Hi AJ yes now that I've looked at it it is definitely harder than littletune's étude. Those chords are too big for me too...will look forward for your revised version.

Didn't get a chance to work on it last night.. I will be sure to get to it today some time.

I must say, despite me being a young person who grew up with this kind of thing (to a degree - i remember phones that you had to "turn" for each number), I still find it completely awesome that I can write some music and within a matter of days (perhaps only hours) its been played by someone on the other side of the world..  The internet is awesome.

[zoecalgary]

AJ - You're awesome. Don't feel rushed. Whenever you get the chance. Yes, I think it is awesome that people are so dedicated to this forum and there are people from all over the world reading and participating in it. I was telling my husband about what you did for me and he was super impressed. Then he saw the printout of your etude and he was doubly impressed. He is amazed at how fast I've been getting responses to questions, etc. And even better, he is so happy I have found all my new piano friends.  Not near as happy as me though!  :-)