The Appassionata Project

[m1469]

this should be the basis for learning any new piece of music. Not just the Appassionata.

Yes, but I mean, I must actually express courage, I must actually BE courageous (as an example) to play it, and within my interpretation of the piece, there is a reason for courage, as well.  Not everybody feels that same need, even if they feel they must find a way to express a kind of character within the music.  There is not necessarily this live parallel in the interpretation of all pieces and what they actually draw out of a person in that very moment as a quality of living right then.  

[birba]

Yes, but I mean, I must actually express courage, I must actually BE courageous (as an example) to play it, and within my interpretation of the piece, there is a reason for courage, as well.  

Got it!   Know what you mean.

[m1469]

But, maybe if a person is not actually finding a piece to draw a quality straight out, right then, perhaps they haven't dug deeply enough (who is doing that?  The composer?  The music?  The performer?).  I don't know.  But, I find in the Chopet 25/1, for example, there is a particular point that I think for me is about "abandonment" (abandoning one's mini-me ego, let's say) and I find that the actual technical feats in that particular section require me to abandon completely my reservations there (and that means I must find that way to do that).  Maybe not everybody would have to search in the same way, I don't really understand right now.  Well, I'm getting circled ... it doesn't always go section for section, yet may still be necessary somewhere in the piece.

[costicina]

MAGISTRALE, TRAVOLGENTE!!!!! I got goosebumps listening to this Appassionata... The larger picture IS there...and much more than that. Only a true Maestro can feel and play this Sonata like that. I'm deeply moved

[m1469]

*invoking Herr Monsty*

by practicing with my eyes closed ...    <------- that is actually a little bit what I look like!

[candlelightpiano]

Thanks for the feedback.  If you only knew how I would REALLY like it to be...!  

Actually, I think I do know how you would really like it to be.  This is a piece you've wanted to master for such a long time.  You mentioned that it's been in you for fifty years!  Just following your progress and your ups and downs while learning this piece has been a profound experience for me.  I have always loved this sonata but now it means so much more to me because you, who I have the greatest respect and admiration for, are learning it.  It already sounds magnificent to me but I know it's not enough for you.  But you'll get there soon!  I know you will and I'm behind you all the way!  

[m1469]

I chickened out ... too much raw montsy still.


*keeps working*

[pianowolfi]

I chickened out ... too much raw montsy still.


*keeps working*

Looking forward to the monsty unleash 

[m1469]

Looking forward to the monsty unleash  

hahah ... well, it's pure completely unleashed monsty.  Some of it nicely carried through, some of it still not and it's probably strange, too.  I actually want to post it, but I have mixed thoughts and feelings about that, so thought that perhaps if I have mixed thoughts and feelings, it means I should rather not.  It's got some fudgesicles, and such, but I don't know if that's the thing that bothers me or if it's the sound of monsty that bothers me.

[pianowolfi]

Hmm of course you must decide, but it reads interesting Like a monsty that wants to play

I am planning something monsty-like on Saturday irl. Raw as can be 

[m1469]

Sounds cool

Raw as can be 

But, what does that mean in your world?  In mine it includes wrong turns.

[m1469]

I think I'll wait.  That feels right.  I needed to get it out and it's out and recorded and talking about it is helpful, and what I was hoping to achieve in getting it out as a performance is the ability to better focus on the things that still need work in detail, and I'm achieving that.  So, probably still some days to come yet .

[pianowolfi]

Sounds cool

But, what does that mean in your world?  In mine it includes wrong turns.

It's like I have the "vison" of my pieces so clear,  I feel it under my fingers and often it carries over and since I am not yet done with all the preparation and safety nets, this might end not only in a wrong turn but I might get completely lost. But today I have decided to take the risk on saturday. I mean, it's only a very informal setting yet. For the summer program I want to do at least 6 preparation/tryout concerts, one of them in a completely official setting.

[m1469]

It's like I have the "vison" of my pieces so clear, and often it carries over and since I am not yet done with all the preparation and safety nets, this might end not only in a wrong turn but I might get completely lost. But today I have decided to take the risk on saturday. I mean, it's only a very informal setting yet. For the summer program I want to do at least 6 preparation/tryout concerts, one of them in a completely official setting.

hmmm .... well, this lures me to change my mind a bit  .  Of course you are a good example in your plans ...

Ok, I've attached it but I feel strangely shy of this one.  It just keeps getting more and more monsty as I go ... like it gets more and more reacted to the music and drawn out, etc., as I go.  This also goes part way into II.  I have listened through again ... I don't know, I mean I know it's got things to work out, but maybe it's getting there.  I actually like the second movement in this recording quite a bit (what I posted) ... I was so curious what it would be like coming out of the first movement as I had played it.

[pianowolfi]

I think you are not slow but rather quite rapid in your process of finding your own language in the Appassionata! Well, of course your own musical language has always touched me as something very special, as you know, so I might not be the most neutral listener. I listen to you like I listen to a good friend, not a stranger. Of course there are details to improve, but you have the overall concept and you have the feeling and the direction and the energy and you know where to go.

I like your relatively fast tempo in the second mvt in the beginning, especially after you have ended the turmoil of the first mvt. not with a calm fade-out like most other pianists, but in a kind of shock-like state, which is a new and interesting perspective, to me, it leaves me almost breathless, and I like that! But perhaps this second mvt might be a bit slower, I had the impression that you were going a bit fast, and even getting faster, and that you realized it and that's why you stopped there.

I love to listen to you!
  
Hmmm (*thinks of doing a recording on saturday*)  

 

[m1469]

Hmmm (*thinks of doing a recording on saturday*)

Yeah, do that .

I love to listen to you!

Thank you very much, that is really very nice .


I'm thinking to set up something here at my house, and also I feel pretty real about putting a date for a live stream ... I'm excited, actually  .  

Thank you for your thoughts about my recording.  I find that my insides are rather reachy for finding the language and such.  The second movement is I think about as marked "andante con moto" no?  But, you're right, I get faster!  I *love* this movement.

[candlelightpiano]

m1469, that was beautiful.  Unfortunately, my score doesn't provide bar numbering so I cannot refer to the measures but I loved your trills and tremolos and your volcanic eruptions (you know what I'm referring to!   ) You were much more deliberate today, more certain of yourself and you had a great deal of energy throughout.  I loved the second movement and I was sad when you stopped midway.  The tempo was perfect, like a solemn procession. 

[birba]

Thanks m1469, that was REALLY interesting!  Wolfi says the 2nd movement is fast.  That's about the tempo I take, too.  I found the first movement, on the other hand, too fast.  (I'm talking here about MY impression, MY ideas, etc - these are not criticisms).  It's true, there was this underlying  nervous impetus that propelled the movement to the end - e.g those repeated notes, which, by the way, I'm beginning to understand your idea - and the lyrical octave passages.  But I felt this was the reason you lost technical control at times.  I have found myself getting progressively slower!!!  It must be the age thing.  But your coda results almost the same tempo as the rest of the sonata.  I get the feeling your appassionata is not repressed enough.  It's like an exploding volcano rather then a rumbling underground pressure that you feel is GOING to explode any minute.  Which it can, of course, and SHOULD in certain parts.  And I think you know what those parts are.
Like I said, I liked your tempo in the second movement.  And the sound, too.  Today I want to try a run-through, too.

[pianowolfi]

  The second movement is I think about as marked "andante con moto" no?  But, you're right, I get faster!  I *love* this movement.

Yes you're right with the andante con moto, of course. I have listened twice, I think it was not the overall tempo of the movement, which is fine, it was more a slight drive inside some of the measures that gave me the impression of fastness. What an exciting sonata! Can't wait to hear you play the whole

[m1469]

Thank you, you three!  It's very interesting to read your different impressions.  All in all, in reality, this is in a kind of little baby stage for me.  I would like to claim that I have a very clear vision of what I want, and in some ways I might, but in reality I know that my vision is very much in the growing stages.  I have a lot of listening and growing still to do, I have still to mature into a fine young lady  .  I've thought about your posts and ideas, and then compared some of that to how I feel about the piece and specifically about my last recording.  I think my last recording was a bit of an airing out of monsty, just kind of seeing what is what.  I listened back a couple of times and it gave me ideas, too, and I think that's part of a process.  My main goal will be to get the entire sonata to where, whatever I communicate, it doesn't have the same kind of failures as what this recording did.  I mean, I know I still have to focus on specific areas and some I am getting to, while others I am not.

So, on with the day!  I will pinpoint at least two areas and really aim to fix them today.  My goal is to have the entire sonata up and running in complete form by the end of April, starting to program for things in May/June.  There may be some very casual performances that are part of the growing process.

Cheers!

[starstruck5]

I have decided that learning the Appassionata in the way m1469 and Birba are learning it -is counter productive for me -I don't have the energy these days -given that I have limited time to practise -I want to compose as well -so all things considered the Appassionata has given me up. 

[birba]

That's too bad!!  You were the catalyst in this project.  If it hadn't been for you I would never have taken it up!  But don't say it's given you up for good.  You'll be back to it, I can assure you!

[m1469]

If it hadn't been for you I would never have taken it up!

BEEEEEEEEPPPPPP ... wrong answer!!  What are you talking about??  Speak for yourself!  I've taken this "project" up ages ago, but I may not have been posting like this if the thread hadn't been started ... in that sense, you are probably correct.  AND, it's nice that there are more than only me involved, whether everybody approaches it from the same perspective or not.

In any event, don't forfeit just because of us, star!  It's not like this is a contest or anything  .  Do what's right for you, but as I mentioned, this is not just a project for me for the forum, but I'm aiming to program this so I am working as I need and participating in this thread.  In reality, just join back in  .

[m1469]

BEEEEEEEEPPPPPP ... wrong answer!!  What are you talking about??  Speak for yourself!  I've taken this "project" up ages ago, but I may not have been posting like this if the thread hadn't been started ... in that sense, you are probably correct.

Oh, sorry Birba.  At first I read "we would not have taken it up" but I see you were in fact speaking only for yourself already .

[birba]

You saved me a reply...

[candlelightpiano]

I have decided that learning the Appassionata in the way m1469 and Birba are learning it -is counter productive for me -I don't have the energy these days -given that I have limited time to practise -I want to compose as well -so all things considered the Appassionata has given me up.

Starstruck, you don't have to learn it in the way Birba and m1469 are learning it.  Just do it for yourself.  You weren't planning to perform it anywhere except at home, anyway.  

If not for you, I wouldn't have had the joy of watching you guys work this sonata.  Stay .....the Appassionata is within you.

[costicina]

I join the chorus: stay with us, please, Starstruck!!!! If only pianists of Birba's caliber had the right to approach challenging pieces like this Sonata, well, the forum wouldn't be so alive, and motivating, and fruitful. So, please, do it for us, if not for yourself: KEEP ON!!!!!!

[m1469]

.

[costicina]

Yes, of course....

[m1469]

Yes, of course....

The dots are a very artistic touch.

[birba]

I've been changing fingering right and left ( ) and these are some of them.

When I'm explaining what I did in the second movement, I said "I take the G of the right hand with the left" - it's actually the D-flat I'm talking about.

[starstruck5]

 

Looking forward to watching your latest video Birba! 

Thanks to Everyone for your encuragement and support -perhaps I will feel differently if I can get my moaning neighbours off my back -I have now been officially accused of shouting abuse at them through the walls  for hours on end!!!!-oh and swearing and singing!  I admit to the singing!

Since the official letter warning me of criminal proceedings I have had to stop the singing -(as well as playing my acoustic piano) - -I am innocent of the rest -I have to talk loudly so my elderly mum can hear me -there is no way on Earth I am willing to stop doing that. My only option now is to try and get some peace talks going -go half with sound proofing -I have always preferred diplomacy to banging war drums.

Sorry to make this public on the thread -but I have my reasons! It kind of goes well with the Appassionata -I know Beethoven himself was not loved by his neighbours! Just as well he didn't compose in Britain with our current noise laws -his piano would have been confiscated for sure.

[birba]

What a drag.  So sorry to hear about that.  I tell you, there's nothing worse then awful neighbors.  I'm so fortunate to live in the country.
I'm debating about whether to post my practise videos.  They're really s...  But I guess I should, just to show I'm still in this project.

[costicina]

Please, Birba, please, do it!!!! I mean post your practice videos...You have no idea how useful they could be for us!
Starstruck, you definitely should moved to Italy, a chaotic but friendly country. I live in the heart of the city, and my neighboroughs never complained about our piano playing (my hubby on the contrary does from time to time  ). In the little square where my building face there is a restaurant, and the owner even asked me to open our windows when we play, since the clients (mostly tourists) do love listening the piano sound....Well, probably this  happens only after the third bottle of Chianti red wine 

[pianowolfi]

Starstruck, you definitely should moved to Italy, a chaotic but friendly country. I live in the heart of the city, and my neighboroughs never complained about our piano playing (my hubby on the contrary does from time to time  ). In the little square where my building face there is a restaurant, and the owner even asked me to open our windows when we play, since the clients (mostly tourists) do love listening the piano sound....Well, probably this  happens only after the third bottle of Chianti red wine 

Maybe an option for littletune's family as well? After all they live not so far from Italy

[costicina]

We are ready to adopt her with enthusiasm!!!!....I whish my daughter had a friend like her....

[candlelightpiano]

Birba, thanks for the fingering video.  Even though I'm not learning this piece and may never, I found your changes in fingering interesting and I'm sure I could use some of what you said in other pieces. And the way you divide the volcanic eruption run (sorry, my score has no bar numbers) with two hands was interesting as well.

Looking forward to your practice videos.  

[candlelightpiano]

Birba, I forgot to add that I liked it better when your camera was closer up to the piano, like you've had it in the past.  We can see your hands much better.  The sound is just as good. 

[birba]

I'm almost ashamed to post this.  Not so much for the smudges as the lack of music.  Still too preoccupied with the memory and notes.  I think I'll try one more time next week and then give it a rest.

[candlelightpiano]

I had goose pimples listening to you, Birba!  And you should be so proud of yourself!!  That was absolutely BRILLIANT!  Loved every second of it!  There was unbelievable power and energy and some parts were almost agonizing to hear and bear.  The dolce parts were incredibly sweet and yet, noble.  The second movement was perfect, a tranquility after the storm.  The ending was terrifying in it's sheer intensity and force!  If this is how good you are in practice, I can only imagine how good you'll be when you've mastered this masterpiece!  I know you've put in an incredible amount of sweat and dedication to get to where you're at today and I thank you for the opportunity to follow your incredible journey.   

[costicina]

Macché basta, ANCORA!!!!!!
Ormai questa sonata è tua....

[starstruck5]

I found these videos wonderful for several reasons -I sometimes think we forget that struggle is a massive part of what draws us to the art of piano playing -the gap between what we desire and what we can actually do can seem disappointing and depressing sometimes -but the striving is for me anyway like a drug -

I think we are often way better than we credit ourselves with sometimes anyway -the progress we are making greater than we believe -the way you inspire and help others Birba is outstanding -you should get a PianoStreet prize!

[m1469]

Wow, this thread really sunk a bit!  So I am in "dress rehearsal" mode (for this weekend) with my little piano program for the next couple of months, and here is the entire Appassionata in one swoop.  I am going through my entire program twice a day, though this will probably be the last day I do that and tomorrow will just go through it once, I think.  I did record this all in one sitting, but I split it into two tracks, mov. I on its own and then II and III on the second.  This was a nail biter performance for me ... haha ... and I was getting quite excited (especially as I would near endings, but THE END especially) and so it was a good opportunity to keep my head WAY cool and focus on my task at hand despite what the rest of my being was experiencing.  Cheers!

[pianowolfi]

Little piano program?   Nothing that contains the Appassionata can ever be called little

I really love to listen and I am completely lost in listening, but I feel like I'm just lost in listening and I can't put myself in a distance, so I am afraid that I can't contribute a lot in the sense of critique or so. I just love to listen to your musical soul, and to your process with Beethoven and this monumental sonata and I love to "observe" how your musical soul unites step by step with the spirit of Beethoven!

[goldentone]

Wow, this thread really sunk a bit!  So I am in "dress rehearsal" mode (for this weekend) with my little piano program for the next couple of months, and here is the entire Appassionata in one swoop.  I am going through my entire program twice a day, though this will probably be the last day I do that and tomorrow will just go through it once, I think.  I did record this all in one sitting, but I split it into two tracks, mov. I on its own and then II and III on the second.  This was a nail biter performance for me ... haha ... and I was getting quite excited (especially as I would near endings, but THE END especially) and so it was a good opportunity to keep my head WAY cool and focus on my task at hand despite what the rest of my being was experiencing.  Cheers!

Hey, can you livestream one of your upcoming performances?  Or video record one?  

[m1469]

Little piano program?   Nothing that contains the Appassionata can ever be called little

I really love to listen and I am completely lost in listening, but I feel like I'm just lost in listening and I can't put myself in a distance, so I am afraid that I can't contribute a lot in the sense of critique or so. I just love to listen to your musical soul, and to your process with Beethoven and this monumental sonata and I love to "observe" how your musical soul unites step by step with the spirit of Beethoven!

Well, of course I appreciate plenty just that you are absorbed in listening .

Hey, can you livestream one of your upcoming performances?  Or video record one?  

To try to set up livestream at this point in the game feels pretty overwhelming to me, but also, these concerts this weekend are for ... a little less discerning ears.  I WILL be video recording though and if things go OK, then I may post something.  But, I'm having sometimes a tricky time adjusting into Chopin 25/1 and out of it to ABEGG (for one example).  The Chopet has a completely different feel ... which may mean I am adjusting as I go along in it ... but, we'll see .  I would like to do a livestream, though, and I will be giving my third performance next weekend, on the 12th (course, you are seeing/hearing the ninth then!).  But, I have more performances to set up and I haven't formally done those yet.  I am going to let myself get through this weekend and see how that feels.  I am thinking about having another one here at my house for more discerning ears, and perhaps I will livestream that one.  Thanks for being interested!

[costicina]

Please, do it, I mean livestreaming your performances!!!!

[goldentone]

To try to set up livestream at this point in the game feels pretty overwhelming to me, but also, these concerts this weekend are for ... a little less discerning ears.  I WILL be video recording though and if things go OK, then I may post something.  But, I'm having sometimes a tricky time adjusting into Chopin 25/1 and out of it to ABEGG (for one example).  The Chopet has a completely different feel ... which may mean I am adjusting as I go along in it ... but, we'll see .  I would like to do a livestream, though, and I will be giving my third performance next weekend, on the 12th (course, you are seeing/hearing the ninth then!).  But, I have more performances to set up and I haven't formally done those yet.  I am going to let myself get through this weekend and see how that feels.  I am thinking about having another one here at my house for more discerning ears, and perhaps I will livestream that one.  Thanks for being interested!

I understand about setting up the livestreaming at this point.  Getting ready for the concerts is enough to deal with.  The video recording would be great, actually, because I don't know if I would be here to hear all of it, and might miss it.  Nevertheless, to see you live would be wonderful, even if I had to tear myself away in the middle of it.  

[marik1]

Wow, this thread really sunk a bit!  So I am in "dress rehearsal" mode (for this weekend) with my little piano program for the next couple of months, and here is the entire Appassionata in one swoop.  I am going through my entire program twice a day, though this will probably be the last day I do that and tomorrow will just go through it once, I think.  I did record this all in one sitting, but I split it into two tracks, mov. I on its own and then II and III on the second.  This was a nail biter performance for me ... haha ... and I was getting quite excited (especially as I would near endings, but THE END especially) and so it was a good opportunity to keep my head WAY cool and focus on my task at hand despite what the rest of my being was experiencing.  Cheers!

Will send PM.

Best, M

[m1469]

Will send PM.

Best, M

Thank you .