Final Video for Chopin Op25-1

[johnmar78]

Hi everyone, after encouragement from Rach, Wofi and Startrucks..Costica..I decided to do one more take to fine touch a little.  

I have tried my best and make the piano sing MORE....

All feedbacks are welcome...

thanks

[49410enrique]

others can definately chime in on other areas i'll comment on the main thing that struck me almost immediately into your performance.

overall your sound and approach to the piece is solid, you're making some very pretty music, super pretty even at times. 

my concern is with your RH pinky (finger #5), almost every time it plays a melody note at the top it looks like you're striking the note from above i.e. 'crash landing' style, overall you're restraining it enough to keep from getting overly harsh tone wise but i think you can control the sound, prepare each note, and follow through with a definiate release into the bottom of the keey from the key surface, that is prepeare each of those notes with the pinky ready to go and in position ever so slightly before it plays, i think this will give you more control and i think you'll be able to voice better and shape more , it will also require you to own the piece more since you'll need to be that much quicker on being ready to play when it's time to.

sorry if that makes no sense to you or anyone else, if i'm on the right track hopefully someone can second this thought, and apologies if the issue was brought up before on your other video, i have not gone into that one yet just the update.,.

congrats on your progress and accomplishment with this lovely etude!

[johnmar78]

thanks Eric,as striking key from above can be very decepctive. Or going in a circular motion. As when I was in the Conservatorium. We trained to stop momentary or just touch the key before striking. It does not matter either from top or side. It might apperared to you that I am striking from top, but I actually touch the key before(sounding with arm weight) sounding. This is done in a very quickly without give a harsh sound. My aim is to play as closely as hands still as possible which contradict to some of the players method. 

I tried minimise all HASH sound at all time by placing my hand glue to the keys that act as an vibration absorbers befre stiking any keys. More STILL your hands the better, the less energy used. .  Also I tune my own piano, I have to admit. Bb is one of the hardest key to tune.

I hope you liked my interpretation...thanks.


Well I hope you enjoyed my interpretation.

[rachfan]

Hi johnmar,

I believe that your newer recording here of 25/1 is delightful.  You voice the melodic line well, balance the hands to keep the melody in the foreground, attain accuracy during the leaps in the right hand, maintain a tranquil effect throughout, and bring a nice sweep to the music.  You've been able to overcome the technical difficulties in order to concentrate on artistry.  Very expressive playing.

David

[starstruck5]

I don't understand why, but if I just listen with eyes closed there is something very moving about your playing -I have always loved this etude more than any of the remaining OP25 -one thing is sure you have the left hand beautifully controlled- I am sometimes aware that the melody notes are not quite so confidently played -always beautiful though.

[costicina]

Hi John, I liked your version of this Etude,   very  intimate and quiet. I hope to post soon my recording of it (I'm still polishing some spots). It will be interesting to compare them...

Good luck with your other Chop etudes
marg

[johnmar78]

Thank you ladies and gentleman. You have made my day. My teacher always said to me the best way to watch someone's playing is CLOSE your eyeys so your mind is not distracted by their body/facial/finger..movements. For example, close your eyes when you see Lang lang playing.
 I do my best while I am still active.

Starstuck, sometimes in my Chopin'smusic  I deliberated delayed my RH entry as part of rubato playing -wthin a certain phrase and time limit.

We wait for your version Costica,,,

[danhuyle]

You met Vladimir Ashkenazy? You must have learned a lot from him.

Overall your playing of this Chopin Etude is good. Have you tried exploring the left hand material? The melody is great, the left hand is used to support and in a way, create a build up to a climax. It looks like you're at the point where you're not affected by the technical difficulties of this etude.

This etude is way too hard for me.