Chopin Etude op 25 n 1 Aeolian harp: first attempt

[costicina]

… Too many wrong notes,  I know. Also, the melody sometimes is unpleasantly “hammered” and often there are disturbing voids in the accompaniment part…But I think I’ve a clearer idea now of how the piece should sound….
I’ll try to post soon a better recording: meanwhile, your opinion, criticism, advices would help me greatly to improve..

[rachfan]

Hi Marg,

I think you have a good start on this etude and your self-critique raises valid issues.  As I was listening, I would add another one--pedaling.  This piece can be quite chromatic at times with many passing tones and neighboring tones, so overtones can build up very quickly thereby diminishing clarity.  So there are places where I believe you'll need to do more frequent pedals and half-pedals than you are now.  By the way, practice often without the pedal.  Doing so will expose articulation issues that are now somewhat glossed over by the pedal.  It will help you to attain a more accurate and even articulation and flow to the music.  Then when you do add the pedal, be sure your ears are discerning.  Then your playing will be more beautiful and convincing.

Keep up the good work!

David

[costicina]

Thank you, David!!!
Your advices are, as always, very thoughtful. You are right about the pedal issue: the more so, as Chopin in this Etude gives very specific indications for pedalling. I'll try to follow them, I'm sure the phrasing will be more defined as result.

[johnmar78]

Hi Margrat, good work for a start. Firstly, may I have your permission,that  I fly over free tune your piano, I like Steinway.... .
how big is it it sound like 185cm lengths).

Agreed with what David have said above.

Two major things I will do if I were you:
1) cut down your tempo and start listening to your LH inner notes so as Rh when played together. Watch out that two thumbs must timed together and to be audiable in some phrases.

2) no pedal yet until you can hear these little notes. Try both staccarto and play into the keys.

It is quite interesting to see your LH looping that is completely differnt to mine, where as mine is rather flat handed.

Ok, look forward to your next take

[schubertiad]

Hey,
Not a bad start, but there are some technical problems which are holding you back, especially in the left hand. In order to get the hands more relaxed and also play with more control, might I suggest a fundamentally different movement from the one you're doing.
If you play the 5th finger notes (this applies to both hands) with the thumb pointing pretty much straight up, and with each successive finger rotate the hands so that the thumbs are level with the keys by the time they have to play, you should get an idea of the movement. Once the fundamental movement is there, you can lessen the rotation. It is essential that the wrists stay low throughout.

I hope you understand what I'm getting at, it's obviously much easier to demonstrate than describe. I might post up a video if you're unsure.

Edit: Just found a lovely video of Valentina Lisitsa playing this study, and she's doing pretty much what I've described, albeit much more subtlely. Notice the left hand thumb slighty raised on each bass note, and the low wrists. Here's the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOe670xcKhk

Anyway, give it a try and let me know if this was of any help.

Ben

Anyway,

[costicina]

Thank you for your kind advices...I'll do my best to improve this piece. I've learned so much in the processo of learning it. I'm even fancying to practice the first 8/10 bars of every Chopin Etude to improve my technique....

[rachfan]

Hi Marg,

Regarding Chopin's pedal markings: Be cautious.  Don't forget that today's grand pianos are far more resonant that those of Chopin's day.  For that reason, it's better to be more conservative with the pedaling where necessary.  Let your ears be the High Court as you play the piano.

David

[costicina]

Yes the Pleyel was much more light...Half pedal could be a solution....

[pianoman53]

Right now, it sounds like you think that the melody is the only important part. I can hear that you try to phrase it, and you just need to keep doing that and it will come. However, the middle and bass voice are just as important (in another way, obviously), so you really need to listen to them too. Try practising with the middle notes staccato, and slooooow movements. Notice that it's  not the same as slow tempo... even though you should play it much slower.

Maybe we come from different traditions, but I rather play a small part of a piece really well, than try really hard to just get through it. I think you should think more like that...

[costicina]

Right now, it sounds like you think that the melody is the only important part. I can hear that you try to phrase it, and you just need to keep doing that and it will come. However, the middle and bass voice are just as important (in another way, obviously), so you really need to listen to them too. Try practising with the middle notes staccato, and slooooow movements. Notice that it's  not the same as slow tempo... even though you should play it much slower.

Maybe we come from different traditions, but I rather play a small part of a piece really well, than try really hard to just get through it. I think you should think more like that...

Thank you for your wise remark....You are right, that’s exactly what I mean to do now as I try to polish the piece.
However, sometimes I feel the  need to play it from beginning to end: anatomizying  it in small chunks is ok for practicing, but somehow in this way I tend to loose the vision of the piece as a whole; besides, I want to be sure I’ve enough stamina and focus to reach safely the end.

Anyway, now that the bulk of the job is done (i.e memorization, basic movements, etc.), starts the II phase of refining and attention for the detail.
I hope to the final result will do justice to this beautiful piece...

[cbreemer]

Despite the slips, labored passages, and a too generous wash of pedal (it sort of looks like you have it down most of the time), this is a musical and likable performance. The low bass notes seem thumped out a bit too loud overall but apart from that it is tastefully done. Keep polishing and it will be really good !

[costicina]

  Thank you so much for your kind words. Your encouragement really motivates me to go on, working carefully at every phrase to refine it technically and musically. I hope to post soon
a "thanks giving" recording, where all your tips, advices, constructive criticism will find the debt acknowledgment!!!!