Out with the old, in with the new. This thread is for everybody!

[emill]

dear Birba ..... it was a most beautiful, singing SWAN ... THANK YOU.

btw, my wife says that at 1st glance you have the jaw ... the facial profile of Redford!!
me thinks so too .....

[birba]

Oh my.  That IS a compliment!!  It's not so much the jaw (I wish) as the chin.   

[birba]

I posted this as it's own post, but it didn't get that many responses
And now I also noticed that this was the thread for everybody, I think I'll change the name on my own thread.
...

Anyway,
A month work on this warhorse. Oh my God, it was more difficult than I thought... That's sort of the 'bad' part with getting a new teacher: Pieces becomes so much more difficult when there's a new person telling you what to do

I messed it up rather hard, but first performance+only a month of work, I'm sort of happy with the outcome.

"Sort" of happy!?  I would be VERY happy if I could play the Mephisto like that!  I think we should start a "project" on it.  It's one of those pieces I've never been able to master.  I like your tempo.  I heard an absolutely AWFUL Mephisto played by Berezovsky the other day.  Absolutely inascoltabile.  Couldn't believe my ears.  You master those leaps wonderfully.  I'm curious, do you use 2nd finger for the bottom note before the leap or the thumb?  And you've been at it only a month?!  Jeesh...

[pianoman53]

I'm just a bit pissed about all the wrong notes, cause I don't usually do that... But ya, first performance always brings some surprises.

There are actually no recording of it that I really like. Obviously Berezovsky stopped carrying about music a long time ago. Horowitz is Horowitz, so everything is too much, at least in this piece. Rubinstein is also a bit... I don't know.. Dull?

Thanks for the compliment though I place the second finger on the key and then it's actually not that difficult. One just have to know the left hand inside and out (which I don't, on the spot where I start missing notes).

But thank you very much!

[costicina]

If YOU are pissed about your many wrong notes...  ::)well, I suppose many of us, me in first line, should commit suicide, or quit piano playing altogether   

And about Birba/Redford likeness: I disagree.... Birba, sei moooolto più bello tu!!!!!!

[birba]

HA!

[emill]

Oh my.  That IS a compliment!!  It's not so much the jaw (I wish) as the chin.   

hehheee.... language barrier .... I was thinking in Filipino where jaw and chin sometimes are synonymously used.  Chin is more accurate. 

And about Birba/Redford likeness: I disagree.... Birba, sei moooolto più bello tu!!!!!!

hehhee!!!  wow you Italians are so expressive!!!!  My wife and I still stand by our -"Birba's face has the profile of Redford" ......  though a gentler face while Redfords' a rougher one!!

 

[candlelightpiano]

Absolutely inascoltabile. 

Birba, what does "inascoltabile" mean?  Is it musical nomenclature?

You look like a movie star.  You're definitely a handsome cob!

[birba]

Inascoltabile means "un-listenable" which doesn't make much sense.  Inascoltabile means it's so bad you can't listen to it.
When I was in school, I did catalogue modeling  for extra money.  I told everyone I was one of Tyrone Power's illegitimate sons.  You probably don't even know who he was...

[costicina]

I know very well who Tyron Power was....I'm dying of curiosity: post a photo of your model's past, please!!!! Even if IMO you looks better now: preferiscono gli uomini maturi ai ragazzini

[candlelightpiano]

When I was in school, I did catalogue modeling  for extra money.  I told everyone I was one of Tyrone Power's illegitimate sons.  You probably don't even know who he was...

Why, I'm not surprised at all!!  You must post a photo of yourself when you were a model! I'm dying to see it.  Please!!  And though I haven't seen a photo of the younger you, I'm sure you look even better now...with maturity, wisdom and experience to add to your sophisticated good looks!

I looked up Tyrone Powers ...I see why you said you were his illegitimate son! 

EDIT Thanks for the explanation.

[starstruck5]

I really must learn Italian -such an expressive language !  I will probably learn it Molto Adagio -but see I know a few words already!

[birba]

this isn't really the type of piece I intended for this thread.  But since the arrival of the appassionata on the scene, I decided to change my programme to an all-Beethoven thing.  So I decided to re-work on this.  Pardon the slip-ups.

[costicina]

Mamma mia!!!!! :  bella, bellissima, MERAVIGLIOSA....  The best performance you posted, and one of the best (perhaps the best) Waldstein I’ve ever heard. Everything is PERFECT:  tempo, dynamics, pedalling (I watched very carefully your right foot). Music and pianist here are one and the same thing, a seameless, gorgeous unity. You are not performing here, you are ‘creating’  this splendid Sonata with Beethoven.

I hope my cry of enthusiasm and joy reached you where you live: giuro, ho svegliato mio marito applaudendo e urlando come una pazza stamattina dopo averti ascoltato. Si è spaventato anche il gatto....and I still feel the bright, ardent fire you lit in my soul with this interpretation: thank you so much, so much for this 'aurora'!!!!

[fleetfingers]

So THAT'S why no one has done anything here!  I tried to find the thread where I had first talked about this thing, but can't find it.   I said it was for everyone.   In fact, I imagined each person would have had a little square in the thread that they would use to record and a little square where they would write their mpressions. 

I'll take a square!!!! 

[birba]

I liked that!  I would have liked it better if you had played the repeats.  It sounded strange without them.  And it sounded wonderful on that piano.  Perfect!  What piano is it?

[costicina]

I'll take a square!!!! 

Your nickname fits you very well: your fingers are fleet, and you play Mozart (that I find beastly difficult) with the due grace and agility: I enjoyed very uch your performance!!!! 

[49410enrique]

birba, i am still in the middle of listening to this, i will be enjoying it for the rest of the day. i have always loved this work since studying it in an advanced theory and harmonic analysis course way back when.

i just wanted to say how much i am enjoying listenig to this 'again for the first time' you bring such a refreshing take on this.  i particularly loved your handing of the chroral 'hymn - like' sections of the first mvnt, you manange to preserve an energy and forward motion of those bouncy intro chords while still giving a sense of 'reverence' a tricky almost contradictory goal.  i am still not all the way thorugh so i didn't comment on anything just know how much i am enjoying this.

in terms of energy, this is the imagery that comes to my mind. you can totally mute this and just let your playing in the background serve as soundtrack and it just works

[49410enrique]

fleetfingers what a wonderful and playfull rendition!  this piece is near and dear to me not becuase it is such an mass 'old favorite' but rather because it served as part of my music school auditions a long time ago, i really liked how loose adn relaxed you stay here, a must for the light character of the piece to stay at the forefront. this was really cool. great job

[candlelightpiano]

WOW, Birba, I'm almost speechless!! That was such an awesome, magnificent performance of one of my favorite sonatas.  Your performance is unequivocally my favorite over any other pianist, even with minor stammers, which adds to the humanity of this epic sonata.  You were able to get my pulse racing from the beginning with that frantic thundering and keep up the excitement till the end.  The second movement was like a reverent hymn, almost sorrowful at times but yet eloquent and mysterious!  You were so inspiring and uplifting in the third movement, which is my favorite, with the hypnotizing rippling, sparkling bells that seem to soar to the peak of the highest mountain.   You can create the most beautiful bells!   It was brilliant and stunning,  triumphant and powerful.  I was overwhelmed.

You deserve a standing ovation!!

[candlelightpiano]

Fleet, I see now why you call yourself that!!  You most definitely have fleet fingers!  That was a lovely rendition of Rondo alla turca.  You have a very nimble touch and loose fingers, something I wish I had.  I enjoyed your performance very much!

[fleetfingers]

I'm glad you liked my Alla Turca . . . a classic near and dear to me, too, because it's the first piece I learned on my own 'behind my teacher's back', so to speak (when I was 13) . . . took me a few months and just about killed my small hands. I will have to record again with the repeats - I agree it sounds strange.

My piano is a Kohler. I love the loud and bright sound it has and also the light action.

This is a great thread that I've followed with interest. Sorry that I don't comment much, but I've enjoyed everyone's music very much.

[starstruck5]

I only listened to your First Movement so far Birba -wrt The Waldstein -I thought it was magnificent.
You are so aware of tonal balance and colour -and you have a great feel for building and releasing tension -it all adds up to a powerful rendition!

Fleet your Alla Turca also impressed me -it is such a joyful piece and you captured its playful character well.

[emill]

Hello Birba,

Despite that it is almost 3:00 am here in Manila, I had to finish your video of "Waldstein".  It is really beautifully played and I feel you must have played this piece when you were younger during a recital or a concert or during competition .... perhaps at Concours International ??  The ever familiar 1st movement was so full of music .... it felt wonderful!!   THANKS.

emill

[emill]

hello fleetfingers,

In the traditions of YT, may say that it is melodious and sprightly as it should be!  It is was also one of the 1st pieces my son learned when he stated on the piano.  THANKS..

emill

[emill]

the Waldstein can no longer be accessed...

[birba]

Thanks emill!  Yes, in fact, I did play it in various competitions when I was young.  It was also my audition piece for the Kempff Beethoven course in Positano.
I've decided to hold back a bit here.  This thread has not turned out to be what I hoped it would.  It's become sort of like a personal showcase.  No way.  I'm waiting for others to post!

[49410enrique]

Thanks emill!  Yes, in fact, I did play it in various competitions when I was young.  It was also my audition piece for the Kempff Beethoven course in Positano.
I've decided to hold back a bit here.  This thread has not turned out to be what I hoped it would.  It's become sort of like a personal showcase.  No way.  I'm waiting for others to post!

few more have bitten lets give it a little bit of time. i am fully immersed in learning new and completing current repertoire if i find a pocket of time to bring another oldy in on my end i most certainly will try. but i encourage those not up against deadlines to please participate!

[emill]

Ok here goes:  Rachmaninoff - Etude Tableaux in E flat minor, Op.39 No.5 - ENZO

Older video:  February 2012  - duration : 5 minutes

Newer video:  May 2012 - duration almost 6 minutes

I prefer the "older version" .... but Enzo seems to prefer the slower and more deliberate
"newer version".  I told him I was going to ask the guys at PianoStreet and he agreed.  
We would greatly appreciate your feed on these ..... is there a "correct" way or a more
preferred way of playing this Etude?  My personal favorite is the one by Alexei Sultanov
which is full of energy and fire and I find the 2nd version too "romantic and structured".
Am I on track piano-wise?

[birba]

I agree with Enzo.  But are you sure there's only a few months separating these videos?  He even LOOKS older!

[costicina]

Like Enzo and Birba, for me too the new version. This wonderful Etude gains in pathos and expressivity at this slower tempo.  Too many pianists deprive it of much of its beauty with an unsanely rushed performance....

[candlelightpiano]

Emill and Enzo:  I like the newer May 2012 performance much better than the older version.  I've never heard this piece before but it sounds like a passionate love story when you play it, Enzo.  There's the courtship played by the yearning bass and the sweet answering treble, then they sing together in lovely harmony.  There's plenty of fire and turbulence as their love goes through its trials as it reaches its climax before the piece quietly and peacefully concludes.  I thought about the ending at length and I think they find peace in their love for each other.  Enzo, you  have matured a lot in the last three months not only in looks but in interpretation as well! Congratulations on a fine performance!

[emill]

hello Birba, Costicina and Candlelightpiano,

Yes in a matter of 2-3 months Enzo's looks have changed from boyish to Man-ish!!
The 1st video was taken early February and the 2nd on early May both this year.
Perhaps it is the hectic pace he is facing for coming recitals and preparation for
a piano competition.  Whatever has made him look mature, I hope it will be for the better.

Thanks for the inputs ....  Enzo will surely feel so much secure that his slower version is better appreciated and accepted by pianists.  That only goes to show what I have felt since a long time ago that musicians in general and pianists in particular see and hear somewhat differently from avid concert and classical music fans who are not pianists.  THANKS!!!

emill

[sueyin]

I just want to say I like this thread very much and I hope it won't die out. 

I know you'll all be disappointed in me for not posting a video but you see, I'm in a slump.  I haven't wanted to practice for months. It's three months now since my Grade 8 exam and I haven't been on the piano.  I think my slump is long term and don't ask me why I'm in a slump.  If I could tell you, I wouldn't be in a slump.  I still enjoy listening to piano music  but I just can't get myself to play!  Have any of you ever been through this and for such a long time? 

[costicina]

Don't worry, I think all of us at one point had similar experiences, more or less long periods of 'block' about piano playing. Don't force yourself, take your time. This forum is a great help, keep on following its threads.  Sometimes it helps finding a piece manageable in terms of technical difficulty, but that you like a lot, sitll better in you are literaly in love with it, and are ready do kill to learn/play it...

Cheer up, I'm sure you'll came back soon to your piano, more motivated than ever!!!
Good luck

[p2u_]

don't ask me why I'm in a slump.

I'm sure your love for the instrument and the wish to communicate with other people through it will come back as soon as you see everything in the right context. Take your time for that. You are not to blame; it's what the "education" system did to you; instead of letting it grow all naturally, it kills, it exhausts and overworks people. Many get tendonitis; even more get carpal tunnel problems, and still others burn out or get nervous disorders.
P.S.: Remember that even the very greatest "retired" from time to time (Horowitz, for example). Good luck to you!

Paul

[sueyin]

Thanks, Paul and Costicina.  Yeah, I think all those exams burned me out. Months and months practicing the same pieces and technical exercises and now I cannot even think of playing piano again.    I thought maybe buying some new pieces would get me going but they haven't.  I hope some of you will post your pieces on this thread and keep it going.

[emill]

x x x . . .  I think all those exams burned me out. Months and months practicing the same pieces and technical exercises and now I cannot even think of playing piano again.    

Not to worry as everyone in all fields most likely will at some time feel fatigued, tired or burned out. Sometimes I notice that Enzo, my son, does not even touch the piano for a week or two even when there is an upcoming performance (concert or recital). There was a time last year that he did not practice for about 2-3 months.... and he is, I feel a very driven person as far as the piano is concerned. So you are in good company as everyone sooner or later gets the blues .... becomes fatigued, tired and burned out.  I am sure you will get back your energy, just don't pressure yourself.

How about giving us your views on the following videos??:  
  
Franz Liszt - Un Sospiro - (Étude No. 39 in D-flat major) - Enzo


the OLD:  [ Invalid YouTube link ]
February 2011 (work in progress)


the NEW:  

               February 2012

Thanks to everyone for any observation and or comment . . .
          

[birba]

Bravo Enzo!  I liked both of them.  For different reasons.  The latest rendition demonstrated a greater maturity.  Almost a minute longer!  The melodic lines were woven into the accompaniment with such facility.  And such a beautiful sound.  But I also liked the first video.  It was more impetuous and careless.  You really have a great talent and excellent teaching, as well.

[candlelightpiano]

Awe inspiring.  Heavenly!  I absolutely LOVE this performance of one of my favorite pieces of all time.  Enzo, you play with so much heart.  This piece was filled with longing, like a long deep sigh of longing.  I just closed my eyes and floated away as you transported me to this distant place. I felt like I was touched by an angel.  It was heavenly. And your body language was lovely to watch, too, so calm, so in control of the instrument, the stage, and the audience.  This performance left me breathless. 

I enjoyed both performances.  I liked the 2011 performance very much.  I love the 2012.  It was wonderful to see how much Enzo matured in a year from his looks to interpretation and delivery.  Thank you for sharing!  You have awesome talent!

[costicina]

The old version was already superb.. but the last one is a true, passionate and absolutely captivating 'sospiro d'amore' 
Once again, Enzo demonstrate an amazing talent. What a pianist!!!!!!

[49410enrique]

life resuscitating bump. i will not let you die dear thread! you hear me!?! Live!! LIVE!!!

[candlelightpiano]

life resuscitating bump. i will not let you die dear thread! you hear me!?! Live!! LIVE!!!

YES!! Live, dear thread!  LIVE!! LIVE!!  

Sorry I can't contribute, guys.  I'm still sidelined with hand/ arm problems.  Started practicing a little bit a few days ago but it's not working.     I think I'll take a few months off.

[costicina]

I love this thread, and to keep it alive, I asked Costanza to contribute. She agreed, and we are 'refreshing' a little, charming piece she learned as a beginner...In a coupl of days we're going to post it!!!!

[costicina]

One of the very first pieces  learned by Costanza. She chose it as a contribution for this thread because it’s fun to play. We hope you enjoy it!!! 

[birba]

Alright, Costanza!  lovely little ditty.  Had never heard it.  Shostakovitch was a splendid composer who had the purity of childhood!  That's why he's such a great gift for beginners...

[costicina]

 

[49410enrique]

way to go costanza! thats how you show all these old kids how it's done! what a fun piece. sort of reminds me a bit in scope of tchaikovsky's doll music  from his children's album, though arguable this is much more interesting , especially harmonically. i think you captured the the playfulness of the little wind up toy just right.

[costicina]

Thank you, Enrique!!! Costanza learned this little piece against the opinion of her first piano teacher that I hired (and fired after few months): Czerny wasof course this teacher's  Bible, and she found this delightful 'divertissment' dull and insignificant, but of course SHE was dull and shortsighted....  

[candlelightpiano]

That was lovely, Costanza!  I enjoyed it very much!  Never heard of it, either.  Very nice and playful.  Sounds quite complex for a beginner's piece.  I usually think of something like Old MacDonald.    

Birba - welcome back!  I have missed you!!  Hope you'll post a piece soon.