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

[candlelightpiano]

Beyond emotions!!  You've got my heart and soul here in this love story.

The dramatic opening with the bass tremolo brought to my mind the opening of the Phantom of the Opera when the chandelier drops precipitously and the audience gasps.  Then, the man's voice begins the love song, followed by his beautiful lady.  They sing about their love and their passion for each other as they stroll hand in hand on a lovely spring day through a garden of Eden with the flowers blossoming and the birds chirping in delight.  A very romantic scene.  They're so in love.  

Following that, the furious booming bass tones, to me, and here's where I got a bit emotional, because it seemed like a very dark cloud over their love.  Or something tragic about to happen.  The lady is crying for her love.  There are a lot of tears and heartbreak.  And drama.  Maybe he died or was killed or committed suicide because they couldn't be together forever.  A dark, dark thunderous cloud has come over their love.  

She sings and weeps over her lost love as the story ends.  

Such a romantic and tearful love story!  You could win the heart of all the ladies in the world with this love song.  

[hakki]

I have been following this thread for some time.
I really enjoyed listening to this last Liszt and the previous Mozart recordings.
You really are a very fine musician. Wish you had a better recording setup that would do more justice to your wonderful playing.
Thanks for sharing.

regards, 

[birba]

Thanks Hakki.  I personally think it's the piano that needs voicing.  I moved the camera further away, but it still sounds harsh and brutal at times.

[sueyin]

Wow, Birba!  You're an awesome pianist!  I don't think anything is wrong with your piano.  Sounds great to me.  Like candlelight says, you can win the hearts of all the ladies the way you play.  I also like the love story very much.  Like Romeo and Juliet.

[starstruck5]

The best performance of this transcription I have heard -you captured the idea of two seperate beings trying so valiantly and beautifully to be one -lovers rushing to meet each with overwhelming passion -The piano shouldn't really be able to compete with the colours and power of the orchestra -but there was something about the two handedness of the keyboard -the lower register and higher registers representing male and female which had a poetry all of its own -

 

[littletune]

That's a good idea Sueyin to quote his link!  but if he also removes the videos not only the link, then it won't work either.  why do you remove links to old videos Birba? You don't want people to watch them anymore? I'm sure a lot of people would want to keep watching them! Everyone loves your playing!! you should be a famous pianist!   

(Oh Candlelightpiano and Sueyin, does that mean you have a crush on Birba??    , just kidding  )

[sueyin]

After reading Birba's post below, I've decided to remove his link from my post.  Thanks birba for your videos.  I really love them.

[birba]

I heard that Littletune!
First of all, this thread hasn't turned out at all like I imagined it would.  This isn't my personal thread.  It's for everyone to participate.  Alright, so I have a larger repertoire then most of you, but eveyone has party pieces and "old" pieces they've worked on.  It doesn't matter the difficulty or importance of the music.  It's just playing music you've learned, relearning them (it takes lots less time then when they were new) and performing them.  Keeping them in your fingers, so to speak.  This thread is making me go over past repertoire and keeping pieces IN my repertoire. I don't like keeping them open in the thread, though.  that's why I substitute them.  It's temporary.  Like a recital performance.
Like if someone said to you,  "would you play something for us?"  What are you going to do?

[candlelightpiano]

Birba, I didn't know that this thread was for everyone.  You didn't say so in your original post so if I had posted, I would have felt as if I were hijacking your thread.  You're also such a formidable pianist with such an exciting and varied repertoire that it's difficult to share a thread with you.  You're a very tough act to follow!!   I'm still unable to practice but I'll re-learn some old pieces when I'm ready and post them here. 

The sound quality in your recordings sound alright to me but I wonder if having your piano lid up might improve it?

[birba]

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. 

[49410enrique]

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. 

spot on man, no other praise neccesary from your most recent one, it was fantastic as all said.

yeah i got your idea/impression, i don't know how everyone else missed it. i hadn't put one up simply from a time perspective,  i am up to my eyeballs in music and simply don't have the energy to even lightly play through anything else or time to add even 'prelearned' works at the moment, i eventually plan to as i would like to revisit somethings soon i just need to find a way to fit it in.
as for everyone else? yeah what's the deal don't let birba be the only one putting these up we (myself included in the future) can all chip in!

[littletune]

But Birba, you could at least sometimes post some videos in the audition room that you wouldn't remove!! 
Oh do you have a loud clock in the room where you're playing or is that something else?

[birba]

It must be the grandfather's clock     You really hear it?

[candlelightpiano]

Yes, but it's only a very soft beat and doesn't distract.  I was wondering what that was, too.

I meant to ask you what a Wagner Liszt liebestod was.  Does that mean Wagner composed the play based on a piece by Liszt or was it a joint collaboration?

I'm still thinking that lifting the piano lid when you make recordings will enhance the sound.  I found that to be the the case when I did my recording.

I was just thinking that if you said this thread was for everyone in your subject title in the original post, you'd have others joining in, like Enzo, who must have a huge repertoire as well.  For example:  Out with the old, in with the new: This thread is for everyone!   

[birba]

Well, I took your advice and changed the title.
Wagner-Liszt  Liebestod, is the final of the opera Tristan und Isolde, by Wagner.  It is a transcription for the piano by Liszt.  So the music is Wagner's.  The arrangement is  Liszt.
I will stop the granddaddy clock the next time I record, and I will try with the lid open with the little stick.
Anything else?   

[candlelightpiano]

Anything else?  

You're funny!! How about inviting us to your house for a recital?  Just kidding!!    

I don't think you need to turn off the grandfather's clock, though.  It doesn't distract and you don't hear it most of the time.

Why not lift the piano lid with the big stick?  Should be even better!

Thanks for explaining the title of the music.

One other thing, and I don't know if this will be time consuming for you later on ...I see you've been replacing your links every time you post a new one.  In six months time, that would be a lot of links to change, considering your vast repertoire.  Maybe when you're about to post a new link, you could  just post it in a new comment box and change the link in the original post.  For the other links in the other posts, maybe you could just delete those links and replace them with the name of the piece you presented.  That way, you don't have to keep changing links as time goes by and mentioning the name of the piece is consistent with the comments posted.  If you don't think that modifying all the links will be time consuming for you later on, then please disregard this suggestion.   

[littletune]

Oh but Birba you don't need to stop the granddaddy clock! It's cool! I like it. I didn't ask because it would bother me I just wanted to know what it was. I mean it's calming and friendly.    It's really like we would come to visit you and you would just play something for us!!   

[birba]

You're funny!! How about inviting us to your house for a recital?  Just kidding!!    

I don't think you need to turn off the grandfather's clock, though.  It doesn't distract and you don't hear it most of the time.

Why not lift the piano lid with the big stick?  Should be even better!

Thanks for explaining the title of the music.

One other thing, and I don't know if this will be time consuming for you later on ...I see you've been replacing your links every time you post a new one.  In six months time, that would be a lot of links to change, considering your vast repertoire.  Maybe when you're about to post a new link, you could  just post it in a new comment box and change the link in the original post.  For the other links in the other posts, maybe you could just delete those links and replace them with the name of the piece you presented.  That way, you don't have to keep changing links as time goes by and mentioning the name of the piece is consistent with the comments posted.  If you don't think that modifying all the links will be time consuming for you later on, then please disregard this suggestion.   

In fact, I had just thought of that!  thanks!

[starstruck5]

I decided to post some old stuff then -going through the grades -One of the first pieces I ever learnt this one -Francks Les Plaintes D'une Poupee -Grade 2!

The long pause after the A section  -is not an artistic statement -my copy fell off the piano -lol -but I decided to keep it.

[49410enrique]

I decided to post some old stuff then -going through the grades -One of the first pieces I ever learnt this one -Francks Les Plaintes D'une Poupee -Grade 2!

The long pause after the A section  -is not an artistic statement -my copy fell off the piano -lol -but I decided to keep it.

that was so great! i loved your clarity and pacing.

what more besides:


is there left to say?

[candlelightpiano]

I loved it, Starstruck!  You have such a beautiful touch! 

[birba]

You have such an expressive touch!  You phrase the same way you would sing or talk to somebody.  Is that  a real piano or is it digital?  I had it up to maximum but it was very soft.
Bravo.

[starstruck5]

Thanks Choo -Birba and Enrique -appreciate you taking the time to listen.

I noticed I had my DP quite low in volume -it obviously makes a difference to the recording!  I'll raise the volume control next time -thanks for pointing it out. I just wish I could record on my acoustic -

[emill]

dear Birba. ....
I have always loved this work by Wagner .... and the way you play it stirs something in me .... perhaps  ... like so ...    ... sorry it is difficult to describe and express. Thanks ...... for this beautiful interpretation.... personally I feel you outdid yourself in the "new"!!... so beautiful ... so touching.
emill 

[emill]

dear starstruck5,

such a gentle and soothing piece ... 1st time I heard it;  always thought Franck just composed gigantic pieces for organ and the difficult to understand, at least from my viewpoint - the GLAGOLITIC mass!!   this is refreshing and very NICE indeed. THANKS....

emill

[bbush]

What a wonderful thread!  Thanks, birba, for the idea, for your encouragement of others to share, and, especially, for sharing your playing!  I enjoyed the Wagner-Liszt piece so much, I'm going to try to learn it (and that's saying a lot because I have limited practice time and it takes quite a while for me to get something new worked up).

Yours,
Bruce

[costicina]

Back from my short holiday in Sardynia, I was sure to find another gift from Birba...

I think that Tristan und Isolde is the most erotic music ever written. Whenever I’ve been in love, I listened to it and shivered with it. Liszt’s transcription captures the essence of Wagner’s masterpiece...and your interpretation, Birba, is the interpretation for  this piece: a touchstone.

 Mi hai fatto venire voglia di innamorarmi perdutamente come quando ero adolescente....birbante!!!!!

[emill]

I think that Tristan und Isolde is the most erotic music ever written. Whenever I’ve been in love, I listened to it and shivered with it.

WOW Margh!!!  erotic???  ... never thought of it that way but definitely vanished my sleepiness!!
(it is 2:20 am here in Manila)

[costicina]

Oh, yes, highly EROTIC!!!!! It expresses the essence of desire in its fullest, deepest, global, flaming meaning!!!!

[emill]

the NEW: 

Although Enzo has not played the piece since 2 years ago, he seems to have changed in the way he plays this piece by Filipino composer Molina who derives much inspiration from Debussy. Enzo seems to be maturing well in his piano playing. We will highly appreciate any comments. THANKS!!!
btw Malikmata roughly means - an illusion, apparition, mirage, a vision, hallucination or a phantasm.

the OLD:   

[j_menz]

Bravo birba!! Your Liebestod leaves the Barenboim recording  sounding limp and lost.

One small criticism, in the build up to the climactic resolution, you have a pause. I don't think it works, and kind of kills the build up.  Remember, in the actual opera, people have been waiting five LONG hours for that moment!!  That aside, just sublime!

PS @ costicina - I also agree that this is the most erotic of operas; it
's basically the musical equivalent of sex. Five hours of it. If any of you haven't seen (or at least listened to) the whole thing, I highly recommend it. Even if you don't smoke, you'll feel like a cigarette at the end!

[candlelightpiano]

Wow, Enzo!!  That was truly fantastic and fantastical!!  You're a master of illusion!  I felt as if I was in a dream and in my dream, I was hovering in outer space.  I could see the stars suspended in space and then there was this great Big Bang!!!!  And as I floated, I watched the glorious sun rise majestically.  Incredibly enjoyable!!  

[birba]

It was interesting watching the two videos.  They're basically the same - I went a little at each time to compare them.  The new one is definitely a little more mature, but the interpretation is identical, a sign that the piece is his.  I also noticed his movements at the piano are more contained.  Remember they used to critcize his rocking at the piano?  I could never really see where there was any excessive movements.  But he certainly has the "aplomb" of a seasoned concertista!

[birba]

Bravo birba!! Your Liebestod leaves the Barenboim recording  sounding limp and lost.

One small criticism, in the build up to the climactic resolution, you have a pause. I don't think it works, and kind of kills the build up.  Remember, in the actual opera, people have been waiting five LONG hours for that moment!!  That aside, just sublime!

PS @ costicina - I also agree that this is the most erotic of operas; it
's basically the musical equivalent of sex. Five hours of it. If any of you haven't seen (or at least listened to) the whole thing, I highly recommend it. Even if you don't smoke, you'll feel like a cigarette at the end!

And here I always thought that little "cesura" worked!  Thanks so much for observing it.  You're right.
I, too, feel a sexual energy here.  I always get the goosebumps during the last "climax",  if you get my gist...

[49410enrique]

the NEW: 

there is an ease to the feel of his playing, that is even if i look away my ear doesn't lose the 'picture' he is painting, the texture he weaves sounds so fluid, what's the word i'm looking for, FACILITY! yes there is obvious undeniable musical and physical intent with everything he does it all has a purpose, and i don't mean only in the planned sense though i sense there is a definate mental 'map' of him knowing where he wants to go, but i can also get the idea that in the moment should he decide to go somewhere new, it would come out just as easily and with the same mastery, this piece and composer were previously unknown to me, but what a wonderful discovery on my end. thank you for sharing this with us all!

[costicina]

Enzo's interpretation of this piece (really a beautiful one, thank you for revealing it to me: of course I didn't know this composer) was already perfect 2 years ago. Nonetheless, he keep on polishing in the direction of a extremely elegant restraint that enhances the emotional intensity of his playing...he is a true artist

[birba]

In with the new

[starstruck5]

I listened to all three of the recent posts -Enzos Molina and Birbas Saent Seans -Great artistry from both I have to say.  I just enjoyed all three performances -and to get someone who is depressed -(me) to listen all the way through to all three is a massive achievement.

[costicina]

You have the gift to surprise me, ever!!!!
I studied ballet when I was young, and the Dyng swan (Fokine, if I remember choreographed it) was the Solo everybody dreamed to perform.  

Your beautiful rendition recreate so well  the ultra-romantic, passionate yet supremely delicate 'embroidery' of this music: I felt like dancing en point again!!!!

MI PIACE DA MORIREEEE!!!!!!!

[candlelightpiano]

Birba, this has been one of my favorite pieces for as long as I can remember and your performance was the best I've ever heard. I closed my eyes when you played this poignant melody and felt myself transported to a peaceful lake and the lovely sight of a beautiful swan, graceful, elegant, majestic, lovely, but dying ...it brought tears to my eyes.  You moved me.

Your recording sounds much better and more resonant with the piano lid up. You also looked like a handsome cob in your snowy white shirt!!!

[49410enrique]

i'll play!

[zezhyrule]

Birba that was amazing! I have great emotional attachments with that piece, and you brought all those emotions back in full  It was beautifully played, very nice job!

[candlelightpiano]

i'll play!

It's great to see a non-classical number on this thread!!    And one of my all time favs!!  Lovely rendition of an interesting arrangement, Enrique.  I enjoyed it very much!

[49410enrique]

It's great to see a non-classical number on this thread!!    And one of my all time favs!!  Lovely rendition of an interesting arrangement, Enrique.  I enjoyed it very much!

thank you! i think it could have gone much better, you can tell i am still very much reading it and figuring out hand placement (it has about 4 days of light prep), to be honest the arragement is not very good, your basic vocal plus bare bones piano (with guitar tabs up top), the score doesn't indicate swing but it was much more interesting that way, also w the repeat of the chorus line i improvised it taking liberty with a more syncopated rhythm, it works in spots but i need to work out a few kinks before i play it tomorrow for a special event as 'background' music...

but i'm so glad you enjoyed it, i've always liked this song.

[costicina]

Lovely song, I enjoyed it very much!!!! Especially when you play it as if 'improvising'. You are right about the syncopated rhythm: the more of these 'liberties' you'll take performing it, the better. You have a special feeling for jazz and jazzy/non classical music....
You'll conquer the publicum 

[birba]

I, too, love this song.  It must be pretty successful if young kids like you take it up!  You've got to get out of that classic mode of reading the text verbatim, like you were doing in the beginning.  Once you've got the melody and harmonic progressions in the head, leave the sheet music behind.  For example, block the chords in the lh, and just play the rh like a "recitativo", singing it to yourself.  There's really so much you can do with it.  LIke you started to do in the second part.  I used to play this at the cocktail parties I did when I was in school.  In fact, I was missing the drink up there on the music stand...

[costicina]

I used to play this at the cocktail parties I did when I was in school.  In fact, I was missing the drink up there on the music stand...

I bet most of the guest forgot entirely the cocktails listening to you 

[birba]

Not really.  I never felt so invisible in my life!!   

Thanks everyone for the feedback on my "swan song"...I really enjoy playing this piece.  I pretend I'm a cellist.  My most favorite instrument after the piano.

[49410enrique]

I, too, love this song.  It must be pretty successful if young kids like you take it up!  You've got to get out of that classic mode of reading the text verbatim, like you were doing in the beginning.  Once you've got the melody and harmonic progressions in the head, leave the sheet music behind.  For example, block the chords in the lh, and just play the rh like a "recitativo", singing it to yourself.  There's really so much you can do with it.  LIke you started to do in the second part.  I used to play this at the cocktail parties I did when I was in school.  In fact, I was missing the drink up there on the music stand...

lol i'm an 'old soul' really me and in the past other, have remarked i was born 60+ years too late ... i would have enjoyed that first first half of the 20th century i think (minus all that war and depression and other unpleasant stuff....)

yeah i know i will eventually do more with it, if i can just commit the 'blue print' to memory it will work much better later on, be that as it may, i just want to have some fun with it and play a basic smooth, a sort of 'palate cleanser' for the folks at the party (i think some of the other students playing will not be going this route, i.e that old soul of mine is probably  the only one gravitating to something like this for tonight).

yes a drink and a cigar smoked room would add to the mood nicely, maybe a beautiful singer in a red slinky dress with a leg slit that never ends walking around and sitting on the piano wouldn't hurt it either....

[pianoman53]

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.