Frédéric Chopin: Ballade in G Minor, Op. 23

[lorditachijr]

My first post to the audition room! I have performed this piece in one state competition so far (along with the other solo competition rep you see below), in which I was chosen as one of two winners of the junior division. I will be playing it in our other state competition in about two weeks. I know there are some technical mishaps, and the pedal on my piano is incredibly loud. In any case, I'd really appreciate some commentary/critique on my playing.

Thanks,
John

[pianoplunker]

My first post to the audition room! I have performed this piece in one state competition so far (along with the other solo competition rep you see below), in which I was chosen as one of two winners of the junior division. I will be playing it in our other state competition in about two weeks. I know there are some technical mishaps, and the pedal on my piano is incredibly loud. In any case, I'd really appreciate some commentary/critique on my playing.

Thanks,
John

You played it all technically well , but way too fast in one section. The Eb section right after the arpeggio drama in the first section.  It seemed like you were just sort of flying thru it. No romance , no reflection.

[lorditachijr]

Thank you for the suggestion. I guess I'd never thought about playing it slower than that because it's about the tempo Horowitz and Argerich take it, but playing it slower is definitely something I'll try out. It DOES say meno mosso, so I guess I'm cheating Chopin a bit. And the character I'm looking for (still the bel canto style, but a little bit more pastoral) may be more easily achieved at the slower tempo. One of my biggest criticisms of myself was the "banginess" of the left hand beat chords in the loud, brilliant return of the second theme. I also thought I was too loud in some parts of the "Theme A" sections. The coda still needs some technical work, and that accelerando in the middle of it was a little unnecessary. If anyone has some more criticism, I'd be very appreciative!