Beethoven Pathetique Sonata Op. 13 2nd Movement

[fleetfingers]

I am completely enamored by this beautiful melody . . . would love to hear any comments on my playing. Thanks.

Played on a K. Kawai Grand piano and recorded on my phone.
 
EDIT: I've added a new recording of the same piece with improvements (adagio 1, recorded and posted on 5/28/12)

[perfect_pitch]

Right now, the only thing I would say is that it needs to go just a little bit faster. It just seems a little stilted right now, and needs a bit more momentum in the 'A' section.

Also, when you do the turn in the 'B' section, I would not start on the A flat... I would play the F, then start the turn on the G.

Apart from that, the voicing is rather good and the dynamics seem nicely balanced although it's a little hard to know for sure for an iPhone recording. Those things are pesky when it comes to dynamics and recording.

It sounds quite good. Well done.

[rachfan]

Hi fleetfingers,

This adagio is coming along nicely.  You certainly have the notes, differentiation of touch, and attention to dynamics along with a controlled pedal.  If you'll allow me, just a couple of suggestions.

In balancing the hands, I think you need to do more to keep the melody in the foreground and the accompaniment in the background.  Sometimes the accompaniment does have an interesting contra-melody or whatever that requires some highlighting, but by and large, the left hand needs to be subservient to the right.  At the moment there are times when the left not only competes with the right hand, but actually dominates it thereby overwhelming the melody.  So if the dynamic is mp, then usually the left hand should be p.  If it's ff, then the left hand accompaniment should be f.  The way to make this happen is to make the right hand melody louder.  That only invites the left to rise in its struggle to compete with the right hand.  Instead, always lower the volume in the left hand to allow the right hand melody to soar.  Then maintain that balance.

The other point I would make is the legato phrasing.  If you examine closely the score of this piece, you'll see that its very much like a string quartet.  That's probably what Beethoven had in mind.  So as you play, strive for long legato lines, unless the notation calls for a different touch, and hear the violin's melody singing in your mind.  You'll be amazed how much more songful your playing becomes.

Keep up the good work!

David

[starstruck5]

I enjoyed this recording very much.  There is something about your playing which is perfect for Beethoven -you know when to be sweet, but you know also how to convey those more angry and fateful bass notes with the right degree of menace -In act I was so impressed with the character  I loved the imperfections -sometimes mistakes actually add to the humanity of a piece-I know not everyone agress with this view, but I believe it passionately. 

You made me want to play this NOW! Thanks for posting.

[hfmadopter]

I enjoyed listening, you are doing it well. I completed this a couple of decades ago and played it in several work shops and in a good sized recital. I remember struggling to keep the bass voice down while learning it, when it needed to be more pronounced in the treble. You are closer than I was at mid point learning the piece. Also I remember my teacher holding me back but not quite to the point you are at, I think you need to just up the speed a slight notch ( as has been mentioned) when you feel ready to do so. But by the same token you do not want to rush this section, it should be melodic and beautiful. You are better off that tad slow but correct than speeding up and incorrect.

You're doing well IMO, keep at it.
David

[emill]

sorry, I can only say VERY NICE!!! since i am not a pianist but only part of that
adoring audience in classical concerts.  THANKS....

[49410enrique]

all wonderful advice above sounds spot on!

soooooooo pretty.....

[fleetfingers]

Thanks for listening and giving me feedback!!!! I am so grateful for your comments!

I've been working on the suggestions that perfect_pitch and rachfan gave me. My new recording is about 40 seconds shorter than the first one, so hopefully it will not feel like it's dragging anymore. As for the turn in the B section . . . I don't know what I was thinking, but you are right that the turn starts on G - I hope I played it correctly this time. Pretty impressive that you noticed such a small detail.

rachfan, I really tried to make that violin sing! The hardest notes to keep soft are the 'accompaniment' ones that my right hand plays while it's also playing the melody. Very tricky, but I did my best.

Thank you starstruck, hfm, emill, and enrique for your comments. I hope you will enjoy listening to my improved (I hope) version.

***At 2:46, I failed to get those octaves clearly - maybe it was the stupid fly that would not leave me alone the ENTIRE time I was playing.  Anyway, to hear a better version of that part, please listen to "adagio 2" starting at 3:09. 

[fleetfingers]

You made me want to play this NOW!

soooooooo pretty.....

I am tickled pink. 

[rachfan]

Hi fleetfingers,

Yes!!!  I like the tempo, the voicing of the melody, and balancing of the hands.  Very well played and a huge improvement!  

If you want to create a nuance here or there, don't be bashful, as long as you keep it in good taste.  There is an inclination among pianists to think, "Hmmm, Op. 13, Beethoven's early period--it must be quite similar to Haydn."  At times yes, but don't forget that both Beethoven and Schubert were transitional composers.  They were rooted in the Viennese Classical era, but were also very early composers in the dawning Romantic Age. So they straddled both musical styles.

David    

[fleetfingers]

rachfan, I am happy to hear that you liked it better! I will continue to practice and will think about adding a nuance or two in good taste. I can't say that I have experience playing in the style of the Viennese Classical era, so I am very grateful to learn from you . . . this is my first stab at a Beethoven Sonata (also learning the first movement). Thanks again for your insights!