Liszt - Paganini Etude No.6 - Enzo (in practice)

[emill]

Enzo is now midway in his preparations for his December 8 solo recital and this "Paganini-Liszt" will form part of his repertoire. Enzo says that at this stage he is still into cleaning his technique and has yet to focus on the "musical" aspects of the piece.

We would appreciate any help in the form of comments, observations or suggestions from our PianoStreet friends.    THANKS and sorry for some fumbled notes!

[danhuyle]

The opening theme - The interpretation? Something just doesn't seem to click. That beauty from the melody, it's missing that flavor.

Variation 1 & 2 - Nicely done. The melody projects well. I'm not concerned about a few technical hiccups here. What's more important is the melody.

Variation 3 - Something more can be done here, and it's on the way.
Variation 4 - Nice dynamic contrast.
Variation 5 - I believe Enzo is testing out different interpretations here. It's much different to ones I've listened to.
Variation 6 - Good control of technical aspects
Variation 7 - The musicality seems to be lacking somewhat and sounds frail at this point.
Variation 8, 9,10  - Overall good and the interpretation, I don't think that's any issue. Looking forward to an updated recording.

Variation 11 - First 8 bars has great technical control.

2nd set of 8 bars (where it modulates to D minor/major and C major) More projection of melody

Everything else in Variation 11 - Very well done and the melody did show here. Last bar felt rushed?

He's got the speed and the technique. The question now becomes - Will he be able to interpret it the way he wants?

[pianoman53]

D.h.: specific as always!

Enzo: Try to feel the connection between the melody and the long arpeggio. The melody itself shouldn't be too musically phrased - it's a very barockish theme, and shouldn't be treated like a very romantic one. Just don't make the low e, in the end of the first and second phrase, too short.

Variation 1. From what I see, you're technique is correct. It usually just need some time to get into the hand properly, but you'll get there.

Var 2. Don't be shy about the accents or the small notes. They are what gives this variation character.  Maybe the last ritardando is a bit too much, don't you think?

Var 3. Bring out the lower voice too. That's what paganini wrote, when he wrote them for the violin. And slow down dammit, playing too fast hasn't helped anyone.

Var 4. Can you get a bit more upper note in the octaves? It needs some color..

Var 5. For me, you change too much here. I like the idea, just make it a bit less. The color in the high register just wont work as well as you think, because it's too much. It needs a bit more 'core' in the tone.

Var 6. This one is hell! I hated it so much! Just find many ways to practice is - triplets, dotted, double, and so on.

Var 7. This one is more difficult than what most people think. I don't have a good fingering right now, but don't take the first you come up with. That wont work... And maybe the cortot rubato in the end is a bit too obvious?

Var 8. This one is nice. Keep listening to all voices, and not only to the melody.

Var 9. It's the same as no 1. You do the correct things, it just hasn't settled yet.

Var 10. I think you can phrase the melody a bit more. Not too romantic though, but it's a bit too much on the beat for my taste.

Var 11. Seriously, the jumping isn't helping, and it looks somewhat cheap. In some pieces you might need it, but not here. It's actually one of the easier variations of the set, so take time to hit all right notes, which you are perfectly able to, than to jump around when you want to play louder.


It's the most difficult in the Paganini-set, and you'll learn a lot from it. Keep it going!

[starstruck5]

This is one of those dazzle or die pieces and I think Enzo is dazzling already -Liszt is not one of my favourite composers -but it is very interesting to see a gifted pianist make such difficult music look almost easy -

[frankiisko]

Great!! This piece is crazy difficult and you played this very very well!

Yes, you missed some notes, but it's normal in live performances and if you say you are checking the way to perform this piece, there is nothing wrong with missed notes.

I really enjoyed the sixth variation

[scherzo123]

I always wanted to do this...

[emill]

THANKS so much for all the comments ... especially to danhuyle and pianoman53 for their specific observations which I am sure generated a good amount to testing by Enzo and discussions of points raised with his teacher.  I am so sorry though that my son does not say much, but I know how he appreciates it very much.

I always wanted to do this...

   hhmmmnn, I am a bit confused why not just do it?  Perhaps my not being a pianist or a native English speaker contributes to the confusion?   Is this sort of saying something prevents you from doing it?

Great!! This piece is crazy difficult and you played this very very well!

Coming from someone who plays the piano very well ... this is definitely heartwarming. THANKS!!
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We had the opportunity several days ago to have a masterclass with Argentinian pianist Emilio Peroni where he gave pointers for Chopins "Winter Wind"  and the Liszt-Paganini Etude6.  If we can secure a copy of the master class .... we will post it here in Piano Forum.

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