Piano Street Competition - Round 1

[ajspiano]

Cool ajspiano thanks for the info. I really do hope that there is more than one judge, there needs to be at least 3 for a fair result and to avoid bias. Btw is there 15 people doing their own selection piece as well?

I'm hoping so too..  I emailed a few non-piano street people to ask if they'd do it, people who are listed as AMEB examiners or event adjuicators..  no replies though.

I don't mind doing it, but I don't really think I have the required background to do a good job.

[starstruck5]

I could technically record video without sound and later sync the picture with the internal sound recording -this would mean pretty good fidelity -this remains an option -but I would prefer to record live -warts and all -if dynamics are crushed by my stupid limited equipment -then that is that - I would rather everything be live -I am trying to find a kind soul who would loan me their acoustic piano and  room for a few hours -but no luck so far -

Actually -could I submit a video which is audio according to my Zoom Video Camera -not high end fidelity! -and an audio version of the same performances captured by my internal DP recorder?  If nothing else it would be interesting for me to experiment and compare.

[fleetfingers]

For the second piece . . . I know that it has to be in the Level 3-7 range, but are there any other rules? For example, can a more experienced pianist choose something on the lower end of the range?

How will the judging go, if some participants enter only the fixed piece, and others include a chosen work? Will it count for or against you either way? Just wondering.

Anyway, for my second piece, I will do Clementi Sonatina Op 36 No 4. It's listed as level 5 on Piano Street, and easy reading, but I thought it'd be a fun challenge to learn and memorize (maybe . . . we'll see) all of the movements to this charming little Sonatina. With only a month, that may be all I can handle.

Just mentioning it here, since lostinidlewonder has asked for the pieces in advance. Maybe everyone's choices should be listed at the beginning of the thread?

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I'm going to do Scriabin prelude Op. 67 No. 1

Pretty easy, all you gotta do is  hold down the left and right pedal for the whole piece.

[j_menz]

Pretty easy, all you gotta do is  hold down the left and right pedal for the whole piece.

Presumably one also has to strike the odd key.

[outin]

Presumably one also has to strike the odd key.

But can that be done with the nose? So the hands are free to go where they want to

[j_menz]

But can that be done with the nose? So the hands are free to go where they want to

Evidently you missed this:

you two are not too far off the mark. i saw this etude in concert/recital a few months ago and it was hilarious, the entire hall was cracking up.

rakowski wrote an incredible set of approx 100 piano etudes that are super creative.

this one explores the need of a pianist to sometimes have a 'third arm'. appropriately subtitled 'Schnozzage', it specifically trains what you all are hinting at. i love this thing lol

Amy Briggs performs David Rakowski's 22nd piano étude, "Schnozzage", for melody in the nose. Slosberg Hall, Brandeis University, December, 2001 with Amy's mom in the background following the score. Rakowski's études © by CF Peters.

[outin]

Evidently you missed this:

Nope

I even tried that (well, not the exact piece considering I did not have the sheet). I think I could manage, but the glasses present a slight problem

[lostinidlewonder]

Id just take my shoes and socks off, seems a lot easier. Composer should have written ffff for the nose and call the piece "Nose Bleed".

[j_menz]

Composer should have written ffff for the nose and call the piece "Nose Bleed".

You may have trouble finding venues that let you perform it. I know (from experience) that blood comes off ivory OK if you get it quick enough, but not so sure about some of the newer special-fangled surfaces.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

How the freaking heck is the Chopin nocturne in c# minor grade 8?!?!?!??!?!?!?!

[chopin2015]

How the freaking heck is the Chopin nocturne in c# minor grade 8?!?!?!??!?!?!?!

the post-humous one?

[j_menz]

the post-humous one?

Doesn't matter. 27/1 and C#m op.post are both listed as grade 8 here.

If you want to do a Chopin nocturne 9/2, 9/3, 15/2, 15/3, 32/2, 37/1, 37/2, 55/1, 55/2, 72/1 and Cm op. post. are all listed as grade 7.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Doesn't matter. 27/1 and C#m op.post are both listed as grade 8 here.

If you want to do a Chopin nocturne 9/2, 9/3, 15/2, 15/3, 32/2, 37/1, 37/2, 55/1, 55/2, 72/1 and Cm op. post. are all listed as grade 7.

Scriabin prelude Op. 67 No. 1 should suffice.

All you gotta do is hold down the left and right pedal for the whole piece.

[j_menz]

Scriabin prelude Op. 67 No. 1 should suffice.

All you gotta do is hold down the left and right pedal for the whole piece.

I'm going to do Scriabin prelude Op. 67 No. 1

Pretty easy, all you gotta do is  hold down the left and right pedal for the whole piece.

So sad to see Alzheimers in one so young. 

[chopin2015]

Doesn't matter. 27/1 and C#m op.post are both listed as grade 8 here.

If you want to do a Chopin nocturne 9/2, 9/3, 15/2, 15/3, 32/2, 37/1, 37/2, 55/1, 55/2, 72/1 and Cm op. post. are all listed as grade 7.

COOOL! very helpful, you are!

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I'm thinking of doing Scriabin prelude Op. 67 No. 1

All you gotta do is flow the left and right pedal the whole piece.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Why the heck is Chopin nocturne in C# minor freaking grade 8?!?!?!

[chopin2015]

I can't believe 15 no 2 is grade 7 (granted, it is short). And scherzo no 1 is grade 8+(granted, it is long). Arse backwards. I grade pieces in my own manner.

[j_menz]

I grade pieces in my own manner.

Unfortunately, the Competition rules do not allow for such whimsy.

[chopin2015]

Unfortunately, the Competition rules do not allow for such whimsy.

And all is well. We need to work outside of personal comfort zones.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I really don't like these grading systems.

There is no way the Nocturne No. 20 in C# minor should be grade 8.

[perprocrastinate]

I really don't like these grading systems.

There is no way the Nocturne No. 20 in C# minor should be grade 8.

And Nocturne Op. 48, No. 1 in C minor isn't above grade 8. Huh.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

And Nocturne Op. 48, No. 1 in C minor isn't above grade 8. Huh.

What the ***?!?!?!

[perprocrastinate]

What the ***?!?!?!

Haha, there are only three asterisks.

[j_menz]

If yu do not like grading systems, presumably that is because you find them idiosyncratic, erroneous or useless.

How then can you feign surprise when you find evidence to support your case?

[chopin2015]

I always find disappointment in finding that something is a certain grade because I usually take it as having lack of skill or knowledge..(everything below grade 7 should be easy). I am not denying lack of skill and knowledge, but it certainly does not make me smile.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

If yu do not like grading systems, presumably that is because you find them idiosyncratic, erroneous or useless.

Yes, and because I can't play my nocturne because this stupid grading system makes no sense.

[j_menz]

I always find disappointment in finding that something is a certain grade because I usually take it as having lack of skill or knowledge..(everything below grade 7 should be easy). I am not denying lack of skill and knowledge, but it certainly does not make me smile.

There are any number of pieces below grade seven which are (except in the limited number of respects that determine such matters in the particular grading system) very difficult indeed.  There is much more to this piano business than just getting one finger after the other.

[j_menz]

Yes, and because I can't play my nocturne because this stupid grading system makes no sense.

Rules is rules is rules, mate.

There are plenty of other nocturnes you can enter, as listed above.

And I believe Chopin still gets ownership credit.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

There are any number of pieces below grade seven which are (except in the limited number of respects that determine such matters in the particular grading system) very difficult indeed.  There is much more to this piano business than just getting one finger after the other.

Precisely!!!  That's why the grading system is stupid and makes no sense.






By the way...  Are you drunk right now by any chance?

[chopin2015]

speaking of drunk, tomorrow is my 21st Bday! But I don't drink. I am gonna go on a date with a 9ft steinway. At her place.

[j_menz]

By the way...  Are you drunk right now by any chance?

Not even a tiny little bit. Why?

[j_menz]

speaking of drunk, tomorrow is my 21st Bday! But I don't drink. I am gonna go on a date with a 9ft steinway. At her place.

Happy Birthday!! 

Behave yourself on your date.

[chopin2015]

Not even a tiny little bit. Why?

Hahah, but how much have you had to drink?

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Not even a tiny little bit. Why?

I feel like you're off a little bit.  I can't put my finger on it, but you don't seem like you're sober right now.  

[j_menz]

Hahah, but how much have you had to drink?

Not a drop.

I feel like you're off a little bit.  I can't put my finger on it, but you don't seem like you're sober right now.  

As a judge. Must be some other cause, or possibly a misperception on your part.

[chopin2015]

Happy Birthday!! 

Behave yourself on your date.

And thank you! I certainly will do as much as I can get away with. <3_<3

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I am gonna go on a date with a 9ft steinway. At her place.

Hey, don't forget to use protection.

DON'T MESS UP.

[unholeee]

argh finding it so hard to bother learning the piece. the comp was supposed to give me a reason to play a new composer. guess thats technically correct as im ejoying bmv 847. but just as bad as when i refuse to bring my music books so my teacher has no choice but to help me with what i want.

[lostinidlewonder]

Should I post a written analysis of the set piece describing fingering, expression etc? Or should I post it after all entries have been submitted?

[j_menz]

Should I post a written analysis of the set piece describing fingering, expression etc? Or should I post it after all entries have been submitted?

Depends on how comfortable you feel about being ignored. 

For those of us able/determined to sort these things out for ourselves and happy with what we have/too bloody pig headed to change, it probably doesn't make any difference; but others may find it useful in advance.

[ajspiano]

Should I post a written analysis of the set piece describing fingering, expression etc? Or should I post it after all entries have been submitted?

I think this would be of significant use to some, so I would be happy to see it posted if you are willing..  I did touch on it a bit in the video I put in the other thread.

...

I've been meaning to check up where everyone is at..  I'll have to PM everyone and confirm own choice works and such in the next day or so.

[chopin2015]

Hey sorry guys I have to opt out. I am leaving to russia in the next few days and will not have any means of posting video. I will post videos of 2 or 3 pieces in the audition forum before i leave and an update when i get back because in Russia, the teacher will teach me twice a week so i will be working my butt off inbetween that. Thanks and sorry, will join next competition if no international travel plans.

[j_menz]

I've now got myself one of those Zoom video/audio thingies, so one less problem.  

Piano is going out of tune and tuner not available this side of Christmas, so one more problem.  

[keypeg]

In the discussion of the piece itself, we were encouraged to examine it freely, taking a copy of the score without dynamic markings and other markings.  The idea was to come up with our own interpretations.  How does this work together with "analysis describing ... expression"?  

[ajspiano]

In the discussion of the piece itself, we were encouraged to examine it freely, taking a copy of the score without dynamic markings and other markings.  The idea was to come up with our own interpretations.  How does this work together with "analysis describing ... expression"?  

I would consider such a thing lostinidlewonders own perspective on it..  which may be of value to compare against your own and/or draw on for ideas. Which is why I suggested that we do that and talk about it... disscussion/comparison as well as just personal decisions.

[keypeg]

I would consider such a thing lostinidlewonders own perspective on it..  which may be of value to compare against your own and/or draw on for ideas. Which is why I suggested that we do that and talk about it... disscussion/comparison as well as just personal decisions.

Yes, that is a good idea.  What we would not want is people thinking that there is one interpretation which the performances must try to meet.   It is a nice starting point.

I guess the best place for it to appear is in the other thread you started which has the composer and opus number: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=48667.0

[keypeg]

nm.  recording problems. solved.

[j_menz]

Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!!

Second attempt at recording; still haven't got cam position and mike gain sorted. This is driving me crazy.

Piano is losing tune at a rate of knots, too!