Chopin: Ballade no 4, f-minor op. 52

[j_ol]

And finally the last one.

My version of the 4th ballade is the one I "dislike" the most. I hope to make some new recording
of it in the future. I think the first half should be more organic and more calm.
But hey, I guess the 4th ballade is kind of a lifeproject to play really well!

I hope you enjoy listen, cause I sure enjoy practising and playing it!

Best regards J_Ol

[evitaevita]

Hello j_ol,

I also listened to your recordings of the other three ballades and, although I'm not as advanced and exprienced as you, I strongly believe that you have real musicality!

You have worked hard and achieved playing such pieces with expression, phrasing, power, style,...
I have to say that, of your recordings, what I liked most was the one of the 1st Ballade.

As for the 4th Ballade, this is a piece of great difficulty, both technical and musical. I really liked many parts of the piece. They were very clear and beautifully interpeted. Nevertheless, continue working and I am sure that your version will become even better (you know,... a few wrong notes, technically demanding passages, etc.) I think that, with the passage of time, a lot of "problems" will be solved. For me, time and experience with a piece always plays an important role on its progress. As you said, the first half should a bit more calm, especially on the opening bars and then when the first theme of the piece first appears. I actually can't understand what you mean when you say "organic", I'm not able to tell you my opinion about it... 

Don't forget to post your new recording, when it's ready!

Keep on making music,
Evitaevita

[j_ol]

Hi Evitaevita!

Thank you so much for your time, listen and writing your opinion. I really appreciate that!
You have thoughtful opinions and I couldnt agree with you more. I really love all Chopinballades, and I guess I will spend a lot of time trying to get them better and better. I guess that is the key for development, never get satisfied.
Right now they have been resting since april, but after christmas I will give it a go again.

Sorry about the word "organic".. I just translated a swedish word straight to english, didnt realize they probably meant the same. With "organic" I meant a better natural flow in the music. Tempos, phrasings, rubatos..etc. And I guess that is the big issue (and ofc all demanding passages) in this ballade..

I will post more music in the future. But maybe not for awhile.

Thank you for listening,  J_Ol

[starstruck5]

I don't think you should be too disparaging about your playing of this sublime Ballade -there is musch beauty in this rendition -I love the balance you create between your hands -it is quite breathtaking at times - a beautiful sensitivity to the nuances of this music -

I liked it a lot anyhow -

[evitaevita]

Hi Evitaevita!

Thank you so much for your time, listen and writing your opinion. I really appreciate that!
You have thoughtful opinions and I couldnt agree with you more. I really love all Chopinballades, and I guess I will spend a lot of time trying to get them better and better. I guess that is the key for development, never get satisfied.
Right now they have been resting since april, but after christmas I will give it a go again.

Sorry about the word "organic".. I just translated a swedish word straight to english, didnt realize they probably meant the same. With "organic" I meant a better natural flow in the music. Tempos, phrasings, rubatos..etc. And I guess that is the big issue (and ofc all demanding passages) in this ballade..

I will post more music in the future. But maybe not for awhile.

Thank you for listening,  J_Ol

I'm happy to know that you appreciate and agree with my opinion.

Although your playing is already really beautiful, I agree that more natural flow is wanted. 
Glad to hear that you'd like to post more music!

I don't think you should be too disparaging about your playing of this sublime Ballade -there is musch beauty in this rendition -I love the balance you create between your hands -it is quite breathtaking at times - a beautiful sensitivity to the nuances of this music -

I liked it a lot anyhow -

I absolutely agree that this intepretation is very balanced and beautiful! But, artists (musicians in this case) are almost never highly satisfied with their work. And it is logical, as this makes them want to continue practice and get better, providing that it won't make them unhappy and dissapointed. Music can't be unhappiness. So, it is fact that there is always room for development! Even in such high level of intepretation! (Oh! Maybe I've been very demanding!..)

With regard,
Evitaevita

P.S. J_OL, how many years you have been playing the piano? Just curious!...

[tdawe]

Agreed with the above posters, it's obvious you really have a deep understanding of the music. Out of curiosity, are you a professional pianist? I know this version is not quite perfect, but I find it is common to find people playing stuff like this piece with a 'perfect technique' but lacking on really bring out the music (as you said 'organics'..), which I think you do very well.

[danhuyle]

I downloaded all your renditions of 4 Chopin Ballades

The material leading up to 7:42 - I really don't see a need to polish it unless you want to get a more natural and soothing sound.

7:42 onwards... I'd spend more time polishing the material here if you want to take Ballade no4 to the next level.

Overall great work on performing all 4 Ballades. Plus it's a completely different practice when playing all 4 Ballades instead of one at a time.

[j_ol]

P.S. J_OL, how many years you have been playing the piano? Just curious!...

Quite long time... I started 20 years ago. But I would say that it is the last 10 years Iīve been serious with my practising and ambitions.

[j_ol]

Agreed with the above posters, it's obvious you really have a deep understanding of the music. Out of curiosity, are you a professional pianist? I know this version is not quite perfect, but I find it is common to find people playing stuff like this piece with a 'perfect technique' but lacking on really bring out the music (as you said 'organics'..), which I think you do very well.

Thank you Tdawe! Im glad to hear that! Cause that is exactly what I try to focus the most on, the interpretation. Iam often struggling a lot with the technique... Its so difficult to play "perfect", but ofcourse I try to. But I rather "gamble" for the sake of the music than aiming just to hit the right keys. I donīt know what defines a professional pianist. But I have a bachelor and masters degree in piano.

[j_ol]

I downloaded all your renditions of 4 Chopin Ballades

The material leading up to 7:42 - I really don't see a need to polish it unless you want to get a more natural and soothing sound.

7:42 onwards... I'd spend more time polishing the material here if you want to take Ballade no4 to the next level.

Overall great work on performing all 4 Ballades. Plus it's a completely different practice when playing all 4 Ballades instead of one at a time.

Thanks man! Yes I will keep on polishing. And probably aim for new recordings in the spring.

Ps. Sorry guys for not quoting all in the same answer, but I dont know how to do that... So if anyone can let me in to that secret I would be really happy! Ps.