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[spinford]

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[illbebeethoven]

Hi Mr. Cheung, and welcome! I'm new here too! Well, sort of, I've lurked for awhile. I played this piece a few years back, and it sure is hard to pull off! I think you did a fantastic job, but I do have a few pointers.

I agree, it does sound too heavy and full of tension; try to relax into the music more. I realize this is a romantic piece, but I feel that in a lot of points, it "tries too hard." My idea, I guess, is to be more unassuming with the dynamics. For example, in the first measure don't accent the last beat just because of the low g. Build up to the third beat, and then decrescendo. Make it feel very pastoral.

I would also be less abrupt with the tempo changes between sections, and keep a steadier tempo overall throughout the whole piece. When playing the second theme of the presto, I would speed it up so its not as drastically slower than the main theme. The main theme is so exciting, and we're riding the adrenaline high from it; slowing down so much disrupts the flow of the piece.

Lastly, I would lighten up on the left hand in some parts, let the melody sing without making the accompaniment so apparent. Just a lighter touch in general would be great. I like the way Mr. Hastings plays it in this video, but sometimes it is actually a little too light.

So, there's my thoughts, haha. And sorry if I seemed harsh or critical  Definitely take my comments with a grain of salt, and clear up any questions with your teacher. I wish you the best of luck with the piece!