Samiul Feinberg Berceuse Op. 19a (In memorium Whit)

[furtwaengler]

I am deeply saddened at the loss of my friends' dear 6 yr old boy, Whitaker.

Music seems such a small thing in comparison as we often inflate and emphasize it, but what a nice gift to have and use to give gifts in the here and now, a coping tool. I could think of nothing more appropriate than Samiul Feinberg's restful and delicate Berceuse op. 19a. The piece is extremely interesting pianistically, the unique feel in the hands as they fold into and around each other, and sprawl out for those, again unique, Feinberg chords...I have found nobody who writes as he did, a complete genius at the keyboard - and then there is the whole atmosphere it evokes, almost other-worldly. There are even shadow harmonies which you may not see glancing over the score, but become magically apparent under the hands.

I haven't decided yet how I should present this given the situation with the loss of Whit. I plan to at least put a recording on a blog, but am also planning on including it in a recital later this month. In any case I thought a good step would be to share it here that you all may be touched, and that I may get some feedback. Two recordings, one from in the piano, the other from out in the hall. (btw these were all recorded after midnight on a long Tuesday...the only time I could fit a "session" in, thus the actual recording dates should be April 3rd, rather than April 2nd).

(I include Alkan's Petit Conte as a bonus, though I've been unable to get a good recording of it. It somehow seems appropriate in another way, as if the sun is shining somewhere and a little boy is finally getting to do what little boys are supposed to do.)

Dave

[ted]

Firstly, sorry to hear about this Dave. There is always a deep sense of wrong when a young person dies. It can never be wholly accepted, no matter how strong one's convictions, or so I have observed in similar cases with my friends.

Thanks for posting these exquisite pieces. While the more distant recording has a certain atmosphere, I think all things considered I prefer the first. The Feinberg piece sounds improvised, which I suppose is a complimentary reaction, at least coming from me.   

[furtwaengler]

Ah here you are tucked away on pg. 3 (You must reply to your own threads, Dave!)

Firstly, sorry to hear about this Dave. There is always a deep sense of wrong when a young person dies. It can never be wholly accepted, no matter how strong one's convictions, or so I have observed in similar cases with my friends.

Thanks for posting these exquisite pieces. While the more distant recording has a certain atmosphere, I think all things considered I prefer the first. The Feinberg piece sounds improvised, which I suppose is a complimentary reaction, at least coming from me.   

All I know in response is to thank you for your words.

I did get to play this in concert about a month ago, as part of a dual recital with a talented soprano. Maybe it was an odd choice, but I explained to them the same that I explained here. The piano was a Yamaha C7 much more fit for popular genres than for any of the music I performed that night, but I was very careful, and it came out expansive, breathing long breathes, intimate, and expressive. It is fit to be added to this thread. 

[rachfan]

Hi Dave,

I believe there is nothing more perverse in nature than the death of a child.  I feel sorry for his grieving parents and for your deep sense of loss too. 

Regarding the recordings, I listen to both and liked them equally well.  In the circumstances, however, I would choose the first one as it has more presence, the other sounding more distant and detached.

You certainly have an affinity to Feinberg's music and you play it with much expression.  It's a lovely piece beautifully played.  Thanks for sharing it here.

David

[furtwaengler]

Thanks for listening, David. I've actually hidden this piece, these recordings, and what was the intent of my heart from those grieving the most. It's an odd feeling of deeply meditating on what to say, but never rising to say it...I am still preparing.

I agree with your assessment of the recordings. The 1st one was actually used by a friend in a presentation on Escher. You never know what will happen when you share recordings on the internet! 

[starstruck5]

 

Can I say as a person who is actually grieving badly right now, that piece moved me -tears fall easily anyway -but this evokes the feelings of loss and frustration and helplessness very poignantly.

[emill]

They say the greatest pain one can suffer is for a parent (especially a mother) to lose a child. 
To see a friend suffer is to suffer too.

Thank you for initiating me to the music of Feinberg and considering the emotions you must be going through in empathy for your friend .... it comes as a sad and confusing melody as if leading nowhere. ... quite appropriate.

The Alkan is beautiful .... light and melodious.... personally in complete contrast to the Feinberg.