Chopin Etude op. 25 no. 1 'Aeolian Harp'

[awesom_o]

This is one of my favourite Chopin Etudes!

[emill]

MY!!! ... for my ears ...this is really  GOOD!!!!!
and seems like studio recorded too.

[wwalrus]

I feel like it's too slow. The melody feels stale because of it. I like the balance you have near the start of every new phrase, that's really nice. I think you could bring out the bases more in a couple spots as well.

[swagmaster420x]

very beautiful

[rachfan]

I believe the tempo worked well, and you played the etude fluently drawing out all of its intrinsic beauty.  I think this is one of Chopin's best.  Very nicely played.

David

[ted]

I have always thought this the nicest of all the studies, responding well to many different approaches. As with the piece in double notes you posted, I am first struck by the clarity of your playing. Many players produce a sort of blurry wash with this piece. I prefer a clear, crystalline effect, with the melodic phrases like highlights in the glass. Very enjoyable.

[gvans]

Beautiful phrasing. I agree with the praise of your clarity. What is so hard with this piece is drawing the lines of the melody smoothly and yet dramatically, which you accomplished with great artistry and verve.

The tempo is perfect.

Bravo.

[awesom_o]

Thank you everyone! I think this is actually one of the hardest Chopin Etudes.

When I first listened back to it, I thought the tempo had a good feel.

I think many players start out in too fast a tempo and then actually have to slow down at the emotional climax of the piece instead of............... delivering the goods at just the right time, if you know what I mean It ruins the effect of the piece and leaves me feeling unsatisfied.

[thedoctor4]

Bravo Bravo !!!! Very beautiful !!
By the way what piano did you use to record this ?

[ranniks]

Sounds brilliant.

[awesom_o]

Thanks,
This was recorded on a NY D of 1987 vintage.

[johnmar78]

Hey Awesome, nicely done with full melody lines. The tempo is fine.

thanks for sharing.

[awesom_o]

Cheeky bump number 3!

[swagmaster420x]

it sounds like a bunch of beautiful things bubbling up and overflowing , like a leak that is gradually bursting

[awesom_o]

it sounds like a bunch of beautiful things bubbling up and overflowing , like a leak that is gradually bursting

How wonderfully poetic!

[nick]

Excellently played! Not one that I would want to learn, but you did a great performance of it. Thanks.

Nick

[awesom_o]

Excellently played! Not one that I would want to learn, but you did a great performance of it. Thanks.

Nick

Thank you! Why wouldn't you wish to learn this one? It's generally agreed to be one of the gentler and more musically rewarding of the Etudes.

[brogers70]

Well, if those ABC exercises will help me play like that, I'll be very grateful.

[awesom_o]

Well, if those ABC exercises will help me play like that, I'll be very grateful.

How kind!
The ABC exercises are the first step in the advanced technical training that I received. Once they are mastered, there are many other exercises for developing the hand that follow. The ABC's do not need to be practiced regularly (unlike scales!).

[thesixthsensemusic]

I am really impressed. Not too much detailed feedback I could give because I dunno what to improve here, except things that'd be more down to taste than anything else.

[brogers70]

How kind!
The ABC exercises are the first step in the advanced technical training that I received. Once they are mastered, there are many other exercises for developing the hand that follow. The ABC's do not need to be practiced regularly (unlike scales!).

Well, I think I've mastered A; B is almost under good, relaxed control, and I'll soon start C. When I'm done I'll ask you for some of the other exercises you used.

[awesom_o]

Well, I think I've mastered A; B is almost under good, relaxed control, and I'll soon start C. When I'm done I'll ask you for some of the other exercises you used.

Great! Some people think B is the hardest. Some people think C is the hardest. Go slow and try and stay relaxed with these! Go slow, but think fast!