La Campanella (1st attempt)

[lonelybird97]

This is my first try at playing La Campanella after a couple of months. I've ommited some parts I haven't learned yet. Constructive criticism would be great  

[awesom_o]

My only constructive criticism would be to study some less advanced repertoire before tackling this one again. 

[j_menz]

I'm inclined to agree with awesome_o.  You're struggling way too much with this for the moment.  Not that it's a wasted effort, just that maybe you should leave it aside and concentrate on pieces that will build you up to be ready to really go for it.  Dust it off periodically, and see how it becomes more manageable over time.

Can I ask what else you play?

If you are going to ignore the above, it needs a lot of work on a lot of levels. Timing, fluency and speed not least among them. And the missing bits.

[lonelybird97]

I can play some other pieces, such as Für Elise, Chopin's Minute Waltz Op. 64 No. 1, Rondo Alla Turca (I might be posting some of these), I actually don't have a teacher, I have taught myself.
I would be grateful if you could recommend me some pieces that are more to my level.

Thanks a lot.

[awesom_o]

I would be grateful if you could recommend me some pieces that are more to my level.

From this recording, I can't really tell what level you're at. I can tell you're not at the level of La Campanella, and that's about it, really. To find pieces at YOUR level, you need to READ through some scores.

If you can't read through it in one sitting, it's too hard.

Can you read music and play at the same time without looking down at your hands?

[lonelybird97]

I can not read music, to be honest. All I know, I've learned it through youtube vjdeos and synthesia

If you can't read through it in one sitting, it's too hard.

Then I guess I should start from zero 

[cometear]

Oh my God seriously? You can't read notes and you're actually doing the La Campanella. I would seriously get a teacher. You're not terrible since you don't have a teacher and you can't read music but I would start from scratch.

[kalirren]

Wow, for someone who can't read music, you sure have an amazing ear.

[rachfan]

Hi lonelybird,

First, I think you have a lot of talent. You also have a good ear.  But unless talent is developed, it will never reach its potential.  As I was listening, for example, I heard you depress the damper (right) pedal and never release it!  So there was one long, continuous blur there. There are many rules in using the pedal which is but one facet of pianism. But again, you do have talent.  If there is any way that you could work with a good local piano teacher, you should do it! That would give you all or most of the fundamentals of learning, practicing and playing the piano well.  The teacher would also assign pieces that are reasonably within your grasp, and would also assign "stretch pieces" at more challenging levels when appropriate.

I want to share this you on choosing repertoire pieces.  There was a famous pianist, Wilhelm Backhaus. Very few could play Beethoven as well as he could.  He had a saying which I can't quote, but I can paraphrase it.  He said: When so many beautiful flowers abound, there's no need to make a bouquet out of oak trees.  I think you get the gist of what he meant. If a virtuoso piece is beyond your capabilities, it's best to leave it to other pianists who have the training and technique to play it well.  The day might come when you too can play it if you have studied and prepared well.  Playing the piano involves a great deal of perseverance and patience.

David  
 

[lonelybird97]

Thanks for your messages. You all have been a great help so far. I will definitely take it on consideration and focus on easier pieces that I can handle so much better before approaching on this one.