Blumenfeld - Etude for the left hand alone

[pianiststrongbad]

This has been a work in progress for a long time, and still has a ton more work to do. Regardless, I decided to make a recording last night. Feedback is welcome, but please try to find at least one thing positive to say  - I am an amateur, piano is strictly a hobby for me at this time.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Actually, it's pretty respectable imo. I've not directly compared it against the score, but it sounds commendably accurate considering its difficulty. Left hand only pieces are always an interesting challenge. It would benefit from a bit more fantasy, and the recording seems lacking in dynamic range - I get the impression that's to do with the recording equipment - but good work overall on this infamous piece.

[cbreemer]

Hey, just because you don't make money of piano playing doesn't make you an amateur
I did not know this piece but did not hear any issues or problems at all. I'm sure all the greats out there will find extra dimensions and levels of virtuosity (as you will over time), but by all
standards this is very good and solid playing.

[pianiststrongbad]

Thanks for the feedback! The dynamic range was limited by the camcorder, unfortunately. Someday I'll get some quality microphones. Agreed on the fantasy aspect.

cbreemer@ - I use the term amateur simply because my current profession is entirely different from piano. With that said, I have a degree in Piano Performance from about ten years ago. I like it as a hobby, not a profession .

[rachfan]

Probably the most important challenge of playing an etude for left hand alone is to have the melody soar above the filigree passage work.  You succeeded very well in that endeavor.  Bravo!

David

[candlelightpiano]

Awesome!!  I loved it.  I began working on this piece last year and didn't get much past the first two pages.  I would love to be able to play it like you do.  Good job!

[stevensk]

Very good!