Chopin Ballade, Op.23 - Live performance

[ajlongspiano]

Hi friends! Here's a recording of Chopin's legendary G Minor Ballade from a concert I played in Utah with my teacher, Josh Wright. I was quite nervous but think I did well regarding the circumstances. Hope you enjoy!

[chopinlover01]

The only thing I could say to improve this is that it didn't really feel "your own", so to speak.
I could tell Josh Wright (who, I should say, I also love as a pianist and I think he produces excellent teaching videos) was a major influence (obviously, he's your teacher, lol), but it seems to be almost exactly the same as his performances both recording for the Chopin Competition and at the competition.
Still, though, good. I just don't see a whole lot different between yours and his.
Cheers! You're quite good, as are your compositions.

[ajlongspiano]

Thank you very much! I agree that my interpretation is clearly influenced. However, I'm only 17. I'm sure through the years as I gain more experience as a musician I will start becoming more pianistically original. Again, thanks so much for your comment! This Ballade is a life long journey haha.

[josh93248]

Quite good AJ, although you and I both know there's almost no limit to how far you can refine and develop this piece you're deep into it for sure

I actually used to work on this piece before I realised I really needed a lot more development before I could tackle it. What else are you working on by the way?

There were lots of really good moments, this piece is almost made up of them but some of those moments were all you and the choices you made.

I noticed one bit that really made me laugh, early on you reach for a low note and it doesn't quite sound so you have to hit it again. I do EXACTLY the same thing all the time haha.

It's a shame about the recording quality AJ, is it just the camera mic? If so, you may want to look into something better like a Zoom H4n (What I use) or similar although a lot depends on the particular setup and acoustics.

[ajlongspiano]

Thanks so much, Josh! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. It was recorded from the camera mic so that explains the bad audio. Me, Josh, and his wife were kind of in a rush so we just got the camera and set it up there quickly. No time for any big set ups. Great observation hahaha. I always hate it when that happens.... That piano wasn't great at producing a soft feathery sound which is really crucial in Chopin in my opinion. Another funny moment is at 0:43. Some guy coughs with the beat of the blocked chords hahahaha. Again, thanks so much for your comments Josh. You're doing quite well yourself and I'm sure with a little bit more practice you'll be ready for the Ballade. If you need a teacher I give online lessons via Skype. Feel free to shoot me an email at ajlongspiano@gmail.com - Have a great night!

[lateromantic]

Bravo!  Not quite note-perfect, but played with a lot of great spirit that really draws the listener in.

I used to perform this piece, but always struggled with the Presto con fuoco section.  But you pull it off convincingly.  I'll have to work it back up one of these years.

[ajlongspiano]

Thank you! It means a lot coming from such a great musician

[stevensk]

Well, lots of errors here. One of them, I wonder where the G in left hand is in bar no 9!  And there are some uncertainty in the rythm  between triplets and sixteenths. You are on the way but NOT to play in front of an audience (yet). WAY too much sustainped at 2:45 WHY?? Too much errors and uncertaincy. I know you can better!

[ajlongspiano]

Haha thanks for your comments.