Gaspard de la nuit

[arielpiano]

Famous for its technical challenges, although the musical ones are no less daunting...

[mjames]

I always wonder why your threads get little to no replies when you are probably one of the most accomplished young pianostreet artist. I mean dude, this performance was absolutely insane. I'll say it again man, you're one of my favorite young artists and I just want to say thank you for sharing all your work. Keep it up! I really hope you do succeed as a concert pianist.

[ajlongspiano]

I echo James sentiment. Wonderful job!

[roncesvalles]

Gorgeous "Ondine", Ariel.   You did a great job of executing really fine control of dynamics in such a challenging piece (I am jealous).   Thanks for recording this--listening to your playing was the perfect way to start my day today.

[rachfan]

Bravo! "Gaspard de la nuit" is one of the pinnacles of the piano literature.  Your playing is excellent as you play the long line.  Very impressive.   

David

[ianzilla]

He gets little replies because he shuts up all the negative/cynical pianists lurking on this forum that try to criticize to make themselves feel better.  I hope to keep working hard to one day achieve the ability to play as magnificently as you Ariel!

[torandrekongelf]

This is really really awesome! I really hope I will be able to play this just as good one day.

[arielpiano]

Thanks a million for the wonderfully warm words, guys. I truly appreciate them.
I think the reason that my videos do not receive such a wide response is that unfortunately I don't have much time to spend on the forum and comment on posts. I used to do more of it a few years ago, but now, when I share a video, sometimes I don't get to check if anyone has noticed it for a week or two. My schedule is quite insane, and it's getting more so by the minute.
Incidentally, if you happen to be in London on Sep 6th, I'll be playing a recital at the Mill Hill (Mozart K570, Debussy Preludes Book 1, and Brahms Handel Variations): https://www.millhillmusicclub.co.uk/forthcoming.htm
If you write to me at lanyi@chars.com I'll try to save you a ticket.
It's somewhat unusual programming for a two-part recital: after all, you must start with the Mozart and you can't play anything after the Brahms, so where do you put the intermission? Well, I put it right in the middle of the Preludes. I start with Mozart, play the first 7 preludes, ending the first part with What the west wind has seen. After the intermission I play the last 5 preludes, starting with the Girl with the flaxen hair, and then the Brahms.
Hope to see some of you there...
Ariel

[ronde_des_sylphes]

It's very good playing indeed - not just the ability to get round the notes, but the control of sonority as well. I'm pleased to hear you are getting engagements; pianism of this level deserves recital outlets. Bravo.

[pianoworthy]

Were you a child prodigy? Your playing is pretty remarkable.

[yoniman43]

Wow really excellent performance! you are really talented!
I have a curious question: I would like to know how much time it took you to learn this 'beast' piece, and if you have any recommendations of pieces which I should learn before this piece..

[birba]

I think the thing that i admire most in your playing is the ease and utter simplicity.  It's your humility and selflessness that bring out these qualities.  And the musical content is foremost in your mind.  This is especially evident in your chamber music playing.  There are very few young pianists these days with your special gift.

[mjames]

Wow really excellent performance! you are really talented!
I have a curious question: I would like to know how much time it took you to learn this 'beast' piece, and if you have any recommendations of pieces which I should learn before this piece..

*sorry for the derail*

Yeah no, if you check out Ariel's channel you'll notice that he's been tackling a chunk of advanced repertoire since he was reaaally young. I'm pretty sure the same goes for anyone who tackles this work.

If you have to ask, then you're probably not ready. This is one of those works (like Nightwind sonata, Chopin's Ballades) that require you to already have gone through a bunch of works from advanced repertoire in order to play it. It's a work for experienced and seasoned pianists.

[arielpiano]

I must agree with mjames regarding repertoire. Altogether, I don't quite think of preparing a piece as "learning it." If I play a piece I must like it, which means that I already know it. Before I even touch the keyboard I read it many times and develop a very precise concept of how I want to play it. By the time I sit down at the piano, all I have to do is teach my fingers to produce the effect that I already hear quite clearly in my head. So really, it's more of a teaching job than a learning one. The best advice I can give anyone is something I learned from Fleisher: "Think more, practice less." It's all in the head; I have zero doubts about it.

[diomedes]

"Think more, practice less." It's all in the head; I have zero doubts about it.

Well if we can all learn from that, what an advancement everyone would make as a pianist.

[rachmanny]

Hello Ariel,

What a sensational performance of a piece I really love. I've seen you around the hallways of the conservatory and always wanted to say hi! I respect your musicianship and prowess at the keys, I learn a lot just by watching your videos. 

Good luck! Would love to watch you perform live one day.