Updated Ballade 1 recording.

[ajlongspiano]

Last minute feedback appreciated. I have a competition coming up soon.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

I think this is a class above the etude recording I commented on earlier. I like your whole approach; it is expressive and polished. Of course there are always a few little things..

I think you need to make more contrast in the opening (this is by far my least favourite section of your performance). I think should be more sense of querulous intimacy in the p response to the opening pesante phrase - personally I perceive there to be an internal musical dialogue of "This is how it is! followed by "really, are you sure?". Of course such things are highly subjective! Tbh I found your slow breaking of the arpeggiated chord in bar six somewhat mannered.

There were a few spots throughout the piece where your left hand was just a little bit sketchy, I'm sure you know where they are. In particular, watch the scales in the coda, they didn't sound entirely in unison and you can bet that they are on an jury's checklist for this piece. There was a peculiar rhythmic distortion in the double notes prior to the coda (the G#/D area was particularly rapid). Oh yes, and in the meno mosso prior to that, in the seventh bar your cresc doesn't arrive on the top melodic E, which is f, but goes p too early.

Good luck, because this is an excellent performance already.

[ajlongspiano]

Thanks so much for your kind feedback. I appreciate it a lot and will think about all of these things!


- AJ

[pencilart3]

Hi AJ! I probably don't need to exclaim my praises all over your thread yet again, so I will just jump into constructive feedback with the note that THIS IS AMAZINGLY AWESOME and definitely my favorite interpretation by a person who doesn't do piano for a living. (Unless you do?) haha

Anyway, the intro I think needs to be slower with more thought. Maybe wait a second for the last note on the end of the phrases as if you're not sure if you should play it or end the phrase there. I think that's a cool effect if it's not overdone. Make sure to keep the first few minutes interesting, you don't want the judge falling asleep before you get to the difficult stuff.

You played the first real technical challenge excellently, those runs up and down sounded solid and well practiced. Great job with this section!!

The first lyrical theme is wonderful. I'm definitely not going to give feedback as I think the pianist should play this section however they want and however they feel is best.

Second louder lyrical theme. This is my FAVORITE PART OF THE PIECE! This is my favorite passage of music ever written, if played correctly. Have no regrets in this section! Play the chords loudly and confidently, don't back down on the most crucial major chords!! See Krystian Zimerman perform this, if you can get his CD recording it's better than the one on youtube. He plays it so loudly and confidently, and, I might add, "Loosely". He doesn't play all the chords perfectly together on purpose, it creates a very exciting, free atmosphere.

Leggiero section is fantastic. Just firm up a few notes. The feeling is very light.

3rd and final lyracal theme is great. Maybe play those chords a bit faster but you definitely don't have to, of course. Haha you don't have to do any of these!!


Cool little fast chord spin thing right before the last minor flurry.

Ahh, the minor flurry near the end. That is cool. You played it super super well and I don't think I'll give any specific feedback as you played it almost perfectly and it's very difficult to revise the really difficult parts right before a competition. This part is great. Oh I might just say though, come off the pedal a little!

Good scales at the end. They can always be tighter but that goes without saying for almost everyone.

AWESOME work, sorry for the long comment. This is fantastic!!!

[ajlongspiano]

Thanks a ton for the feedback, Noah! I really appreciate it. Keep up the good work yourself.

[dcstudio]

I like this better than the etude as well--don't get me wrong the etude rocks...  it just sounds like you really enjoy this piece.. and I can hear it.

I really liked the way you presented the main theme in the opening.   Just the subtle nuances..a little slower than I am used to --- but it really worked well.

the jury will certainly be listening for the unison scales...that IS on the checklist..  this is so good though that I would hate to see anything else suffer if you were to shift your focus...


it really is beautiful already

[ajlongspiano]

Thanks so much! I'll definitely be polishing those scales now

[ganymedger]

your playing is very good for your age. Im learning this piece at the age of 27. So you are basically better than me.


Just one thing that Ive noticed. In the Code section in A major there are three octave runes.
If you play this in front of jury, you gotta play in a legato. It took me a bit of a practice to play this octave runs very well connected and quickly, but it will sound better. Many pianists cheat on this, even conservatory students.  Another example is the fourth prelude of Chopin. Most pianists dont play the chords of the left hands legato and only use the pedal for playing legato. It's okay if you are piano as a hobby. But if you want to call yourself a pianist , you have to play this legato. You will have more control over playing.

But all in all you've done a very good job.

[pencilart3]

your playing is very good for your age. Im learning this piece at the age of 27. So you are basically better than me.

uhhhhh....

[ajlongspiano]

Thank you very much!

[pianoplunker]

Last minute feedback appreciated. I have a competition coming up soon.

Bravo, Bravo !   Even though I heard it to be a bit too fast tempo all the way through, you did a marvelous job of keeping the melody clear and showed tremendous clarity with the chromatic runs especially. I dont know what that means to your competition, but you will do well I am sure
 

[josh93248]

There are some excellent qualities to your performance AJ but to be completely honest I kept finding myself thinking "I'd do that differently if it were me." I may also be too attached to a different recording of this so maybe I'm biased.

But I wouldn't take that as very strong criticism, apart from a few things that others have pointed it it is a legitimate and high level performance though I do think you might be well served by shifting focus to other pieces soon, after the competition. The F minor Ballade you showed me has great potential for one thing...

Anyway I think that at the VERY LEAST you will make a very respectable showing at the competition.

And the truth is, you should play this piece in the way that feels most authentic to you, everyone else be damned. Even the judges can shove it really, if they aren't drawn into your world then they can remain out in the cold for all I (and perhaps you) care. You love this piece, that's all that matters.

[ajlongspiano]

Hi Josh! Thanks so much for your kind and honest comments. That's completely fine and I'm actually happy to hear that. I don't want my interpretations to fit into a mold. I appreciate your support and enthusiasm about this competition coming up. I will play my best!

[dcstudio]

all honest and kindness aside. 

you know I understand the integrity and the desire to not let anyone tell you how to play and all of that mumbo jumbo...  and I get it.. I really do.

but...  in a competition... if you are going to take all that time to prepare something to perform in an adjudicated format some attention should be given to what these judges want to hear.   You are not playing for you in a competition--it's not about your enjoyment... it's sounds harsh... but you enter them to win them.

that was my area of specialty getting kids to win competitions....  my best advice and what I used to drill into them:

the competition starts the moment you arrive at the venue and does not end until you pull out of the parking lot.  they are always judging so no diva fits!

obviously my students were a bit younger...lol.

[ajlongspiano]

I appreciate your thoughts and opinions, DC . However, I disagree. I don't care about winning. Sure, if I win that's AWESOME and I'll be super stoked. But I'm not going to force my playing to become something that its naturally not. I play for the enjoyment of the judges, and audience. If the judges don't enjoy my playing that's totally okay! To me, a competition is more about spreading the beauty of music to the public eye (since they're usually free to attend) than anything else. I'm not going to be self centered enough to play in a competition for the sake of winning. Music dies when we center it around ourselves.

[ajlongspiano]

And I apologize if I sound harsh. I say everything here with a kind spirit and good intentions. I just know that if I win a competition it'll be on my own accord, not by conforming to a specific idea of how piano should be played. Also, my ideas aren't THAT out there. I'm not playing like Scriabin or something

[ajlongspiano]

Also, what do I know? haha.. I'm just a kid with a lot more to learn anyways

[dcstudio]

I'm not going to be self centered enough to play in a competition for the sake of winning. Music dies when we center it around ourselves.

none taken

... I didn't mean to say that entering a competition for the sake of winning was in any way self-centered...   it's the nature of the beast... it's a competition.

now that you have told me that this is a performance outlet for you and you are approaching it as such... that's cool. 

did you happen to get thrown into the circle of teen piano competitions when you were younger?  your reaction seemed....a little like you've made this same argument before.

[ajlongspiano]

none taken

did you happen to get thrown into the circle of teen piano competitions when you were younger?  your reaction seemed....a little like you've made this same argument before.

This is the first time I've discussed my philosophy about competitions with someone. I've only been playing for three years so I wasn't involved with piano when I was much younger.

[dcstudio]

damn lol... I thought you were a lifer for sure...  3 years?  forget I said anything...

pretty awesome player for 3 years...  did you switch from another instrument or something

[pencilart3]

3 YEARS!?!?!?

[ajlongspiano]

Nah I just practice hours and hours and hours a day. When I'm not practicing music I'm composing it, and when I'm not at the piano I'm thinking about music. Ever since I was a child I've had an incredibly obsessive personality, so when I found piano there was no turning back, I'm happy that I found piano and classical music! Its a huge blessing

[mjames]

No matter how you spin it, it's still an incredible feat.3 years of experience and you can play this massive work splendidly, wow! Really, good job man. I've been playing for 3 years too and just a few months back I was struggling with Rachmaninov's prelude, and you here performing chopin's ballade XD. No need to be so humble, you're awesome. It's okay, you can be cocky. You actually have a really good reaosn to be

[ajlongspiano]

Hey James! Haha, thanks for your kind and enthusiastic remarks! I appreciate it a lot. I have NO right whatsoever to be cocky haha. I don't even think the best musician in the world has that right. Music is so much bigger than ourselves and I believe its a gift to everyone who takes part in it. We're all on this awesome journey together. Creating beautiful art takes sensitivity, vulnerability, naivety, imagination, drive, thoughtfulness, and will of the human spirit. I believe these are all qualities that create a genuine artist. These things don't stem from arrogance. I think when we become arrogant we lose sight of what really matters in what we're doing .

[ajlongspiano]

Josh,

About new repertoire, expect a lot more Chopin coming up! I've decided to start preparing for the 2020 Chopin competition . I think I'm going to start Op.59 Mazurkas and Sonata 3 soon.

[pencilart3]

I've decided to start preparing for the 2020 Chopin competition . I think I'm going to start Op.59 Mazurkas and Sonata 3 soon.

SWEET! Sonata 3 is my favorite by a lot! (unless katsaris is playing it haha ) no way awesome! I think it would be cool if I could do it to... what if we were both in it! That would be like the best thing my brain could possibly imagine!

[ajlongspiano]

SWEET! Sonata 3 is my favorite by a lot! (unless katsaris is playing it haha ) no way awesome! I think it would be cool if I could do it to... what if we were both in it! That would be like the best thing my brain could possibly imagine!

And the winner is........ NOAH!!!!!!!!!!

[pencilart3]

And the winner is........ NOAH!!!!!!!!!!

*Oh sorry, Noah, we rejected your application. I got your name mixed up with the last performer, AJ Long. AJ Long is the winner!! (Audience goes wild)

[ajlongspiano]

LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[pencilart3]

Wait do most people start learning the pieces NOW? I mean I know 2 etudes, a host of preludes, a ballade, and the 2nd movement of a concerto but that's it. And my teacher just laid out a bunch of boring Brahms and Bach and modern composers. So I won't be learning any more Chopin for a while. BTW what are the repertoire requirements for the different rounds, do you know?

[mjames]

Aj, though I know you're more than capable for these competitions, I'd recommend aiming for the 2025 instead. No matter how you look at it, 5 years is just simply not enough the op. 10 and 24 etudes, the other ballades, concertos, polonaises, nocturnes...etc

And you have to get them up to standard that can compete against prodigies that have been playing since they were 4! I mean there's no need to rush, especially since you look like you're around my age(late teens?). How old are you? o.o

but eh anythings possible XD

[ajlongspiano]

Hey James/Noah !if you had to do all of op.10 and 25, I'd wait haha. The requirements are:

Round I: Two études, one nocturne, one ballade, scherzo, or barcarolle

Round II: Ballade, scherzo, barcarolle, or fantasy in f minor, A polonaise (op.22, op.53. or op.44) and other repertoire of your choice to fill a 50 minute program.

Round III: Sonatas 2 or 3, or the 24 preludes, a set of mazurkas, and other choice repertoire to fill a 60 minute program.

Finals: concertos 1 or 2

I'm 17 by the way. This is totally possible for five years!

[mjames]

Hey James/Noah !if you had to do all of op.10 and 25, I'd wait haha. The requirements are:

Round I: Two études, one nocturne, one ballade, scherzo, or barcarolle

Round II: Ballade, scherzo, barcarolle, or fantasy in f minor, A polonaise (op.22, op.53. or op.44) and other repertoire of your choice to fill a 50 minute program.

Round III: Sonatas 2 or 3, or the 24 preludes, a set of mazurkas, and other choice repertoire to fill a 60 minute program.

Finals: concertos 1 or 2

I'm 17 by the way. This is totally possible for five years!

Seriously ??

It's a lot less demanding than I thought it would be. For some reason I for sure thought that the op. 10 and 25 etudes were mandatory...

[ajlongspiano]

Nah. Some people might fill up their extra recital time with études but I won't

[josh93248]

Oh that sounds GREAT AJ! Can't wait to hear some of your preliminary recordings. I don't think it particularly matters whether you do 2020 or 2025, perhaps you should just do both haha. I don't think I'd ever really do a competition though. I do have an idea for an opera that has a piano competition in it though... Does that count? Lol.

[ajlongspiano]

Close enough Josh haha!

[pencilart3]

Hey James/Noah !if you had to do all of op.10 and 25, I'd wait haha. The requirements are:

Round I: Two études, one nocturne, one ballade, scherzo, or barcarolle

Round II: Ballade, scherzo, barcarolle, or fantasy in f minor, A polonaise (op.22, op.53. or op.44) and other repertoire of your choice to fill a 50 minute program.

Round III: Sonatas 2 or 3, or the 24 preludes, a set of mazurkas, and other choice repertoire to fill a 60 minute program.

Finals: concertos 1 or 2

I'm 17 by the way. This is totally possible for five years!

Thanks AJ, that's what I thought. I found that for a few years ago and I wasn't sure if it changed! Rounds 3 & 4 look kind of killer but I don't have to worry about them, do I!! I presume you're going to play ballade 1 for your "ballade, scherzo, barcarolle"? And can it be the same one for rounds one and two?

[ajlongspiano]

My program will most likely be

Round I: Ballade 1, Nocturne Op.27 No.2, Etude Op.10 No.5, Etude Op.25 No.5

Round II: Scherzo 2, Waltz Op.42, Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Op.22, and Mazurkas Op.67 No.4/Op.68 No.4

Round III: Sonata 3, Ballade 4, Op.59 Mazurkas, Etude Op.25 No.2, Nocturne Op.9 No.2, and Waltz Op.69 No.1

Finals: Concerto 2 in F Minor

[mjames]

Thanks AJ, that's what I thought. I found that for a few years ago and I wasn't sure if it changed! Rounds 3 & 4 look kind of killer but I don't have to worry about them, do I!! I presume you're going to play ballade 1 for your "ballade, scherzo, barcarolle"? And can it be the same one for rounds one and two?

I don't think you're allowed to play the same piece more than once.

[ajlongspiano]

Yeah that's not allowed.

[dcstudio]

Nah I just practice hours and hours and hours a day. When I'm not practicing music I'm composing it, and when I'm not at the piano I'm thinking about music. Ever since I was a child I've had an incredibly obsessive personality, so when I found piano there was no turning back, I'm happy that I found piano and classical music! Its a huge blessing

so no music training whatsoever prior to 3 years ago?? you mean you never sang in choir or anything???  I would take you for a troll if I hadn't seen it for myself... wow.  was there always a piano in your house that you messed with but only started "playing" seriously three years ago?  are your parents musicians.?   It's just so unusual for someone with no exposure to music to take it up so easily at such a late age.   Now, if I am right...hours and hours...you mean like 12 hours don't you?  you must be quite an obsessive player...  I have only been able to maintain that kind of practice time for a month or two before I really start to go crazy... 

so are you like genius IQ?  mentally ill?  LOL--kidding...but kinda not... I have been at this 47 years and I have met only one other like you in all that time...   forgive my obvious envy...geez...  I like to think what I can do is unique...that I have some credentials and abilities that only come from nearly 5 decades of experience...and you kinda humble me...  I cannot even imagine what you will be like after that amount of time.

you have just IMO truly attained the position of best pianist here...  all these people who say you can't do it unless you start as a baby... ( don't get me wrong--I started at 4--usually I am one of those people..).

I need more info here...  what made you start?  what methodology or how have you been taught? and for crying out loud....who is your teacher?? 

[ajlongspiano]

Here's my story. I'm not lying when I say I've been studying music/piano for three years. When I was 11 I found an old 61 key keyboard in the attic that my dad had owned a long time ago and got the bad boy running. I messed around and watched some " how to play tutorials " on youtube and then quit shortly after. After a few years of gaming/time wasting I was very depressed and unsatisfied with the quality of my life (14 at this point) So I got a slightly better keyboard for Christmas and boy did I love playing it! I learned a lot of stuff by ear and just played that thing hours and hours a day. Then I started piano lessons when I was 15. From ages 15-16 I learned all the preliminary stuff about note reading, music theory, technique etc.. I was practicing Hanon 4 hours a day for several months which pretty much supercharged my technique haha. The rest of the day I spent reading through music I liked and improvising/composing. At 16 I started intense classical training with my current teacher, Josh Wright (incredible teacher!) and I've been chipping away at repertoire ever since. Its been an awesome journey so far and I've been very fortunate to have so much time to practice (I'm homeschooled and have to work at academics around 4-5 hours a day which isn't nearly as much as most public school kids do.) I hope this detailed explanation of my background helps you understand more about my current situation

[pencilart3]

AJ, YET another similarity... I'm homeschooled also...

LOOK OUT EVERYONE UNSOCIALIZED HOMESCHOOLERS COMING THROUGH

[ajlongspiano]

LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[dcstudio]

yes it makes more sense now but it's no less impressive. 

you are so young... I would have never guessed... your posts give no indication.

you have a shot... a real shot at being what nearly every student here is trying for...a success in the world of classical piano performance.

you are kind of amazing  AJ   

[ajlongspiano]

Thanks so much.

I appreciate the support of you and all of my other friends here on PianoStreet! I gotta go practice for now (Ginastera  ). Catch you all later!