Beethoven 109 - Var.6/Tema

[gvans]

A three minute excerpt from a recent concert.

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[emill]

NICE one Glen! 
and it is definitely an inspiration to see an older adult play the piano with ease.
Makes me think that perhaps, it is not too late for me yet.

[gvans]

Thanks for your kind words, emill. Never too late to start!
My piano career is notable for fits and starts; I played from ages 5-12, 17-30, and now 55-62.
Lots of gaps and other careers and adventures thrown in there...

Music lights up the brain in a special way. While listening is great, playing yourself is better. Do give it a whirl.

[rachfan]

Hi Glen,

Your passion for this music is immediately evident. You also display a great touch for classical music.  You put it across very well. I hope you'll attract some more listeners, as this is a wonderful performance.

I think the advice you gave to emill is very good.  My own "off and on" pattern with the piano is similar to yours.  I concluded 10 years of piano study in 1963.  I played some accompaniment in college around 1966.  In 1970 to 1974 I was in an M.B.A. program greatly limiting my time.   Around 1978 I purchased a 1924 Steinway M, but mostly doodled around with it. Then in 1984 I commenced lessons with a fine artist teacher.  That year I switched to a new Baldwin L. Then there was another lull.  But around 1991 I was at least looking more into the literature of the piano, but also doing a doctoral program (D.B.A.). After that I was very busy in my career.  Finally, around 2007 I wanted to make some recordings, loved it, and have been doing them ever since.  So, there we have it.  There is always capability and hope.  I do wish that I could have narrowed or covered those gaps in the past. Over in just the last few years, I've done 42 recordings for PianoStreet and YouTube.  It goes to show that once motivated, one can return to the piano!

David  

[gvans]

Hi David,
Thanks for your comments. I think this last period in your piano career is producing amazing rewards, not just for yourself, but for the rest of us here on PianoStreet. You have brought to light a number (42!) of miniature gems from obscure composers and played them movingly and convincingly. I hope you continue with the great work!

Someday I plan to finish working in the hospital and just play piano, write fiction, and surf. It does help to have a good instrument, no?

Best,
Glenn

[rachfan]

Hi Glenn,

This coming Friday I will be fully retired!  I do believe that it might give me some extra piano practice time; or if just a little, I'll still benefit from it.

Yes, a fine piano certainly helps.  What piano did you play for the Beethoven 109?  The sound was quite good.

David 

[gvans]

That's a Yamaha C-6, rarely played except when unlocked for concerts. It's a lovely piano, even up and down the register. I especially like Yamaha's for their sensitivity at p and pp--don't know why. Like Svatislov Richter (wish I could play like him!).

Congrats on retiring. Hope to hear lots of new musical discoveries from you.
Glenn