[VID] Bach PF d minor BK II, Chopin 25-11

[furiouzpianist]

Bach

Chopin

[birba]

First of all, let me say i enjoy your bach playing immensely.  It's clear, succinct and your pedaling is right on.  I think what you could add to this already very well prepared work is the participation of the left hand.  Maybe it's the recording, but you tend to emphisize only the right hand.  This also i heard in the beethoven second movement of the 111.  The prelude is a two part invention where the voices should have equal prominence.  Try to practise it a few times pretending the left hand is the principal voice.  Even where it's clearly a back-up for the right hand.  You're going to find there is much to play with here.  When you begin to hear question-answer between the two hands - two voices playing with each other - it will take on another spirit.  The same goes for the fugue.  There are obvious places where you must bring out the inner voices.  Here again, i would recomend you practise it from beginning to end exaggerating each voice.

[birba]

The chopin, albeit very well played, is still at the "etude" level.  It might get you past the first round of a competition, but that's about it.  Here again you're deeply concentrated on the right hand (and rightly so!) bypassing the pathos and energy of the left hand.  Go through it a few times forgetting about hitting right notes in the r.h. And sing out loud and clear the left hand pedalling accordingly.  Sure, you're going to blur harmonies in the right hand doing this, but the direction of the musical phrases will dominate.  By the way, your introduction was right on.  Beautifully phrased.  Consequently, i was expecting more after that.  But it just turned into a very well played finger etude.  Come on!  You've got the means, throw prudence to the wind(!) and tear through it!

[tenk]

I agree with Birba here on the Chopin. I am reminded of this:

Rubinstein is saying that even though he missed nearly every note in the right hand, his emotional connection and daring carried the day. In your case, while you're hitting the right notes, it's missing bravura! It's very careful and controlled. Take a risk -- go for it!