Is this bad?

[melia]

Hi, I just finished learning the Pathetique Sonata, and I don't know why but expression seems to come easily for me whenever I play along with a recording of if by a good pianist, e.g. Brendel. It's as if his interpretation sorts of guides me in my playing. Is this bad to hear other interpretations, and play along with it? I feel like I am relying on the recording to help me play better! Of course I don't do this with every piece I learn, only those where I really like other pianists interpretations, and wonder why they seem to have that "magical connection" with their listeners. It's only when I play along with it that I realize why mine lacks expression. Later I try not to rely too much on the recording and just play but it doesn't really sound the same So I was wondering, is it wrong to hear other intepretations and 'play along' with it?

[jlh]

I don't think it's inherently "bad" to play along with another recording that you admire.   I've done this many times.  Realize, however, that you are using a crutch and you won't really make your playing (without the recording) better by only practicing this way.  What usually happens is that you sacrifice your individual interpretation of the piece by trying to copy someone else's.  While someone like Brendel has a great understanding of the piece, you should allow yourself the opportunity to explore the different nuances the piece has to offer.

The trick is to learn how to play musically without the recording -- something that's difficult to do without someone else listening and offering advice, or recording yourself and listening to see what you're actually doing when you play by yourself.  Try recording yourself to find out what you're doing, and compare it to another recording.  You might find that there are some easy things you can do to improve the way you present the piece.