VIDEO - Rachmaninoff Prelude Op 23 no. 4 in D major, Fazioli 278

[wzkit]

Recorded in a single take today. Please forgive the ocassional slip!

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Good, maybe even very good, but for me it's lacking a bit in passion and a bit introverted. Rachmaninov wrote this as a love token for his wife iirc, and I think you need a bit more depth to the sound. It's a harsh comparison, but listen to Richter and I think you’ll understand what I'm trying to say. Good work though, especially for one take - the piece is harder than it sounds.

[thirtytwo2020]

I kind of agree with ronde_de_sylphes, it never quite takes off. Nevertheless, beautifully played and maybe all that's needed is a live audience for you to play with more communicative passion..??

But what a joy it must have been to play on that terrific instrument

[wzkit]

Thanks both for the comments. I agree that it is an introverted interpretation - and indeed this is how I conceived the piece. Richter's interpretation is very beautiful and I've heard it many times, although what's beautiful about a piece like this is its ability to endure different conceptions.

With regards to the comments on the lack of "passion", perhaps it would be more helpful if the comments were more specific?

If this is a reference to the choice of tempo, I understand that the overall tempo is somewhat on the slower side - consistent with my introverted take, though I can fully understand if it may not be to everyone's taste.

If the lack of "passion" refers to insufficient power in the climax, I would also agree to that, and certainly needs to be worked upon. I was probably overly cautious as I was studioiusly trying to avoid a harsh tone.

As was mentioned, the piece was a love token for Rachmaninoff's wife, and in my view, love can be also tender and introverted, with a silent brooding intensity, though a more extroverted and outwardly passionate version of love is equally valid (and more probably more common take).

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Your tempo doesn't bother me at all. In a certain sense a slower tempo can up the emotional ante for such pieces, though I would argue that it makes it all the more important to have varying colour and depth of tone, or else there is a risk of it becoming static.

Incidentally I should have complimented you on your use of delays and breathing; they are very effective. My original comment was largely directed at my feeling that your performance would become better still with a broader, fuller tone and possibly an increased dynamic range (not that it's bad in that respect).

Plus I should probably say "better introverted than needlessly melodramatic"!

[wzkit]

Thanks very much for your specific comments, very helpful indeed!

I agree that the depth of tone and dynamic range could be worked on further for sure. As mentioned, I think the climatic chord lacks the power. Also, the melodic notes could use more variation in dynamics. Partly me not getting used to the piano (touch was pretty heavy for me), partly the recording limitations (using a Samsung smartphone), but mostly my technique needs to be worked upon.

Regarding the depth of tone specifically, I think this piano has a brighter, clearer character, but not always "deeper" or "darker", which I feel is more appropriate for this piece. Of course, my own tone is hardly as full as I would like, regardless of piano. Have been trying to work on that over the years, but with only limited success. I think if Richter's recording is your point of reference for a fuller tone, I would probably agree that would be the ideal.

Incidentally, here's an earlier audio only recording of the same piece I made back in 2003.
https://soundcloud.com/kit-wei-zheng/rach-dmajor-prelude-op-23-no-4

Pretty similar overall conception, but I do think the dynamic range is bigger on this recording - partly a function of knowing the piano (an Ibach) better, but also superior professional recording equipment.  In this case, I thought the climax was better executed, and felt much fuller. Probably slightly more extroverted in this case.

Would appreciate your thoughts on whether this earlier version is better.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Yes, the dynamic range is clearly fuller on the older recording, and I'd say the sound is richer too. It's probably not surprising if you've used a phone for recording tbh; there tend to be dynamic compressions etc going on if you do that. The only thing I prefer in the newer recording is that I think you handled the opening pedalling aspects better. The soundcloud link is beautiful, congrats.

[wzkit]

I agree with you that the older recording is better, though I'm not too sure which aspect of the pedalling are you referring to.
Thanks for the comments though