Chopin prelude op28 no7

[realpiano]

I've been playing this for a few years now, and has it improved?

https://soundcloud.com/userclassicalpiano/chopin-prelude-op28no7-m4a

[dogperson]

I can’t answer the question about whether it’s improved, but I can make a suggestion now that you have the notes and rhythm.  You have quite a long pause at the end of phrases, and I suggest to shorten them: think  of being a flutist who is just taking a small half breath.

At 8:34, listen to how Yuja Wang  handles the phrasing. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pSpf9bKK_Zk

[realpiano]

......You have quite a long pause at the end of phrases, and I suggest to shorten them: think  of being a flutist who is just taking a small half breath.

At 8:34, listen to how Yuja Wang  handles the phrasing. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pSpf9bKK_Zk

Thank you for your comment.
I do accept your comment, and whilst playing you don't realise the pauses are longer than necessary.
Recording yourself helps, hence my posting!
Yuja Wang recital is wonderful, something to work towards.
thanks again

[adodd81802]

Rubato: the temporary disregarding of strict tempo to allow an expressive quickening or slackening, usually without altering the overall pace...

I can't really hear an accurate tempo in your performance.

I watched a tutorial online regarding rubato and losing the underlying rhythms of pieces, and 2 suggestions

1. Play with a metronome with 0 rubato, keeping the piece fully in time with the rhythm. Get that underlying feel of the beat, and then when it comes to performance, you will find yourself keeping more in beat and taking a more defined rubato.

2. Play the piece faster than indicated. Again you can do this with a metronome but I'd suggest doing without. Play it around 1.5x the speed (only where practical) and still include your rubato, but at the 1.5x speed.  What this does it keep you moving the piece along and again shortening your rubatos.

You will soon notice the pauses are then more in line with the piece rather than our own expression taking over too much - all too common in Chopin performances.

[realpiano]

adodd81802,
Thanks for your comments.  I will definitely try your 2 suggestions.
Rubato is always a problem for me to accomplish.
thanks again