[VIDEO] Chopin - Prelude in E minor

[pianofourty]

First time putting a video of my playing here, please be kind!

(I know this one has been done a few times, but comments would be welcome - is it too slow? Too much pedalling? etc etc)

[pianowhisper]

Hi, pianofourty,

I enjoyed your performance very much. Here are a few remarks which are just personal suggestions you might take into consideration:

I like the tempo as is and IMO your rubato is very nicely executed. Personally, I would play it a tad bit faster, giving extra attention to the passage around 1:26-1:40 (give or take) since to me that is a sort of "culmination" in this piece, and I missed a little bit of the tempo and dynamics there. It sounded a bit "smooth" where I'd say it should sound brisker, rougher. Mind you, all this is my personal taste, and maybe the things I pointed out have to do with your own style approach and interpretation.

As for the pedaling, I'd just pay extra attention to when the chords in the LH change. Sometimes they seem to blur together and it diminishes a bit the effect of the slow, menacing descent the LH performs which IMO is the "soul" of this piece (while the RH stays more or less on the same notes, the LH continuously but slowly and almost unnoticeably keeps going lower and lower into this "abyss" (and don't mind the metaphorical approach here )). You highlighted the melody on the RH very well, and still, I'd suggest emphasizing a little more the chords (tenuto sempre) so it sounds less "sedate" and it captures more this slow chromatic descent.

All this was just very punctual remarks to be or not be agreed on. I enjoyed it very much! I'm also looking forward to hearing other opinions from the forum.

Best,
pw

[pianofourty]

Hi pianowhisper,

I kinda this piece as "slowly giving up the struggle after a loss", perhaps that's why it sounds a bit more sedate ...  The idea of slowly descending into the abyss is an interesting one, I will definitely give that a go.

Thank you for taking the time to comment, you've given me quite a few things to ponder on which is much appreciated!

[pianowhisper]

It was my pleasure.

IMO everyone is entitled to interpret a piece in their own way, and all the metaphors, images, and colors that come with it. Regardless of what one's emotions tell them about this piece, I only meant I'd still take into consideration Chopin's instruction of tenuto sempre for the LH chords (they're supposed to be highlighted in some way, and which way depends on your own interpretation).

Thank you for sharing your video!

[dw4rn]

Beautifully played!

I really like your approach to this piece, and the somber atmosphere you create. But I also agree with pianowhisper that you should change pedal more often. In other words, I don't think you have "too much pedal" - the pedal should be used throughout - but start a new pedal with each chord. Some blurring could be nice, but not ignoring chord changes altogether.

Also, I think you could work on getting your wrists more bending and flexible. It would give you better control over dynamics and phrasing.