Chopin - Ballade No. 1

[chopinsimp]

Willing to take harsh comments, still want to improve and re-record.

[anacrusis]

I thought that was quite good, honestly, so I don't have any harsh comments. You're clearly musical and have a solid technique for this piece. Bravo! A lot of this peice will continue to develop on its own as your technique and musical understanding further develop, but this just takes time.

A few points I could say
- I personally like the introduction (the Lento part) a hair faster/with more forward movement, so we feel it almost as one gesture.
- It seems like you play certain loud notes in a way that looks rather forceful (first note of the piece, for example, or when the second them is played with loud chords). See if you can get the same loudness while using less force (ask your teacher if they can help you) and listen to the sound - does it sound harsh or powerful and resonant? It's possible to play very loudly while feeling and looking like it barely takes any effort, and this also gives you more control over the sound and the phrasing.

[chopinsimp]

I thought that was quite good, honestly, so I don't have any harsh comments. You're clearly musical and have a solid technique for this piece. Bravo! A lot of this peice will continue to develop on its own as your technique and musical understanding further develop, but this just takes time.

A few points I could say
- I personally like the introduction (the Lento part) a hair faster/with more forward movement, so we feel it almost as one gesture.
- It seems like you play certain loud notes in a way that looks rather forceful (first note of the piece, for example, or when the second them is played with loud chords). See if you can get the same loudness while using less force (ask your teacher if they can help you) and listen to the sound - does it sound harsh or powerful and resonant? It's possible to play very loudly while feeling and looking like it barely takes any effort, and this also gives you more control over the sound and the phrasing.

I only but a lot of force on the loud notes because I liked the look and style of it, and my teacher didn't really focus on that so I just stuck to it, I guess it's not really a good thing. I know about dropping my weight but I only really did that for the last, maybe 2 notes, and it didn't really come out the way I imagined it.

[fignewton]

I really enjoyed your performance! My only suggestion is on the octaves in the A major section, maybe a more legato fingering involving more 4th finger if it is not too uncomfortable. I also find it's interesting to practice that section pianissimo and holding the inner notes for their full values.

[dw4rn]

Very convincing performance! No need for harsh comments..
You are clearly very talented, AND you are telling an exciting story with this piece, which I think is the most important thing.
- I think you could use longer pedals in places, for example from bar 82 and onwards.
- It seems that your shoulders go up a little bit in the coda. Do you feel tense there? You're doing fine already, but maybe go back and practice that bit slowly, lightly and piano focussing on relaxed shoulders and free arms.