Same old, same old

[pianobabe56]

I know ya'll are terribly sick of this, but I really would appreciate an answer. I have been working on the 3rd movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, and Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu since July (i know, i know.. some of the most horribly overplayed pieces known to man- i'm going to choose better repertoire for next year), and I've polished them up for my adjudications and competitions.

I recently stumbled across a score for La Campanella, and I find it beautiful. Also, all the things that I've heard about it have peaked my curiosity, and I HONESTLY want to know if it's something that I should even tackle. If I'm going to play this at all, I want to be able to do it justice.

[pskim]

To be really honest, nobody knows yourself better than yourself and your teacher.  We really can't say that you should tackle La Campanella or not.  You really have to be the judge of that.  But from what you are working on now since July, La Campanella I think is a little out of reach right now.

If you really want to play it, go right ahead.  Then you will find out if you are ready for it or not.  There are lots of people in this forum asking the members if they should play this or that.  If you want to play something, play.  You really don't need other people's opinion whether you should play or not.   You'll find that out once you read through the score.  Good luck.

[Brian Healey]

I agree with pskim. Ask yourself if you want to play La Campanella or not. Don't base your decision on other people's opinions. La Campanella is quickly taking it's place among the ranks of other "overplayed" repertoire, and for every person who plays it well there are countless others who butcher it. And lots of pianists seem to think it's a piece they MUST play in order to validate themselves. I say don't bother with it unless, after hearing it, you feel you have a personal connection with the piece.

If you do decide to tackle this piece, then take into consideration that it's a piece that's not very hard to learn (in terms of parts/memorization), but unbelievably difficult to truly master and play with musicality. I've only heard a handful of recordings of this piece that that really do it justice.

Just don't feel that you MUST learn it. There are plenty of other pieces that are just as beautiful and every bit as rewarding. I'm not trying to discourage you, but just advising you that you should play the music that speaks to you.


Peace,
Bri

[Bob]

Just try playing through it.  You can also take a look at the technical aspects and discover if you have the technique for that.  If you don't play the piece now, just that much can be useful.  You've taken a closer look a a staple in the piano repertoire and you have a technical goal on the horizon to strive for.

As far as overplayed goes, the pieces are new to you aren't they?  Not everyone has heard them.  If a piece is "overplayed" then people will expect you know it well too.  Kind of a funny situation -- Don't play it because everyone does, but you should know all about it because everyone plays it.  If you like it, play it.  These are still quality piano pieces that have risen to the top over the years. 

[pianobabe56]

I really do love La Campanella- I find it beautiful and something that I will definitely get around to learning sometime in the future. My main concerns about it are technique-wise.. how far above Fantasie Impromptu and the Beethoven do YOU PERSONALLY consider it. I understand that my teacher and i will be the ultimate judges of my ability to play this piece, but I'm asking for your honest opinions, which will be a huge help to me when I finally make my decision.

thank you all so much for your replies!

[willcowskitz]

WHY don't you just listen to it while flapping through the pages of the score, remember which parts seemed to be most taxing and then play them yourself. If your hands have the flexibility and technique required for those parts, you'll probably be alright, and if you encounter a problem, chop it into smaller bits thinking "what exactly makes this so difficult" until you get to the level where you can metaprogram yourself to master it. In terms of musicality this piece is very straight-forward, which would also apply to Moonlight sonata's 3rd movement and the cute impromptu by Chopin, but that's all I can say about their relative difficulty. Liszt's music is often very technical and in order to play it well, the biggest concern is to not allow lack of technical skills contrast with the flamboyant impressions that the music evokes. To play it well, you must be play it better than well.

[steinwayguy]

If there's a will there's a way.

Especially if you have a good teacher.

[pianobabe56]

Okay, thank you! I will take all of that into account! (I really do appreciate your replies! They are a big help!)