Is it worth learning Concerti?

[IanT]

As an amateur pianist I really don't stand a chance of being able to perform a concerto with an orchestra.  Given this, do you think it's worth learning any?

By learning, I mean getting the work ready for performance - I do read through a few concerti for myself.

Ian

[pianonut]

how do you know that you don't stand a chance.  persistence pays off, even if you end up being 55 when you first perform a concerto.  who cares!  that's what i say.  i'm 43 and have the same goal.  you'd have to shoot me in the head before that dream would disappear.  i've heard many good pianists (because of tight schedules) poorly perform concertos (secure but not as musical as i would like).  what if you have it under your belt for three years or something?  you might just perform at a level people would be pleased to listen to.

[invisible]

(pianonut, you inspire me  )

[pianonut]

ps plus it improves endurance, sight-reading, playing with another piano or orchestra (you can buy music minus one or make a tape of the second part).  why let virtuosos have all the fun.  music isn't for the elite.  it's for people who love it and just want to have fun, too.  you can perform, if you feel uncomfortable with large orchestras, with highschool orchestras, or community college.  imagine that would help them, also.

[pianonut]

dear invisible,  i'm glad to help.  over the years i've wondered what it is that makes music so addicting.  i don't want to perform for the applause or the adulation. i just want music to be heard.  for it to be available to the 'average' person who wants to hear a piano concerto (even if it isn't perfect) and not have to pay $250. for a good seat.

of course, the philadelphia symphony is worth the high ticket price, considering costs and everything to get good performers.  but, what if the neighborhood is looking for a good time (say fourth of july) and you play gershwin for them free.  you get to play.  they get to listen.  what can you lose.  free advertising.

[apion]

Oftentimes, a composer will place his most inspired, challenging, and emotionally deep music into his concerti.  On that basis alone, I think you should learn piano concerti -- even if it's just for fun.

[IanT]

Well, I guess you're all right - and thanks for the replies!

I've tried those 'Music minus One' things - I always find the conductors so inflexible ;-)

Ian

[apion]

Well, I guess you're all right - and thanks for the replies!

I've tried those 'Music minus One' things - I always find the conductors so inflexible ;-)

Ian

Some of the Music Minus One CDs can be acceptable.  It certainly is a rush if you're able to keep up with the conductor!

[BoliverAllmon]

school symphonies are always looking for cheap soloists to play with. If you can play well and don't charge much at all, then you can definately play one somewhere.

boliver

[SDL]

I never thought the dream would come true either because even at Uni you are competing against others that want 1 of 2 spots available for concerti - any instrument -  in the year - but then I was offered a Mozart Concerto K414.  But concerti are my passion and you could like me, while you are waiting for the next/first opportunity use the minus one series.  Ive got the Rach Pagannini at home but not yet tried it.  All you need is a cd player with some speakers then play along with the orchestra.  Pick them carefully though is my advice on the minus one.  For example I learnt Schumann Am concerto a while ago but its so difficult to get together with the orchestra and the tempi varies so much esp 1st movement.  So Ive not picked this minus one version.  There are 2 cds with some of them - 1 at speed with orchestra and piano, another version with orchestra minus one (thats where you come in!) And then theres one with 25% slower for you to practice with the orchestra.

If anyone has got any minus one can you tell us all whats good and what isnt.  Ive listen to snippets of various - I thought Rach 3 was ok, and Beethoven 1 for example.

[hodi]

IMO there is no point in learning piano concerto if u can't play it with orchestra because they meant to be played with an orchestra, without an orchestra they sound so empty and dull.
also, the most difficult thing about piano concertos is timing yourself with the orchestra

[pianonut]

you have to start somewhere.  duets are ok, but you're right about the thrill of it being quite spontaneous and not according to preset tempos.  at least you can get the idea of the piece and go on from there.