Chopin - Prelude no.19 from op.28

[robert]

According to my view, one of most tricky and least forgiving preludes out of Chopin's preludes in op.28. The study in jumps.
Me and this prelude has finally made friends. I have accepted it and it has accepted me (I hope  ).

[Teddybear]

Methinks not bad at all. I'd like to hear more bass, a little less dry sound and a spoonful of passion (it's a bit too careful for my taste).

T

[bachmaninov]

I agree with Teddybear.

It's well done, but it lacks style. Add some nuances to make it more interesting. Bring out some of the bass notes so that the melody doesn't get dull.

That's all though, It was good!

[quasimodo]

Well I wouldn't agree with teddy and bachmaninov but the thing is that it's a little bit slow (don't take it bad, as far as I'm concerned I am not capable to play it half your speed). If you manage to increase your tempo by 30% and keep your nice articulation, the rendering would be just perfect.

You should play it attaca with Op.28 N.20, the musical effect is gorgeous (each prelude of the Op.28 is the prelude of the following one).

[robert]

Thanks for your nice responses.

Bringing out the melody and nuances in this prelude is very difficult due to the large jumps in both hands in opposite directions. You can very easy get too loud or miss keys. Also, I think it is a prelude that sweeps in and sweeps out. Just like a nice feeling or thought soo articluation should not be overused.

I would change a couple of things if I was to make another recording. I would also like to increase the speed (compare to most professional recordings and you will notice quite some difference) if it was possible and I think it is but would keep me busy for quite some time. In general, people commenting on my playing say that I have a soft touch.

Playing this prelude for someone who does not understand it and does not see your hands is perhaps the most impossible there is as it does not sound hard at all. The direct opposite to a "show off" piece .

[exigence]

Four days late, I know, but I don't care. 

I don't necessarily think the bass needs to be more pronounced, but I definitely agree that it sounds a little too "cookie cutter"-ish.  Technically, though, I thought it was quite well done.

Oh, and if you're scared of going for personality and losing accuracy in the process, might I remind you of something from the music quotes thread on this site:

"I must tell you I take terrible risks. Because my playing is very clear, when I make a mistake you hear it. If you want me to play only the notes without any specific dynamics, I will never make one mistake. Never be afraid to dare."
-Horowitz

(fwiw, I agree with your idea on what a "prelude" is, but if it were me, I'd still add just a litttttle bit in terms of style.)

Anyway, yeah, you're not Horowitz, but we're all still musicians.  Just my $.02, your mileage may, and will, vary.

[ajw400]

Robert, I play this piece and can identify with you on how difficult it really is. I met a guy at the cliburn this year that recently played all of the chopin preludes *except* for this one because it was too technically difficult (!)

I think your performance is definitely an accomplishment, and would commend you for some very fine and accurate playing.

Anyway, I'm working up for my first performance of the complete preludes scheduled for Sept. 15. In practicing this piece, the most effective way to increse the ease of execution is to practice each hand separately with *ONE FINGER*! This will teach your arm how to get you to the right place consistently. Also, the arm should move laterally from the back of the shoulder blade and move as a unit, with the wrist always exactly in line. This may sound more difficult, but it is honestly the only way to play. I think this would change your sound considerably too! Maybe also one of the reasons you find it difficult is because you do not clearly distinguish between the important notes and the unimportant ones - harmonically as well as rhythmically.

Just some thoughts.....