I like this thread very much but if I may I would like to ask a question or two, as I don't feel as though I have enough knowledge right now to speak after reading this thread. I quickly say that while I play (not well obviously, but adequite) several instruments, the substantial gifts are as a pianist, operatic tenor, and the possessor of two not so common ears as well as the appropriate intelligences to match.....obviously not a speller. So the point is that I am not formally educated in music (yet, as I may commit to the operatic stage) even though my piano teacher was in the lineage of Ludwig, I really learned much on my own accord; the operatic world is far different however as I am a part of it in various ways being very fortunate to be close to some of the greatest artists of last century. Therefore, qualitative areas of music such as meaning or the tones themselves regarding their effect and intended effect, I understand much from my expierences....quantitative areas such as structure, terms, complex theory, biographies, etc I know little. So I wanted to admidt this as I am not ashamed that I have much to learn, that I am seeking to learn. So if I appear like a 2 yr old in one area, that is because for that area, I am just that.....but I am still wise enough to know that 2yr olds should not be answering questions, they should be asking them. And of course, I have areas where I'm far older than 31. And lastly, please know that if anything comes off as being arrogant, nasty, etc, that is most certainly not my intention....the drama in my writting gets me into trouble if I dont make this qualification because the truth is that I'm very excited that I may finaly be able to have conversations about music that I've always wanted to have but never have found more knowledgable people (Opera obviously not included) who I could chat with in so long, but what really excites me is that I have never been able to speak to the "they" and "them" group in the would of music. Now, I am trying to be light hearted, not fecicious, for for 31 years I have either heard or said comments like "They say that Beethoven is greater than Tchaik" or "They say that Verdi's Otello is the greatest opera." This obviously must be taken with a grain of salt because it ultimately connotates that the musical opinion of people like myself is of little value without formal education, therefore since I can't understand classical music anyway, I might as well stick to pop because I would at least be able to understand it.....and the flip side of that coin is that "they" see music in such a structural and literary manner having forgotton that music is to be listened to rather than read, that "they" are better off not listening to classical music either for fear of arrousing an emotion that is free of structure. I mean it's so propostorous you can only laugh, but there are people who either really are missing the boat with music in that there are far greater examples of genius than Spears, just as there are music snobs.....and they're not equal....undstanding classical music brings a higher level of understanding to life...the snob should no better if he/she can actually hear.
Anyway, ok right to the question. I play piano for me, so I play what I like best, and that is Chopin & Beethoven (Sonatas only). I play what speaks to me, those peices where I feel as though I understand what the piano is saying (for Chopin, I'll use the word singing instead) Now I've been playing chopin for 25 yrs, and while I have heard what "They" say about Tchaik, or Puccini (well, that is becomming what "They" said about the latter), I have never heard anything other than "They say that Chopin is the foremost composer for the piano." So I'm not arguing here, like I said, I am wise enough to shut up for now and ask why because I've never heard that before. In my opinion right now, I can't see how Beethoven would be considered the greater composer FOR THE PIANO.......actually thats not true, I can see how, on scales of structure, form, refinement, but I would just ask that outweighs the assets of Chopin.....a large part will be due to the period, but that works both ways.....but his works just as melodious, his textures, harmonies, are more colorful, more prodigous, certainly not savage, not without purpose and not without great effect (and u know what examples I speak of so why waste time). Structure itself was changing due to the verrisimo movement in Italian Opera as the bounderies between sections in opera were being torn down in favor of continious flow of music. This found its way into his music. Tied all together I would just say that Chopin music showcased the piano better & thru which of course, his compositions have more 'piano' in them telling this story, more colors/shades/emotions....the melodic gift was great, as great, or greater, his harmonic gift to me is unparralleled on the instrument.....the repit. is large, containing masterpeice works with all the above in addition to huge demands on the artist from his prodigious ideas, effects......and in these works Etude 25/11 A minor for example, these effects have purpose (and I dont mean the fact that the right hand is a study, I mean that the sound of the whole when played to speed is incredible & genius) So remember I'm not saying what I've said is true....I'm asking if I am wrong.
I must say, that years ago when I fell in love with opera, all I cared about was how the music sounded. Now, after studying Puccini, I understand how his rigid structure and adherence to the action on stage, and a million other perfectionist details make such a difference.....u can't compair Mascagni to Puccini, regardless of how beautiful Cav Rust....The fact that all 3 acts of Tosca begin on a variation of Scarpia's bars (first 5 chords of the opera) means so much to me know in how it ties 3 acts together etc. But in piano compositions, I dont appreciate structure yet, as an example,.....I don't know how to.....but because I discovered in my own studies its tremendous effect in opera, I know, I may be wrong......but I still am asking because I have never heard anything else said of Chopin than he was the greatest composer of works for the piano, greatest piano composer....same thing.....is that not true?
Topic: Beethoven keyboard music or Chopin keyboard music?