Hey everyone! Here is a video of the last 4:30 of an Etude Fantasy that I wrote. I only had one chance to record it, and I played it pretty badly, but, as you will see, some parts are extremely technically challenging (for me at least.... the last minute is incredibly physically taxing), so hopefully you will forgive the mistakes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_cpljULUGU

Any constructive critisicm would be gladly appreciated. Thanks!

I find that a very pleasing piece. It has real romantic feeling and fire in it. It might sound better with a wider range of dynamics and different pedalling, more ebb and flow perhaps, but performance considerations aren't exactly my strength at the best of times. I tend to hear the music and the intention when somebody plays his own music. You have music in you and I would rather like to hear more of it.

Sorry, accidental double post.

GOOD JOB! I ENJOYED IT!

thats actually quite hard to play techinically.
it kinda sounds messy in some parts, but i think its the video's quality.

you have a lot of octaves in there. octaves emphasize notes and add technical difficulties, but it makes the harmony less thick. thick harmony is very expressive, and i think perhaps it would be nice if you take a few breaks from the octaves and add a bit of big chords with thick harmonies.
i understand that by doing that, you might have less of a climax, but since its a fantasy, its ok if the climax is less obvious and the piece doesnt have a specific form.

i hope my comment helps.

Sam--

That is very accomplished for a 14-year-old! Bravo! You have pretty good piano technique and quite massive hands, too.

I'm not sure "theme and variations" is the best way to approach writing etudes. There were parts that I thought were predictable, especially with the circle of fifths harmonies. I know at one time all of my own compositions were drowning in circle of fifths, so it's hard to write stuff that's harmonically interesting once your head is programmed in circle of fifths.

You might want to explore different structures, starting with A-B-A sonata-allegro form. Also, experiment with different rhythms.

Good luck!

1.- Put your piano in tune.
2.- Your chair is high, if You sit lower down, You will give more ligerezza or speed
3.- Please include cadenza to put expression.

Excuse me I dont know the English very well. Good luck.
Alberto Méndez Blackaller