Welcome to the General Discussion Room for the AB Forum Recital 14!!!

Please utilize this room for any discussion of the pieces in Recital 14 that is taking place in the Main Recital Thread.

Discussions and replies can be posted at-will. Feel free to comment on any or all individual pieces. Some members offer comments on each submission individually; others offer general congratulations. Either approach is fine. Feel free to offer more specific, technical feedback if the participant had indicated that technical feedback was welcome.

For those who wish to comment on all pieces, a copy and paste template for offering feedback can be found here:

Recital 14 Response Template

Please use this thread only to discuss recital performances. If you have any comments or suggestions about ways to make the recital process better, please start a separate thread.

I just listen to all the pieces and... no I'm just kidding. Congratulation to all participants and a big thanks to Monica and Mahlzeit.

Serge

Schubert Impromptu Op 90 No 4 played by Babama - a very impressive performance. The right hand is very clear and even. Excellent pedaling too. Very good tempo, dynamics, and phrasing. I am listing to your piece again. Thank you for sharing.

Yaaayy! I big chunk of piano music! Just what I need! I'm downloading it all! Thanks to everyone who's hard work made this happen!

A big thanks to everyone who made this recital possible. And congrats to everyone who participated. Can't wait to listen to all of them. *goes to download them*

Um... I just realized that, in my rush to swap out a better recording at the very last minute, I messed up my mp3 file. I managed to fix everything except the streaming player, so if you're listening to the recital on it (rather than downloading the zip files or clicking on the direct link), my piece cuts off abruptly at 1:30 minutes. I'd hate to deprive *anybody* here of all the Einaudi they deserve (especially John Frank), so if you're listening to the streaming player, when you get to my piece you may want to click on the direct link (which I fixed to send you to the full mp3 recording).

[slinks away very embarrassed]

01—AnthonyB: This is one of Einaudi’s most unusual and minimalistic pieces. To make it sound good it needs to be played delicately with a precise rhythm, and you do that perfectly. What the others can’t tell from your recording is that you pull this off DESPITE your nephew playing noisily with trains just a few feet away.
02 – Jazzyprof: I wasn’t familiar with this piece, but I like it. You give it a nice lilting poignancy, and I sure didn’t hear any of the bloopers you say are in there.
03 – epf: I wasn’t familiar with this piece, either, but it’s quite a bit jauntier than the Brahms, and you convey very well the feeling of blessed spirits dancing.
04 – rustyfingers: That was indeed short, but very sweet! Like you, I’ve gained a real appreciation for Grieg through listening to the recitals.
05 – CarlMc: Great job with improvising an old standard, Carl. I could listen to this for hours while sipping a mint julep or three on a porch swing on a warm summer evening.
06 – tekkie: I remember being impressed by O’Halloran’s music when somebody played it in the last recital, and I swore that I would get the sheet music and learn it myself. But I never got around to it, although after hearing this beautiful piece I will once again renew my vow to learn some of his work.
07 – riddler: I do enjoy these jazzy ensemble pieces you put together, riddler. This one is worth a mint julep or two of its own.
08 – dannylux: I can always count on you to contribute a beautiful if somewhat obscure piece, and this one sounds as challenging as the others with all the trills involved. I really liked the part about halfway through where you’re playing all those delicate high notes.
09 – Ode2Joy: I’m not a big fan of Bach myself, but I remain, as always, very impressed by those of you who can PLAY Bach, because all those voices going on at a nonstop pace is very intimidating to me.
10 – Ken: Those two pieces go very well together; I wouldn’t have known they were a medley if you hadn’t told me. Well done!
11 – Ejay: You play beautifully for having only 3 months experience! I particularly liked the “Fairies Harp”; you have the arpeggios sounding very harp-like indeed.
12 – Homeinmyshoes: I’m not familiar with this Satie piece, although I am well aware of his penchant for omitting measure lines from the Gnossiennes. You play this with a nice, contemplative air.
13 – SamSmith: Your “old fingers” sound pretty darned fast to me!! Once again I’m in awe of the folks who can play Bach well.

Well, the noise issue was on the version on youtube. The other take was recorded without the nephew around so it wasn't so noisy. That one was just hastily recorded to fix a few missing notes that I had just discovered (with only a few minutes left before the recital opened for submissions. Of course, I discovered I wasn't playing the ending properly after I submitted but I liked my #1 too much to worry about it.

I'm going to try and work out some comments this time around. We'll see how it goes.

This is my first attempt at writing out some comments for all the pieces. We'll see how far I can make it.
01. AnthonyB - Una Mattina:
I may be slightly biased, but I quite liked it!


02. jazzyprof - Intermezzo op.118 #2: It was quite a race with my submission for the #1 spot. No sooner than I got around to clicking the link to return to the home page after submitting, this was already at #2.
I'm not terribly familiar with classical piano pieces but it sounded great to me. Quite a long piece yet it could have kept going and I wouldn't have cared.

03. epf - Andante from Orpheo ed Euridice: Great but alas, my spirit isn't keen on dancing. It certainly isn't for your lack of skill at playing, however.

04. rustyfingers - Arietta (8 Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1): The piece may be short but it turned out very sweet. Proof that bigger isn't always better.

05. Carl Mc – Summertime.reflection: Nicely played. I'm a fan of slow and thoughtful stuff.

06. tekkie - Opus #9: I actually have two of his sheet music books but I've only learned one short piece from them so far (Opus 36). I can't say Opus 9 is my favorite but it's much better than I could do if I tried!

07. Riddler (Ed) – Tenderly: I actually don't mind songs with accompaniment as it can be a nice breath of fresh air when listening to all the pieces. Sounded pretty tender to me.

08. dannylux / Mel - Nazareth: Confidences: That's a nice piece. Thanks for description of the piece. I had a great time reading that then listening and anticipating all the different sections.

(I've listened through the first zip file and will continue on tomorrow.)

I always like to get feedback myself and I've been bad about making comments for the last few recitals, so here goes my attempt at good ABF citizenship...

62. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - Reverie
I started listening here with Debussy. Reverie is one of my favorite pieces. I look forward to being able to play this some day. It's very moving. You did a good job.

63. b528nf7 (Bill) - Now Is The Hour
Especially when I'm set up to expect an instrumental solo, vocals seem so haunting when they come in. Nice job.

64. z32/Ben - Cloud Smiles
Nice dynamic contrasts.

65. Starting Over - Grande Valse brillante / F. Chopin Op 34, No. 2
Beautiful job! Did I detect some Gouldian muttering/humming/breathing along with the playing?

66. WJ3/Walt - Let It Be
Well played.

67. Monica K. - In un'altra vita (LaScala variation)
The new recording and playing turned out wonderfully. Sorry to take your final position slot! I'm fairly absorbed in my own world of intermediate classical piano standards, but I should give this Einaudi fellow some more attention, shouldn't I? Seven and a half minutes of sustained music amazes me too as I don't get much longer than 3-4 minutes in my pieces so far. Good job and thanks for all the work you do for the recitals!

68. cscl - Waltz in a minor (op. post.), Chopin
Cringeworthy! Smoothness between sections is coming together in general (you should have heard me a week ago!), but this was a very rough take at the absolute last minute (and I'm a regular ABF recital closer). If anyone has any suggestions, they would be helpful as I keep working on this piece. It's the most difficult piece I've played so far, hands down. My apologies for all the fits and starts with trills and ornaments!

01. AnthonyB - Una Mattina
Another chance for me to be exposed to the Einaudi movement in the ABF. Nicely done. I enjoyed listening to the piece.

02. jazzyprof - Intermezzo op.118 #2
Brahms and Schubert are two I've only listened to in small doses so far. I should listen to more of both. Thanks for this. Well played.

03. epf - Andante from Orpheo ed Euridice
Good work. It's nice to hear some works from earlier periods in the ABF recitals. Checked out the video as well.

04. rustyfingers - Arietta (8 Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1)
Grieg is awesome. I played Op. 12, No. 2 last fall for my recital and it's one of my favorite pieces. This one is very nice as well. Good job!

I'm getting through them. Beautiful. Really beautiful. Just one comment to make right now:

@GregF: best of luck on the recital. You sound in good form for it.

First set of comments, more later...

01. AnthonyB - Una Mattina - Sounds great ! Amazing you're playing like that after just a little over a year. Great job.

07. Riddler (Ed) - Tenderly - I almost did this tune for my submission and man am I glad I didn't after hearing this one. What a great full sound with the backing tracks. Nice improv too. Great job.

08. dannylux / Mel - Nazareth: Confidences - you always choose such interesting music, well done. Seems like a flawless performance to me. That you were letting your heart guide the rhythm, and your use of rubato, came through wonderfully. Great job !

15. Mr Super-Hunky - True Story - I'm really impressed. Very fluid, subtle yet effective dynamics and clearly someone playing with passion for the music. And a very nice job learning this by ear !

23. GregF - Hey Jude - Nice little arrangement you did there ! You had a great smoothness to your left hand in the first section. Well played !

24. mahlzeit - Quick Improv - Nice job. You always have such a great knack for melody. Even for something with as you say "a really simple theme" it holds the interest quite well.

25. Serge88 - Hey Jude - Nice playing. You kept a good pace all the way through, brought out the melody nicely - even in that section with the melody in the left hand and played with some very nice phrasing and dynamics. And thanks for exposing us to a nice arrangement of this classic

30. Mar_red - Autumn Leaves - You are doing amazing for playing only a couple of years ! The split keyboard thing you used was a bit disturbing with the way it put the cymbals in there, but overall it was a great effect. Your improv was very tasteful. I really liked that you kept the improv around the melody. Often times as people get better at improv they tend to forget how beautiful the improv can be when it retains a strong bit of the melody.

43. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - Some Day My Prince Will Come - I'm so used to hearing jazz versions of this that it was a nice surprise to hear this done in a beautiful ballad style. Very well played, very little in the way of rough edges there.

45. jotur - Cathy Turner - San Antonio Rose - I always look forward to your pieces and this one did not disappoint. What a great feel you gave this. Nice work on the connecting bass lines, simple and effective. You did just great with the improv too. Nice job !

47. Seaside_Lee - As Long as He/She needs me - What a great sweet and tender beginning, and a very nice build to a dramatic finish. Another flawless Seaside performance. LAST RECITAL ?! Say it ain't so !

49. Copper - You Don't Bring Me Flowers - You may think you are "such a beginner", but I thought that was a really nice interpretation. Plus I've always got a soft spot for those playing from a fakebook or by ear. Not only are you learning the song but creating an arrangement. This is a good reminder of how beautiful a simple approach can be. Well done.

66. WJ3/Walt - Let It Be - You can't go wrong with a Beatles tune, good job.

It couldn't of happened to a nicer person...jk...nice job

Well, it was very embarrassing. I still don't know how my mp3 file got messed up in the first place... I simply exported it the way I always do in Audacity/Lame.

But mahlzeit, the sweetheart , fixed things with the streaming player so now I'm good to go.

Moral: Next time, DON'T be recording with less than an hour to the recital deadline!

It's a good day, you learned something...

Huge thanks to Monica, Mahlzeit & Copper (and anyone else I forget) for putting on these Recitals
It's great for us to have an outlet such as this to express ourselves and show our progression thorugh out journey! Congratulations to all those who participated. OK off to listen and begin my comments..

Thanks! Tonight is the night for the live performances. Our recital has two blocks of performances, and I do the prelude music before both. I'll post a write up later this weekend.

GregF

1st round of comments (still going through and enjoying every min!)

01. AnthonyB - Una Mattina
Very flowing, loved the progression and the overall tempo/feeling, great job. 1yr 4mths = wow keep up the great work. This piece reminds me of the type of music I hear playing as a background to great movie/TV tracks/scenes.

02. jazzyprof - Intermezzo op.118 #2
Very nice piece Jazzy, and heck anyone who can play for almost 7mins I'm in awe at. My last recital piece was 5.5m long and it almost killed me

03. epf - Andante from Orpheo ed Euridice
Loved it, very peaceful with great dynamics. Where in SoCal are you?

04. rustyfingers - Arietta (8 Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1)
Nothing "rusty" about those fingers, very nice piece. I love the sound of your (I'm guessing older) piano..

05. Carl Mc - Summertime.reflection
Good god I love the sound of your Schimmel! I'm not a huge fan of opera (in general) but I very much did enjoy listening to the dynamics and range of this piece, great work!

06. tekkie - Opus #9
OMG beautiful, what piano did you use? sounded awesome.

07. Riddler (Ed) - Tenderly
Excellent work, my mind was wondering into various movie scenes and I could almost picture the jazz club scene with the men in white suits and the ladies in their 50s dresses, arm gloves and cigarettes sticking out of the long holders.. Great work!

08. dannylux / Mel - Nazareth: Confidences
Very enjoyable to listen to and wow, another +5min piece!

09. Ode2Joy - Two Part Invention in F major, No 8
WOW! As others have pointed out, Bach is not easy (not for me at my level yet) but this piece was played very well and was a pleasure to listen to, great work! I can your in Pasadena, we're going to have to get all the SoCal folks together for a party for sure. I've got plenty of room @ my place but I live East of the 605 which is a dead zone isn't it

10. Ken. - Medley: Soldiers' March, Op.68 No.2 & 12 Easy Pieces, No.2
Great work Ben and you can certainly not tell you've only been playing for such a short time, keep it up!

11. Ejay - FairiesHarp(Thompson)& Little Sonata (Wilton)Ist Movement
Are you kidding me1?! 3mths (jaw hits floor) excellent work and just keep doing what you're doing.

12. HomeInMyShoes - 1er Prélude du Nazaréen
Another +5m piece, beautifully played, great dynamics, great sound, really flowed...

13. Sam Smith - Prelude 21 from WTC #1
I only hope one day I can play Bach like you and the others, brilliant!!

14. TrueBeginner - Trip To Venice ( Voyage A Venice )
Beautiful piece! You're about 5mths ahead of me (in learning) and you sound amazing! I simply love the dynamics and rolls early on it..

15. Mr Super-Hunky - True Story
Amazing stuff Hunky! You never fail to deliver and it's always a joy to listen to your music.

16. Peyton - Tear My Stillhouse Down
wOw slow down there tiger (jk) One day I hope to be able to play as good as you but sing at the same time? That's going to take some work, bloody brilliant mate!

17. Schubertian - Allegretto D. 915
Another +5m piece, beautifully played..

18. Lisztener - If You Go Away
I always enjoy listening to your recitals pieces, again, I was not disappointed, very nicely done!

19. GreenRain - Sonata Op. 35, 3rd mvt, Marche funebre
8m! You're right it's a little "basey" but the overall piece is very striking and quite affirmative, almost authoritative.

20. JeanieA - Suicide is Painless
Lovely sounded instrument, what was the show (Mash?) whatever it was it's in my head now and I can't get it out (lol) great job!

Well, I've gotten to #16, and so far there's a lot of great stuff here! I'm on dial-up, so I've gotta download before I can listen because the streaming player only plays for me a piece at a time, but I've just gotta say, Peyton!!!!"Tear My Stillhouse Down" rocks!

01. AnthonyB

Amazing! I can't beleive that you have been playing only for a little over a year, good job!

02. jazzyprof - Intermezzo op.118 #2

Amazing performance! Clean and with emotions! I also fell in love with this piece... I might learn it this summer...

09
Performer's name: Ode2Joy

Very nice! One of my favorite Bach's pieces. Short, but beautiful.

12. HomeInMyShoes - 1er Prélude du Nazaréen

Good job! I have really enjoyed your playing.

Babama, you did an amazing job! Very good interpretation.

I have just listened to the first 40 pieces, and I gotta say I'm in awe. It's full of good and healthy stuff! I've enjoyed each and everyone of them. Once I've downloaded all of them, they're going to my mp3 player.

01. AnthonyB - Una Mattina Whatever people say about Einaudi, it was beautiful. And a nice view out the window in the video. Well played AnthonyB.

02. jazzyprof - Intermezzo op.118 #2 Brahms, eh? I'll have to put that on the list of wish I could plays. Very nice.

03. epf - Andante from Orpheo ed Euridice Was the hamburger as tasty as your playing?

04. rustyfingers - Arietta (8 Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1) Lovely. I obviously missed reading previous recital entries and the stipluation to include what we ate.

05. Carl Mc - Summertime.reflection Nice take on Gershwin's piece. Some really nice mood created.

06. tekkie - Opus #9 Nice mood here. Well played.

07. Riddler (Ed) - Tenderly Smooth. You need to give some props to the bandmates behind you. Nice phrasing in the improv. Really nice.

08. dannylux / Mel - Nazareth: Confidences I have to agree with the liberal use of rubato for feeling in this music. Gives it a very nice, almost swinging feel, with exaggerated ballroom-like drama. Nice.

09. Ode2Joy - Two Part Invention in F major, No 8 Nice articulation Monica. Smoothies for Bach. I'll have to try that. I dream of playing Bach that well.

10. Ken. - Medley: Soldiers' March, Op.68 No.2 & 12 Easy Pieces, No.2 These fit together really nicely Ken.

11. Ejay - FairiesHarp(Thompson)& Little Sonata (Wilton)Ist Movement I know Fairies Harp all too well, having learned from that book as well and now getting my wife through it. Good feel in the hands and nice tonal variations in both pieces.

13. Sam Smith - Prelude 21 from WTC #1 Thumbs up. The fingers go plenty fast. Nicely done.

14. TrueBeginner - Trip To Venice ( Voyage A Venice ) Nice piece. And great work for only a year behind the piano. Just don't cut the recording at the end, let the piano's resonance finish off.

15. Mr Super-Hunky - True Story Nice phrasing. I am jealous of the ear-playing ability.

16. Peyton - Tear My Stillhouse Down It was worth the wait. Well worth the wait. Can you visit St. John's and give me some blues piano lessons?

17. Schubertian - Allegretto D. 915 I am so unfamiliar with Schubert's music. I really liked the descending passages.

18. Lisztener - If You Go Away I can really hear a joy of this music in your playing. A very thoughtful interpretation.

19. GreenRain - Sonata Op. 35, 3rd mvt, Marche funebre Nice stuff. You are never ceasing to amaze me with how quickly you put together such convincing performances of pieces. Whatever secret food you are eating, we want to know.

20. JeanieA - Suicide is Painless I loved that show. I'm glad you survived the fever to get a recording in for us. I enjoyed it a lot.

21. Coolkid70 - Visions Vugitives #1 I had to listen twice. I'll probably need to listen a few more times. Very interesting piece. Nicely played.

22. Euphonatrix - Album for the Young, No. 21 - *** (untitled) Schumann really is one of my favourite composers these days. I love those pieces we return to. They change, they evolve. I will have to look at op. 68 at some point. Thanks for sharing your current interpretation.

23. GregF - Hey Jude Best of luck at the recital (which might have happened prior to me getting through all the pieces). You sound in good form.

24. mahlzeit - Quick Improv Beautiful improvisation.

25. Serge88 - Hey Jude Very enjoyable. I thought a couple of the pick-up notes were a bit awkward in a place or two, but it was very enjoyable.

26. babama - Impromptu Op. 90 No. 4 Cripes. That's all I can say. Cripes. Some day for me, maybe. Some wonderfully expressive passages and great playing all-around. Don't cut the recording off too soon.

27. ohitpro (Tom) - Harmony of the Angels - Op 100 No 21 Quite a challenging piece. Nicely done.

28. Gary001 - Tune in G Beautiful. Very sweetly played. The Clementi I'm working on is giving me fits for getting it to not sound clunky. This was very nice.

29. TTigg - Wonderland Wonderful is a good description for your recording.

30. Mar_red - Autumn Leaves Put a smile on my face. A song I can always listen to. Fun rendition and nice improvisation.

31. ab-ster - Chopin Nocturne No. 20 in C sharp minor Brilliant. Those accelerating runs are not to be trifled with and they sounded pretty effortless on this end.


32. AdagioM (Michele) - Vals No. 6 from Valses Poeticos Another very pretty piece. Thanks for the beautiful rendition.

33. Pianonewb - Jesus Paid it All There's a lot of ability in that month there. Amazing to put that together out of your head.

34. Honnli / Steven - Cruel Angel's Thesis That was impressive. Sounded very difficult in places.

35. bluekeys - Inventions No. 1 and No. 8 I'm really starting to feel inadequate in my ability to play Bach. Nice.

36. Musictuary - Allegro con affetto Best of luck on your grade 5 studies. It sounds very nice. Good dynamic range.

37. joangolfing - Nocturne Nice expressive playing.

38. Always Wanted to Play Piano - I Due Fiumi Best of luck on your upcoming recital. It sounds well in hand. Really nice expressive phrasing.

39. Undone - A Bag of Rags Wow! That was fun. It's good to have stuff outside of the stuff you're supposed to be working on.

40. Euan Morrison - Comptine d'un autre ete: l'apres midi Gorgeous.

41. Eighty8 - Moonriver As overrecorded as Moon River is, I love the song. Thanks for recording this, my huckleberry friend.

42. IPHBAHN Sandy - Enchanted Waterfall That is a very nice piece. Lovely waterfalling effect in the right hand descents.

43. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - Some Day My Prince Will Come Those are some pretty small warts. Sounded very nice here.

44. flyingfroggy - Midnight Rhapsody +1 on hearing it for the first time at a recital (this one). I enjoyed it a lot.

45. jotur - Cathy Turner - San Antonio Rose I really enjoyed this Cathy. I'm a big admirer of those that can just put things together.

46. MichiKami - The Crane Lots of nice stuff in this piece as you said. Maybe a softer touch right at the end, but very nice.

47. Seaside_Lee - As Long as He/She needs me How long does it take you to work out things by ear? It sounds effortless.

48. Greywullf - Goodness, Faithfulness, Peace I am in awe of the compositional skills here. Thank you for sharing this.

49. Copper - You Don't Bring Me Flowers It's still nice.

50. 1weekPlayer - BWV Anh. 116. Minuet in G Major. Notebook for Anna Magdalena. Sounded good. A couple of tempo issues. Watch the rushing in the left hand every now and then.

51. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me Nice. You didn't sound like you were struggling much with this piece.

52. Wrenn - Star Wars Main Theme Only one chord? Sounded nice. Could use a bit more tonal variation, but nice. And it's only been three months.

53. HeirborneGroupie - Melody by Schumann The piano sounded good and the playing was nice.

54. AlexDreamer - Clementi's Sonatina N°1 - First Mouvement Far from terrible as well. I enjoyed it. I'm starting to enjoy a lot more Classical era music more.

55. Gary Schenk - Old German Dance Nice tonal variations and smooth playing.

56. pianahman / Richard - Adagio cantablile [from op.13, Sonate Pathetique] It is a beautiful piece of Classical era music. I personally struggle so much bringing out the melodies with the opposing triplets in the left hand near the 2/3rds mark. Admirable job with some tricky stuff.

57. ddh - Daniel - Pajaro Triste (Sad Bird) quiche lorraine = nice dreamy feel. I'll remember that for future reference.

58. DragonPianoPlayer - Novelette Romantique After putting together a graded pieces list, it's really nice hearing some of the composers and pieces from the studies sections. Nice right hand in the runs.

59. Deep Elem (aka Buck) - Just the Way You Are I've never been able to play a popular song and make it sound like anything really (I lose the melody). This was nice.

60. mheim - Song for Rosablanca Nice job bringing the right hand melody out and a nice light touch in the left hand.

61. Mark... - Prelude in C Major Nice. A couple of minor tempo issues. As you said there are lots of nuances in this piece. Try and work on some of the tonal variation (rise and falls) in it.

62. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - Reverie Some very nice work on some very tricky material. Could use a little work on tonal variation in some places and I'd prefer a little more pedal at the beginning.

63. b528nf7 (Bill) - Now Is The Hour It brought chills up my spine when you started singing Bill.

64. z32/Ben - Cloud Smiles Very grand. The extra heavy sustain (or reverb effect) did give it a grand hall effect which was well-suited to me.

65. Starting Over - Grande Valse brillante / F. Chopin Op 34, No. 2 Woof. Woof, woof woof. It was nice. A few tricky bits, but lots of nice phrasing.

66. WJ3/Walt - Let It Be I think your piano could use some more love. Interesting introduction and some really nice playing in parts, despite some tempo issues you mentioned.

67. Monica K. - In un'altra vita (LaScala variation) Lean Cuisine has some serious staying power. Congratulations on the by-ear playing. Nice playing.

68. cscl - Waltz in a minor (op. post.), Chopin Some tricky bits there to work out, but some nice feel in your playing. Maybe not ready for your other recital, but a good start for sure. The ad-hoc screaming in the background made me smile too. A reminder of the things all of us put up with pursuing our love of the piano. It may have been rough, but I think it's an apt finish to the recital showing how much we all strive because we love the music.

A great round of submissions everyone. Seriously. Such a range of styles, moods, interpretations. All very enjoyable. I'm sure I'll be listening to these again and again.

09. Ode2Joy - Two Part Invention in F major, No 8
I was waiting for something like that! Lively and fun, joyful yet precise. It's a nice wake-up call after several dreamy, quiet (but no less worthy!) pieces. Thank you!

I started writing comments about what I've listened to so far, but it kept coming out the same for each performance. Basically: "Wow, that's a really nice job you did, and a very nice piece, too."

For me, this recital is very inspirational, as it gives hope that with practice and experience, I might be able to sound as good as you folks do. Everyone is so smooth and expressive.

Well, back to listening.

2nd part of comments (third to follow)

21. Coolkid70 - Visions Vugitives #1
Very nicely done!

22. Euphonatrix - Album for the Young, No. 21 - *** (untitled)
Love the sound of your old Piano, nicely done.

23. GregF - Hey Jude
Can't go wrong with a Beatles song and this was a great piece, well done!

24. mahlzeit - Quick Improv
I don't have the words to describe how jealous of your composing talent I am Very nicely done and one day I hope I can do the same.

25. Serge88 - Hey Jude
Nice Zoom placement I enjoyed this version slightly more than the previous one (both were great) this one just sounded a little more clearer. It's always hard to play a melody that's sung, I think, but it sounded great!

26. babama - Impromptu Op. 90 No. 4
I almost fell off my chair when I read 20mths. OK so even with your skills obtained (and stored) as a kid, this was truly an amazing piece!!

27. ohitpro (Tom) - Harmony of the Angels - Op 100 No 21
Keep up the great work Tom! Certainly can't tell you've only been playing for a shorter time as you have..

28. Gary001 - Tune in G
Great piece Gary and for self taught you're doing incredibly well.

29. TTigg - Wonderland
Marvelous, tremendous, my favorite piece... oh wait, never mind it's me..

30. Mar_red - Autumn Leaves
Stunning! Brilliant, loved it!

31. ab-ster - Chopin Nocturne No. 20 in C sharp minor
I'm not an expert yet (may never be) so whilst there may be mistakes (technical) in there, I couldn't tell. Sounded great.

32. AdagioM (Michele) - Vals No. 6 from Valses Poeticos
Loved it! Michele

33. Pianonewb - Jesus Paid it All
With only 1mth under your belt you have the ability to memorize/read/play for 5m!? Talented for sure. With some slightly different direction and or teaching you'll be able to pull out the dynamics/voicing s and chord progressions better for your next go around.

34. Honnli / Steven - Cruel Angel's Thesis
Very nicely done, flowed and sounded great!

35. bluekeys - Inventions No. 1 and No. 8
(pat on back) for my fellow "Alfred pupil" Bach seems to be very hard from what I've seen/read/heard. Pulled it off mate, very nicely done and it sounded great "bravo" (clap) great job!

36. Musictuary - Allegro con affetto
Very enjoyable. I'm glad you mentioned in your notes about the first measure reminding you of Fur Elise, I thought I was going mad..

37. joangolfing - Nocturne
Very nicely done.

38. Always Wanted to Play Piano - I Due Fiumi
Nailed it! and you're going to be just fine for your "live" recital in June. Very enjoyable to listen to, flowed in and out of the progressions in such perfect harmony.. PS I would have taken your handle if it was available

39. Undone - A Bag of Rags
Another fellow #2 forum bud, great job, really enjoyed listening to it...

40. Euan Morrison - Comptine d'un autre ete: l'apres midi
Brilliant! Nailed it! I am going to try to attempt this one day, loved the movie also....

11. Ejay - FairiesHarp(Thompson)& Little Sonata (Wilton)Ist Movement

WOW! For the amount of experience you have (not meant as a qualifier in any negative sense), that was spectacular. It was said of the visual arts that the empty space is just as important as the filled space. I think it's true of music too. Sometimes the quiet moments are just as important as the 'loud' ones. You navigated the piece very well.

Also, the dynamics were well-thought-out, displaying the full spectrum from fortissimo to pianissimo, from slow to a tempo. Nice job!

12. HomeInMyShoes - 1er Prélude du Nazaréen

A little language note: 1er is "premier" which means first (of course)
2e is deuxième, noted with just an 'e' instead of an 'er'.
As is English, the French vary how they abbreviate ordinal numbers: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th... The French only have 2 different ways though: 1er 2e 3e 4e

As for the piece, I guess I must be an Adult Beginner listener as well as player. I didn't hear any mistakes! One of the advantages, I guess, of not having an 'ear'!!! Nice job!

conclusion comments...

41. Eighty8 - Moonriver
Love this song and you played it beautifully

42. IPHBAHN Sandy - Enchanted Waterfall
Only 4wks! very good job.

43. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - Some Day My Prince Will Come
Great work, keep it up.

44. flyingfroggy - Midnight Rhapsody
Excellent playing

45. jotur - Cathy Turner - San Antonio Rose
Enjoyed it and the "extra bits by ear" are incredible, I wish I could do that..

46. MichiKami - The Crane
Another SoCal'r (Party anyone?) Loved it although it was a little loud... My only suggestion would be to have a fixed video recording (as oppose to someone holding the camera) and then have different points of view that you can merge together using your editing SW..

47. Seaside_Lee - As Long as He/She needs me
As a fellow Brit I hope you don't stop doing these Lee, loved it, great stuff!

48. Greywullf - Goodness, Faithfulness, Peace
In total awe at your skills of composition and playing!

49. Copper - You Don't Bring Me Flowers
I do love some of this music (yeah I said it) and you nailed it! great job.

50. 1weekPlayer - BWV Anh. 116. Minuet in G Major. Notebook for Anna Magdalena.
You're doing very well for only 6mths! keep it up.

51. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me
Love FF pieces and it sounded great! good work.

52. Wrenn - Star Wars Main Theme
The oldies are the best, nicely done!

53. HeirborneGroupie - Melody by Schumann
Good job

54. AlexDreamer - Clementi's Sonatina N°1 - First Mouvement
at just over a year, great work!

55. Gary Schenk - Old German Dance
Excellent work for such a short time Gary, we're going to have to have a SoCal Party for sure!

56. pianahman / Richard - Adagio cantablile [from op.13, Sonate Pathetique]
Very enjoyable

57. ddh - Daniel - Pajaro Triste (Sad Bird)
Nothing sad about it, lovely!

58. DragonPianoPlayer - Novelette Romantique
Nicely done

59. Deep Elem (aka Buck) - Just the Way You Are
BRILLIANT!! (yes I'm a huge Billy Joel fan) and hope to someday be able to play anywhere near as good as this, my favorite so far!! (edit just listened to it again!)

60. mheim - Song for Rosablanca
Another SoCal'r, I'll say it again "when's the party?" nice work!

61. Mark... - Prelude in C Major
Fantastic recording Mark, really was beautiful to listen to, you're doing much better than you give yourself credit for!

62. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - Reverie
Enjoyed it

63. b528nf7 (Bill) - Now Is The Hour
Very well played

64. z32/Ben - Cloud Smiles
When's the party (SoCal)? nicely done indeed

65. Starting Over - Grande Valse brillante / F. Chopin Op 34, No. 2
Nicely played

66. WJ3/Walt - Let It Be
Maybe speed it up a little (intro) but it was enjoyable to listen to for sure.

67. Monica K. - In un'altra vita (LaScala variation)
I see the tip on the Video rig worked? :P Brilliant Monica and how on earth you can keep that going for over 7m is beyond me. and part of this was by ear also

68. cscl - Waltz in a minor (op. post.), Chopin
With another month to get this polished up I think you'll do just great for your recital, nice work!

A HUGE to us all for our pieces. There is so much talent at all levels of the spectrum in the ABF. Some 2mths, some 20yrs, it doesn't matter. We're able to listen, give feedback, encourage, inspire many to cross boundaries, move in different directions, challenge themselves etc etc..

We gotta get a SoCal Party going soon that's for sure.. OK now where's my medal

14. TrueBeginner - Trip To Venice ( Voyage A Venice ) I love de Senneville’s music; it’s all so romantic and beautiful. I especially liked the deep bass notes in this one.

15. Mr Super-Hunky - True Story This is the first piece you’ve played that I wasn’t familiar with the original, so I don’t know how much reflects the composer or the super-hunky flair, but I really liked this piece. I’m also extremely impressed that you figured this out by ear; I don’t know enough music theory to describe exactly what you were doing, but it sounded like there were some complex chord progressions going on.

16. Peyton - Tear My Stillhouse Down I think this song works great being more bluesy. You make all those runs sound effortless.

17. Schubertian - Allegretto D. 915 Wow! Sounds like there were some thundering octaves going on in that piece—and it sounds like it was a lot of fun to play.

18. Lisztener - If You Go Away Even if you hadn’t supplied the lyrics, I would’ve known this was a terribly sad song just by how wistfully you played it. Sad, but beautiful.

19. GreenRain - Sonata Op. 35, 3rd mvt, Marche funebre You establish an appropriately somber atmosphere with your playing. At the risk of seeming morbid, this has always been one of my favorite Chopin pieces.

20. JeanieA - Suicide is Painless Oh my gosh, your piece transported me straight back to high school when I had a *wicked* crush on Alan Alda and would play this song (I recorded it by holding a cassette player up to our television set) over and over while thinking typical gloomy adolescent thoughts.

21. Coolkid70 - Visions Vugitives #1 If I hadn’t read your submission profile, I would’ve been convinced this was a contemporary jazz piece, not a “classical” piece. I need to revisit my (obviously incorrect) conception of classical music! A beautiful piece, though so short—I wanted to hear more.

22. Euphonatrix - Album for the Young, No. 21 - *** (untitled) I appreciated hearing the background story of this very pretty piece. My guess is that the 3 asterisks were Schumann’s note to himself to go back and give the darned thing a name.

23. GregF - Hey Jude One take?! You are courageous indeed! Wish my 43rd take sounded as good as your first.

24. mahlzeit - Quick Improv The only thing I didn’t like about this was the name. I get the feel of a hopeful longing when I listen to it. Your compositional skills are very impressive, even for “just” a quick improv.