Here's more (working backward).


24. kawaigirl1 - Like the wind (to do)
Nicely played Kawaigirl1. I think you've been absent here awhile Glad to see you come back for this.

25. Carl Mc - Piano Sonata No. 14 OP 27/2 1st Mvt (Moonlight Sonata)
Great job on this. Very evenly played so this is a very solid baseline.

26. Triryche (Rich) - In God's Hands
You did a great job with this. Nice harmonic balance of the voices and a melody that stands out. And good rhythm.


28. Frotz (Brian) - Notturno (Op.54 No.4)
That was very good playing. The time was good. The melody rang out beautifully. I liked it a lot. The family interruptions were great! Reminds me of my home. I record only on the Digital as there would be no period of silence long enough to record

29. Monica K. - Quel Che Resta
Very nice Monica! I liked the quick tempo at least for you to demonstrate your skills which are sounding really great.

30. Copper - Air
Nicely done! Couple of hesitations which I'm sure you probably have conquered already by now. Maybe next time you'll shoot for something longer.

31. jotur/Cathy Turner - Sentimental Journey
That was fun playing Cathy! Loved it. You did a great job with it and a nice solid rhythm.

32. Eighty8 - The Summer Knows
Love this tune Eighthy8! You did a great job here. I just heard some abrubt non-legato couple of notes that perhaps could have been fingering issues. When it seems impossible to execute, it may mean there's an alternate solution. Keep at it!

33. ten left thumbs - Clair de Lune
Beautiful TLT! Not so easy either huh? Jazz/Classical. All still hard. One of these days I'm going to learn this too and then I'll have to ask you for help.

34. pianonewb - God on the Mountain
Good performance pianonewb!

35. Jillian - Morning Prelude
Jillian, beatiful work! Can you read music now? My son is 7 and will start piano soon too. Now he's learning to doodle on the piano. Great job!

36. Always Wanted to Play Piano - Sonatina Op.36 No.1 in C major - 1: Spritoso
A very nice job "Always". Rhythm wasn't as bad as your note suggested. Awareness means improvement already so you're on your way.

37. mahlzeit - "Up" Theme
That was lovely mahlzeit. Great ears to be able to transcribe it. Playing was very nice.

38. 1WeekPlayer - Minuet in F major BWV Anh 113 (Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach)
Hello 1WeekPlayer. I thought you were being too gentle and hesitant on your keyboard there. By all means add more volume to your upper notes and you're doing a great so no need to be hesitant.

39. Piano Again - Prelude and Fugue in C sharp major, Well-Tempered Clavier Book I
Wow - I wanted to hear it "again" That was very nice and the articulation was just fantastic. There's no doubt there's truth to your 22 some years of piano. Great work!

40. CMohr - Mazurka op.67 no. 3
Great beginnings here CMohr! Concentrate on evenness. I think that will be the more important early lesson. And see if you can do this yet: soften the other voices while increasing the volume of the melody note. I'm looking forward to great improvements in future recitals.

41. grotrianer - La plus que lente
What a complex piece grotrianer! And you did a lovely interpretation of this. I don't know the piece but I sensed a little too much time time wavering though so it was difficult for my mind to follow the waltz (I'm big on waltzes ).

42. Andy Mann - Manndrew - Time On My Hands
Being a big Jarrett fan, you caught my attention here. You set forth a goal that's pretty difficult for ANYONE (to sound like Jarrett) So forgetting that this is a Jarrett transcription for a moment, it sounded beautiful.

43. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - Military Polonaise Op 40. No. 1
Very complicated piece to do Mike. Great effort here. You'll have to focus on things like more legato (some parts are too abrubt) and more evenness. I know this is a very difficult piece so have a lot of guts to attack this without a teacher.

44. Euan Morrison - I'm Going to Make a Cake
Excellent playing! The first thing that stuck out immediately was how well you made the melody ring out. So that already showed good technical control. That repetitive fast beat can be a minus since it exposes minute time imperfections. They're slight but once you knock those out you'll take this to another level.


45. joangolfing - Italian Concerto (Presto movement)
I had to really read up on how you recorded this because the echo was so strong in the background. You must have had the microphone further away, is that right? Anyway, you played it well and I'm looking to that future date when you can incorporate more dynamics and a faster tempo. It shouldn't be a distant time since you are already conscious of it. It will come to you when you're less concerned about the notes

anothrer batch of 5...

06. Mr Super-Hunky - Cristofori's Dream What? Played as written!!?? Who are you and what have you done with Borris!!?? But seriously, your improv pieces are far from making you a hack. But congratulations, playing as written, (9 pages!! Sheesh!!) I assume is a personal milestone for you. You pulled it off brilliantly!! And I’m not just saying that ‘cause these are the type of pieces I gravitate towards. For what it’s worth, I do miss the arpeggios a la Mr. S-H style (I almost heard some, I think, or it was it just wishful thinking??)

07. TrueBeginner - Autumn River I am totally jealous!! (I have been attempting simple compositions without much success) Great comp and playing!! Nice touch and very touching. It has such an innocence serene feel to it.

08. Peyton - Nocturne in Bflat Minor Op.9.1 WOW!! Beautifully disturbing and disturbingly beautiful all at the same time. Even though I don’t know much about classical, I’m a sucker for these type of pieces. Great performance!! btw, is it just me, or are you growing younger? You seem to be aging backwards in your videos!! What’s your secret??

09. Sam Smith - Song Without Words, Opus 19/4 Sounds great!! Love the dynamics in this. This definitely falls in the category of pieces beyond my reach. It is obvious your several years as a kid is paying dividends now!!

10. kokomo61 - Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Adagio Cantabile Great performance!! Glad you made it to the recital despite the efforts of your iMAc to sabotage!!

It does, and not at all, I am delighted you took the time to listen and give pointers.

Were I more specifically trained, I would be happy to do likewise... for now I am the guy standing beating his hands together!

61 TTigg / Steve C - Glasgow Love Theme, David Armstrong

The piece is new to me. This is a pretty piece, and you played it very nicely.

62 steveMac - Prelude Op. 28 No. 7, Chopin

Unlike you, I don't see anything much wrong with your playing on this. Did you add reverb to it, though? Sounds a bit cavern-like or is that just me? Yes, playing Chopin is an accomplishment. Nice job.

63 DragonPianoPlayer - Prelude in E Minor (Op 28 No 4), Chopin

Lots of Chopin this time around. Nothing wrong with Chopin, mind you. Interesting dynamics and touch. That is no mean feat on a Casio digital. I have one, so I know it's not easy to get good dynamics from one. Overall wonderful job.

64 Mark . . . - Sarabande, William Gillock

Nice job. I really am not familiar with the piece, but I like what I hear. Very nice.

65 Jordy - A Brighter Day, Freda Lujan-Moss

My goodness, Freda, your first composition is quite beautiful. I would think this was a professionally composed piece if you hadn't told us otherwise. Beautiful, truly beautiful. Do you, by any chance have sheets available? I love this, and I want to play it. Excellent composing and beautiful playing as well! I am "blown away" by this one.

66 AnthonyB - Exit, Ludovico Einaudi

Is that an appropriate title for the final piece in a recital, or isn't it? I think I am becoming an Einaudi fan from listening to everyone play his work here. This is just beautiful. You have a wonderful touch for the piece. The added reverb seems appropriate for this piece, too. It's very mysterious sounding.

Yet another recital draws to a close. Thanks to everyone who made it possible from Frank to Super-Hunky to Bob Muir to mahlzeit, LaValse and Monica K. Thanks as well to everyone who played, sang, and/or composed for the recital. I have sincerely enjoyed each and every piece. I know I'll be listening to many of them again and again. Some I would like to learn, but I probably never will. Others are out of my grasp, but really fun to listen to.

Congratulations to all who participated!

41. grotrianer - La plus que lente Lovely! Very sensitive playing, a true joy to hear!

42. Andy Mann - Manndrew - Time On My Hands This was fantastic! Very nicely played. Great sound, smooth, an all-around great performance!

43. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - Military Polonaise Op 40. No. 1 Good job on a difficult piece! Sounded fun and you got the feeling of the piece down!

44. Euan Morrison - I'm Going to Make a Cake I'm not familiar with Glass - completely enjoyed listening to your wonderful playing!

45. joangolfing - Italian Concerto (Presto movement) Wow, what an undertaking! Really, really nice! The two voices, I thought, were brought out perfectly.

46. bluekeys - Invention #4 Great! I played this invention in college (30+ yrs. ago) and certainly not this well! Those trills always drove me nuts. Good job with the tempo.

47. John Frank - Leaves on the Seine Well, this was just gorgeous! From memory!?! Holy moly! Another confirmation to spur me to get into some Lanz.

48. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - Suicide Is Painless I really like Tom Roed's arrangements. Most are over my head - This was great! Love the song, really nice playing!

49. Undone - Theme from “The Unfinished Symphony” Really good job! I've always enjoyed this piece. I haven't heard anyone play this in a long time - so, it was not only refreshing, but very nicely played to boot!

50. GregF - Sleeping Through September We have a "September" CD that we take to the mountains every fall - this is definitely getting added! Just lovely playing.

51. ShiroKuro - While the Trees Sleep I really like the images this piece evokes. So beautifully played!

52. EJR (Elwyn) - "Ich ruf', zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ" [I call on Thee, Lord] BWV 639 Oh, this was "heavenly"! Really good job!

more later...

Thanks Dennis. If this type of piece appeals do a quick search on YouTube for Love Actually Piano, there are several pieces available to play (that are not on the official soundtrack). It's one of my favorite movies to boot!
- SC

Comments on some pieces picked more or less at random:

08. Peyton - Nocturne in Bflat Minor Op.9.1
Peyton, I love that Nocturne and you played it beautifully. Your control and expression are awesome.

10. kokomo61 - Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Adagio Cantabile
Kokomo, I’ve always wanted to play that piece. Wonderfully done, I liked it so much I listened several times!

17. b528nf7 (Bill) - Layla
Bill, that sudden switch to the harpsichord voice just about knocked my off my chair! Talk about surprises in music! You sure are having fun with your new piano. Another excellent performance.

25. Carl Mc - Piano Sonata No. 14 OP 27/2 1st Mvt (Moonlight Sonata)
Carl, that was superb. I learned to love that piece 60-some years ago, with my ear to the wall, listening to the guy next door play it by ear, and it never fails to captivate me. I listened to your rendition several times, and enjoyed it immensely.

27. Jazzwee - Autumn Leaves - Rhythmic Play
Jazzwee, that was fascinating from beginning to end. All that rhythmic tension and release – so cool. I can’t begin to play complex rhythmic stuff, though I like to listen to it. Well done and thanks for posting this in the recital.

31. Jotur/Cathy Turner - Sentimental Journey
Cathy, it turns out I have an old book with the same arrangement, except for the ending - - yours is better! (And btw one of my eccentricities is that I put salted peanuts in my salads.) Anyway, it was great to hear the verse of that song, which I haven’t heard in many years, and I enjoyed the whole performance. Well done!

32. Eighty8 - The Summer Knows
Geez, I read the book, saw the movie, heard the song many times, but I never realized it was written by Michel Legrande. Great song – nostalgic but dramatic too. I listened several times and really enjoyed it. Nice left hand work!

More to come.

Ed

Well, I thought it would be - the gorgeousness comes from the creative mind of David - the memory part wasn't difficult as there is a large repeated section, and I memorize everything I play anyway so I'm in the habit...

Did you see my post above somewhere listing sources for Lanz sheetmusic?

JF

I won't be giving specific comments to each participant, except to say Great Job everyone.

However, Jullian deserves a special mention , as he must be our youngest recital participant ever!

TTigg, John Frank, Undone, AWTPP, and Mark...

I listened to all of your performances and thought they were all of the highest quality. Phenomenal job Alfred's crew!

This is my final set!

01. jazzyprof - Nocturne op.48 no.1
I like those bass notes! Very nicely balanced and rhythmically solid. Great job. Didn't hear any butchering

02. dannylux / Mel - Bersagliera
This piece sounds rhythmically difficult. Those fast moves are challenging and looks like you stepped up to most of that challenge. Congratulations! There's some rhythmic issues on the real fast stuff but I know this isn't easy.

03. epf - Prelude No. 16 in Db Major
epf - nice and smooth. Lovely performance. Keep it up!

04. Ode2Joy - Piano Sonata in C, K330 Andante cantabile (2nd movement)
Very nice Ode2Joy. Perhaps that Cantabile quality has not eluded you as I could hear it. So you're on the right track!

05. Ken. - German Dance in A Major, WoO.13, No. 11
Ken, you're progressing nicely. Sounded good to me! Notes were even and the melody was nicely singing. You're on the right track.

06. Mr Super-Hunky - Cristofori's Dream
Very clean and smooth performance SH. Nice touch on the piano. Excellent dynamics too. Must be the best New Age playing I've heard so far (and I've heard all already). Great job.

07. TrueBeginner - Autumn River
Nice composition TB and played very well. There's a little pedal muddiness so I'd be listening for that. Since it's your own composition, that could be missed other than for careful listening. Such talented people here. Great job!

08. Peyton - Nocturne in Bflat Minor Op.9.1
Peyton, beautiful playing. Great balance and such a wonderfully played melody line.

09. Sam Smith - Song Without Words, Opus 19/4
Well done Sam. Played really well and the changing dynamics gave it color.

10. kokomo61 - Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Adagio Cantabile
You've a got a nice base here kokomo61. You did a great job. Shoot for making the melody rise above the rest of the harmony (a dynamic level higher) and soften the rest so you can really make this shine. Love this piece a lot too.

11. flyingfroggy - Nocturne #20 in C# minor (posth.)
Nice flyingfroggy! Nice technique here. An absolutely beautiful performance.

12. Glen R. - Waltz (Op. 39, No. 15)
Glen R. This sounds like quite an improvement from the last recital. You played this very well. Congratulations! Looks like you and the pedal are getting along nicely.

13. HomeInMyShoes (HIMS, Homey, Home, Aaron) - Trois Gnossiennes
Excellent playing HIMS. I do like those little note pairs. It must not have been easy to get them to land so consistently even. You made the piano sound great.

14. Kalai1/Chris - Leo O Kapo (voice of the night)
Nice playing Chris. For someone self taught you have nothing to feel embarassed about here. You must have good instincts and a good ear because you have a nice balance in the sound.

15. Mar_red - Stranger in Paradise & Love Letters (medley)
Great take on a wonderful tune Mar_red. There's some rhythmic evenness issues in the melody and you'd have to focus on to take it to next level (maybe slow down the melody so you can hit it perfectly). Pretty good job for 2 years of piano.

16. Sandy Moore - Hills of Purple Heather
Nicely done Sandy. There's just a little bit of pedal muddiness there so if you're just conscious of that this will be taken to another notch. Otherwise it's great. Beautiful work.

17. b528nf7 (Bill) - Layla
Bill - my favorite Guitar tune! Glad to hear you play this. This was also the first piano tune I played by ear (back when I didn't know how to play piano). Great version!

18. Todd Vance - Sonatina (Clementi, Op. 56 No. 3)
I listen to this so often, Todd! My kid has been playing for his piano lessons so I must be familiar with this to the note You played it very nicely. About the only difference I notice is the tempo. When my son plays this it's much faster but he's been playing for 5 years. Great job.

19. Bunneh - Première Gymnopédie
You played it beautifully Bunneh. It sounds like music Your sensitivity to the issues has certainly made itself apparent in your playing. Pretty awesome for 15 months I'd have to say.

20. salzdt - Kupelwieser Waltz
salzdt, welcome to your first recital and you did an awesome job. Next time you won't be so worried about the red dot as we don't bite. Sounded great.

21. Riddler (Ed) - Easy Living
Another one of your great arrangements with the whole band. Love it. Now since you want to do a combo in real life, this one you were pushing a little on the head But you probably already know that now. I love the balance of your chords on the piano. I'm still amazed at that Vibist of yours. How come he can play better than a real person? That's sad in a way Anyway this quite enjoyable as always. Keep 'em coming.

22. cscl - Kuhlau Sonatina Op. 55, No. 2, I-II
nicely done cscl. Very cantabile melody and very pleasing to listen to. Awesome job.

23. Schubertian - Hungarian Melody (D817)
Now this was obviously a very difficult piece and certainly to your caliber. Great performance here. Such precision. Very impressive. I'm curious how long it took for you to learn this. The rhythmic aspects of this could not have been simple to master.


Conclusion

What a great recital. Thanks to the special people who organize this. And what a talented set of individuals we have on the ABF forum. In general, I would say that the posters play better than regular piano learners within the same time frame. So I hope that's a good sign that participation in ABF somehow contributes to that.

A great job all!

Wow, I don't know what to say, especially fron TX-Dennis. The comments are so very, very nice and flattering. They're much appreciated. I began playing at 40 and took appx 2 or so years off due to illness, so I have a total of 5 years. All this time, I always thought I could play by ear, but just couldn't seem to get the music to come out. Until...one day I just let go. I was present, in the moment, no worries or thoughts and this song just came out about 2 months ago. Since then, I have been having other moments like that and now with your encouragement, I am so motivated to create more.

Dennis, of course I have no sheet music, cause it's in my head.lol. The recording has NO editing and once I know how to edit, I would like to add strings to the chorus. At 47 years old, that technical stuff doesn't come easy, but I'm determined to learn. I have an acoustic grand and love playing on it, but I have to say, my best work comes out when I put those headphones on and create on my digital piano. So, I guess I could say, I create on the keyboard, and practice and perform on the acoustic.

Thank you all for this forum and again, for the wonderful comments; I am truly humbled.

44. Euan Morrison - I'm Going to Make a Cake WOW Eaun, that was really great. I had to actually look twice to see who was playing this piece and was a little surprised it was you. I only mean this in the best of ways because your performance was outstanding. Your best so far.


47. John Frank - Leaves on the Seine Very nice JF. I could certainly hear the emotional effort you put into this piece as it came through beautifully. Keep up the good work. p.s, you've obviously discovered that Lanz has some really great stuff to work with. I hope you give more of his works a try.

48. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - Suicide Is Painless Beautifully done Dennis. This is actually one of the tunes in my repetoire and can recognize what you've done with it. Your recording was also top notch as well. Congrats on an all around great submission.

51. ShiroKuro - While the Trees Sleep Very nice indeed Shiro. So smooth and relaxing. Some of my favorite music to listen to. A very clear recording as well.

53. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Tooi hi no Kizuato Another gorgeous piece performed perfectly. Very nice to listen to Mati.

03. epf - Prelude No. 16 in Db Major
Beautifully played. A very nice job on a very pretty prelude.

08. Peyton - Nocturne in Bflat Minor Op.9.1
Peyton - Outstanding! You look and sound like you have complete control of this piece and your piano. I enjoy watching you play - you seem to really get into your music.

13. HomeInMyShoes (HIMS, Homey, Home, Aaron) - Trois Gnossiennes
Well played – this is an interesting piece.

21. Riddler (Ed) - Easy Living
Ed - I always look forward to the latest from you and the band. You never disappoint. Very well done.

27. Jazzwee - Autumn Leaves - Rhythmic Play
I think the electric piano voice is very cool for this piece. I like the way it slightly distorts when you hit a key hard. It has a very Fender-Rhodes type of sound. Your performance is very creative.

31. jotur/Cathy Turner - Sentimental Journey
Excellent song choice. Dave Garroway would be proud. You have just the right amount of restrained swing in this performance.

34. pianonewb - God on the Mountain
This is one of my favorite pieces in the recital. It is a powerful, honest and emotional performance. Well Done!!

37. mahlzeit - "Up" Theme
I enjoyed this very much. It certainly doesn’t sound like a rush job. I like the way you take your time with the melody and inject a little bluesy feel.

39. Piano Again - Prelude and Fugue in C sharp major, Well-Tempered Clavier Book I
Very well done. You are extremely talented and to think that piano is your second instrument. I bet you are a terrific cellist.

40. CMohr - Mazurka op.67 no. 3
Your piano has a wonderful tone that is perfect for this piece. Nicely played.

42. Andy Mann - Manndrew - Time On My Hands
I’m not familiar with Keith Jarrett’s work but you did a fine job on this lovely piece. I didn’t hear your “mess up” and your piano sounds great.

48. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - Suicide Is Painless
You captured the somber mood of this piece perfectly. Great song selection.

52. EJR (Elwyn) - "Ich ruf', zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ" [I call on Thee, Lord] BWV 639
You have produced a wonderfully clean and rich-sounding recording. Well done.

56. rustyfingers - Elves' Dance - Elverdans (Alfedanse) - Elfentanz, Lyric Pieces, Op. 12 No. 4.
You demonstrate excellent control of the dynamics of this very enjoyable piece.

58. Serge88 - Greensleeves
In my opinion this is your best video performance. You are playing with skill and confidence. Well done.

61. TTigg / Steve C - Glasgow Love Theme
Very well played - You have a real feel for this genre. Excellent video.

64. Mark... - Sarabande
I like the tone of your piano. A clean and precise performance.

JF -Yes I saw your post about the sheet music. Thank you big time! It's on my Christmas list already. (Hopefully my in-laws will know what I'm asking for ) And btw, all that gorgeousness isn't just the composer.

Ode2Joy and Riddler - peanut sauce, salted peanuts - it's all good Riddler - yes, I think this is a pretty standard version - I just did the little repeat of the theme with a slightly different bass, and added the, ahem, tremolo at the end. Needs a little work. The LH was octave C and the RH was C-Bb. It's the thought that counts

Some more comments:

64. Mark... - Sarabande I liked it very much. The arpeggios and the ending were great. There were a couple of times when I would have liked a little more legato like the opening measures were. Although that particular aspect of phrasing is one I struggle with. I listened twice

59. LisztAddict - Praeludium I liked, particularly the just-right balance between the hands, so the bass held its own without overpowering the treble.

54. MaryBee - Reverie Lovely piece and sensitively played.

49. Undone - Theme from "the Unfinished Symphony" What fun! It should be a movie theme, just the way you do it. People wandering through Paris or something. Bravo!

44. Euan Morrison - I'm Going to Make a Cake I liked. I know almost nothing of Glass, but this piece had quite a variety of sections, but all with a similar feel. Very nice.

39. Piano Again - Prelude and Fugue This was impressive! Really musical Bach, nice kind of "so there" and satisfied ending.

33. ten left thumbs - Claire de Lune Just the right wistfulness to start. Beautiful all the way through.

28. Frotz (Brian) - Notturno Your trills are certainly better than my tremolo - delicate and just the right touch for your interpretation.

23. Schubertian - Hungarian Melody Loved it from the opening note. I was smiling the whole time. Thanks so much, it made my day. Very danceable! I'd like to learn this after hearing your version.

18. Todd Vance - Sonatina Lovely and charming. You play with such thoughtfulness.

13. HomeInMyShoes - Trois Gnossiennes Very nice! So much expression. I guess I still like Satie

08. Peyton - Nocturne I think you should post a big shouted YES over in the pianist corner thread on "Can you still improve after the age of 16?" (or was that 60? whatever). You certainly get better all the time. This was beautifully done.

03. epf - Prelude You've found a gem of a piece, and played it well. Lovely.

I still have a couple of rounds of listening to do, but judging from what I've listened to already I'm eager to hear the rest. Great job, everyone.

Cathy

LOL. Thanks

Cathy

53. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Tooi hi no Kizuato Outstandingly beautiful playing & piece! I like the story behind your recording, also. Melancholy and romantic at the same time.

54. MaryBee - Reverie Very sensitively played. I've known of this piece for many years and it doesn't seem to get the same "air time" as other Debussy works. What a thrill to hear!

55. Musictuary - In The Groove This was great! I'm envious - very nicely played!

56. rustyfingers - Elves' Dance - Elverdans (Alfedanse) - Elfentanz, Lyric Pieces, Op. 12 No. 4. Nice lively playing to fit the piece. I think you nailed the "elves" frolicking! I really enjoyed this.

57. ddh - Daniel - Polskie Drogi (Polish Roads) I really think your playing matched well with the melody. Tons of feeling came through! A very heart-felt performance and nice touch!

58. Serge88 - Greensleeves Well, I just loved this! I always think of Christmas when I hear Greensleeves - so a wonderful start to the season. You LH runs were wonderful. I enjoyed this version immensely!

59. LisztAddict - Praeludium BWV 999 in C minor I hope I can play Bach this well some day! Really nice! Even. And I liked the little bit of pedal.

60. Larry Larson - atmosphere I'm in awe, again! This has a really nice feeling to it. Very enjoyable.

61. TTigg / Steve C - Glasgow Love Theme Very ethereal. And very soothing playing. I really enjoyed this!

62. steveMac - Prelude Op. 28 No. 7 Perfect! I thought your tempo was spot-on, too!

63. DragonPianoPlayer - Prelude in E Minor (Op 28 No 4) I'm glad you played this at the correct tempo, IMO. Good job!- this prelude gave me fits - it's harder than it looks.

64. Mark... - Sarabande I;m going to have to get some Gillock, too! I really enjoyed this. Nice job! (especially for only 2-3 wks!!)

65. Jordy - A Brighter Day Wonderful! I'm in awe of your composition. I think this is another piece many here would love to play...hint, hint!

66. AnthonyB - Exit What a beautifully played piece to close out the recital! (if one goes from 1-66, that is). Very, very nice playing. Well done!


That wraps it up. This must be a record number of entries! Everyone did marvelously! I'm just so pleased that I could be a small part of this recital.

04. Ode2Joy - Piano Sonata in C
I could end up liking classical cause of you...very nice

27. Jazzwee - Autumn Leaves - Rhythmic Play
I love this song. I love your rhythm, very nice technique.

40. CMohr - Mazurka op.67 no. 3
I think you did a really, really great job at this piece. I can't imagine how hard it is to play, but you made it very enjoyable.

Last group.

If I didn't comment on you, it's because I didn't have anything relevant to say, but I did listen to everyone!


52. EJR (Elwyn) - "Ich ruf', zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ" [I call on Thee, Lord] BWV 639

Very nice. It's interesting that it doesn't sound like a digital piano.

53. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Tooi hi no Kizuato

Good playing. (How does the title translate?)

54. MaryBee - Reverie

You've obviously put a lot of time and effort into this. One comment: sometimes the moving notes could be more legato.

55. Musictuary - In The Groove

Cute piece. You do a nice job with it.

56. rustyfingers - Elves' Dance - Elverdans (Alfedanse) - Elfentanz, Lyric Pieces, Op. 12 No. 4.

You sound a lot more secure than in other recordings you've done -- very good!

57. ddh - Daniel - Polskie Drogi (Polish Roads)

Pretty piece, nicely played.

58. Serge88 - Greensleeves

Nice arrangement, and you play it very well.

59. LisztAddict - Praeludium BWV 999 in C minor

This was one of the first pieces you ever played? Interesting. Isn't it from a lute suite?

60. Larry Larson - atmosphere

Interesting. I like the way it begins.

62. steveMac - Prelude Op. 28 No. 7

A good start with this. Sometimes you held the pedal through several chords, causing a few clashes.

63. DragonPianoPlayer - Prelude in E Minor (Op 28 No 4)

Some things you could work on: make the chords in the left hand more connected and softer, and use a little pedal at each chord change. (Chopin doesn't indicate any pedal, but it's really needed.) Also, try different ways of striking the melody notes in the right hand to perhaps develop a more cushioned beginning of each note. Tempo should not be too slow; otherwise, the melody dies too much between notes.


64. Mark... - Sarabande

I don't know this piece, but I believe you may be half-timing some of the faster notes. Perhaps check with a metronome? Also, in a sarabande, the second beat usually gets the most emphasis.

Thanks Yep I'd say this is probably my favorite type of music to learn n play for sure.


Thanks, I welcome the feedback and enjoy performing for the ABF

Thanks to all of you who gave me such nice comments on my first recital!
Thanks Jazzwee for the suggestions-I really appreciate them!

And to all, a huge thank you for taking the time to comment!

This was a wonderful experience for me and I hope that my next submission will be minus the frantic tension, hair-pulling, nerves and swearing at the camera !

AND many, many thanks to everyone who set up the recital and managed it You made it so easy and stress-free!

Cheers!

I had been playing on a digital for the past 17 years or so, and just got the CW in August. I am really enjoying the acoustic experience. But it's taking quite a bit of getting used to.


Dynamics is one of the things I'm starting to learn. I never realized before the volume range you could get on a piano. During lessons, my teacher will tell me to play a certain passage loud, and I think I am, and then he says, "That sounded nice, but play it again, and this time, try playing it loud."


Thank you. I've been scared of triplets ever since I found out what they were way back when I started this piece. We're still working on those. I'm hoping it will be like the ornaments in Bach, which I struggled with for weeks and weeks, and then one day, I just suddenly got it, and now I don't know why it was so hard.


"seriously nice" -- I like that phrase!
I didn't know anything by Debussy when I started this, having only played pieces from earlier composers. But my teacher wanted me to work on something by Debussy, and I found this in an old, old Music for Millions book that I stole from my mom. So I worked on it and got to the point where I was finishing it up, when I decided to listen to a version on YouTube to see how someone else played it. Shock! There were two big sections in the middle that were missing from my version! (The hardest ones, of course.) So then I had to learn those too. (I'm glad I did -- I see now that the shortened version was really missing something.)
BTW, I'm working on "Girl with the Flaxen Hair" right now. Then maybe another prelude, and then on to CDL.


Thank you.


I haven't performed this for him yet. He'll probably ask this week. I hope he likes it too.


Hope you're feeling better.
Yes, when I was 6 or 7, I found a John Thompson 1st grade book in the piano bench, and started working my way through it. Then I just kept playing whatever music I could find. I'm so glad I was able to start lessons this year. There is so much that I missed!


I think I'll always love this one. And now that I have it memorized, I can play it any time I want.


Thank you.


I'm glad you enjoyed it!


Probably more even, too. (I'm lucky that this is can be played rubato!)

---

When I told my husband I was submitting a recording for this recital, he said I should be careful, because people can be harsh judges. But you guys are great! Thank you everyone for listening and for your comments and gentle critiques.

Still getting through some of the songs. Still got a quarter to go. Might be a few more days before I finally get through them all. Some more randomly picked from the hat.

60. Larry Larson - atmosphere
That was a very interesting piece. I really enjoyed your playing.

14. Kalai1/Chris - Leo O Kapo (voice of the night)
The composers in our group are really bringing us some wonderful pieces. Really nice playing and composition Chris.

04. Ode2Joy - Piano Sonata in C, K330 Andante cantabile (2nd movement)
In places I was singing along. Does that make it cantabile? It was really nicely played Ode2Joy. Makes me think I should be looking at some Mozart.

25. Carl Mc - Piano Sonata No. 14 OP 27/2 1st Mvt (Moonlight Sonata)
A few pauses here and there when you get the double's against the triplets. But a nice interpretation. I quite liked the pace and some good dynamics.

58. Serge88 - Greensleeves
Sounded like more than an extra week working on it. I may be softening up on not learning any New Age music.

09. Sam Smith - Song Without Words, Opus 19/4
Oh oh, you get the hypoercritical me because I've spent too much time in Mendelssohn-land the last half a year. Actually, it was quite good Sam. You really brought the tempo up from the first recording of yours I heard. You still need a bit lighter touch in places and the melody could be brought out a little more against the chords. It was very nice Sam, you should be very proud of the work you've done here. I wish I was as accurate as are on this piece.

41. grotrianer - La plus que lente
So much Debussy this recital. Another wonderfully played entry. Nice dynamics and phrasing.

39. Piano Again - Prelude and Fugue in C sharp major, Well-Tempered Clavier Book I
I don't know Piano Again, four minutes of Bach is equivalent to ten minutes of anything else in my book. Genius is what I say. Brilliant stuff.

31. jotur/Cathy Turner - Sentimental Journey
My dad is whistling along as you play. It's one of those songs I remember growing up with. Very lively playing Cathy and very enjoyable.

Hey! Rosanna! Where have you been?

You're getting to be like Puxutanney Phil, our famous PA groundhog, popping up to look for your shadow once a year

And where was your Recital entry?

Missed you and missed it

Your old bud JF

10. kokomo61 - Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Adagio Cantabile

Haven't heard this in years - good effort - perhaps needs smoothed out a little - thanks.

11. flyingfroggy - Nocturne #20 in C# minor (posth.)

Maybe it's the minor key but I like this Nocturne better than most and you did a commendable job with it - yes, it needs a little work, but not much - well done.

12. Glen R. - Waltz (Op. 39, No. 15)

Love this piece (as I do most waltzes) - nice easy touch with it.

13. HomeInMyShoes (HIMS, Homey, Home, Aaron) - Trois Gnossiennes

Very well played - very listenable - had only heard these once before & your version is much better - interesting stuff I may have to look in to...

14. Kalai1/Chris - Leo O Kapo (voice of the night)

Well done Chris - interesting and listenable composition - sounds more like the "voice of the mid day" though

15. Mar_red - Stranger in Paradise & Love Letters (medley)

Great old standards fairly well done - never liked the terms "fake book" or "cocktail piano" - with experience and practice will come smoothness and style. Keep working on it.

More to follow...

JF

66 Anthony B Very nice work on an interesting song. It starts so simple and then I love the ominous melody in the LH in the next section.

So many pieces to listen too! It's going to take me forever. I feel like I'm at a banquet and I want to eat a lot of everything, not just a quick bite of each thing.

And thanks to all for you comments about "atmosphere". Jazzwee, you said "Nice composition Larry. Very dramatic. If this directly from a Baldwin, how do you have so much reverb? How did you do that?" I don't know the answer to that, I did not add any effects, it's direct from the piano. I do experiment with mic placement, so it must have had something to do with that unless I might have pushed the reverb button on the Tascam by mistake.

I just wrote that intro the morning of submission day as what I thought would be the beginning of a new song, but it seemed to fit with "atmosphere" so I stuck it on there and it seems to work OK. This song was a throwaway until my sister happened to hear it and liked it.

I've had an almost continual manic rush of composing for 3 years now, 200 songs in various stages of development. It's taking over my life! Plus all the time I spend here on the forum. I need to find a patron or a rich woman to marry!!!

#1 Jazzyprof: nice job on a beautiful song I had never heard before. I was listening to Saturday, and my girlfriend even remarked how beautiful it was. That Chopin guy is somethin' else. If there is an afterlife, and I think there is, I am looking forward to meeting him. I've learned 2 of his preludes (B minor and E minor) and just get emotionally lost in them every time.

#65Jordy Your wrote this? It's very good, I'm impressed. Keep it up and I hope you post more of your stuff.

Thank you all for commenting on my playing! I agree with what's been said as feedback, playing it faster and better separation of LH/RH, but I believe right now my best bet is to lay it aside and dig it out again a year from now when my technique improves. Until then, there's 2 more Gymnopedies

My first round of feedback:
01. jazzyprof - Nocturne op.48 no.1
Beautiful playing! I might've held back the bass notes a bit more to give it more of a background rumbling quality, but I don't know the piece and its just nitpicking anyway

03. epf - Prelude No. 16 in Db Major
I had a sneak peek at this since I found your piece when looking this up on YT, and love it more and more the more I listen to it. Thank you! This is now on my New Age To-Do list.

04. Ode2Joy - Piano Sonata in C, K330 Andante cantabile (2nd movement)
That sounded very much like Mozart, beautiful voicing.

06. Mr Super-Hunky - Cristofori's Dream
Like Vandall's prelude, this is a lovely piece that made work this morning that much more enjoyable (sadly, within limits...). Very nicely played.

08. Peyton - Nocturne in Bflat Minor Op.9.1
That was gorgeous! I've so far never had much interest in Chopin's nocturnes, finding the pleasant but a bit bland compared to his other works. Your playing will single-handedly have me revisit them, starting with 9/1!

09. Sam Smith - Song Without Words, Opus 19/4
I always look forward to Lieder ohne Worte which appear in the recital, as they're always pleasant discoveries, and yours was no exception. Very expressive playing.

10. kokomo61 - Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Adagio Cantabile
Very lovely playing! I think some passages could be voiced to make the melody sing somewhat clearer. Also, the difference between the passages with and without pedal could be reduced a bit for a more even and flowing sensation, and your pauses sound a bit shy. But again, I very much enjoyed listening, great job!

11. flyingfroggy - Nocturne #20 in C# minor (posth.)
I was sold on the first trill, very beautiful! Also, your Schimmel sounds absolutely delicious, especially in the higher notes. Finally, your sense of rhythm seemed rock-solid to me!

12. Glen R. - Waltz (Op. 39, No. 15)
I am very unfamiliar with Brahms, so I cannot offer you much advice, but I can tell you my thanks for the exposure, and that I enjoyed both your playing and the piece very much!

13. HomeInMyShoes (HIMS, Homey, Home, Aaron) - Trois Gnossiennes
Lovely! I don't have much to offer in terms of critical feedback, here's what few suggestions I could come up with: In the first Gnossienne, I think some of the melodies might benefit from a sort of echo effect (playing the 2nd half+grace note quieter) and in general playing the last of these sets of half notes much more quieter. And maybe a tiny bit (more) rubato?
2nd and 3rd, I have nothing to add, loved it!

14. Kalai1/Chris - Leo O Kapo (voice of the night)
Stunning, even more so after reading your explanation that this is by ear! You're definitely gifted.

16. Sandy Moore - Hills of Purple Heather
Very nice playing.

18. Todd Vance - Sonatina (Clementi, Op. 56 No. 3)
Very delicate playing, this sounded playful!

20. salzdt - Kupelwieser Waltz
oooh Schubert, I can't get enough of his music! Very nice playing and thank you for the interesting background info.