31. CMohr - Gavotte I & Gavotte II ou la Musette from English Suite #3 in Gminor
You handled the fast and furious parts of this with ease. Very cleanly executed and your piano sounded just right.

33. Ode2Joy1 - Chopin Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33 No.2
Outstanding performance!! I love your video – you make this look effortless. You will knock it out of the park at your teacher’s recital.

25. ddh - Daniel - La fuente y la campana (The Fountain and the Bell) This piece is a true delight to hear! You really brought the impression of the fountain and the bell to my ears. Nice!

26. Serge88 - What A Wonderful World I liked this version! Well done - another favorite song of mine.

27. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me First, your recording is VERY nice! Beautiful music and played wonderfully. What could make it more perfect?! Sounded great!

28. Teodor Tenchev - The Little Shepherd's Song Three months?! Very good job! Congratulations!

29. HomeInMyShoes (Aaron) - op. 15, nos. 1, 4 & 8 Well, just excellent! Very smooth with (I think) the EXACT feeling these pieces deserve. You've made them sound relaxed and flowing. Bravo for playing all 3 in one take!

30. Monster M&H /Les - Misty Congrats on the rebuild! Sounds wonderful! I was swayin' along to your song! Very enjoyable.

32. NancyM333 - Revolutionary Etude (Opus 10, No. 12) Wowie! Totally admirable job! You give me something to aspire to!

33. Ode2Joy1 - Chopin Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33 No.2 Nice touch and dynamics - sounds exactly as a mazurka should. You'll be a hit at your teacher's recital!

34. b528nf7 (Bill) - Someone To Watch Over Me Well, another very cool performance! I feel as I'm listening to someone on stage!

35. PaulMac - Minuet in G Very nice job! Nice touch and flow. Thoroughly enjoyable!

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1[/b]

What a wonderful performance, LA! Chopin would be proud of you. Your playing is so clear and accurate, and I feel that you think carefully about each and every note.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has commented on my own contribution. The comments are most thoughtful and helpful to me. (Bending notes; my soul in the LH - my oh my!)

Thank you for the kind words, everyone

25. ddh - Daniel - La fuente y la campana (The Fountain and the Bell)
ddh,
Enchanting intro, grabs and holds your attention. Very well played with great expression. I enjoyed this very much.

26. Serge88 - What A Wonderful World\

Serge88
I couldn't help putting Louis Armstrong voice with your play... such a wonderful song, hope you don't mind. It was great!

27. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me
I did enjoy it, very relaxing music. Thank you!

28. Teodor Tenchev - The Little Shepherd's Song

Good job, the practice is paying off. Looking forward to hearing you again.

29. HomeInMyShoes (Aaron) - op. 15, nos. 1, 4 & 8
Very nice, I like all three, but think that I like 1 best. 8 seems to be a bit of a handful.

30. Monster M&H /Les - Misty
I really envy your work with the rebuild. I can't think of anything more exciting than bringing new life into a piano. From what I am hearing you have done a good job. It has an excellent tone, a clear treble and rich bass. The trills aren't too shabby either

35. PaulMac - Minuet in G
Ahh – the Lover’s Concerto (covered, sort of, in 1965 by the Toys). Very nicely played.

36. mahlzeit - Recital 17
I disagree with your “Not a particularly good performance” assessment. I think this is very well conceived and performed. I think the strings add body and depth. Very Nice.

37. Alleykatt - Cathy - Theme & Variations From The Moldau
You have absolute control over this piece. Excellent performance and high quality recording. I love the sound of your piano – lovely finish.

I've only managed to listen to

63.Shirokuro - Summer
Its one of my favorite songs so I just had to hear it before going through the others one by one. Very nice performance and I hope someday I might be able to play that just as well. Couldn't give you any advice, but this isn't far off from the real deal when Joe Hisaishi plays it, nice to hear someone play this.

36. mahlzeit - Recital 17 So many wonderful composers here! This piece really touched me - I loved it! All those lower notes, I guess.

37. Alleykatt - Cathy - Theme & Variations From The Moldau Played with the absolutely correct feeling. Very nicely done!

38. Norah - Le Onde A beautiful piece played very smoothly and with nice emotion. I agree with you that the ABF forum helps with practice and commitment. Lovely playing!

39. Mark... - Prelude in A Major Op. 28, No. 7 I'm very glad you didn't delete your entry! Really well done and sensitive.

40. Eighty8 - In My Life One of my favorite Lennon/McCartney songs. Very, very nice! I completely enjoyed it!

41. DragonPianoPlayer - Chopin Prelude No 6 This prelude is more difficult than it looks - and you did a great job on it. I liked your tempo, also.

42. eggsdeee - Alt Wien (Old Vienna) I found this very enjoyable. Good execution! I could picture people dancing. (All mics make me nervous!)

43. Coldsalmon - Preludes Op.28 No. 15 in D-flat Major, Raindrop Outstanding! Only "7 months recently" is amazing. Great job. You sounded very relaxed.

44. bluekeys - I Will I love this!! Nice arrangement. You played this with sensitivity and smoothness.

45. Quagles - Dear You Your recording turned out great. Too bad we have to sweat the technical stuff! Very experienced sounding playing - it is a little eerie, but upbeat, also.. only seven months! Holy cow, excellent entry!

46. pianahman (Richard Griffin) - Arabesque I liked this very much! Nicely played- good feeling for the different moods in this piece.

47. Inlanding/Glen - Prelude in C Major BWV 846 I'm so used to listening to your jazz pieces...this was very smoothly done and a pleasure to hear. Couldn't tell something fell and startled you.

48. Musictuary - Sonatina in C Major - Op. 55 No. 1 You certainly have a good feeling for the sonatina! Very delicately played. A joy to listen to!

more in a while....this is so much fun!

05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540
BenPiano - this is very well played. It is shocking that you can play so well in such a short time. Excellent – love the cross-hand.

06. dannylux / Mel - Intermezzo Op.29 No.4
I’ve never heard this before and you are right – it is lively as is your performance. Not only is the performance very good – your piano sounds amazing!

10. joangolfing - Prelude No. 4 in F Major
What a beautiful melody. I was left wanting more and had to listen to it several times. Well Done!

14. Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4
This is a masterful performance. Your piano provides just the right rich, full tone that this piece deserves.

16. Schubertian - Variations Hob. III/77
Very enjoyable. I was surprised when I read your comment “I did not really learn this piece so this is me just sight reading” You, sir or madam, are the real deal.

18. tdvance (Todd Vance) - Sonatina, Op. 13, No. 1, 1st mvt.
Todd - An amazing performance from a fellow Marylander and after only 1 year! Wow!

53. jotur - Bethena - Bravo! I loved it! This is by far my favorite Joplin piece. I especially loved your tempo (mine's very similar) and I think you've achieved your goal of making it waltzable. Your phrasing was very good too, and you did great on the interludes - those interludes are technically very tricky, IMO, and they need to "blend" nicely which you also achieved. Congratulations!


I can't wait to listen to the rest of the recitals. I only had time for this one today, but hey, it's Joplin.

Thank you Monica, Mr SH, Mahlzeit for once again organizing a great recital. I have to say the quality of submissions is improving globally. I think the recital process itself has a lot to do with that. The ones I have listened to so far have been great (and I've listened to a lot already!).

So here's my first set of comments. I figure I post this now before I accidentally delete them and start all over

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1 Wow LisztAddict - that was so beautiful. So perfectly done and what a

great beginning to my listening here, this being the 1st.

02. AnthonyB - Nefeli - Nice Job AnthonyB! Very nice playing. Everything sounded smooth and effortless. And quite impressive for 2 years of playing.

03. Ken. - Minuet fait par Monsieur Bohm Great job Ken. Nicely played!

04. z32/Ben - Dream Ben - what a pretty tune and so well played. You sound like been playing longer.

05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540 BenPiano - for 8 months of playing, this is quite good!

06. dannylux / Mel - Intermezzo Op.29 No.4 Mel - sounds like a difficult piece. I did enjoy your playing here. Great job.

07. ten left thumbs - Slow Blues in G - Of course you know I've heard this already at least at one stage. I can't help but comment on the beautiful tone of those slide notes. You integrated your solo so well, I actually lost track of where the head was. That's great progress for sure!

08. Peyton - Thoughts of Anne You're just an incredible musician Peyton - always capable of amazing compositions. This sounds like Scottish music by the way. It reminded me of the movie with Mel Gibson...

09. Manndrew - Danny Boy - Was that Jarrett playing? What a nice touch Manndrew.

10. joangolfing - Prelude No. 4 in F Major Beautiful rendition Joangolfing! My only technical observation was that you needed to let go of the pedal at some parts that had muddied harmony.

11. John Frank - Ashokan Farewell So professionally arranged John, particularly with that intro. Great job!

12. TrueBeginner - Until Dawn I'm just amazed at all the composers here. Great job at both playing and composing. For technical advice, just watch that pedal a little bit so you lift it up on chord changes.

13. Riddler (Ed) - On Green Dolphin Street - nice arrangement Ed. I noticed some chords you added there at the intro. That sounded good. Solo was nicely done I'm really impressed by the time you put into these performances. And it seems so effortless for you. Looking forward to the next round.

14. Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4- Very nice CarlMc. This is one of the few classical pieces I play and I know you're trying to emulate some of the masters with the rubato. But I think for the beginning, you should just try to play it with a fixed tempo. Once you develop control, then you can shoot for the rubato. Target playing it very evenly and developing the balance between the LH and RH melody.

15. ladypayne - Canon in D It turned out great LadyPayne! The tempo changes would probably not be heard by most (I just sensitive to rhythm so I did notice). You did a very nice job.

16. Schubertian - Variations Hob. III/77 - I wish I could sight read this too Nice job Schubertian!

17. Mr Super Hunky - Waterfalls - as always another fine job of playing Mr SH. This may be the 1st I've heard an original though.

18. tdvance (Todd Vance) - Sonatina, Op. 13, No. 1, 1st mvt. You've been working hard Todd. You've done a good job here. Don't be so hard on yourself. You should be quite pleased!

19. timmyab - Impromptu op 142 no 2 Beautifully done Timmyab and a nice touch.

20. mattodono - Musette in D Major BWV Anh. 126 Great job mattodono. Very even especially with those unisons. But your piece is too short. I got blamed for a short piece I submitted before but you beat me! Yours is shorter.

21. mcasl - Erster Verlust, from the 'Album for the young' by Schumann, Op. 68, 16 - nice playing mcasl. Now were you being a little too gentle on the piano or was the recording too low a level? But it sounded good. I just had to turn it up.

23. LaValse - Etude Op 2 Hey sailor - this one has such a nice harmony! That's Scriabin for you. You got me excited enough that I'll have to look for tracks of this on Itunes. Nice playing man.

24. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - When I Fall In Love That was played so well Jarrett, err... Dennis especially the balance between the LH and RH melody. Impressive! It's quite a jazzy arrangement too.

25. ddh - Daniel - La fuente y la campana (The Fountain and the Bell) - Daniel - first of all a nice choice of music/composer. And played with a very nice touch. Very enjoyable. I actually listened to it a few times.

26. Serge88 - What A Wonderful World - I like that Serge88! Great job of playing. You can play in restaurant or bar now!

27. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me - AnotherSchmoe, you have quite a touch and talent there, especially having been self taught.

28. Teodor Tenchev - The Little Shepherd's Song Teodor I thought you did an awesome job. Keep it up.

29. HomeInMyShoes (Aaron) - op. 15, nos. 1, 4 & 8 - Another wonderfully played piece as I would expect from you. Played so exuisitely. Very enjoyable listening to that nice touch.

30. Monster M&H /Les - Misty Les - you didn't list the composer Jazz great Erroll Garner. Sounds great and nice piano sound!

31. CMohr - Gavotte I & Gavotte II ou la Musette from English Suite #3 in Gminor - Nicely played CMohr. Sounds like a hard piece and you handled it well. Maybe concentrate on dynamics next time to bring it up to the next level.

32. NancyM333 - Revolutionary Etude (Opus 10, No. 12) Whoa! That was fantastic. Completely unexpected among the recital pieces here. Enjoyed that a lot.

33. Ode2Joy1 - Chopin Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33 No.2 - I think you have some good approaches on how to improve this based on what you said. You've certainly incorporated dynamics overall. I think you did a great job.

34. b528nf7 (Bill) - Someone To Watch Over Me - nice playing Bill and I was thinking that you should sing this, and SURE ENOUGH, you did!

35. PaulMac - Minuet in G Good work PaulMac! Now as far as tips, think of playing more legato so the notes sound more continuous. You're off to a good start.

36. mahlzeit - Recital 17 That was a nice piano touch Mahlzeit. Your years at the piano are really showing in your playing. Very beautiful composition with a little compexity there.

37. Alleykatt - Cathy - Theme & Variations From The Moldau Played very well Cathy! Very enjoyable. Don't freeze over there in Wisconsin. I lived there for many years (Stevens Pt).

38. Norah - Le Onde Nice job Norah. Sounds professional!

39. Mark... - Prelude in A Major Op. 28, No. 7 Sounded great Mark. Keep it up. Glad to see you stretching yourself.

40. Eighty8 - In My Life Very good playing Eighty8! Nice tune too. Brought some memories back.

41. DragonPianoPlayer - Chopin Prelude No 6 Good work Dragon! Just watch out for that pedal a little bit. Gotta bring it up on the chord changes or you get muddiness.

42. eggsdeee - Alt Wien (Old Vienna) Beautiful playing. You can really tell the piano experience in there from the tone, dynamics, and rhythm. Lovely!

43. Coldsalmon - Preludes Op.28 No. 15 in D-flat Major, Raindrop - Another one of the 'few' classical pieces I play. You played this really well Coldsalmon especially for your time at the piano so far.

44. bluekeys - I Will That was quite a wonderful job bluekeys. Everytime I listen to you, I really notice significant improvement. All that time with the red dot payed off!

45. Quagles - Dear You - Good job Quagles. Now just be aware of the pedal. Don't continously step on it. You have to lift it up with every chord change. Otherwise it muddies up the sound. Once you do that this will sound perfect.

38. Norah - Le Onde
This is very well played. I prefer your spirited tempo to some of the slower versions I have heard. Very nice!

39. Mark... - Prelude in A Major Op. 28, No. 7
Mark – the clarity of your piano is fantastic. I love the bell-like treble. Very nicely played.

40. Eighty8 - In My Life
I was very excited when I saw your and bluekey’s entries. I’m a huge Beatles fan and went right to these submissions when I got up this morning. I was not disappointed. I think the tone that you selected for this on your digital is perfect. I love the texture of the voice you selected. The key changes in this arrangement really make it pop. Well done. Thanks for sharing this.

41. DragonPianoPlayer - Chopin Prelude No 6
Very nice control of the dynamics of this piece. I like the way the mood changed at the end. Very good performance.

42. eggsdeee - Alt Wien (Old Vienna)
I truly did enjoy this! You play beautifully and with such flair!

43. Coldsalmon - Preludes Op.28 No. 15 in D-flat Major, Raindrop
I have no idea how you got so good with “~2 years as a child, 1 semester in college, ~7 months recently” experience but you nailed this. Excellent submission.

44. bluekeys - I Will
Outstanding! I once sang a version of this song to my at-the-time girlfriend on Valentines Day with acoustic guitar accompaniment so this brought back some old memories. I’m usually not a huge fan of instrumentals of Beatles songs but you really captured the mood of this perfectly. A real pleasure to listen to.

45. Quagles - Dear You
I think you are way too hard on yourself – this is an awesome accomplishment for only 7 months playing. It sounds downright professional – you should be very proud!

46. pianahman (Richard Griffin) - Arabesque
How nice that you included the descriptive information of this piece in your submission. It provided interesting insight. Your piano has an elegant tone.

47. Inlanding/Glen - Prelude in C Major BWV 846
Glen - This is a real departure from your usual style of music – I had no idea you were so versatile. I’m impressed! Next thing you’ll tell us you can juggle!

48. Musictuary - Sonatina in C Major - Op. 55 No. 1
I’m not familiar with this composer but enjoyed listening to your performance very much.

49. Tenolios - Vesper from Casino Royale
This is an excellent submission. You are very talented to be able to produce such a fine recording in only 6 months of self-teaching.

68. Copper - When I Fall In Love
What a great rendition of a great tune. I could hear it being sung, in the moonlight shining thru the leaves of a big old tree. Wonderful.

64. BB Player - Comptine d'autre ete
I have grown to love this piece from the ABF recitals. You really did a nice job - some very delicate parts, and the left hand was always just right in volume and touch.

68. Sam Smith - Bach Invention #1 (J. S. Bach)
I love Bach, and that was lovely. When you put out a cd I want one.

50. Euan Morrison - Opening (from Glassworks) (Philip Glass)
Euan, that was so cool. No way could I ever play that - you have my admiration -

41. DragonPianoPlayer - Chopin Prelude No 6 (Chopin)
I love the way your left hand sang that melody. Very mellow and moving. I always look forward to your pieces.

31. CMohr - Gavotte I & Gavotte II ou la Musette from English Suite #3 in Gminor (J.S. Bach)
Bach is so relentless! That was a treat - I love the way the bass just keeps right on truckin' - you did this so well And that's the way your ending sounded - satisfaction and just right.

Cathy

01. Liszt Addict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1, Chopin
I just closed my eyes while listening and drifted into another dimension. A dimension where perfect beauty reigns supreme. Excellently played with great timing and dynamics. Beautiful! Magnificent! Joyous!

02 AnthonyB - Nefeli, Ludovico Einaudi
Anthony, I know you say it isn't perfect, but I'd swear it is. Wonderful dynamics and pacing. This is an immensely enjoyable performance. Bravo!

03 Ken. - Minuet fait par Monsieur Bohm - Bach
That was just lovely, Ken. Your piano has a bit of "harpsichordish" tone, and it fits this piece perfectly. I love it.

04 z32/Ben - Dream, Yiruma
Ben, this is a beautiful piece. I'm not familiar with this one, but I cannot imagine it being played any better than this. It sounds like a love theme from a movie. Your dynamics really add to the mood of this piece. Wonderful performance!

05 BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540, Mozart
Ben, this is a wonderful interpretation of a magnificently beautiful piece. You have definitely done this piece justice. I enjoyed reading your interpretation as well. You are way too hard on yourself. Beautiful, truly beautiful.

06 dannylux / Mel - Intermezzo Op.29 No.4, Eugen d'Albert
Mel, you always find little known gems, and this one is very much a diamond. Beautiful piece and a lovely and lively interpretation. That sounds a rather difficult piece to master, and master it you have. Bravo!

07 ten left thumbs = Slow Blues in G, Tim Richards
It is indeed enjoyable. What a fun little piece. As we say in Texas, "That's a hoot!" I enjoyed listening.

08 Peyton - Thoughts of Anne, Peyton
Marvelous performance of a beautiful piece. Very moving. I am impressed and thoroughly entertained.

09 Manndrew - Danny Boy, Frederick Weatherly
I have always enjoyed this song. Strangely, I have not heard Jarrett's version of the piece. It is a hauntingly beautiful and overall very satisfying interpretation of this beloved classic. Having attempted a couple of Jarrett transcriptions, I know what you mean about the big chords. He must have really big hands. Great job!

More after a bit . . .

50. Euan Morrison - Opening (from Glassworks)
This is a beautiful piece. I agree with Monica – your video “is the perfect minimalist accompaniment.”

51. IPIBAHN Sandy - Consolation Op. 19 No. 4
Sandy – what a lovely piece and flawless performance. I saw your comment about this only being 75% tempo but it sounds perfect to me.

52. Monica K. - Berlin Song
This is great on so many levels - excellent performance, excellent video and audio quality and a wonderful compositon (looks like a 5 sheeter).

53. jotur - Bethena
I was watching the commentary in the Recital Chatter thread and was looking forward to hearing you play this great rag. You have a restrained, sophisticated approach to this tune that is quite unusual and very appealing. For the record, I did feel the need to waltz.

58. TTigg - Life and Death
Another haunting piece, but in a different way than John Frank's Ashokan Farewell. This was like seeing into the past, and all that's gone - not with sadness really, but with wonder. You expressed it really well.

51. IPIBAHN Sandy - Consolation Op. 19 No. 4 (Mendelssohn)
Isn't it fun to get a piece with so much to explore in it? You did a great job with the expression - it seemed like a processional for a cathedral - a very formal wedding, maybe. It was lovely.

59. Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth. (F. Chopin)
How elegant and reminiscent of an old ballroom in a big house, lit with gas lamps Beautifully played - I aspire to waltzes with this kind of feel.

28. Teodor Tenchev - The Little Shepherd's Song (Alexander Raichev)
I hear you about trying to get the dynamics right when one is trying to concentrate on the notes 20 years later, and I still know what that means. This was a charming little piece, though, and you did a really nice job.

27. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me (Nobuo Uematsu)
A lovely rendition of a lovely piece - thanks for this.

You know, I listen to the music, and watch some of the videos, and I think - we have a really amazing bunch of people in the ABF, don't we?

Cathy

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1 Wow, you did the recital well by opening with Chopin and to celebrate Chopin 200th birth year. It's like you play with no effort and the music flows.

02. AnthonyB - Nefeli Nefeli is one of my favorites and I tried to play this when I first started, but gave up because it was too far above my level. You played it very well and your recording sounds like a high end acoustic.

03. Ken. - Minuet fait par Monsieur Bohm Nicely done Ken. Sounded very Bach like...

04. z32/Ben - Dream I think you are a professional ringer, sent here to drive me crazy. You are way too good for 2 years...you really should think about a career in music. Well done as always...

05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540 First z32 at 2 years and this at 8 months, you guys just blow me away how good you are in such a short time. VERY well done.

Ok, I finally got all the songs into iTunes and downloaded onto my iPhone! Yay! My bus rides to campus for the next few days (and beyond!) will be filled with the wonderful music of all you ABFers!

I've only listened to the first 10 or so, but everyone sounds really great!! (I have to stop now, I don't grade as fast with music, because I keep finding myself immersed in listening, my pen hovering unused above the page...)

10 joangolfing - Prelude No. 4 in F Major, Robert D. Vandall
A lovely interpretation, Joan. Great job!

11 John Frank - Ashokan Farewell, Jay Ungar
I recognize the arrangement. Coates' arrangement of this piece is one of my favorites. This piece really is haunting. You played it just right. Bravo!

12 TrueBeginner - Until Dawn, T. Beginner
I do like it. This is quite a pretty piece. Tremendous job!

13 Riddler (Ed) = On Green Dolphin Street, Bronislau Kaper and Ned Washington
I grew up listening to a local jazz radio guy who used this piece as his theme song. He had probably 25 different recordings of this song, and he rotated them on a weekly basis. Ever since then this has been one of my favorite songs. Your performance is wonderful. Great job!

14 Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4, Chopin
One of my favorite Chopin preludes. Beautiful job! I enjoyed listening.

15 ladypayne - Canon in D, Johann Pachelbel (or was it Tacobell?)
It's not easy to play this well. I have never been able to make it sound like it should. You came pretty close here. I love this piece. Thanks!

16 Schubertian - Variations Hob. III/77, Haydn
A masterful job of sight reading. Truly beautiful and moving!

17 Mr Super-Hunky - Waterfalls[/s], S. Hunky
That's an impressive composition. It really does sound like waterfalls. I can close my eyes and picture magnificent mountain falls accompanied by your music. Nice!

18 tdvance (Todd Vance) - [i]Sonatina, Op. 13, No. 1, 1st mvt., Dmitri Kabalevsky
I'm not that familiar with Kabalevsky, but this has an almost jazz-like quality to it. Quite an enjoyable piece and a really nice performance.

19 timmyab - Impromptu op 142 no 2, Schubert
Your love of this piece is readily apparent in your performance. That was truly an emotional experience. Well done!

20 mattodono - Musette in D Major BWV Anh. 126, Bach
Perfect timing. This is an overall wonderful performance.

There's always tomorrow . . .

49. Tenolios - Vesper from Casino Royale Really very good! (only 6 mos?) Your sound is very sophisticated for such a short time at the piano!

50. Euan Morrison - Opening (from Glassworks) Wow! Just fantastic playing! Another wonderful entry from yoy, Euan. Your description of this piece makes it sound terribly difficult but you made it sound easy.

51. IPIBAHN Sandy - Consolation Op. 19 No. 4 Nicely played! Yoy have a really good feeling for this going here. Certainly didn't lose track of the melody-lovely piece!

52. Monica K. - Berlin Song You've got this Einaudi guy down! I think this is my favorite piece that I've heard you play. The rise and fall of the music is handled admirably - very moving!

53. jotur - Bethena Great job! Wish I could do this piece-I've dabbled..You definitely got the waltz feel - we could all dance to this! I thought you played the transition sections extremely well. Very uplifting.

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1 I think your trills are darned good! You also have a good tempo. I'm with you, too - I love Mozart!

55. epf - Swipsey Very fun! Sounds like you were having a good time playing, too! Who cares about slips, ect? You've got the right feel going here!

56. grotrianer - Ständchen I think you did great! I've always loved this piece. You did really well with the melody traveling from the RH ot LH - and kept the tempo going - the echoing section was wonderful!

57. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Lute Prelude in c minor (BWV 999) Well, just wow! Very nicely done. I did enjoy this very much.

58. TTigg / Steve C - Life & Death I was a big "Lost" fanatic. Where do you find your sheet music? The music and your playing certainly evoke the feeling of loss. I always enjoy your music.

59. Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth. Wow, really well done! One of my favorite Chopin waltzes. I enjoy the tempo you played too-it sounds "right".

60. Always Wanted to Play Piano - Sonatina Op.36 No.1 in C major - Movements 2 and 3 Good job with the last 2 movements! I think you've got this sonatina well in hand. Sounds like you're having fun playing it, too!

61. Mar_red - Kasztany (Chestnuts) & Suicide Is Painless (Medley) I love the "Kasztany" tune! Nicely played from lead sheets. The turnaround was smooth and I think these two pieces go very well together. Great job. Loved the ending!

62. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - E lucevan le stelle Beautiful music and playing. Done with emotion. (We'll hear Chopin next time.)

63. ShiroKuro - Summer I hope I can say that this was absolutely lovely. (you didn't want comments) Your playing is wonderful, a real treat!

64. BB Player - Comptine d'autre ete Very cool piece! I really enjoyed this. Man, wish my practice sessions sounded half this good!

65. Copper - When I Fall in Love Nice chords! Great tune done vey well, the strings were nice, too.

66. Augustina - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring Congrats on your first recital entry! Well done - I enjoyed the organ sound.

67. EJR (Elwyn) - Solfeggietto Nice flow! very uplifting performance-very well played!

68. Sam Smith - Bach Invention #1 Well, you did Bach proud! You ornaments are really well played. Very nice!

69. wj3 - Irish Medley, Wild Irish Rose, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and Londonderry Air Perfect lead-in to St. Patrick's Day - loved the medley! (Hey fellow Oregonian - our pianos share the same birth year )

Amazingly wonderful performances from everyone! I feel very honored to be a part of this recital. Thanks to all of you for wonderful music to fill my day and beyond.

55. epf - Swipsey - Scott Joplin and Arthur Marshall
I just couldn't wait any longer - whoo hooo! epf! Great Joplin! You've got some really cool syncopations there, and I like it that you swing the 1/16ths in the opening theme. The whole thing has some really nice bounce, and just an overall cheerful kind of sound. I love it. I got out my Joplin book and followed along. And gee, your flubs were much less flubby than my flubs My Bethena was the hardest thing I've played, too - it's great fun, isn't it? At any rate, I loved it - Congratulations.

Cathy

I've downloaded most of the songs:) I"ll listen to them on my way to work tomorrow^_^

Very enjoyable listening for me. I'm impressed with all the talent here at ABF. This completes my comments and I'm so glad I was part of this recital.

46. pianahman (Richard Griffin) - Arabesque - sounded great Richard. Wonderful performance! This is rhythmically quite complex which I like.

47. Inlanding/Glen - Prelude in C Major BWV 846 - Glen you never told me how long you've been playing piano but obviously your technique is quite honed. 20 years makes sense. Great playing as always and I'm always amazed at

your collection of tunes. You always have a massive list! Keep sharing your jazz experiences with us as well. Your talent is obvious.

48. Musictuary - Sonatina in C Major - Op. 55 No. 1 - I had to check your length of time playing piano because this is exactly what my teenage kid plays and he's played about as long as you. So I'm so familiar with this piece from hearing him practice. Great job!

49. Tenolios - Vesper from Casino Royale - Not bad at all for 6 months! Well done. Looking forward to more from you next time.

50. Euan Morrison - Opening (from Glassworks) - Do I hear two overlayed rhythms there? That's really neat that you can do that and it's supposed to be simple? And maintained throughout without a mistake. Impressive.

51. IPIBAHN Sandy - Consolation Op. 19 No. 4 - that's so well done Sandy. I can see the difficulty there. There are just little moments with maybe too much pedal. But you played lightly enough that it wasn't over the top. Beautiful piece and a nice rendition.

52. Monica K. - Berlin Song - Monica, of course it will Einaudi I would actually be surprised if it's not. Those legato chords sound actually difficult to do especially to play evenly. But I can hear that you're up to the challenge. Great job!

53. jotur - Bethena - Nice Cathy! Well done Waltz. I can hear what you're trying to accomplish and I think you've really attained it. You had pretty good rhythm as well. Must be your dancing!

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1 Nice job MaryBee. I'm always sensitive to rhythm and I do appreciate those who can play with a good rhythm and you can! In fact, your playing has a slight swing to it which enhances it IMO. Great work.

55. epf - Swipsey - We got a stride master here! Well done epf Didn't notice any significant flubs so you're just too hard on yourself. It sounded great.

56. grotrianer - Ständchen - That really sounded great. Sounds like you're focusing on the right things as it reflected in the product. Even now, your LH has a nice balance to it so if you're planning on even improving that more, it's going to be awesome.

57. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Lute Prelude in c minor (BWV 999) Nice work on something difficult Mati! I think you're doing well. Some things just take time and I think you're making great progress.

58. TTigg / Steve C - Life & Death Steve, as always you never fail to surprise with your abilities with your short time at the piano. Really nice work!

59. Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth. Impressive Bunneh. You're playing this well at 18 months? Very nice performance. You're quite talented.

60. Always Wanted to Play Piano - Sonatina Op.36 No.1 in C major - Movements 2 and 3 - Nice Work 'Always'. Looks like you know already to address the evenness so that means you're going to solve it soon (awareness is itself the solution). Looking forward to watch your progress in future recitals. Keep it up.

61. Mar_red - Kasztany (Chestnuts) & Suicide Is Painless (Medley) - Good work Mar_red. Getting an even tempo is important here and your playing will sound even better (your tempo on the Suicide one was very even though). I like the balance with your LH and RH. Enjoyed it!

62. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - E lucevan le stelle Beautiful playing Mike. I just love listening to you guys who have played piano for ages. Your touch is awesome. So much fun to listen to. By the way, I have a P-155 and I think you made your P-80 sound better. Is that talent or what?

63. ShiroKuro - Summer Very enjoyable performance and well played. Sound quality is great and technically played well so I don't know why you were so worried

64. BB Player - Comptine d'autre ete That sounded great BB Player. I can hear what you say about the triplets but honestly, they're not bad at all. Very nice tone to your piano playing. Enjoyable work. And glad to see you contribute again to the recitals.

65. Copper - When I Fall in Love Well done Copper. I love this tune. I need to learn it too. You played it very well.

66. Augustina - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring Wonderful Augustina. I started imagining this being played in a large Cathedral with a pipe organ. That was a lot of fun to listen to!

67. EJR (Elwyn) - Solfeggietto - My son is playing this exact piece right now! How funny. I think he's preparing this for his Grade 5 exam. Good work Elwyn!

68. Sam Smith - Bach Invention #1 Sam this is nice work. I don't know why you'd be so concerned about your playing. You played it very well. The practice has paid off I would say.

69. wj3 - Irish Medley, Wild Irish Rose, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and Londonderry Air - beautiful playing wj3, but unfortunately your recording device did not do you justice. For whatever reason it's broken up. Maybe the bit rate is not right. Anyway, I could still tell that you played it well.

That's it folks! Looking forward to the next one.

I didn't have anything new to submit this time, but I can at least give some feedback. I was going to submit an old recording from last fall, but still didn't make the deadline. I don't like to miss participating in one of these. Congratulations to everyone who did!

I'm listening by composer this time around.

First to Chopin...

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1
Beautifully done. Amazing nocturne. Great recording.

14. Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4
I love this prelude and you made it sound great.

32. NancyM333 - Revolutionary Etude (Opus 10, No. 12)
Really nice job with a tough piece. Runs were well done.

33. Ode2Joy1 - Chopin Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33 No.2
Nice job. Smoothly and confidently played throughout.

39. Mark... - Prelude in A Major Op. 28, No. 7
This is coming along nicely. You've got a good start on it, so keep it up.

41. DragonPianoPlayer - Chopin Prelude No 6
Nice job. You set the mood of the piece well and seem confident throughout.

43. Coldsalmon - Preludes Op.28 No. 15 in D-flat Major, Raindrop
My (current) favorite of the preludes. Good job with this one.

59. Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth.
I played this one last year as my first Chopin. It's a great piece. Good job with this one.

and then to Bach...

03. Ken. - Minuet fait par Monsieur Bohm
nice piece and good job

20. mattodono - Musette in D Major BWV Anh. 126
good job, good Bach for the early student

31. CMohr - Gavotte I & Gavotte II ou la Musette from English Suite #3 in Gminor
very interesting, you can go on from here to play the entire suite!

35. PaulMac - Minuet in G
nice job on another rite of passage from Bach

47. Inlanding/Glen - Prelude in C Major BWV 846
Nicely done. I look forward to being ready for Bach Preludes and Fugues.

57. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Lute Prelude in c minor (BWV 999)
Very nicely done. I might prefer a slower tempo, just to enjoy it longer and get more out of the bass, but you played so cleanly and crisply. This is one of my favorites from the Little Preludes. Another one I really want to play someday. Thanks for the example!

66. Augustina - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
I prefer the piano to the organ, but this was well done.

68. Sam Smith - Bach Invention #1
Good ornamentation and nice job bringing out the voices.

I'll throw in C.P.E. Bach while I'm on the Bach...
67. EJR (Elwyn) - Solfeggietto
Well played. Nice piece.

Some Mozart...
05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540
Meditative and thoughtful. Great job.

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1
Good job. Solid playing.

Round 2:

02. AnthonyB - Nefeli
As with every recital, I wish I would start playing some Einaudi! Very nicely done, it sounded flawless to me. You definitely have that Einaudi sound down, something I haven't managed even with a simple piece like Dietro Casa. Thanks!

10. joangolfing - Prelude No. 4 in F Major
Very nice playing. I enjoyed this piece last recital, and now even more.

14. Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4
Great performance. You really managed to capture that feeling of desolation with occasional spots of warmth I always associate with this prelude.

15. ladypayne - Canon in D
Haven't heard the Canon in a while, and almost forgot how beautiful it is. Loved the rolled chords at the start and how you develop the midsection!

16. Schubertian - Variations Hob. III/77
I wonder if I would've realized this is our national anthem if I hadn't read your comments before. I bet I'd have wondered what I know the melody from for ages. Thank you for exposing me to more of Haydn, I never quite know where to start with him, even though I love the concerto in D! And another Thank You for that backstory, very intriguing!

22. Jazzwee - Stella by Starlight
It's very intimating to think you could probably do this all day. Great music!

23. LaValse - Etude Op 2
My favorite Scriabin piece. Also the only one I really remember...
You played it gorgeously. The melody seems to float gently and heartbreaking above the accompaniment. Well done! I can't comment on whether you progressed since I don't know the old version

25. ddh - Daniel - La fuente y la campana (The Fountain and the Bell)
Very otherworldly and engaging. You have a nice sense for timing - though I don't know the piece at all
On a side note, I can hear you breathing clearly, which was a bit scary because I didn't know where the breathing came from!

30. Monster M&H /Les - Misty
I see the name Misty pop up quite a bit, so thank you for providing some wonderful music to relate it to!

31. CMohr - Gavotte I & Gavotte II ou la Musette from English Suite #3 in Gminor
Very Bach-y! I am currently learning the first Invention so I can really appreciate how much work these pieces must be. Great job on the trills and hand independence, too.

37. Alleykatt - Cathy - Theme & Variations From The Moldau
very refined. Also a great recording of your piano. You manage to get the dynamics and balance just right! Giving it that distant, dreamy feel.

46. pianahman (Richard Griffin) - Arabesque
Sounded like Schumann from the very first second, well done! I think it could sound a tad lighter for my taste, maybe with a quieter touch overall and the melody at the same dynamic level?

52. Monica K. - Berlin Song
What can I say? This piece has been rotating in our household for a while now, and you did a fantastic job with it as usual! Thank you very much for a 2nd interpretation. And again, I still aspire to play Nuvole Bianche like you do!

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1
Great performance. There was a discussion on here a little while ago about how this sonata is anything but "easy". Very nice consistency especially in the left hand! The melody could stand out a bit more over the harmony, but I suspect that just be the recording.

61. Mar_red - Kasztany (Chestnuts) & Suicide Is Painless (Medley)
Another fantastic performance. With all this cool jazz piano in the recital, I think I'll be switching over to Jazz in no time! Anyone know a good way to start?

Thank you all for your comments, much appreciated
I don't feel qualified to comment on the pieces, but a great job by all.
I especially liked 52. Monica K. - Berlin Song (Ludovico Einaudi) This is one I would like to tackle in the future, beautifully played

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1 (to do)
This was absolutely beautiful! You make it sound so easy too.

02. AnthonyB - Nefeli (to do)
Terrific, Anthony! I've been playing for 2 years also, and I couldn't come close to doing that.

03. Ken. - Minuet fait par Monsieur Bohm (to do)
You did a fine job on the Minuet, Ken. I'm so happy to see other players at 2 years in doing so well.

04. z32/Ben - Dream (to do)
What a pretty piece. Loved it!

05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540 (to do)
Only eight months!!! Awesome! You did a terrific job. Your fingers handled the fast parts really well!

06. dannylux / Mel - Intermezzo Op.29 No.4 (to do)
I really enjoyed this fast, fun piece. Great staccato!

07. ten left thumbs - Slow Blues in G (to do)
I'm not a big blues fan, but I enjoyed hearing your improvisation. I really admire anyone who can do that.

08. Peyton - Thoughts of Anne (to do)
I am a fan of anyone who can write their own music. This piece is wonderful! Kind of sad and mellow. Thanks for sharing it.

09. Manndrew - Danny Boy (to do)
Danny Boy is one of my favorite folk tunes. This version is beautiful, and you played with real emotion.

10. joangolfing - Prelude No. 4 in F Major (to do)
Lovely piece, and lovely playing. It has a nice flow to it.

11. John Frank - Ashokan Farewell (to do)
When you first mentioned working on Ashokan Farewell, I looked it up on youtube, and I loved it. You did a great job, and I love the violin intro.

12. TrueBeginner - Until Dawn (to do)
I just love your compositions! This one is really pretty. Keep them coming.

(To be continued)

28 - Teodor Tenchev
Dynamics will come. Very nice job. Especially for three months. Id' say move the microphone back a bit for recording, or adjust the input level down a bit, there was a bit of distortion in places.

27 - AnotherSchmoe
Wonderful. Sounds much more confident than only four years without a teacher.

26 - Serge88
Okay, I'll watch the video. I see you're avoiding the Bach.

Very nicely played. I would have even pushed the slow down at around 1:50 even further before coming back to the original theme, but that's me.

25 - ddh - Daniel
Heaviest lunch I've come across so far.

I have to keep pinching myself and re-reading how long people have been at it because everything sounds so mature in playing. Thanks for continuing to introduce me to the works of Mompou.

24 - TX-Dennis Dennis Turner
A heartfelt rendition of this standard.

23 - LaValse
I'm really unfamiliar with the Scriabin Etudes. That was a wonderful listen.

22 - Jazzwee
Tempo and all it was an enjoyable listen. Maybe your internal rhythm is matching mine today.

21 - mcasl
Today's word seems to be wonderful. I really enjoyed your submission.

20 - mattodono
Well handled.

19 - timmyab
Wonderful. Such great stuff and very nicely played.

18 - tdvance (Todd Vance)
1 year? Wow is all I can say. So much expression

17 - Mr Super Hunky
Lots of great stuff in there MSH. Once you work out a few more tranitions it's going to be really great. I completely relate to the not being able to quite play what's in my head.

16 - Schubertian
As a Canadian, I might have an aversion to this melody for having heard it too much, but the variations were very enjoyable and the playing was great. Nice to hear more than the melody. Thanks for contributing this one Schubertian.

15 - ladypayne
I love the sound of your piano. All warm and deep, maybe muddy in places, but I grew up playing on a piano you could hit with a sledgehammer and still get no brightness out of it.

It turned out okay. More than okay.

14 - Strings & Wood/CarlMc
Good old no. 4. Very nice. Deceptively simple piece that is quite difficult to play well. Nice interpretation.

13 - Riddler(Ed)
I was looking forward to this one. Starting at the end made me wait a while. Are you hireable for dinner parties?

12 - TrueBeginner
ABF's own music box. Always a thoughtful and well-played entry TrueBeginner.

11 - John Frank
A wonderful piece John. It could use a bit lighter touch for me in places, but you have certainly started incorporating a lot of dynamic range and there's a lot of very pretty playing here.

10 - joangolfing
Wonderful little piece here joangolfing. Very thoughtful interpretation.

9 - Manndrew
Nicely played Manndrew.

8 - Peyton
Very pretty Peyton. Very lyrical. A touch of melancholy underneath. Very nice.

7 - ten left thumbs
Some really nice blues melody in here ten left thumbs.

6 - dannylux
More music I'm completely unfamiliar with. Very entertaining. I really enjoyed the second theme.

5 - BenPiano
8 months? These must be like alien months equal to an Earth year. Outstanding.

4 - z32/Ben
Nicely played. Very enjoyable.

3 - Ken.
Nicely done Ken.. Bach is difficult even in what we think of as easier pieces. Kudos.

2 - AnthonyB
Unbelievable for two years.

1 - LisztAddict
Wonderful. Some day maybe I'll be able to tackle something like this.

I'm thinking of not opening any of my Chopin books this 200th birth year. It would be doing Chopin a favour in my opinion.

Outstanding round of entries every one. Such diversity. A wonderful listen all over. Hope everyone is working on May's recital piece already because we've really been setting the bar pretty high the last couple of recitals. If I could find the clapping smilie, it would go here. clapClapClapClap...