35. PaulMac - Minuet in G For one year, self taught, you are doing great. Nice steady rhythm, good articulation - congratulations.

36. mahlzeit - Recital 17 at first dark and brooding, then optimistic. Nicely done.

37. Alleykatt - Cathy - Theme & Variations From The Moldau Sounds like this should be played on the zither in one of those smoky cafes. Very enjoyable.

38. Norah - Le Onde What mistakes? Sounded great to me.

39. Mark... - Prelude in A Major Op. 28, No. 7 I should have skipped lunch. Nice job on this prelude.

40. Eighty8 - In My Life You captured the feel of it - I liked the changes - well done.

41. DragonPianoPlayer - Chopin Prelude No 6 Careful on the rhythm and counting around measure 7-8. Other than that it was great.

42. eggsdeee - Alt Wien (Old Vienna) What an interesting piece - thanks for playing it. You did very well.

43. Coldsalmon - Preludes Op.28 No. 15 in D-flat Major, Raindrop Are you using pedal in the middle section? I think it would sound better with a little more pedal. Other than that, great job, especially with the small amount of experience you have.

44. bluekeys - I Will One of my favorites, and so catchy. You did an excellent job.

45. Quagles - Dear You It's great, considering what a short time you have been playing - I enjoyed it very much.

46. pianahman (Richard Griffin) - Arabesque Very impressive - great job on a difficult piece.

47. Inlanding/Glen - Prelude in C Major BWV 846 Nice dynamics, and tasteful pedal. One suggestion - try an arpeggio on the last chord that matches the written out arpeggios of the rest of the piece (and at the same speed, more or less).

48. Musictuary - Sonatina in C Major - Op. 55 No. 1 You are the Kuhlau expert, obviously. Great job.

51. IPIBAHN Sandy - Consolation Op. 19 No. 4 This is a great start to this Sandy. I love Mendelssohn too, and this is one the pieces I play. Only the beginning and ending are too slow - I had to memorize those in order to play them faster - they should be at the same tempo as the rest of the piece. I loved your dynamics, and you are better at playing a softer left hand than I am. There is a Mendelssohn Appreciation Thread that has some recordings of this piece in it. If you want to add yours we could keep them all together.

Have to go do some actual work now - more later.

Sam

Next bunch...


15. ladypayne - Canon in D This was nice. My only criticism is that I could reallly hear the pedal at times though maybe a little smoother/softer applying? Other than that I thought it sounded wondeful!

16. Schubertian - Variations Hob. III/77 If I could read music this well I would never worry about memorizing! This was very nice.

17. Mr Super Hunky - Waterfalls. I forgot while I was listening that this wasn't on my "Relaxing Piano" playlist but just an amateur e-cital.... I'm going to have a separate AB Relaxing playlist and this will surely be on it.

18. tdvance (Todd Vance) - Sonatina, Op. 13, No. 1, 1st mvt. One year! This is very good. I'm not familiar with the piece so it didn't sound to slow to me!

19. timmyab - Impromptu op 142 no 2 I've heard this so many times! I love it and you did an amazing job. Could hardly tell I was listening to an amateur! Great!

20. mattodono - Musette in D Major BWV Anh. 126 Ooo I played this! You did a much better job keeping the tempo than I did when I learned it.

21. mcasl - Erster Verlust, from the 'Album for the young' by Schumann, Op. 68, 16 You have nice control over the dynamics. A few choppy moments that will disappear soon I'm sure but really well done! Just read that you've only been playing for 15 months! Amazing.

22. Jazzwee - Stella by Starlight Another improv! I love these and someday hope to give it a try. I really enjoyed this performance. My only cricitism (and I don't know the piece) was it seemed a little uneven to me in at times and I lost the beat.
27. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me Not familiar with this but I really enjoyed watching. You seem very relaxed and it shows in your playing. Very enjoyable performance.

20. mattodono - Musette in D Major BWV Anh. 126 Nice job. You kept it very steady. I remember this was hard to do.

21. mcasl - Erster Verlust, from the 'Album for the young' by Schumann, Op. 68, 16 This is very good! memorized too! You have nice control over the dynamics. A few hesitations that will disappear soon I'm sure but really well done!

22. Jazzwee - Stella by Starlight Another improv! I love these and someday hope to give it a try. I really enjoyed this performance. My only cricitism (and I don't know the piece) was it seemed a little uneven to me in at times and I lost the beat.

23. LaValse - Etude Op 2 I fell in love with this piece 2 years ago at summer camp. It's still beyond me but I hope to learn it some day. LOVED it!! Great job!.

24. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - When I Fall In Love So very relaxing. It will be on my CD of piano Dinner music!


25. ddh - Daniel - La fuente y la campana (The Fountain and the Bell) I had not heard of this composer. I can see why you like him and it really shows in your music.

26. Serge88 - What A Wonderful World Lovely version of this old favourite. Loved it and will add it to my Dinner CD28. Teodor Tenchev - The Little Shepherd's Song

27. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me Not familiar with this but I really enjoyed watching. You seem very relaxed and it shows in your playing. Very enjoyable performance.

28. Teodor Tenchev - The Little Shepherd's Song A simple little piece played very well with a steady control. Nice.

29. HomeInMyShoes (Aaron) - op. 15, nos. 1, 4 & 8 Lovely! I have recordings of these. You did a wonderful job!.
30. Monster M&H /Les - Misty Nice! Your piano sounds wonderful. The recording was very clear and of course your playing was great. I really enjoyed this old classic!

31. CMohr - Gavotte I & Gavotte II ou la Musette from English Suite #3 in Gminor I haven't done any Bach in a while. You did a nice job keeping it going - never easy. Very good.

32. NancyM333 - Revolutionary Etude (Opus 10, No. 12) Wow! What an accomplishment! Do you feel that you have grown a lot having studied this piece? This particular piece is way to difficult for me but I wonder sometimes if I don't challenge myself enough and quit the monsters after a few weeks. I really enjoyed your performance.

33. Ode2Joy1 - Chopin Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33 No.2 I have no criticism. I enjoyed watching. You seem to have this piece well in control.

34. b528nf7 (Bill) - Someone To Watch Over Me I enjoyed this piece as I do all your recordings. You must be the hit of social gatherings. Very nice!

35. PaulMac - Minuet in G One year and self taught! I have done this so I'm familar with it and I think you did great!

36. mahlzeit - Recital 17 Nice title for a recital piece! For whipping something up at the last minute (!!) This was amazing. Sad but lovely.

51 IPIBAHN Sandy - Confidence Op. 19 No. 4, Mendelssohn
Sandy, this is beautiful even at this very slightly slower tempo. I really didn't hear any rough spots, as you describe them. Wonderful!

52 Monica K. - Berlin Song, Ludovico Einaudi
I believe this is the first time I've heard the piece. It cannot be easy to play. I know you say this is a work in progress, but it sounds wonderful to me. You definitely accomplished that echoing wistful sort of mood you describe. Very enjoyable.

53 jotur - Bethena, Scott Joplin
Yes, I can feel the waltz tempo throughout most of the piece. I agree, a bit Strauss-like in sections. A most entertaining performance, Cathy!

54 MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1, Mozart
I assume facile in Italian has a similar meaning to facil, or easy, in Spanish. However, easy this is not - at least not for me. I remember trying to play this back when I took lessons as a youngster. I always found those trills and arps terribly difficult to play smoothly. You have played this pretty smoothly if not quite up to tempo. Nice dynamics and timing - a very creditable performance!

55 epf - Swipsey, Scott Joplin & Arthur Marshall
Ed, I clicked the youtube link first, listened for a bit, and then thought, "hey, this is a Vandall prelude, not Joplin." I had to go back and click the audio file. Those slips and hesitations you mention are quite common for me, unfortunately. Overall this is a very enjoyable performance.

56 grotrianer - Ständchen, Schubert/Liszt
I've never played this, but I have heard it a few times. Your performance sounds wonderful to me. I did not find the left hand overpowering at all, and your trills sounded near perfection to me. This is quite a moving piece, and you have captured that emotion well in your interpretation of it.

57 Mateusz Mati Papiernik - Lute Prelude in c minor (BWV 999), Bach
Mati, there is only heartache when trying to compare one's playing to that of Liszt Addict. He is in a class far above most of us here. That said, I found your interpretation of the piece quite enjoyable. A solid performance. Well done!

58 TTigg Steve C - Life and Death, Steve Ciachino
I am one of the few who have never seen an episode of Lost, but this music is beautiful - both sad and hopefula t the same time. I really enjoyed your performance. By the way, your piano has a tone that really fits this music.

59 Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth., Chopin
Another wonderful performance of a Chopin piece. There have been so many in this recital. You know, I think I like this better at this tempo. It is only very slightly slower than usual, and the character of the piece really shines through in this prerformance. Wonderful job!

60 Always Wanted To Play Piano - Sonatina Op.36 No.1 in C major - Movements 2 and 3, Clementi
I must ask, how does one convince a partridge in a pear tree to help with recording? Perhaps you are a modern day Dr. Doolittle. These are two very nice performances. Quite enjoyable!

later . . .

HomeInMyShoes - I liked your post here about what you're working on with your pieces. It really resonated - I love it when a piece engages me as much as yours have engaged you, and at all the different levels, and I appreciated your comments on the process.

Cathy

11. John Frank - Ashokan Farewell

So when did you learn to play the violin, John? Seriously, though, the violin intro was perfect. It gave the piece a real American Heartland quality. You played the piece very well. The melody stood out nicely. My only observation would be to try and play the theme more legato. Really try to connect those notes.

12. TrueBeginner - Until Dawn
A really nice theme, played with excellent tempo and control. Very creative chord changes. Was there a key change as well? I also liked your technique with the slurred octaves.

13. Riddler (Ed) - On Green Dolphin Street
Loved that backing, Ed. Your solo fit really nicely with the rest of the “crew.” I liked your use of the left hand-subdued and well placed. Nice comping too. All in all a very pleasant performance.

14. Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4
Very good work on this piece. I’d just like to see more of a building up in dynamics to the crescendo and then your dimuendo would be more effective. Also, the left hand could be a bit more subdued.

15. ladypayne - Canon in D
Wonderful performance on this very complex piece. I think all you need to do is even out the tempo so that the sections with the 16th note runs match the pace of the rest of the Canon. Excellent effort.

16. Schubertian - Variations Hob. III/77
Excellent work here. I especially liked the 2nd variation….you really carried that left hand beautifully there. I also think you did a great job in voicing the theme so that it was easily distinguishable within each variation.

17. Mr Super Hunky - Waterfalls
Your piece really does conjure up a lot of imagery. The waterfall theme really fits perfectly. Very nicely paced rhythm and played well, S.H. It really flowed.

18. tdvance (Todd Vance) - Sonatina, Op. 13, No. 1, 1st mvt.
There are a lot of interesting chords and combinations of notes in this piece. I liked your interpretation very much. The staccato chords were very effective. Nice shading between sections.

19. timmyab - Impromptu op 142 no 2
Wow. I remember trying some of these a while back and gave up. Beautiful performance. Very nice, light touch on the keys. Dynamic changes were spot on. Very professional in all respects.

20. mattodono - Musette in D Major BWV Anh. 126
A really fun little piece. You played this with am excellent touch and control of the keys. You didn’t try and overpower the notes which can be done so easily. Very fluid. Good work.

Thanks John Frank and Sandy!


John Frank - your comments reflect exactly what my teacher noted to me - and I do play it smoother at a slower tempo - my damn blue dot makes me play too fast ... and I am working on a Lanz piece, probably won't make it for next recital, it takes me so long to learn a new piece.

52. Monica K. - Berlin Song I like the new camera angle - sort of an over-the-shoulder view, as if we were standing right behind you. Excellent job.

53. jotur - Bethena This was great - I love this Joplin waltz. Tried working on it once but it was above me. Sometimes it's elegant, sometimes loud and brassy, and you handled the transitions very well.

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1 I never get any further in this than the first arpeggios in the left hand. And the trills! You did great!

55. epf - Swipsey This one has a nice swing to it - and I loved the bass runs - good job.

56. grotrianer - Ständchen Beautiul melody - I didn't know about these transcriptions - thanks for playing it.

57. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Lute Prelude in c minor (BWV 999) I thought it sounded fine - the detached notes were just right, and the ending was great.

58. TTigg / Steve C - Life & Death I'm so out of touch I don't even know what Lost is, but your video production was great (clippings from the show?) Not sure the music would be as moving without the clips... Great job though.

59. Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth. Obviously we've been gentle with you because there is nothing to criticize - very gentle and light touch - I liked it a lot.

-more to come
Sam

61 Mar_red - Kasztany (Chestnuts) & Suicide Is Painless (Medley), Zbigniew Koperta / Johnny Mandel
I really like Chestnuts. Never heard it before, but it's a really pretty piece. It sounds great in the stride style. Suicide is Painless sounds good at this slightly faster tempo, too. You are quite good at the stride styling. Very enjoyable!

62 Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - E lucevan le stelle, Giacomo Puccini
Mike, that's pretty good sight reading in my book. The tempo is correct, the notes are correct (okay, all but 1 or 2). Perhaps it could use a bit more dynamics, but this is pretty impressive for a sight read performance. Operatic music has never really been my thing, but this aria is quite lovely.

63 Shiro Kuro - Summer, Joe Hisaishi
I don't know this one, but it's quite lovely. I think you played it well and that you are your own worst critic. It cannot be easy to keep up that left hand rhythm for some of those extended passages. A solid performance - light and delicate with just the right touch. Beautiful!

64 BB Player - Comptine d'autre ete, Yann Tierson
A very nice rendition of this beautiful and delicate piece, BB. It osuunds recital ready to me.

65 Copper - When I Fall in Love, Edward Heyman & Victor Young
Hey, this piece sounds familiar for some reason. Nice job, Copper.

66 Augustina - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Bach
This is one of my favorite BAch pieces, and the only one I play regularly. I don't think you play it too fast. Great job, Augustina!

67 EJR (Elwyn) - Solfegietto, C.P.E. Bach
A beautiful rendition of a pretty difficult piece. Great job!

68 Sam Smith - Bach Invention #1, Bach
Great job, Sam. Most enjoyable.

69 wj3 - Irish Medley, Wild Irish Rose, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and Londonderry Air, Olcott, Olcott, Traditional
My (mostly) Irish grandmother would enjoy these. She was born on March 17 and called Bonnie. Nice job, wj3.


abadabadaba . . . that's all, folks

55 Performer's name: epf

Nice job, epf! I'm not too familiar with this piece because studying Joplin's complete works is still a work-in-progress for me. This is probably the 2nd or 3rd interpretation I've heard, and I like it! I hope you can post more Joplin stuff on your YouTube channel.

Gosh I hope to catch up on the rest of you guys' recitals. It's been a crazy week.

couple more...



37. Alleykatt - Cathy - Theme & Variations From The Moldau I loved this piece. There is so much wonderful music out there and you have found a beautiful piece and played it with such feeling. Thank you for this heart-felt performance.

38. Norah - Le Onde I've heard a lot of Einaudi at our recitals and this is lovely. I've yet to play any but am feeling quite motivated to try! This piece sounded wonderful to me...If you made mistakes you played through and they weren't noticable to me.

39. Mark... - Prelude in A Major Op. 28, No. 7 Don't you just love Chopin! I've played a couple of the waltzes and a couple of the preludes...not this one - though I am very familiar with it. You got a great start on this one. The tempo needs to be a little faster but I really enjoyed your performance. I often play a piece with the metronome at a pace I can play accurately with and then on my digital can play it back at a faster tempo and somehow it really helps me to play it up to tempo. I don't know if you have a digital but if you do give it a try!

40. Eighty8 - In My Life I loved this performance. The arrangement is lovely!. Who doesn't love the Beatles! I particularly like the way you brought out the melody while keeping the left hand steady. A small technical feedback is for about 1:25 minutes - the left hand is a little dominant. Thank you for another piece to add to my AB Relaxing piano CD.

41. DragonPianoPlayer - Chopin Prelude No 6 A good start on this piece. Try to keep the harmony "less important" ("insignificant" as my teacher keeps telling me). I know it switches from left to right hand in this piece and this is an additional challenge. I've only 'read' through this piece and can imagine it's one of those that initially seems 'easy' but is of course "Chopin" so isn't easy at all! Good job!

well I really am not good at coming up with some comments, but here are a few of the songs I've listened to so far, I love them all^_^

1.LisztAddict I thought your Nocturne Op 9 No 1 was well played I enjoyed it very much.

15.ladypayne.. Good job on pachelbell^_^

2.AnthonyB another good song by Ludovico Einaudi I'll have to try that next I think:)

12.True beginner I wish I could write music the way you do, Another very pretty song^^

24.TX-Dennis, Great job!:) I also like the sound of your piano...

29.homeinmyshoes You had this song on the piano bar at some point didnt you? anyways It sounds great! I like it:)


34.Bill I did enjoy the classical verson of Someone to Watch over me as always I do enjoy hearing you sing with the songs:)
Inlanding Glen, You did great on Prelude in C Major.BMV 846, I think I'll try that song also:)

Okay thats it for now, I'll add more this weekend:)

21. mcasl - Erster Verlust, from the 'Album for the young' by Schumann, Op. 68, 16
You brought out the harmonies in this piece very well. Solid clarity in the notes and played smoothly.

22. Jazzwee - Stella by Starlight
A master at work here Jazzwee. Every note was so clear and well placed. Phrasing was great. I happen to like your juxtaposition of not opening with the stated theme, but laying it down at the end. Just great!

23. LaValse - Etude Op 2
This is such a beautiful piece of music and you did it proud, LaValse. Certainly approaching the quality of a professional interpretation. I was really drawn into this by your shadings of tone. Excellent.

24. TX-Dennis (Dennis Turner) - When I Fall In Love
I always liked this standard Dennis. Your interpretation was wonderful. Very much in control with great changes in tempo and dynamics. Very smooth into also.

25. ddh - Daniel - La fuente y la campana (The Fountain and the Bell)

I’m not familiar with this piece, Daniel, but it certainly is dramatic. It almost tells a story it’s so full of imagery. I really could hear the bells as you played. Excellent interpretation.

26. Serge88 - What A Wonderful World
I like your arrangement of this song Serge. The intro was very refreshing. Good technique on the arpeggios. Fine finish.

27. AnotherSchmoe - Eyes On Me
A piece unfamiliar to me and very pretty. You have a wonderful touch. Your playing just flows along so smoothly. Excellent dynamic shifts as well. Tremendous skill for only 4 years. And more great sounds from a Yamaha DP. I’m beginning to wonder about my Roland.

28. Teodor Tenchev - The Little Shepherd's Song
Nice performance on this song Teodor. You seem to be making very good progress for just 3 months of playing. You showed an ability to add variation to your phrasing. A nice controlled finish.

29. HomeInMyShoes (Aaron) - op. 15, nos. 1, 4 & 8
I’m hesitant to use fancy terms to describe these performances Aaron, but that was definitely sublime. You absolutely seem to have an affinity for Schumann. Great job.

30. Monster M&H /Les - Misty
You know Les it’s not easy to make misty fresh and different, but you added just the right amount of variations and color to change it up. I especially liked the 2nd section. Nice.

60. Always Wanted to Play Piano - Sonatina Op.36 No.1 in C major - Movements 2 and 3 Congratulations - isn't there a feeling of accomplishment when you learn the whole thing? Great job.

61. Mar_red - Kasztany (Chestnuts) & Suicide Is Painless (Medley) The best turnaround is the simplest - so I would say you have the best! I really enjoyed it.

62. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - E lucevan le stelle I can't imagine sightreading something for the recital - excellent job!

64. BB Player - Comptine d'autre ete Welcome back! I enjoyed this a lot.

66. Augustina - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring Welcome to the ABF recitals - you did a great job for your first time.

67. EJR (Elwyn) - Solfeggietto I always like to look at your practice stats - 18 hours - not bad for such a demanding piece. I like this temp too, not so fast that you can't hear it.

-Sam

Thanks everyone for you kind comments on my Bach invention. Working it up has certainly shown me my weaknesses. My left hand is not nearly as supple as my right - of course, at my age, supple is probably not the right term. Maybe I should say my right hand creaks less than my left.

I'm working on two more inventions - #6 and #8. #8 is brash and bouncy and coming along well. #6 is very different - the subjects run in contrary motion and it's very confusing to play. But I believe that attempting the inventions is making me a better player.

Sam

I want to thank everyone who took the time to comment on my "Swipsey" attempt. You were all most generous (and charitable) in your comments!

For those who were looking for it on my YouTube page, I will put it up there when I have a good recording (and maybe a couple other Joplin pieces).

Because of my work schedule I have been unable to listen to anything in this recital, but that will change this weekend and I will try to listen to everyone and provide my feedback.

Ed

A few more.

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1 For me, trills are one of the hardest things to do. I admire your work.

55. epf - Swipsey Fun to listen to.

56. grotrianer - Ständchen Great sound.

57. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Lute Prelude in c minor (BWV 999) Nice job.

58. TTigg / Steve C - Life & Death I am also a fan of the "Lost" series and enjoyed your performance.

59. Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth. I am not qualified to give critical comments, especialy on a Chopin piece. Let me just say how glad I am that you contributed to the recital.

60. Always Wanted to Play Piano - Sonatina Op.36 No.1 in C major - Movements 2 and 3 This one I have played and could never get the trills to fit in the way I wanted them to. There is a lot of technique involved in these short pieces. Congrats on your performance.

31. CMohr - Gavotte I & Gavotte II ou la Musette from English Suite #3 in Gminor
Smooth tempo and played very cleanly. Good work on the ornamentation. Especially coordination of the trills. That is very difficult. You have a solid left hand.

32. NancyM333 - Revolutionary Etude (Opus 10, No. 12)
Nancy, this was definitely a wow for me. Such a difficult piece and although you say it’s 20% above your level I think you have most of it under control. It’s so demanding, especially on the left hand. Probably a question of building hand strength. It’s funny, this reminded me for some reason of that scene in “The Competition” at the end after Amy Irving’s character played the Prokofiev Concerto, Richard Dreyfus’s character was in a state of shock. She said to him, “But you knew I could play” and he said “yeah, but not like that.” Just great Nancy.

33. Ode2Joy1 - Chopin Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33 No.2
You kept a very nice tempo throughout and your ornamentations were perfect. Nice change of mood in the middle section. Extremely well executed.

34. b528nf7 (Bill) - Someone To Watch Over Me
Great intro Bill. Once again a wonderful vocal backed up by a solid keyboard accompaniment. This one really showed a lot more of your good piano technique.

35. PaulMac - Minuet in G
Nice playing Paul. You kept your stride throughout the piece. Very good technique after only one year.

36. mahlzeit - Recital 17
Honestly I could hear bits and pieces of Jarrett’s Koln Concert Part I in your music Mahlzeit. Very creative, nice chord changes and I especially liked the bass notes.

37. Alleykatt - Cathy - Theme & Variations From The Moldau
I’ve not heard this before Cathy. It’s very beautiful. Kind of joyous in its theme I think. Wonderful touch on the keys, especially the upper registers of your piano. It’s amazing how much a composer can accomplish with one theme. Very nicely done.

38. Norah - Le Onde
Norah, wonderful performance on this piece. You never waivered from carrying the theme. Le Onde always sounds tricky to get the right syncopation between the hands so that one doesn’t overpower the other. You did fine.

39. Mark... - Prelude in A Major Op. 28, No. 7
Mark, I think you have the basics of this piece pretty well in hand. Just a bit of smoothing out the connection between the notes in each phrase. Good job.

40. Eighty8 - In My Life
Wow, what a great arrangement. Very unusual. Especially the key change section. You played it with excellent technique. Very fluid. I never knew that about the “harpsichord” section in the original song. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing that.

Thankyou to blue keys and Eighty8 for reminding us just how great John and Paul were!

I had submitted No. 1 to the piano bar a few months back. I think it was near recital time and I didn't think it alone stood for a recital entry. But I had to submit it this time as Schumann is just such a large part of my life at the piano these days. A day without Schumann is like a day in St. John's (a day without sun for those not getting the local joke).

Thanks Sam. You know I played this at my lesson today trying to up the tempo for the beginning and end and my my teacher was disappointed I think. For two reasons. One: He talks often about interpretation, what the composer actually meant (he's also a composer and music history teacher) and what he wrote, based on era style...etc. Two: he also hates it when expressive music is 'rushed' "Let the listener enjoy and process the dissonances" etc... "It's such a short piece...why rush!" Gosh it's hard to know sometimes.... I think if I had the skill to play it at tempo and maintain all the nuances the piece requires, it would be different.... I think I'll keep the first and last ssctions down till I've mastered them.

51. IPIBAHN Sandy - Consolation Op. 19 No. 4
Sandy, not familiar with this one, but it is quite lovely and I thought played in in a way that was thoughtful and very pleasing. Well done!

52. Monica K. - Berlin Song
The tempo and pacing make for a difficult clean chord, I thought you did an outstanding job on the voicing. It is a very beautiful and well played piece!

53. jotur - Bethena
This was quite the project, and overall very well done. I am not reminded so much of Joplin when I listen to this, not that I am very familiar with his work. I think perhaps influences other than the typical "ragtime" were at work here. I enjoyed listening.

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1
Most impressive, it is coming along quite nicely!

I just want to preface my comments by saying I've enjoyed listening to this recital very much! I don't feel qualified to critique but have done my best to make comments/suggestions where I could.

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1 WOW!! Gorgeous!! The runs & dynamics were flawless. I actually downloaded your piece to my permanent ipod playlist to be played again and again! Thank you so much for your performance, I can only hope to play Chopin as well someday.

02. AnthonyB - Nefeli You played this piece beautifully. The tempo and dynamics were perfect and I could feel/hear the expression. I really enjoyed listening. Thank you for sharing!

03. Ken. - Minuet fait par Monsieur Bohm Very nice performance Ken. I enjoyed listening. My only suggestion would be to lighten up the left hand just a bit and and bring out the dynamics just a bit. Great playing, thank you!

04. z32/Ben - Dream Very pretty piece. You played this beautifully and expressively just as it was intended. I love Yiruma also and hearing you play this has inspired me to add this piece to my "to learn" list! Thank you!

05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540 Only 8 months at the piano - wow, this was great! I think you did a really good job with dynamics and bringing out the melody, especially in light of the fact that it changes from right hand to left hand throughout the piece. I enjoyed reading your interpetation as I was listening and can tell it is a piece you're passionate about. Thanks for sharing and I really look forward to hearing you in the future!

06. dannylux / Mel - Intermezzo Op.29 No.4 Loved this piece! I just wanted to jump out of my chair and dance (that is, if I could dance - lol). It sounded like your fingers were just gliding over the keys with your light and lovely touch. Thank you for sharing!

07. ten left thumbs - Slow Blues in G Love your blues! I very much enjoyed your piece/composition and also reading about how you went about learning it. I would someday love to learn to play like this and you inspire me!

08. Peyton - Thoughts of Anne Beautifully and passionately played! I truly think you are a gifted musician and composer and have greatly enjoyed listening to this and all your pieces! Keep on!!

09. Manndrew - Danny Boy Very nice. I thought you did a good job at keeping the melody distinct in the right hand.
Also, I could hear that the chord changes were difficult but I thought overall you played them well. I enjoyed listening to your work. Thank you!

10. joangolfing - Prelude No. 4 in F Major Very pretty piece played very well! I am not familiar with Robert Vandall, so thank you for the introduction. I will have to do more research on him. Thank you!

11. John Frank - Ashokan Farewell Nice choice in music as this is a very beautiful and emotional piece. I could hear the expression and passion in your playing. My only suggestion would be to quiet the left hand a little and work on articulation to make it more bit more legato. I enjoyed listening and am impressed you played it from memory!

12. TrueBeginner - Until Dawn I thought your composition was beautiful. I'm awe-inspired by those who can translate the music in their minds to music played on the piano. As I was listening I thought that you may be able to get a bit more flowing/smoother sound in the left hand if you relaxed and allowed your wrist to do the work along with your fingers. Thank you so much for a beautiful, relaxing composition to begin my day!

13. Riddler (Ed) - On Green Dolphin Street Fun! Loved listening to your piano playing along with the backing track. I can hear your enthusiasm in the music! Thanks for sharing!

14. Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4 Oh yes! I am currently working on this piece so I have a deep appreciation for the difficulties involved. This is such an emotional piece and I think you brought that out very well. I'm not sure about the rubato in the left hand, as I tend to think it should be played as written. Very nice work, thank
you!

15. ladypayne - Canon in D Lovely piece played very lovely! I enjoyed listening very much. My only suggestion would be to possibly lighten up the left hand in spots to bring out the melody a bit and hold tempo more steady. Thank you very much!

more later...

Now that I have a chance to sit and really listen to the recital I'll start to comment on the individual pieces. Here's my first batch:

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1 Very nice touch! This is the way a nocturne should sound. Great job!

02. AnthonyB - Nefeli I still have trouble getting into New Age music and don't know the music but this seems well played. Dynamics seem to flow naturally and the pace seems appropriate. I assume, therefore, that the tempo variations are deliberate. Nicely done.

03. Ken. - Minuet fait par Monsieur Bohm Nice minuet feel to this piece. A couple of small slips but overall nicely done.

04. z32/Ben - Dream Another New Age piece, something I feel totally unqualified to comment on musically. Still, the playing was very nice. A nice gentle touch on this piece.

05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540 This is incredibly well played for someone with 8 months of experience. Good job!

06. dannylux / Mel - Intermezzo Op.29 No.4 This is a nice, bouncy piece. Well played. I enjoyed listening to it.

07. ten left thumbs - Slow Blues in G Nice blues, surprising that it retains the feel at that tempo -- I normally expect blues to be faster. Well done.

08. Peyton - Thoughts of Anne The opening bass really grabs the listener! Then that contrasts with the gentle melody, very nice.

09. Manndrew - Danny Boy One of my favorite "Irish" songs. Well done.

10. joangolfing - Prelude No. 4 in F Major Nicely played! Isn't that collection by Vandall wonderful?

11. John Frank - Ashokan Farewell Nice violin intro! Nicely played on the piano, too.

12. TrueBeginner - Until Dawn This has a nice sound -- gentle with subtle contrasts in the minor chords. Interesting modulation between keys and the melodic bridge really works well.

13. Riddler (Ed) - On Green Dolphin Street Nicely done.

14. Strings & Wood/CarlMc - Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4 Interesting approach to this piece. I normally hear a very strict rhythm in the left hand with the right hand providing the rubato. Nice touch!

15. ladypayne - Canon in D As you noted, the tempo varied a little too much. You might also consider not using the damper pedal all the time -- it really blurs the notes and this piece requires each note to support the whole. Your touch was nearly perfect throughout.

16. Schubertian - Variations Hob. III/77 Yup, I hear the German national anthem every time I hear this. Very well played for sight reading!

17. Mr Super Hunky - Waterfalls Very nice melody! The piano sounds great and you play well.

18. tdvance (Todd Vance) - Sonatina, Op. 13, No. 1, 1st mvt. Kabalevsky wrote some interesting pieces that help to develop technique. This one was well done!

19. timmyab - Impromptu op 142 no 2 This was very well done. I really enjoyed listening to your submission!

20. mattodono - Musette in D Major BWV Anh. 126 Nicely played, good tempo.

More to follow...

Ed

OK, although I have listened to more than I've made comments on, I'll post what I have so far. Hopefully it'll come out right, since I'm doing it all on my phones memo pad!

Everyone sounds really great! I'm very pleased that I find myself trying to think of ten more ways to say "fantastic"! That's a great problem to have!

Also for those who've complimented my piece, thank you so much! Maybe you'll help me be less critical of myself!   

01. LisztAddict - Nocturne Op 9 No 1  LisztAddict, wonderful performance! I love this Nocturne, an you've done a great job with it!

02. AnthonyB - Nefeli 
AnthonyB, very nice! I really need to order this score and put it on my list of things to play. BTW I don't hear where your playing isn't clean! Sounds perfect!

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

04. z32/Ben - Dream 
Ben, nice playing on the Yiruma piece. Is that from his score book, or a sinke sheet? I'll hav to see if I have the score for that, it's very nice. 

05. BenPiano - Adagio in B minor KV 540 BenPiano, wonderful playing, an your recording was all theore delightful to listen to after reading your comments  

06. dannylux / Mel - Intermezzo Op.29 No.4 Mel, fantastic selection and fantastic playing, as always!! What a great piece. 

07. ten left thumbs - Slow Blues in G thoroughly enjoyed your playing, the tempo and the little "decorations" were great!

08. Peyton - Thoughts of Anne Wow, very nice! I really like the music and the mood it creates. Is the your first or perhaps only composition? You should definitely compose more! I'm also curious about the more complicated version!  

09. Manndrew - Danny Boy very nice! You've really captured this piece's feeling.  

25. ddh - Daniel - La fuente y la campana (The Fountain and the Bell) (Federico Mompou)
I can sure see why you like this composer so much. What a nice piece, I like the bells ringing - I actually thought of bells and then went and looked at the translation of the title, so it definitely worked! You played really well.

29. HomeInMyShoes (Aaron) - op. 15, nos. 1, 4 & 8 (Robert Schumann)
cheezewiz - that's as far out as mayo and peanut butter - we must be cousins under the skin
What a lovely set of tunes, er, pieces. This was truly beautiful. Well done.

32. NancyM333 - Revolutionary Etude (Opus 10, No. 12) (Frederic Chopin)
Nancy - I so appreciate the time and fun you had working on this - it really is, for me, deeply satisfying to work on something at this kind of level. And what a great piece, and to me, great rendition it turned out to be! What fun! It was really terrific. I loved listening to it. There is no way I could play that left hand - what a treat. My favorite piece of this recital. I *love* the ending.

33. Ode2Joy1 - Chopin Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33 No.2 (Chopin)
What a delightful piece. It was really fun to listen to.

47. Inlanding/Glen - Prelude in C Major BWV 846 (Bach)
Well, I do like Bach. This was really nice, and quite confident. Nice interpretations - dynamics and shaping of the phrases.

The more I hear the more I like this recital

Cathy

I figured I should add something in thanking everyone for the comments and also that I'm still attempting to actually listen to everything. I think I've made it about half way through all the pieces but listening has been a slightly slower pace than usual!

Thanks for all the wonderful stuff I've listened to so far and I'll let you know when I actually do get finished.

01 Performer's name: LisztAddict

Awesome! Your interpretation is pro-level in my book.

02 Performer's name: AnthonyB

Wow Anthony. That sounded like a difficult, challenging piece. Great job and great accomplishment.

03 Performer's name: Ken.

Ken that was a very nice little "Bagatelle". Great job.

04 Performer's name: z32/Ben "Dream" by Yiruma

This is one from Yiruma that I have not heard yet. Very nice interpretation!

05 Performer's name: BenPiano Adagio in B minor KV 540 by Mozart

This was very well-played, BenPiano. It didn't sound "above you" one bit, and you played it like a veteran. I'm amazed at this performance given your short time playing!

Back with a third and last series...

47. Inlanding/Glen - Prelude in C Major BWV 846
What a nice soft touch !!! A rhythmically rigorous piece like this can easily sound dry. Not here: Your subtle variations and inflections make it very enjoyable to listen to. Very expressive and musical. Thank You for sharing this masterful interpretation.

48. Musictuary - Sonatina in C Major - Op. 55 No. 1
Lovely; very nice even tempo. Thanks.

49. Tenolios - Vesper from Casino Royale
You demonstrate really good musicality and rhythm for such short time learning; impressive, bravo. Très mélodieux; merci cousin.

50. Euan Morrison - Opening (from Glassworks)
This is the kind of music I would hear in my head as I cross a countryside in train, looking through the window; quite evocative and very well played; thanks Euan for yet another good interpretation.

51. IPIBAHN Sandy - Consolation Op. 19 No. 4
A little gem of a piece such as Mendelssohn has the secret. Very well played, Sandy; thank You for sharing and hope to hear more Mendelssohn from You.

52. Monica K. - Berlin Song
Monica, You are a very talented and accomplished pianist and demonstrate it once again in this beautiful rendition. Thank You.

53. jotur - Bethena
Like the add says "I loved it so much, I went and bought it". I may not be able to play it this year but it is in my "Have to learn" list. Very nice rhythm and dynamics. Loved it; thanks Kathy.

54. MaryBee - Sonata Facile in C, K.545, Mvt.1
MaryBee, I loved every second of this execution. You have a light and subtle touch, great rhythm and dynamics and nimble fingers. Thank You so much.

55. epf - Swipsey
Ed, I always immensely enjoy your music and this is no exception; your innate musicality makes it easy to ignore "slips"; very good rendition of one of my favorite style of music: rag. Thanks for sharing your music.

56. grotrianer - St‰ndchen
You Sir, are some serious pianist; in a class most of us will never reach though I will die trying ;-)
I sometimes have the impression You have three hands, so good are Your transitions between middle and high notes; thanks You for the master class and the exquisite music.

57. Mateusz 'Mati' Papiernik - Lute Prelude in c minor (BWV 999)
Mati, I feel your plight but can't find anything to criticize about your piece; once again, a delightful interpretation. Thanks for sharing.

58. TTigg / Steve C - Life & Death
Very nice soft touch on those chords and well articulated melody; well kept rhythm which gives all the feeling of the piece; quite enjoyable indeed; thanks Steve.

59. Bunneh - Valse a minor, op. posth.
When one play this well, one deserves the "gentle" treatment; don't You just love Chopin ? 18 months: 5 hours a day I guess ;-)
Quite enjoyed your rendition and am a bit jealous; thanks.

60. Always Wanted to Play Piano - Sonatina Op.36 No.1 in C major - Movements 2 and 3
Well done; learned this last year but never quite got it right like you have. Tempo is quite smooth as it is a bit more practice will bring it up to speed. Bravo.

61. Mar_red - Kasztany (Chestnuts) & Suicide Is Painless (Medley)
Very entertaining; an enjoyable suite of sundry pieces well executed; thanks.

62. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - E lucevan le stelle
Opera, no less; well done; perhaps, in 15 years, I will be able to sight read a piece half as hard; thanks.

63. ShiroKuro - Summer
Your "refraining" being noted, I will nonetheless feedback the fact that I truly enjoyed this rendition; very melodious and expressive; loved it much; thanks for sharing.

64. BB Player - Comptine d'autre ete
You have been missed, sir; a "non recital-ready" piece that is thoroughly enjoyable, from start to finish. I love Tiersen and will someday play it; in the meantime, your music is a pleasure to listen to; thanks Greg.

65. Copper - When I Fall in Love
Well harmonized and played standard; very pleasurable listen; thanks.

66. Augustina - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Delightful playing, Augustima. Thanks for sharing.

67. EJR (Elwyn) - Solfeggietto
Beautiful articulation of a demanding piece; nice shading; thanks.

68. Sam Smith - Bach Invention #1
Sam, when I look at your avatar, i think "bluegrass" not Bach; then I hear your articulate and mature piano rendition and am amazed at how appearances are deceptive. Great job; thanks for sharing.

69. wj3 - Irish Medley, Wild Irish Rose, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and Londonderry Air
Good job on such lovely music; a nice finale to this wonderful recital; thanks.

That's it; again bravo to all that are willing to put in the effort to prepare and record their music and to those who organize these events. These recitals are the breath of my pianistic journey; i thank you all for it.

Cheers

06 Performer's name: dannylux / Mel Intermezzo Op.29 No.4 by Eugen d'Albert

Nice job, dannylux! Lots of virtuosity here. Your childhood background is apparent in your execution of this technically demanding piece.

07 Performer's name: ten left thumbs Slow Blues in G Tim Richards

Very enjoyable piece, Tim. Now I feel like having a beer or 2 in a piano bar with a live performance of this very piece!

08 Performer's name: Peyton Thoughts of Anne

What a nice, wonderfully played original, Peyton!

09
Performer's name: Manndrew Danny Boy by Frederick Weatherly



Indeed, this sounded technically demanding, and the chords have that "out of tune" (in a good way) character that I often hear in ragtime and stride piano. It was very pleasant and relaxing to listen to. Great job!

10 Performer's name: joangolfing Prelude No. 4 in F Major by Robert D. Vandall

Nice job, joangolfing on this prelude. Very enjoyable.

11 Performer's name: John Frank Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar

Great job, John Frank. I liked the violin solo lead-in to your piano performance. This has an "old English" or Irish sounding flair to it.

12 Performer's name: TrueBeginner Until Dawn

Yes, I loved it! Wow, 2 years and you're able to compose this. Amazing talent...

13 Performer's name: Riddler (Ed) On Green Dolphin Street by Bronislau Kaper and Ned Washington

Excellent...another piano-barrish sounding piece with a Latin-sounding and jazzy flair to it. Nice! This makes me wanna play the drums for some reason..hahaha.

14 Performer's name: Strings & Wood/CarlMc Prelude in E minor OP. 28 No. 4 by Chopin

Very nice interpretation of this Chopin classic. You and I have similar backgrounds - I'm 16 months a rebeginner myself, but you're way ahead of me in ability. Great job!

15 Performer's name: ladypayne Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel

A nice piano piece that never gets old. Great job!