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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
32: TrapperJohn- I've been wanting to listen to this one:) I love the music to Phantom of the Opera! This is probably my favorite piece I've heard you play:) Such a pretty song, and very enjoyable to listen to first thing in the morning:)
17. LadyPayne- You are definatly getting good at coming up with your own arrangments. I only wished I could have made the drive up there with you. I miss playing our duets!:)
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney
22. Lady Chen - Nocturne in E minor, op. 72, no. 1 This is so beautiful! Very rich sounding. Loved this performance.
23. MrPozor - Minuet in A minor - Z649 Sounds like you're doing great with 4 months behind you. Whatever you're doing, keep it up!
24. Monica K. - Fairy Tale Very touching. You have such a feeling for Einaudi's music. You made this one sound easy, whether is was or not.
25. Cookie74 - Invention No. 4 in D minor After playing a few inventions I've come to appreciate both this type of music, and how difficult they are to play! You've done a very nice job with this one. Welcome to the ABF recital!
26. Mile Hi Steve - Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Very nice playing, and I like your arrangement.
27. Bobpickle - June (Barcarolle) Seriously? Only 8 months experience?! The changes in expression and the phrasing you bring to this piece sound very mature. I'm impressed!
28. joangolfing - The Poet Speaks Oh, I like your interpretation of this piece! Sounds like you're making good use of that new grand.
29. Mar_red - Rosemary's Baby - Lullaby I had heard of this movie, but didn't know what it was about, so I looked it up. Wow, that's disturbing! The music, however, isn't. Although it hints at something unsettling, you play it beautifully.
30. cscl - Bagatelle in G minor, Op. 119, No. 1 Nice performance. Your piano sounds great. Did it make it to the new home yet?
31. jotur/Cathy Turner - Dill Pickle Rag Fun, fun, fun! This brings a smile to my face. Love your music, Cathy!
Mary Bee Current mantra: Play outside the box. XVI-XXXVI
And thanks, Starr Keys, I only wish I did have Rod Stewart's voice.
And FWIW, if the 10,000 hours theory were true I ought to be a guitar virtuoso ... but I'm not. As for 10,000 on the piano .... why should it take 10,000 hours to play a little music? I simply try to play as often and as much as I can. In my first year I estimate I clocked around 500 hours (probably more). I've slowed a little the last 2-3 months.
51. Clemente - This is another piece I heard a lot from my Dad's piano. Coincidently, I picked up commenting with you, because tonight was his birthday (before midnight tonight). Though no longer here in the flesh, I felt him with me in spirit today. For instance, I felt his lively expressive spirit in your playing of this piece (even though you played it with a much more persistently challenging left hand than he ever did). I played your recording twice in his honor and thoroughly enjoyed it. BTW, as I've stated in other posts, I know what's its like to go through 4 bad teachers in a row (or 4 who were not right for me at any rate). I hope your 5th is the lucky charm for you. For me, it was four strikes your out
52. Norrec - Very interesting piece. You did a nice job with it.
54. Lyricmudra I'm glad you didn't wait until it was no longer a work in progress, because you played it so beautifully that if you had waited, your playing probably would have throughly discouraged me about my own. Very nice work!
57. Tiago84 - Just before the last three chord's, my computer timed out and the screen went black. I had my eyes closed and I felt as if I was hanging over the precipice of my mortality waiting for the final cadence to sound. That's how much I felt what you'd played up to then, on the eve of my deceased father's birthday when the warm California air has suddenly turned chilly. You really made me feel it to the bone.
58. AndyMc - I really seem to be choosing at random pieces that match my mood and thoughts. This beautiful composition made me feel the ephemeral quality of life and the image beautifully reinforced it. Your playing was terrific too. Thanks for gracing us with your gifts.
60. BillM - My but you do have a way with a lyric. You are my favorite kind of singer, the kind that seems to be thinking about what the words mean and feeling them at the same time. The accompaniment was perfect. You have a distinctive style both vocally and on the piano. I like them both a lot.
Well, this wraps it up for me. It's been a great recital. Thanks everyone who worked so hard to make it that way.
I have recently begun to learn the piano and to learn to listen to music like this. So I want to take the time to appreciate the players, from a very amateur perspective.
1. Wouter. I love this piece. Do pianists keep 'wishlists'? If so this is on it, and not just because we keep a flock of chooks in our backyard and I love the idea of having a song to play to them.
2. dannylux / Mel. This won me over. That little run of notes toward the start was so beautiful. I didn't think I was going to like this. It isn't my style of music, but I loved so many individual parts of it.
3. Ben You have led me on a lovely google search about Scriabin. Very interesting. I enjoyed your piece, particularly the ending. Thankyou for having a video as it was nice watching you play.
5. Inlanding Thankyou, this was very lovely to listen to. Thankyou for your explanation of the piece, and your story about the piano. They both added depth and mading listening more enjoyable. I looked forward to the ending.
6. MSH I enjoyed this very much. Did you write the music down?
7. Swiss The Nocturnes where the first classical music that I found myself enjoying. I have to admit about half way through I had to duck off and do a few things around the house, they music just followed me. I loved it.
8. Carlos I enjoyed this. I liked the low notes, it sounded so rich. I liked how delicate it seemed.
9. Diana I am a beginner too, I really enjoyed hearing something so good from someone so new. It gives me hope!
10. Ricardo. As I said above, I am a beginner and I really enjoy hearing what can be achieved in such little time. It was very nice to listen to.
... I think I will save the rest for tomorrow night.
Another batch! I am so impressed with the performances in this recital! I'm especially enjoying the contributions from first time participants!
What a treat!
32. TrapperJohn - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again (from "Phantom...") TJ, you always give a wonderful performance of your pieces, and provide great background notes. This time is no exception. I have always enjoyed listening to you, but in this piece you really have caught the poignancy, the bittersweet notion of success and great loss more that I've ever felt in your previous work. Heart moving. I just loved it.
33. knotty - Petite Fleur This is a great piece of music, lots of fun with the various instruments. I would have loved more piano, but the solo was certainly great. I got a great kick out of the trumpet work. Talk about musically gifted!
34. Andy Platt - Prelude in E Minor (Opus 28, No 4) Andy, I really enjoyed this. You really captured a thoughtful, slightly melancholy voice in this performance. Hauntingly sweet, good “dramaâ€. I enjoyed it very much.
35. Newman - Desperado Playing and singing? I’m so impressed, I wish I could do that. Well done indeed. Love your voice, I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
36. Copper - Ave Maria I have this in my Burgmuller book, but have never played it. You’ve inspired me to give it a try. You’ve played it with a sweet smoothness and lightness that resonates with joyful prayer. Lovely playing.
37. Jake S - Ah Vous Dirai-je Maman Impressive! I think this is a delightful collection and you’ve done a great job conveying the playfulness within, I was smiling to myself as I listened. I suspect you were smiling as you played! Congrats on the memory work! That’s no mean feat! Absolutely delightful!
38. Augustina - Touched Nice work! I am not familiar with the piece but enjoyed being introduced to it! Your performance was very enjoyable, this is really lovely music and you conveyed a lot of emotion as you played. I was also very impressed with the quality of the recording from your cell phone!
39. Sand Tiger - Ashokan Farewell I can see why this might take up a fair amount of your piano time! It is quite a challenge for a beginner AND you worked out the score from youtube? I’m impressed. Well done, well done indeed.
40. Serge88 - What'd I say You can’t go wrong with a choice of Ray Charles. Very nicely played, it is obvious that you were enjoying yourself! I enjoyed your performance very much indeed. Lovely swing, I’m in the groove with you as I listen!
18 ABF Recitals, Order of the Red Dot European Piano Parties - Brussels, Lisbon, Lucern, Milan, Malaga, St. Goar Themed recitals: Grieg and Great American Songbook
Thanks to those of you posting comments, and for the comments on my piece. I love it that the recital keeps attracting ABFers, and I love reading the comments - sometimes I learn something about a piece I hadn't heard myself, and the different perspectives are really interesting.
Cathy
Cathy
Perhaps "more music" is always the answer, no matter what the question might be! - Qwerty53
55. RedKat - Waltz, B minor, Op. 69 n. 2 I agree with what you say about the length and the red dot pressure.
How do you cope with it? As a child, I performed a lot playing violin in front of the audience. No problem that time. Now, being a big and strong adult I can hardly deal with that small red dot .
I have not learned to cope with it. You know what my biggest fear is while recording? Well, it is that I get to almost the very end without any mistakes, and then hitting a wrong note at the end of the piece. Ugh!!! It happened twice this past recital. One of the time was that low D just before he last chords. The fear does not happen when I play live, though. The sound goes from A to B, and once B is reached, it is over. A recording, on the other hand, stays. It might just be that you are like me when it comes to playing in public... it does not matter. BUT, when you are conscious that it is going to stay... things change a bit. Also children (not all) tend to be more nonchalant about the whole thing. We adults (for certain things) worry too much about whether something will be approved or not. The red dot brings all that to the front of the line. I thoroughly enjoyed your performance.
Clemente
Be careful about wanting to reach the top because once you are at the top, the only place left to go is down.
51. Clemente - Andalucia (to do) You really get the feel of piece and play with great abandon and joy , loved it. I think I have commented before but cool website.
Thank you very much for the encouragement, jazztpt. Also thank you for visiting my website. I am glad that you enjoyed it.
Clemente
Be careful about wanting to reach the top because once you are at the top, the only place left to go is down.
51. Clemente - This is another piece I heard a lot from my Dad's piano. Coincidently, I picked up commenting with you, because tonight was his birthday (before midnight tonight). Though no longer here in the flesh, I felt him with me in spirit today. For instance, I felt his lively expressive spirit in your playing of this piece (even though you played it with a much more persistently challenging left hand than he ever did). I played your recording twice in his honor and thoroughly enjoyed it. BTW, as I've stated in other posts, I know what's its like to go through 4 bad teachers in a row (or 4 who were not right for me at any rate). I hope your 5th is the lucky charm for you. For me, it was four strikes your out
Starr Keys, thank you so much; not only for commenting on my recording, but also for sharing with me about your Dad, and what the piece meant to him and to you. I was moved by your comment. It was worthwhile, then, to confront the red dot. I am truly thankful that it brought you back pleasant memories. I hope that I did justice to your Dad's rendition of AndalucÃa. As for my new teacher, what can I say... I adore Tatiana. She is a totally awesome teacher. I have been around enough to be able to say that ...aside from the fact that I have been a high school teacher for the past 30 years. She is, indeed, the lucky charm for me. Again, Starr Keys, thank you!!
Clemente
Be careful about wanting to reach the top because once you are at the top, the only place left to go is down.
18.- Ed- Wow, talk about drama.... what a dramatic piece. When I hear you play this I think of all the times I've gone to school musicals and the music teacher played so masterfully and apparently with such ease. You really own this.
35. Newman- It's probably the name but you do remind me a bit of Randy Newman... Very nice playing and singing.
Thank you so much, Peyton, Recaredo, MaryBee, casinitaly, and alsoTom for listening and acknowledging my Schumann submission.
And to all who took the time to listen and comment, it's just not physically possible (the wrists can't take it right now) to thank each one of you individually. However, I am very grateful to have been able to share and listen again to your music on this e-cital, and especially to the first time participants!
Like Cathy, I've enjoyed reading all the comments on everyone's music. I've learned so much.
32. TrapperJohn - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again (from "Phantom...") TJ, your playing was inspired with this piece. Great performance.
33. knotty - Petite Fleur Very smooth. Great for some laid-back listening! You guys sound so professional. (And that cornet is something else!)
34. Andy Platt - Prelude in E Minor (Opus 28, No 4) This was one of the first pieces my teacher assigned me, and at the time I had never heard of Chopin before. Unbelievably, when I first played through it, I thought it was "boring". Of course you know better (and I do now too). You keep just the right balance between left and right hands, and give it the drama it begs for. That last chord just melts.
35. Newman - Desperado Great performance! Your voice is perfect for this song.
36. Copper - Ave Maria Sweetly played -- very nice! I like how you start out simply, then build to a fuller sound as it goes on.
37. Jake S - Ah Vous Dirai-je Maman I enjoyed this so much! I love the theme and variation style, and it doesn't bother me a bit that you recorded them separately.
Mary Bee Current mantra: Play outside the box. XVI-XXXVI
Finally, found time to get to the computer to thank all people who spent their time to comment on the performances.
Originally Posted by Andy Platt
You kept the waltz feeling in the accompaniment. I think a slight change of mood in the trio perhaps? I'm glad you tackled the "hard" version of this though - it's fuller than the other version in my opinion!
Andy, what do you mean by “the trio� Is there another version of this piece?
In my edition it's marked as Trio but I'm not sure why! Anyway, it's the section where it modulates into B major.
Yes, there are a couple of different versions of this piece. It was published posthumously so we won't know which is correct. The version we played was the one published by his friend Fontana. The Alfred edition (which is the other version) has a footnote describing the Fontana edition as being harder but not necessarily more authentic.
Many thanks to all who listened to/commented on my Recital piece - you were kind and generous!
As a way of "giving back" to you here's the scene from the "Phantom" movie that I described in some detail in the info section of my submission. The actress portraying "Christine" here is Emmy Rossum:
Trap
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
41. Starr Keys - It Goes Like It Goes Singing and playing, a skill I have yet to master. You have a lovely voice. I bet your mom was thrilled to get this. Nicely done indeed.
42. CMohr - Imagination Another recording for a Mom! Again I have no doubt that she thoroughly enjoyed it, I know I did!
43. ClavBoy - Prelude No. 1 C Major BWV 846 Bach is not easy, but I think you did more than just a decent job on this. I did not think that the arpeggios were unbalanced. Maybe there is room for improvement, but isn’t that always how we feel? Even professionals often feel they can do better! I found your playing very enjoyable, fluid and relaxing.
44. Ken. - Light Blue I see “Kenâ€, I think “Monkâ€. It is always an education. Thanks for the background notes. By now I’m pretty sure that Monk will never be among my favourites, but I do appreciate your ongoing efforts to introduce his unusual pieces. This one was much less “off the wall†than some of the others I’ve heard you present, and rather easier to cope with!
45. daveindenton - Theme from Schindler's List This piece is one I love to listen to. You’ve been playing 2yrs 6 months? I would be pleased if I could do as well as you have.
46. MaryBee - Sonata in C minor, K.457, Mvt.1 Oh MaryBee, that was fun! I can really hear how you’ve been gaining in skills over this past year – what wonderful work you’ve been doing! There is a lot going on in this piece, and it is a long one too. You’ve developed a lot of stamina to maintain the energy and precision throughout . You’ve done a great job on the dynamics, from the great thumping chords to the delicate trills. Just loved it! Complimenti cara mia!
47. DadAgains_Daughter - Invention in F Major What fun to have you participating in our e-cital again! This piece was most enjoyable, delightful! You play with wonderful energy and precision, it is a real pleasure to hear your performance!
48. DadAgain - Prelude and Fugue XX - A minor Well, Bach is a challenge, isn’t he? I don’t think I’ve ever heard this piece before. To my ear your “stuff ups†were not terribly obvious, I think we tend to hear our own mistakes a lot more than others do. My feeling is that you did a more than respectable job on a difficult piece, and I really enjoyed listening to you play.
49. Yamaha G3 & P-80 Mike White - Dance of the Blessed Spirits Interesting piece, the title had me expecting something quite different, when I saw it was Gluck I readjusted my thoughts. I think you transmitted the spirituality of the piece very nicely.
50. Falmc - Sweet SerenyI really love hearing original compositions ! This is no exception. You’ve captured a poetic voice: this piece is a joyful expression of feeling – Sereny must be delighted with it. I really enjoyed it.
51. Clemente - Andalucia What an interesting piece, it must have been hard to sustain that left hand work! I love the energy that flows so consistently throughout. Gorgeous rich sound, what a treat!
52. Norrec (Tim) - Beaming Sunlight When we are recording there is often the desire to get the recording “perfectâ€, even though that is not obtainable. I found the way you learned this piece very interesting. That sort of work is beyond me. This is a lovely delicate piece, well done!!
53. notbach - To a Wild Rose (Op.51 No. 1) I love this piece. It is sweet, flowing, there is a lovely poignancy to it which you have captured very nicely.
54. lyricmudra - Sheep May Safely Graze (from J.S. Bach's Birthday Cantata) A work in progress you say? Well, your progress so far is very pleasant to listen to.
55. RedKat - Waltz, B minor, Op. 69 n. 2 Ah, the desire to play Chopin, and this waltz in particular! I think we can all understand that! The little glitches are not a distraction, you have clearly worked well in studying this piece. From my limited experience with Chopin I think that there are always nuances to work on, no matter how long or how well you play the piece. This was truly a pleasure to listen to. Complimenti!
56. Grouchomarx - Hungarian Rhapsody 2 Lassan (no Friska) A treat to hear, great energy, depth and richness!
57. Tiago84 - Prelude in E minor (Op28 No4) Chopin again! Wonderful! As I said to RedKat, I think there is always something you can find to do better or differently when dealing with Mr. Chopin, the challenges never cease. I enjoyed your performance.
58. AndyMc - Riverlights #1 Original work! I love it. Welcome to the recital! Your music really does call to mind lights dancing on water. Shimmering reflections, fluidity. Lovely music!
59. yohyrral (= Larry Hoy) - Three Themes for Piano And another original! I love the talent here! The first theme has an Oriental feel to it, most interesting. You have woven a very pretty musical tapestry with this collection.
60. BillM - Try A Little Tenderness I always look forward to your submissions Bill, I love hearing you sing and play, and you really know how to pick pieces that suit your voice and that of your piano. You really did play with tenderness here. I think the tempo you chose was perfect. This was a great pleasure indeed. Thank you, and complimenti!
61. PianoStudent88 - Ivan Sings Thanks for introducing me to yet another new piece of music. I see what you mean about the 20thC edge – very interesting indeed. Nicely played! A lovely conclusion to our August recital!
As always, I'm so very very impressed with the talent, the skills, the dedication, the determination, the enthusiasm,and the tremendous support for each other from all the participants.
My sincere thanks to Monica K for her work in pulling it all together, to Sam S who creates our index, to Copper for updating the Order of the Red Dot, Mr. Super-Hunky for suggesting the whole thing way back when and to everyone who works behind the scenes to make this recital the jewel in the PianoWorld crown that it is!
18 ABF Recitals, Order of the Red Dot European Piano Parties - Brussels, Lisbon, Lucern, Milan, Malaga, St. Goar Themed recitals: Grieg and Great American Songbook
1. Wouter. I love this piece. Do pianists keep 'wishlists'? If so this is on it, and not just because we keep a flock of chooks in our backyard and I love the idea of having a song to play to them.
I do have such a wishlist and most pieces I play are on it, including this one