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wayne33yrs
1000 Post Club Member
Registered: 03/31/11
Posts: 1755
Loc: Sheffield UK
Some of you may know that we did our first themed (Philip Glass) recital on RST recently, which went really well. Our next one is themed on Eric Satie, and there are pieces still available if anyone wants to join in
EdwardianPiano
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 07/29/11
Posts: 623
Loc: Liverpool, England
Well done folks!
_________________________
“Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.”
"Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.” Ludvig Van Beethoven
This is a really fun idea. I'm having a look at N2. Can I please put a temporary "hold" on it? I'll let you know for sure by Wed or Thursday of this week.
Edited to add: the composer's notes are a hoot. One is instructed to begin "with amazement"...."don't leave", to play with great kindness, then more intimately, lightly, with intimacy and ...."without pride".
The last one is probably the easiest at this point!
Edited by casinitaly (09/23/1206:16 AM)
_________________________ XVIII-XXX Go all the way - you will give fortissimo not a chicken poop mezzo forte.-FarmGirl
I've been looking at the score and there are no bar lines to indicate the measures!
I did a google search and it seems this is one of his "trademarks" of style...but ...well, it seems very very weird. There isn't a time signature either! I guess I'll go with a 4/4 concept.
ACK!
_________________________ XVIII-XXX Go all the way - you will give fortissimo not a chicken poop mezzo forte.-FarmGirl
How hard are these pieces, and where can I find sheet music? Maybe I'll join in, if it will get me practicing
_________________________
Playing since age 21 (September 2010) and loving it more every day. "You can play better than BachMach2." - Mark_C Currently Butchering: Chopin Ballade no 1 in G minor Op.23 My Piano Diary: http://www.youtube.com/sirsardonic ♪ > $
Peyton
2000 Post Club Member
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 2391
Loc: Maine
Originally Posted By: wayne33yrs
You joining us Peyton?
Thanks. I would have if I had caught it earlier. (I've never even looked at the RTS thread. If it had had it's own recital thread I would have noticed it). I've been working on a few Satie pieces but they have all been taken.
BeccaBb
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 12/09/11
Posts: 864
Loc: Thunder Bay, On Canada
We are all just getting started Peyton. Some of us (mainly moi) has to learn each note and chord because I don't know any of them! Lots of time to join in!
_________________________
Becca Began: 01-12-11 Working on:Alfred's Adult All-in-One Level 2, Faber and Faber Accelerated Level 2 Roland RD300NX
Peyton, it would be wonderful if you'd join us! Especially since you already have been studying Satie's compositions. This will be my very first time learning a Satie selection.
Peyton
2000 Post Club Member
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 2391
Loc: Maine
Thanks. I would have to learn an all new work (I don't think I have even heard the 5,6 and 7 Gnossiene's) and I really would not feel comfortable recording unless I've really worked a while on them. I have the 3rd Gnossienne to the point where I really enjoy playing it and would feel comfortable presenting it. The first Gnossienne I have memorized as well but I'm still not sure I understand it... Satie was such a mystic. I love the way he has left the Gnossienne's so open to interpretation. I mean really... what does "Advise yourself slowly" mean? LOL I'll enjoy hearing you guys and hopefully I will record what I'm working on at some point in the future for the BF recital or the piano bar.
But seriously, next time you do something like this why don't you give it it's own thread? A Satie recital is a great idea.
Oh, alriiiiight then! I’ve been fidgeting a lot since I saw your thread, Wayne. I’ve spent the the best part of the last 8 years living in Satie’s home town and a stone’s throw from his museum, so I fear it would be bad karma and a betrayal of my memories – now that I’m about to leave - not to offer my support as a backstop for one of the last 3 gnossiennes.
I’m too mean to fork out for the sheet music for no 7 but I’d be happy with either 5 or 6 – and only if we’re allowed to read the piece! No memorizing! I couldn’t face the prospect of learning or trying to get under Satie’s logic for No 6 although I quite like the dissonance.
One other condition. I won’t post to RST! Like Satie and the rest of his gang, I long ago identified Rossy as ABF’s resident surrealist and anyone who’s seen Luis Bunuel’s Exterminating Angel will know immediately what I mean....once you're in RST, there’s no exit.....
Ok... I think that I'm actually not ready to take this on at this point. I just had my first lesson with my new teacher, and I don't feel this is the right moment to be trying to introduce this piece into my (miniscule) repertoire.
So... please open up n2 for someone else, and I hope to sign up for a later Themed Recital. I think this is a really splendid idea and I'm going to be a staunch supporter, if not a participant just yet!
_________________________ XVIII-XXX Go all the way - you will give fortissimo not a chicken poop mezzo forte.-FarmGirl
Rostosky
3000 Post Club Member
Registered: 04/30/11
Posts: 3339
Loc: Lost in cyberspace.in the UK.
Diretonic, as you are in debt to the Satie museum, you owe it to everyone to attempt Saties vexations with all the indicated repeats.
I believe it takes around sixteen hours or so...
John cale (ex v/underground) did it years ago along with john cage and many others, if that isnt surreal enough , then I dont know what is.
And as this footage from the time shows, it didnt matter how many times cale played it, he didnt memorise it!!!
_________________________
Rise like lions after slumber,in unvanquishable number. Shake your chains to earth like dew which in sleep has fallen on you. Ye are many,they are few. Shelley
Recaredo
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 05/04/11
Posts: 909
Loc: Southeast of Spain
Great, Peyton! Now we have just two pieces available.
MaryAnn, I wish you a speedy wrist recovery.
I’ve been working on the Gnossienne No 4 for only one week, and I think that I’m learning faster than usually I do. I’m not spending more time a day on the piano, but I focus on my practice with better concentration. Teamwork is really a big motivation.
Diretonic, the recital would be posted on RST, as it was the idea of RST members, is that ok with you?
- ok, I'll pick up a day pass...
Originally Posted By: Rostosky
Diretonic, as you are in debt to the Satie museum, you owe it to everyone to attempt Saties vexations with all the indicated repeats.
I believe it takes around sixteen hours or so...
I'd rather scrub the museum floors! I've always had mixed feelings about Satie. Of course there was no escape from Gymnopedie, one of the most overused bits of background TV/radio music ever, usually behind a program about recovery from trauma. So you end up being fond of it. I had a gnossienne 1-3 phase in the car, very effective for safe driving. Vexations would be good for driving in hellish London traffic but you'd need an 8 hour warm-up just to get really p'd off.
wayne33yrs
1000 Post Club Member
Registered: 03/31/11
Posts: 1755
Loc: Sheffield UK
Originally Posted By: Recaredo
I’ve been working on the Gnossienne No 4 for only one week, and I think that I’m learning faster than usually I do. I’m not spending more time a day on the piano, but I focus on my practice with better concentration. Teamwork is really a big motivation.
Rostosky
3000 Post Club Member
Registered: 04/30/11
Posts: 3339
Loc: Lost in cyberspace.in the UK.
Happy birthday lady chen, Ok folks, I am not playing in this round as I spent much too much time on met4 last round.
do not forget I have chosen op38 no2 for mendelssohn though!!! for next time.
However, unless wayne wants to do it I am prepared to put them all up on RST together like I did last time.
Even though no one actually realised that takes work lol.
How it worked was that everyone sent me their youtube link in a PM, with a little text explaining their persoal journey with their chosen piece, just a bit of blurb to go with it..
I then posted them all up in the same place on RST on the same day at the same time by post holding pages so no one posted inbetween, to make it a continuous recital.
As wayne has allready put in much work for this one I will leave it up to him to decide if he wants me to do the same?
Over to Yorkshire.......wayne?
Edited by Rostosky (09/30/1205:15 PM)
_________________________
Rise like lions after slumber,in unvanquishable number. Shake your chains to earth like dew which in sleep has fallen on you. Ye are many,they are few. Shelley
Rostosky
3000 Post Club Member
Registered: 04/30/11
Posts: 3339
Loc: Lost in cyberspace.in the UK.
No probs Ladychen one of us rabble will walk you through it by Pm if you have any "ladyproblems" with the camcorder or technology.. lol.
I had to record my last piece with two tin cans and a piece of string, well I may as well have done, the camcorder couldnt cope!!
_________________________
Rise like lions after slumber,in unvanquishable number. Shake your chains to earth like dew which in sleep has fallen on you. Ye are many,they are few. Shelley
wayne33yrs
1000 Post Club Member
Registered: 03/31/11
Posts: 1755
Loc: Sheffield UK
how uncanny lol, I was thinking about asking you Rossy, I know about having to do 10 post holds, hoping no-one will post inbetween, hence your early mornings (or late nights PROBABILY lol) and all the extra work, and it's RST Copyright pmsl! Would you then? be the host? Please & thnx x
Rostosky
3000 Post Club Member
Registered: 04/30/11
Posts: 3339
Loc: Lost in cyberspace.in the UK.
Naturally wayne, no probs thats why I offered! lol. Its the least I can do after ducking out of this one, but I had much outside work that had to be done before winter set in here in Wales, and it was all on a west facing end of a garage that takes the brunt of the prevailing winds off the coast!!
There it is then folks, well done Wayne for (dare I say it) "stimulating" folk allong till the full compliment was reached!!
So off you go folks and practice long and hard, and should you have "moments" then just think of poor me outside in the rain and windy, I would much rather be struggling in the warm and dry on the piano!!!
May all your practice sessions be productive and full of fun, and when you are done Pm me your Youtube link with a few of your thoughts..... Any probs technically, like recording or uploading, just give me or wayne a shout ( see how I included you back wayne! lol) and we will endeavour to help as much as possible.
Any notation help or fingering probs or phrasing issues, just ask dipsy, believe me if she doesnt know, her dad does.... my musical nemesis!!!
_________________________
Rise like lions after slumber,in unvanquishable number. Shake your chains to earth like dew which in sleep has fallen on you. Ye are many,they are few. Shelley
Rostosky
3000 Post Club Member
Registered: 04/30/11
Posts: 3339
Loc: Lost in cyberspace.in the UK.
Excellent, okay then it looks like it is "all systems go" Happy practicing everyone.
Oh, wayne, If you pm me your addy, I will send a food parcel, thought you may need it when you get sacked from your job, after turning up dead tired because of all the gnos7 practice!! (joke)
It may be the only thing more taxing than this government. ( not joke)
_________________________
Rise like lions after slumber,in unvanquishable number. Shake your chains to earth like dew which in sleep has fallen on you. Ye are many,they are few. Shelley
BeccaBb
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 12/09/11
Posts: 864
Loc: Thunder Bay, On Canada
How's everyone doing?
I was still struggling through with the notes on page 1 and 2 and it recently dawned on me that I should try playing one hand at a time. Well! I should have done that right off the bat! I have most of the fingering down in both hands now, most of my hand changes figured out. Now I just have to practice it smoothly and add my hands together again, then on to pages 3 and 4!
I finally feel like I may have a slim chance of being able to put this together for November....
_________________________
Becca Began: 01-12-11 Working on:Alfred's Adult All-in-One Level 2, Faber and Faber Accelerated Level 2 Roland RD300NX
I'm okay with the notes for mine, but I always struggle with knowing what to do to make Satie sound more interesting. It sounds a bit boring to me at times, but I guess repetition and minimalism are the hallmarks of his compositional style.
sinophilia
Full Member
Registered: 06/26/12
Posts: 384
Loc: Italy
Becca you're so brave to do this, Satie looks easy but I'm quite sure it isn't. I'm not even sure I'll have a simple piece ready for the ABF November recital.
I'll be getting back to my piece in the next few days. It was going pretty well until I had to put more time on my publication. That will soon be done and I'll have time to focus my attention back on the piece.
Lady Chen, i understand what youre talking about with regards to repetitiveness. I'm enjoying exploring his style. My teacher was very supportive of me taking this on. It's a nice contrast to a far more difficult French impressionist piece I'm studying. While I'm comfortable with the notes in Satie's piece, there are a few fractures I'll focus on this weekend while I work on the dynamics and voicing.
Becca, hang in there. You're definitely on the right track now. Separating the hands is often forgotten. Also, I know a bigger challenge for me is to slow way down. That was particularly hard for me with the Gymnopedie because it is already real slow . However, I must admit it is worth it to slow it down even a bit more.
I'm not sure about the memorization. I'll see how things go after I get more time with it this weekend.
Well I must be off to work. The publication is almost done. I'll check in later.
BeccaBb
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 12/09/11
Posts: 864
Loc: Thunder Bay, On Canada
Thanks everyone!
Glad to know I'm on the right track. There are moments that are complete despair and the next minute it's like a light bulb goes off! LOL Slow isn't the word for my pace, hehe. I have no choice but to go at a turtle pace since everything in the score is brand new to me.
The repetition is a lifesaver for me. I doubt I'd be able to learn this in such a short time if it didn't repeat itself!
I'm not going to worry about memorizing this at all. I'd rather focus on making this sound like music. I'm planning on having the score up for my performance (I figure it's allowed for someone doing level 1 work!) If I happen to memorize it along the way, bonus.
Keep up the good work everyone! I'm excited to hear what you all will learn and interpret!
Sinophillia: thank you! Sometimes I think it's stupidity on my part, lol, but it's lots of fun and I know I'm learning a ton by trying this. I don't think it's easy but it's way ahead of my level so I have no real idea of how hard a piece this is considered. Hopefully you will join us in a future Themed Recital yourself!
_________________________
Becca Began: 01-12-11 Working on:Alfred's Adult All-in-One Level 2, Faber and Faber Accelerated Level 2 Roland RD300NX
Recaredo
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 05/04/11
Posts: 909
Loc: Southeast of Spain
I think I’m improving little by little on my Gnossienne, but I still make random mistakes. I hate this kind of faults, surely because of they come from a lack of concentration.
Registered: 10/31/11
Posts: 150
Loc: West Bengal, India
I'm sort of done with my Gnossienne, I've already made a video and sent it to Rossy. I'm thrilled as well as worried about my Mendelssohn piece too much! That's why I was in a real hurry to finish Gnossienne so that I can manage to "decode" the sheet of op. 85-4 within finite time
Originally Posted By: BeccaBb
I'm not going to worry about memorizing this at all. I'd rather focus on making this sound like music. I'm planning on having the score up for my performance
I'm so lame at reading sheet music! I always try to memorize the piece as quickly as I can, so that I'd never have to look at the sheet again.
Best wishes to all of you for this and the BIG recital. I can hardly wait to enjoy all of your performances.
BeccaBb
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 12/09/11
Posts: 864
Loc: Thunder Bay, On Canada
Wow your done already Rupak? I'm so jealous. I think we need to trade skills or meet halfway in the middle! That way both of us could choose whether to read or memorize! Congrats on finishing! Can't wait to hear it.
I feel your pain Recardo! I do that on pieces I've almost got down pat and it drives me nuts. I think your right too... our minds just wander away! LOL
_________________________
Becca Began: 01-12-11 Working on:Alfred's Adult All-in-One Level 2, Faber and Faber Accelerated Level 2 Roland RD300NX
Registered: 10/31/11
Posts: 150
Loc: West Bengal, India
Originally Posted By: BeccaBb
Wow your done already Rupak? I'm so jealous. I think we need to trade skills or meet halfway in the middle! That way both of us could choose whether to read or memorize! Congrats on finishing! Can't wait to hear it.
Thanks Becca! My brain probably get disappointed when I stare at the sheet for long, so it opens the door of my memory, piles up the notes there and locks them up Trading skill is a good idea, but I think it'll be even better if we pirate our skills, so that whatever skill we have remains intact and we can copy each others' skill, LMAO
Recaredo, I think you're also almost there. I often make random mistakes too, my fingers slip here and there. If this kind of problems don't go away I start recording my performances. That way my nerves get stronger and my mind remains focused either on the performance or on the red dot But at least it can't wander away, so it ultimately helps
Lady Chen, I do not have time to memorize mine. I am definitely going to use sheet music while I perform my piece. I know your piece is more difficult than mine. You will not be alone!
Registered: 10/31/11
Posts: 150
Loc: West Bengal, India
Originally Posted By: LadyChen
aww man.. am I supposed to memorize this thing too? Is everyone else playing from memory?
Originally Posted By: Peyton
I did only because I played it so much I just ended up memorizing it. But I don't see why you should have to.
+1 LadyChen, there are absolutely no rules or bindings on anybody's performance! We want to enjoy each others' OWN performances in our VERY OWN STYLE. Whatever suits you, you must follow that.
MusicaMusique
Full Member
Registered: 09/27/12
Posts: 47
Originally Posted By: Rupak Bhattacharya
I'm sort of done with my Gnossienne, I've already made a video and sent it to Rossy. I'm thrilled as well as worried about my Mendelssohn piece too much! That's why I was in a real hurry to finish Gnossienne so that I can manage to "decode" the sheet of op. 85-4 within finite time
Originally Posted By: BeccaBb
I'm not going to worry about memorizing this at all. I'd rather focus on making this sound like music. I'm planning on having the score up for my performance
I'm so lame at reading sheet music! I always try to memorize the piece as quickly as I can, so that I'd never have to look at the sheet again.
Best wishes to all of you for this and the BIG recital. I can hardly wait to enjoy all of your performances.
Recaredo
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 05/04/11
Posts: 909
Loc: Southeast of Spain
I’ve followed Rupak’s advice, and I’ve been recording my practices this evening. The thing has gone better, and even I got a recording that is not too bad, I think.
Finally, I'm going to get some decent time in today to practice. Now that my publication is done, I should have more time to focus my attention on my piece. I'll check in later to let you know how things go.
Congratulations! You're way ahead of me Recaredo, though I feel like I have made some good progress today. I can see that my biggest challenge will be the dynamics. Yikes!
BeccaBb
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 12/09/11
Posts: 864
Loc: Thunder Bay, On Canada
Thanks Bobpickle!
I'm still struggling away here. Right hand melody, no problem, left hand chords? Some one shoot me!
I would swear my left hand has decided it no longer belongs to me and is doing whatever it pleases! Ugh. I keep plugging away hoping it will start to click soon.
_________________________
Becca Began: 01-12-11 Working on:Alfred's Adult All-in-One Level 2, Faber and Faber Accelerated Level 2 Roland RD300NX
wayne33yrs
1000 Post Club Member
Registered: 03/31/11
Posts: 1755
Loc: Sheffield UK
I agree with Recared, Becca just go real slow, like snail slow lol, that way you should be able to play through the whole piece making minimal mistakes, then when you've got it, speed up a little at a time. That's how I've taken Gnossienne 7, and it's been a real help.
Great advice! Slow is the only way to go. I've done a few audio recordings to check my progress and realized I have to slow down even more. One of the biggest challenges for me is getting the dynamics right. Doing audio practice recordings is revealing. I still have a lot of work to do!
I've got myself left behind I think with G3. I'm simultaneously trying to: get all the notes in the chords right, sounding even and at the same time. stop those chords sounding too loud and louder than the bell bass. keep the pace going through the bits where I have to look at the music then at the keys in an attempt to hit the right notes when leaping around. make the melody sound effortless and floaty above a would-be lilting chiming accompaniment!
I've been advised to learn to play the left hand part BY TOUCH ALONE but am also finding this difficult! I'm glad I'm not the only one who needs more time before they're ready!
Registered: 01/01/12
Posts: 202
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
Oh, would have loved to try this! I don't play much classical music. (Well, I don't *learn* much. I try to sight-read basic stuff.) Unfortunately my Cert. IV doesn't end until November 20. Is there anything coming up for December or January?
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I love sight-reading! One day I will master it, even if it takes ten years.
wayne33yrs
1000 Post Club Member
Registered: 03/31/11
Posts: 1755
Loc: Sheffield UK
Originally Posted By: Dipsy
I mean that I'm trying to get to know the keyboard well enough to be able to feel where the notes are to save me having to look to check -
Ahh, I see
Originally Posted By: Maechre
Oh, would have loved to try this! I don't play much classical music. (Well, I don't *learn* much. I try to sight-read basic stuff.) Unfortunately my Cert. IV doesn't end until November 20. Is there anything coming up for December or January?
As Becca said, would be great to have you on board in the BIG ONE!
BeccaBb
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 12/09/11
Posts: 864
Loc: Thunder Bay, On Canada
I have really bad news. I won't be able to finish my piece. I've managed to re-injure my hand ( I have carpal tunnel) and am back in a wrist brace. I can only play very simple things for short periods of time.
I won't be able to finish my Satie piece anytime soon.
Is there someone one willing to try my piece to complete the recital?
Sorry guys. I feel so crappy but I know pushing this will only cause me to be unable to play for months.
_________________________
Becca Began: 01-12-11 Working on:Alfred's Adult All-in-One Level 2, Faber and Faber Accelerated Level 2 Roland RD300NX
BeccaBb, I adore Satie and while regretting the circumstances that lead to you not being able to do it in time, I would be happy to take over the piece. Gymnopedie 3, right? Now, what am I supposed to do and by when?
Dipsy, are you doing Gymnopédie #2 or #3? The list says you're doing G2, but here you mention G3. I'm happy doing either one; I just need to know which one to learn and submit.
Becca, I'm sorry about your injury. Definitely take care of yourself and you'll be back up to speed before you know it. You are doing the right thing! Don't feel bad about that.
Thanks PianoStudent88 for taking this on!
Wayne, I'm glad you've extended it to the end of November. I should definitely be ready by then!
I'm getting close Wayne. I'm hoping to have a decent recording this weekend. We did a technical rehearsal yesterday and encountered some problems. Today is a holiday and we have visitors coming. I'll be back to work on it Friday. I'll let you know how it goes.
I am working on it again today. We did get most of the technical problems resolved. Now I'm working on the problem of getting a good take done. I'm hoping today will be a good one! Later!
I've scheduled some time for recording tomorrow afternoon! Need to get this crossed off my list so I can start working on the next themed recital . Happy recording everyone!
Lady Chen, I'll be at it again on Sunday trying to get a decent take. I really want to have this behind me as well. I'll have a lot more time to tweak it on Sunday. Good luck to everyone else!
OK, I'm finally done with my recording! Now back to my other piano work! I have been neglecting working on other pieces I need to have ready for my monthly lesson this weekend!
Recaredo
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 05/04/11
Posts: 909
Loc: Southeast of Spain
Hi Lady Chen! Glad you are done.
You may send a private message to Rossy (Rostosky) with your video link (Youtube), together with some words about your thoughts of the piece. That text would be a sort of introduction about your performance.
Ok done.. icky icky poo! I've always respected everyone for having the guts for the recitals, but man, oh man! I am in serious awe. What an eyeopener too! LOL boy do I have issues!
I'm so very impressed with all the work this group has done on the themed project (not to mention the other one that is also in the works!)
I do hope you will create a totally new thread for the presentation - I think if you slip it in "inside" RST it may be missed by many, and that would be a real shame after all the effort that has gone into the preparations!
_________________________ XVIII-XXX Go all the way - you will give fortissimo not a chicken poop mezzo forte.-FarmGirl
Registered: 02/29/12
Posts: 1673
Loc: Ireland (ex England)
Originally Posted By: casinitaly
...I do hope you will create a totally new thread for the presentation - I think if you slip it in "inside" RST it may be missed by many...
This recital thread was started on September 22 and at the time of writing has had less than 7500 views in that two months.
The RST thread picks up around 8000-10000 views every single day.
There may only be a few contributors to the thread but there are many followers. I would conjecture that the recital would pick up more viewers inside RST than outside it though a separate thread announcing it may pick up more active PW members.
Registered: 10/31/11
Posts: 150
Loc: West Bengal, India
Originally Posted By: zrtf90
This recital thread was started on September 22 and at the time of writing has had less than 7500 views in that two months.
The RST thread picks up around 8000-10000 views every single day.
There may only be a few contributors to the thread but there are many followers. I would conjecture that the recital would pick up more viewers inside RST than outside it though a separate thread announcing it may pick up more active PW members.
+1
Also, when all the performances will be posted in RST Wayne can post the link to that page here, as this thread is already dedicated to the Satie recital.
I think we should not limit ourselves. I think we should post the recital inside the RST thread, and create a new thread in which the recital is duplicated. I know this is a lot more work to set up. However, I think it is important that we give others as many opportunities as possible to view our work. Also, keep in mind that we have an opportunity to encourage others to sign up for the next BIG Themed Recital! I would be willing to put some time into this with Wayne and Rossy. I also have more time to help on this because I don't have to practice anymore for the Satie recital. LOL
Yes, I'm a shameless promoter! However, that's part of what I do for a living at one of our local theaters!
Edited by griffin2417 (11/28/1201:16 PM) Edit Reason: Grammatical error
The RST does get a TON of traffic - (10,000 in a day? wow, I never would have imagined that!).... however I know that I look at it about once a month, if that.
Of course you (collectively) can choose whatever works for you - I just think it will get buried in the RST and get less attention from the broader population in ABF.
I could be totally wrong, who knows.... I just figured, why risk missing out on feedback? Just trying to help.
_________________________ XVIII-XXX Go all the way - you will give fortissimo not a chicken poop mezzo forte.-FarmGirl
I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the Themed Recital of music by Erik Satie is scheduled for Sunday (today). The postings, recorded by PWF/ABF members (including yours truly), will be posted on this thread by 12:00 p.m. CST, and 6:00 p.m. London time. It will be posted on a few other threads as well.
Well off to bed I go! I will be doing the postings and that time will be here sooner than it seems! Good night!
Hi Everyone! Sorry for the delays in getting the posting up on this page. I will have it up a bit later. In the meantime, you are welcome to view the Themed Recital now in its entirety on the Rostokys Serious Thread.
Thanks for your patience with my technical learning curve issues!
I consider this recording of "Gymnopedie 1" to be just the beginning of a learning journey, and I would classify this performance as a "work in progress." I still have a lot of work to do on this piece such as more focused attention to the dynamics, memorization, etc. However, I'm fairly satisfied with what I've pulled together in a relatively short timeframe.
Now that I've gotten it to this level, I am looking forward to finishing my work on this piece. I was so close to getting it memorized. However, I knew I wouldn't meet our November deadline, and I did find a workable solution to the problem. I also plan to pursue learning the other 2 movements of Gymnopedie.
At first I was extremely reluctant to take on this project because of the extremely busy work schedule I typically experience in October. However, I'm now glad that I got the opportunity to participate in this team effort!
My thanks again to Richard for agreeing to do the Sunday classical postings, which also helped me free up more time to at least get this to a presentable level.
I think this is an improvement on last time (metamorphosis piece) because I this time I was able to create ideas about the structure of the piece. While playing I imagined a French peasant (represented by the melody)wandering in the country with church bells in the distance (the accompaniment). However, when it came to listening to it it sounded more like raindrops (melody) on a puddle - hence the video we chose! And fortunately the background noise on the recording sounded a bit like rain - which fitted quite well.
Excuse the slips - missed notes, chords sounding uneven and overloud and scrappy at times. The piano also needs tuning.
I find Satie's Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes to be dreamlike, slowly wending their way through slightly unusual harmonies, repeating with very slight variations. The Gymnopedie No. 3 is in A minor in 3/4 time. The tempo marking is Lent et grave. A rhythmically repetitive bass line of single notes on the downbeat followed by a tenor triad on beat two grounds a reflective melody in the treble, which is repeated with a variation in the first phrase.
The challenge in this piece for me was not the fingering, but the nuances: playing the left hand softly enough to allow the right hand to sing out over it; trying to add subtle dynamics as marked in the score; seeking a sense of rubato. This performance doesn't capture the ideal of what I'd like to be able to do with this piece, but it captures the best of what I can do right now.
What can I say... I love the mysterious quality of much of Satie's work. The Gnossienne's have no measures and some very strange instructions left to us by the composer. Instructions such as "Advise yourself carefully", "Very shiny" and "Postulate within yourself". I chose to play this piece a bit faster than many play it and I give the low F a steady drone using the sostenuto pedal.
This is my first attempt at recording where people might actually hear it, and my first real experience recording on my acoustic. What an eye opener! I got so self-conscious of my errors it was hard to emote! Next time! The pictures are purely filler of stuff in our yard.
Anyway. Gnossienne 2. I envision Satie running into that girl he was in love with, and the whole gamut of emotions that goes with running into someone you once cared a great deal for: the shock, the happiness, the self-consciousness and awkwardness, the spark of sadness in the end.
I thought the pedaling in this piece was extremely tricky. You need to be very precise, or it sounds warbly and drones on and on. Technique wise, I am having some strength issues lately with my left hand, so trying to quiet the chords and play them evenly was the biggest challenge. I'm not thrilled with my performance, but I am happy I got through it and was able to participate finally! It was a great learning experience. Special thanks to Dipsy for roping me in.
I came to know about Satie by Gnossienne 3! I accidentally found it while browsing the performance videos of an youtube user. It moved me so much by creating an unusual feelings that I still can't express exactly: some kind of eerie dreams that I never dreamed before. But it surely has a strong hypnotic attraction that evolves from the combination of all the dark emotions it produces inside the listener, that's why I can't stop loving it and listening to it again and again!
About its interpretation, I was so confused! It looks so easy on the sheet, but the apparent freedom in its interpretation makes it quite difficult to translate the charm of the piece musically! During my journey of learning this piece I learned a lot by facing difficulties and trying to overcome them - one of most important of them would be controlling the dynamics of the left hand chords accompanying the right hand melodies. Overall, I had a great experience and I'm so happy to become a part of this recital!
I’ve read several theories about the origin of these pieces, but above all, this Gnossienne inspires me serene beauty, and this has been the viewpoint of my attempt to perform this music.
For the video, I’ve chosen some paintings by Joaquín Sorolla, a Spanish painter of the early twentieth century, together with the original manuscript of this Gnossienne.
I was first introduced to Satie's music as a teenager when my brother gave me this wonderful CD (http://www.amazon.com/Vaughan-Williams-F...williams+barber). I loved the simple, melancholy sound of Satie's Gymnopédies. I've had the piano music for some time, but never felt like I could do this music the same justice as the orchestra on that CD. Thank you PW friends for giving me an opportunity and the encouragement to buckle down and learn one of these piano pieces!
Before signing up for this recital I’d not heard Gnossienne 6. In the playing I found myself a prisoner of the phrasing - mostly three or four beat motifs. I couldn’t find any continuity and Satie, rather than help us out, prefers as always to make fun of us with his cryptic directions (rigourous sadness, healthy superiority, haggardly).
Checking out YT I found a handful ranging from Leeuw’s clockwork to Pascal Roge’s wild and wonderful phrasing. In my hands that sort of thing would come out sounding contrived and ridiculous so I played it safe and sedate. Wish I'd played it slower but every take has something wrong with it; being mindful of one thing, I forget another. I’ll be going back to Roge later to see what, if anything, I can learn.
Anyway, it’s been a mixture of fun and exasperation and, the biggest payoff, after 50 years stuck playing exclusively between f and ff - a chance to try mf and p. Wow! Who knew? Still so much work to do.
When the thread’s up I’ll pour myself a large glass of wine and let your Gymnopodies and Gnossiennes fill the airwaves around me. What a treat!(monochrome, in a desperate attempt to add moodiness)
I too hadn't heard of Eric Satie until this recital. Although I have heard a couple of the pieces before. I chose Gnossienne 7, as I thought it sounded unique. The challenge for me was making it sound musical. This wasn't my best performance, but it was the best take I got.
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Now back to my other piano work! I have been neglecting working on other pieces I need to have ready for my monthly lesson this weekend! 
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