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wayne, what measure numbers mark off parts I, II and III for you in 85/2?

Can you find and play the melody all by itself? At which measures is it hard to find?

Some other questions are: what key is it in? Do you hear any phrases within the larger sections? Are there any repeated patterns? At what measures does the piece deviate from the overall pattern?

It's OK if you don't know any of these -- just say so if so. I'm looking for a baseline to start from.

I've gone over to the sonata thread Yeah, I can pick out the melody to part I, but not part II

Nice - I didn't even realise they were available online like that. The first dozen or so were the first things I tried on piano. I guess if people decided to go with this for a recital, I'd try and find one that was the right kind of challenge, rather than just do No.1 like I said. Personally though, I'd hope that was a little way off.

I think I may up for Book 1, Number 1. I may have to practise my C major scale first.

I thought they were still in copyright, Wayne. Is that site kosher?

"Links removed"

So darned glad I picked OP 38 4 and not 5 . . .Oh boy!!!!!!!!!!! Listen to it on Youtube . . at least you can snip the music off the screen . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuhfY5cInSI

Pmsl Peterws

Does pms mean what I think?

I wonder if I can sign up for a third piece. Since I have been playing quite a few of the Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words for years, the challenge of participating at this recital isn't awfully great. In fact I already had a recording of one of my two pieces when I first signed up.

The piece I'm considering is the E-major Presto, Op.38/3. I attempted to play this piece twenty years ago and gave up after a few attempts. But during the last couple of weeks I have worked a bit on it and I think I can manage it within some weeks from now. My abilty of learning new stuff has apparently become better after I turned 60.

Of course, if somebody else want to play Op.38/3 I will not stand in their way. But if this song remains free, I can continue working on it (certainly I can do this anyhow - it is a most beautiful piece). What do you think? Is three pieces too much for one performer within the frames of this recital?

I would say pieces that are unclaimed at this stage, Ganddalf, are not going to be fought over and alternative interpretations are a good thing anyway. Why else do we do this thing (playing classical music)?

At worst, Wayne can turn down your submission - or phsl at the thought.

Knock yourself out, as they say.

I just don't want to give the impression that I'm a great Mendelssohn specialist and I want to avoid dominating too much. But Op.38/3 is a very nice piece, and somebody should play it.

Maybe I should just continue working with it without reserving it. And if it is still not taken when the recital draws near I can sign up for it then.

I believe that's what Wayne is doing with 53/3, 67/4 and 85/3.

If there weren't so many to choose from we'd have either had multiple plays of each piece or people turned away and who wants to have people turned away?

It's the participation that counts and the camaraderie of shared effort.

I don't think we need all the pieces done at the expense of not being able to pick one or two personal favourites and I'd have preferred to have many interpretations of popular pieces than one each of less favoured choices although it has had the bonus of all 48 being subjected to very careful listening and I have personally profited from that.

My Mendelssohn repertoire thus far had consisted of his Christmas pieces and his Scherzo in E minor. Although I've heard all these before, and have them on CD, I've not really listened.

Go for it Ganddalf, I did notice your previous Mendelssohn thread, and wondered! (is there an emoticon with rolling eyes?)

Well, at least I decided studying the piece. I can't guarantee that I manage to learn it well enough before the deadline, but I give it a try.

I see you all are working on your pieces very hard. That’s encouraging.


I’ve memorized the whole sheet music, and am getting some musicality with my playing, or at least I’d like to think so. But I still play my piece slowly (about half tempo of a proper andante).

Sometimes I believe that I will be able to get a decent performance, but other times I think this work is too difficult for my piano level and finally my recording will end up sounding ridiculous. Yes, I know these are typical thoughts from a beginner.

So I find very hopeful Richard’s comments about practicing at slow tempo constantly. Maybe these advices work for me as well .

Well after another discussion with my teacher today, I have decided it is only proper to withdraw my name from the recital as he would like me to focuse on other pieces for the moment; he says we take up the Mendelssohn piece another time. While I am really quite dismayed at the prospect of this, I had hoped to finally participate in PW recital, I respect his opinion and I know he would not suggest this without reason. If I had more experience with Mendelssohn's "Songs" I would consider the idea of working on my own, but I fear this would only result in a half-baked version of the piece. I have too much respect for Mendelssohn and this forum to submit a subpar version. I shall have wait for the next themed recital. C'est la vie!

You might find some relevant info in the sonata analysis thread, Recaredo. Especially the last couple of days on Wayne's piece, Op. 85/2.

Don't forget to throw in a question if you have any problems. It doesn't interrupt the thread.

The piece you chose, Irene, was not insignificant. The choice of material was very difficult for the ABF and many eager players were unable to participate. Thanks for your effforts and don't feel bad. You teacher knows what's best for you and wouldn't have put the brakes on without good reason.

There will be other Themed Recitals in the future with much lower entry requirements.

Great words of encouragement for Irene - and great news about future Themed Recitals

Thanks Richard! I'll keep it in mind!