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Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this recital a success!

Looks like the link for the Schumann 6 zip file points to the Schumann 2 zip. You can download it via

http://recitals.pianoworld.com/recital_files/Schumann_Recital/Schumann%206.zip

A huge thanks to Morodiene for taking care of this big recital!
I'm starting to listen...

Making a recording took a lot of time, and so will listening to all the submissions. I am not a fan of Schumann's music, but you've all done so much work to get this huge selection up, so I am determined to listen to them all! Except for the last one

50. earlofmar - The Merry Farmer Op 68 No 10
My teacher assigned this piece for me last year but after 2 weeks I was so fed up with practicing, it was either out Schumann or the lid closed forever...

You on the other hand seem to have a happier time with it, the character of the piece comes out very well!


82. SwissMS/Doris - Opus 118 No 1 Sonata in G Theme and Variations

I thought this was lovely, there were many really good moments. Just practice few parts more and you'll do very well in your exam!

34. chopinoholic (Paul de Koning) - Novelette op.21 no.2

I was eager to hear your Pleyel again, but in some parts I could not quite ignore the need for tuning. It seems that Schumann's music is very revealing when it comes to that.

I didn’t sense quite the same kind of musical passion in this that I hear in your Chopin (or maybe it's just MY lack of passion for Robbie), but it still sounded impressive for a piece not fully matured. You’re just so good

Thanks outo, it really does need a tuning..
This piece is pretty hard for me, and indeed it is not ready by far! Also it's my first Schumann piece ever. Thanks for listening and commenting.

Will listen later because I only have a mobile connection atm. Can't wait!

Heres a link to the individual files.
http://recitals.pianoworld.com/recital_files/Schumann_Recital

Really? How have you managed? I guess it's comforting to know that it's not necessary to do every major composer so get so good...

I fact I might just follow your lead and not touch one again!

01. Pianamateur - Papillons, op. 2

Only 2 years? Amazing! Just to get through such a 13 minute Schumann piece is a formidable task and for the most parts you played very confidently. And btw, for the most parts I enjoyed the acoustic version more, even if it wasn't as smooth.

As much as I would like to keep listening, must go, have a date...

Thanks for reviewing, Outo! The longer I play this piece, the more I hear in it. I still have some areas that need tweaking, but hopefully by November it will be more refined!

Very impressive recital. Only listened to about a dozen so far, all very high quality. Congrats to all participants for taking on Schumann, who I always find extremely difficult. Bravo

This is so fun to listen to!!
The wildest mix of levels I have ever heard

All very inspiring. Everything is in it: short term goals, long term goals, and "some time in the year 2050" goals

Most of all very pleasant music, some of you make it sound effortless. In other pieces you almost see/smell the blood sweat and tears which have gone in to it.

I would like to say to all of you: Thanks so much for participating!

To those who stretched beyond their abilities, GOOD JOB!! What a challenge!

To the teachers and advanced players who took part, thanks so much for playing this beautiful music for all of us to enjoy!


one little remark though, in the zip files the first part of OP 68 is missing, it is in the online streaming player so something must have gone wrong

What a wonderful recital! Thank you, Morodiene, for putting yourself out to fire us up and for doing the admin (and thanks to Sam also who I imagine is the ever-present technician).

The only blot on this otherwise fantastic collection of music and performances is that of my own contribution which pains me every bit as much as having to look at an unflattering photo of myself (the only kind there is!). Also, I will be wondering why the piece I spent the most time on is the one which causes me most grief.

But thanks to everyone else - talent in all shapes and sizes - every performance ringing with commitment and dedication. I hadn't realised what a gem Schumann really is - there are so many pieces here that I would like and intend to play (the simpler ones!). I'll be listening often to this recital.

Thank you Morodiene for leading this event and all the work it takes to pull it off. Attached is my attempt at Schumann's Cradle Song. Clara liked to play this much faster but I've rocked babies and felt it needed a more gentle feel (plus no one ever accuses me of playing too fast). I've learned a lot in playing this one...nuances of notes to privilege and lifts that make it more musical. Had trouble with recording since I only do it for the PW events and have to relearn it every time so hope the sound quality is adequate.

https://youtu.be/asI41qFvgIE

Thanks for that WiseBuff, I was about to file a complaint but this makes up for it beautiful song (this really is a song isn't it?).

What a wonderful start to the day it's been, listening to so many gems in this recital!

After seven months of playing Schumann and thinking that I'll enjoy a good break after it's over I now find, only a few hours on, that my dance card is filling up with a dozen more Schumann compulsories.

There's no way I'm going to comment individually on over 80 pieces but every piece I've listened to so far is glistening with enthusiasm and demonstrating clearly the hours and efforts that have been expended.

Thanks to all the participants, to Morodiene and to Sam S.

Karen, it was beautiful. First time hearing the piece. Your piano sounds good and loved your careful and sensitive touch

Haven't heard any of these pieces from op. 6 before as far as I can remember.


02. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 4 - Ungeduldig (Con impazienza)

I don’t think it was sleepy, just moody in a nice way. The tempo changes must be difficult to pull off.


03. patH (Patrick Hollstein) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.8 "Frisch"
Very nice and fresh!


04. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 10 - Balladenmassig sehr rasch

This was nice too. I think Schumann may have been unnecessarily obsessed with speed 



05. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.15 "Frisch"
06. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze, Op. 6 No. 16, Mit gutem Humor
07. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 17 Wie Aus der Ferne

You did so many pieces, that alone is a great accomplishment. Some of them sounded really difficult, but your playing was fine, no matter the tempo. I liked nr. 17 best.


It's pity that we couldn't do the whole op. So went to YT to listen to the whole thing. But sometimes it was like listening to racing, so fast For my non-Schumann trained ears you guys played fast enough

I'm kind of jumping around in the recital... For some reason my favorite opuses weren't completed


74. pavel.k - Waldszenen Op.82 No.3 Einsame Blumen
That was pretty and I don't mind you cheating, just glad you made it!

75. noobpianist90 - Vogel als Prophet (Bird as Prophet) Op. 82 No. 7
This is probably my favorite Schumann piece. You played the light figurations beautifully! Captivating as you say...

This morning I could listen to the first seven entries, Papillons and Davidsbuendlertaenze; then my smartphone ran out of battery...
Now I'm back home and I'm listening to timmyab, pieces Carnival op. 9.
Such a great start is intimidating, really!
I will not comment individually each entry, I'm definitely non competent when the level is so high!
I hope in op. 68!

While I like so much listening, I don't think I will try another Schumann piece soon.
So far I've learned several pieces from the Album for the young, but none at a level I was satisfied for. Near Schumann, Bach is almost a breeze!

Thank you listening FarmGirl. Felt like I was in a rocking chair with a little one for sure.

Now I want to sit back and enjoy all the other performers.

Something went wrong w/ the zip file process. Zip 5 contains #29, #30, then #47. So 31-46 are missing from the zips.

I decided to try downloading everything via the zip files this time and noticed this.

1 Pianoamateur

Amazing what you just did. 5 minutes is as far as I go . . This music is going everyehere with lots o` different things going on. Well done! Great start.

2 Valencia

A very intimate piece, expressively played. Feels like my heads in that piano . .

3 PatH

Really really choppy, agitated, or should I say "Schnell-ish"? The guy was in a hurry when he wrote this . . .Great stuff, man!

4 Valencia

Just fell into that piano . .What a sound! It didn`t soulnd slow to me. It sounded right.

5 zrt90

So many ways to play these; Schumann`s nothing if not dramatic. This is all good stuff so far and thus a tad worrying for me, a relatively old hand! Congratulations on a fine work here.

6 zrt90

Both these pieces sing with an expertise worth being jealous over . . .great sound fro your ole Joanna.

7 zrt90

You have a wonderfully sympathetic style of playing. For a fella . .

8 Timmyab

Excellent sounding music on that Yammie of yours with plenty of light and shade, Blimey, nobody`s put a foot wrong yet . . .

9 Greener

Sch doesn`t have trouble sounding like Ch; there`s so much room for slipping up on these arpeggios. You did darned well here, just sounded really really nice. I recognized two distinct Chopin songs in there . . .

10 zrt90

Off to a very quick start! Very lyrical music here; wish I`d done it! Still can, come to think of it . . .great work and a lovely bell like effect from your piano.

11 Carey

Now then. What d`ya have for fingers? This sounds mentally difficult and fast. I`ve got to enjoy Sch. as one of the very best, and you do it justice.

12 Diretonic

This sounds very natural, great combination between digital tech, and acoustic result.I can only echo your own words "What a lovely Piece!" and that, my friend, is down to you.

I`m blown away . . . . ..this stuff sounds pro. Mine bloody doesn`t!

ERROR

I had posted this on the other Schumann thread, but here's the link Greener made for the Schumann icon that is the right size:

http://www.pianoworld.com/Uploads/files/RS-xsml.jpg

Sorry about the zip files. I'm unable to edit the OP, but you can access them via the other links provided.

01. Pianamateur - Papillons, op. 2 Somehow I haven't heard this before. I hope you don't mind I went right for your soundcloud version. I think you are too worried about the elements that were not in your control when making this recording. When heard fully it's quite enjoyable and sounds much more alive and fresh. I was quite surprised at how familiar some of the themes are. I'm pretty sure Schumann used a few of these in later works. Nicely played!

02. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 4 - Ungeduldig (Con impazienza)
04. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 10 - Balladenmassig sehr rasch
The Op. 6 is one of my absolute favorites. I didn't know that it was considered one of Schumann's greatest but it has been that way to me. I'm glad you decided to include this recording despite your reservations. I enjoyed listening.

03. patH (Patrick Hollstein) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.8 "Frisch"
Loved it! I'm so glad you played the repeat, so sad it had to end.

05. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.15 "Frisch"
06. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze, Op. 6 No. 16, Mit gutem Humor
07. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 17 Wie Aus der Ferne
It was good of you to put these three together. I love how they connect and I'm not surprised that they are a huge challenge to pull off. Definitely the kind of music that needs a lot of time to settle in your fingers. Seems like you have established a pretty good foundation so far. Thanks for sharing.

84 Outo

A ponderous piece with super chords in there. Loved it and think you did a darned good job. Your piano sounded fine.

83 Stumbler

Well! This fair rattled along . . no time to think about what you`re doing here. Some of this stuff is mentally fast. I reckon it needs a bit of slowing down no matter what the music might say. Good job though. Glad I never got it . . .

82 SwissMS

Lots of expression and fluidity called for here, I reckon. You`re nearly there on this one. Best wishes for your exam!

81 Gingko2

Sch certainly like to attack the piano. I do too. You convey this very well, the music is good, but there is distortion at my end!

80 Morodienne

We get to hear all sorts of pianos/keyboards on these recitals, that`s got to be good. Yours sounded great btw; the music is very fine and your dad would be so proud . . .Indeed, the Pride of Erin . . .

79 Pathbreaker

I enjoyed this complex piece; it moves in a strange way towards the middle with that hyperactive bass. Sounds like something steady has a storm whirling around it . . .grief, I`m being philos . . .clever tonight . .

78 DireTonic

Garriton CFX is the way to go! Gonna find out the cost . . .super acoustics from this, great sound all round, excellent to listen to. Talking about the music now . . .

77Peyton

Played with much feeling, sounds like you got into this one deeply. Like a solemn hymn, reflective, lovely playing.

76 Dire Tonic

Could be worse you say! We`re all thinking "I wish . . ." Lovely.

75 Noobpianist

A delightful piece which conveys that which you suggest. The hymn sound mixes well and gives this a rare (for Sch) feelgood quality. Lyrical and light. Great job!

74 Pavel K

Soothing and articulate. You did right getting this out the best way you could . . . time is always a problem when it comes to recording. This is well worth a listen, lovely work.

73 Peyton

So powerful and played with the necessary aplomb. Wonderful.

72 Carey

Another hymn like from Sch. Love these. You give this its quality and essential drive.

Bye for now. Enjoyed all this so much. Special thanks to Morodienne

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this major undertaking! I've just started listening and it's going to take some time to get through all 84 pieces. I'm very impressed with what I've heard so far. However, I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to write comments on each one of them. I will listen to each piece, however. What an accomplishment!!!

Morodiene and Sam S Thank you for doing this enormous recital

Settled in with buckets of cheese and crackers, and gallons of hot tea, for a very long Sunday of nothing but great performances (and a wee bit of piano-practice during the intermissions) In fact, it’s now officially Monday here.

Well, that was quite an earful of Schumann! I was not very familiar with this composer, so it was great to get such a broad presentation of his works. In general his pieces sound pretty darn difficult, and while a lot of it isn’t my cup of tea, I am fast becoming a fan of some of them, so must work hard now to be able to play a few of these lovely pieces some day.

I’m so impressed with those of you submitting two, or even more, pieces. That must have been quite a Herculean task!

I am obviously not qualified to offer any ‘technical feedback’, but my personal impression you shall have, and my appreciation of all your hard work. It was a privilege to listen.


Pianamateur 01. Papillons, op. 2
I take exception to the ‘amateur’ in your name LOL, to hold up for such a long piece is incredible. And your first recital too! Great Job.

Valencia 02. Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 4 - Ungeduldig (Con impazienza)
04. Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 10 - Balladenmassig sehr rasch
I think both pieces were very well done, and the first one not a bit sleepy. Nice pieces that really grow on you after a couple of listens.

patH (Patrick Hollstein) 03. Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.8 "Frisch"
’Frish’ indeed! I almost had to hold my breath through this piece. Loved the video, allowing me to watch these masterful hands at work.

Richard (zrtf90) 05. Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.15 "Frisch"
06. Davidsbuendlertaenze, Op. 6 No. 16, Mit gutem Humor"
07. Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 17 Wie Aus der Ferne
10. Des Abends, Op. 12 No. 1
54. Erster Verlust, Op. 68 No. 16
While the music was not to my taste, I still enjoyed your always excellent playing, especially those magic trills.

timmyab 08. Three pieces from Carnival op 9
Excellent playing of these pieces, though perhaps the ‘easier’ ones, certainly not ‘simple’.

Greener / Jeff Green 09. Carnaval, Chopin Op. 9, No. 12
Ah, this was nice, and played with such feeling You are right, this is both graceful and beautiful.

Carey (Phil Jones) 11. Aufschwung (Soaring) Opus 12 No. 2
64. Kriegslied (Song of War) Opus 68 No. 31
70. Nordisches Lied (Northern Song) Opus 68 No. 41
71. Figurieter Choral (Figured Choral) Opus 68 No. 42
72. Sylvesterlied (New Year's Eve) Opus 68 No. 43
Oh, that was just wonderful! Especially ‘Nordisches Lied’ blew me away. Although I had never heard it before, it was eerily familiar. Clearly influenced not just by Gade, but other nordic music. Had to listen to this 5 times before I could tear myself away. This has to go to the top of my list of things to play (when able). Thank you for that Also absolutely loved the videos of all your pieces. You went all out to give us an all-round experience.

dire tonic 12. Warum? Op. 12 no.3
76. dire tonic - Nicht schnell, mit Innigkeit Op. 99 no.1
78. dire tonic - Serh Langsam Op.99 no 8
Skillfully played.

FarmGirl 13. Op12 No 4 Grillen
You being sick and all, I think it was a heroic effort. Majestic even

hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott 14. Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 5 In der Nacht
15. Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 6 Fabel
16. Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 7 Traumes-Wirren
Excellent playing.

AndyPlatt 17. Ende vom Lied, from Fantasiestuck, Op. 12, No 8
Excellent playing. Sorry I keep repeating myself, but what else is there to say

sinophilia (Diana) 18. Op. 15 no. 1 - Von Fremden Laendern und Menschen
Beautiful piece, and I love the way you play it.

Woodog /Forrest Halford 19. Op. 15, #2 "A Curious Story"
20. Op. 15, #3 "Catch Me"
25. Op. 15, #8 "By the Fireside"
26. Op. 15, #9 "Knight of the Rocking Horse"
27. Op. 15, #11 "Frightening"
I thought it was great, but I can see how the last one would be scary to pull off LOL

peterws 21. Pleading Child
33. Novelletten 21 1
55. Roaming in the Morning op 68 17
66. Mariners Song
Some great playing. No idea how you managed the Mariners so schnell.
Camera have too many beers before 33? That angle made me seasick

dynamobt/Marilyn 22. Perfect Happiness Op 15 no 5
24. Dreaming Op 15 no 7
Ah, Träumerei, also one of my favorites. Enjoyed that very much

ElaineAllegro 23. Opus 15, Kinderszenen, #6: Wichtige Begebenheit (Great Adventure)
Liked the little boy story, fits it well

Moonsh1ne (Ken) 28. Op. 15, No .13 Kinderszenen - Der Dichter Spricht (The Poet Speaks)
You played that with great feeling. And thank you for the tip on the movie, I’ll have to watch that now.

Tim Adrianson 29. Kreisleriana #1 - 2 Op 16
30. Kreisleriana #3-4 Op 16
31. Kreisleriana #5 - 8 Op 16
35. Noveletten #5
36. Noveletten #6
Obviously a pro at work Inspiring.

Pover 32. Op.18 Schumann Arabeske
3 years, self-taught? Well, that’s pretty amazing in my book

chopinoholic (Paul de Koning) 34. Novelette op.21 no.2
Excellent.

verqueue 37. Sonata g minor op. 22
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it, but, as always, it’s a pleasure watching you play.

Erin (Morodiene) 38. Op 23 No 3 Mit grosser Lebhaftigkeit
80. Op 111 No 2 Ziemlich langsam
Op111/2 really gets under your skin after a while of listening. Thanks.

PikaPianist 39. Nachtstucke Op.23, No.4 'Einfach'
Never heard chords played quite like that before. Almost guitar’ish. Interesting.

Rachel Jimenez 40. Intermezzo from Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26
41. Romanze from Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26
I have no problem with some pros in these themed recitals. It’s inspiring.

Rupak Bhattacharya 42. Romance in F-sharp Major, Op. 28 No. 2
You certainly did not ruin this piece. It was well done, and beautiful.

scorpio 43. Op. 68, No. 1 - Melody
47. Op. 68, No. 6 - The Poor Orphan
Well done. I especially liked No.1

pianonewbie1 (Piano_primo)44. Soldier's March Opus 68
Very nice. Looks like fun to play.

Tom Christian 45. Trallerliedchen Op 68 No 3
Fun piece, and so even and perfect. I love the way you always play like you really mean it!

WimPiano 46. Op. 68 No 4 - Ein Choral
52. Kleine Studie - Album fur die Jugend - Op. 68 No. 14
Well done. I liked it.

Ohio_Mark 48. The Hunting Song
Tempo was just fine. Nice.

ajames 49. Op. 68, 8. Wilder Reiter
You matched the title perfectly

earlofmar 50. The Merry Farmer Op 68 No 10
53. Fruhlingsgesang (Spring song) Op 68 No 15
57. earlofmar - Kleine Romanze (Little romance) Op 68 No 19
Seem like some very difficult pieces to tackle after only 2 years, and I think you did a great job. Nice to hear the Farmer, finally one I’m familiar with (though never played it of course).

SwissMS/Doris 51. Opus 68 No. 12 Knecht Ruprecht
82. Opus 118 No 1 Sonata in G Theme and Variations
You have nothing to fear from Sir Ruprecht. He should give you a few oranges for that

ClsscLib 56. Opus 68 No 18 Reaper's Song
Well that was a bit of a surprise. From your translated title, I expected something from the ‘grim reaper’ LOL My mistake. Jolly piece, and very nice.

gingko2 58. op. 68 no. 21
81. gingko2 - op. 118 no. 1, Children's Sonata, Allegro
Well done.

malkin 59. Op. 68 No. 23 Reiterstuck
A horse would be hard pressed to passage for 2 minutes, but it really worked with this picture in my mind Nice.

barbaram 60. Op 68 no 26
69. Op 68 no 39 Wintertime II
Great playing.

torquenale (Alessandra) 61. Erinnerung - op. 68 n. 28
Well done.

Sam S 62. Strange Man - opus 68 no 29
63. Album for the Young * opus 68 number 30
‘Strange Man’ does bring to mind somebody with a mean scowl. I think you bring it out well.

Anne H 65. Opus 68, No 32: Sheherazade
Very nice listen.

Recaredo/Ricardo 67. Op. 68, Album for the Young No 37. Matrosenlied (Sailors' Song)
You played it well. But what this has to do with ‘matrosen’ is beyond me.

noobpianist90 68. Winterzeit I (Wintertime I) Op. 68 No. 38
75. Vogel als Prophet (Bird as Prophet) Op. 82 No. 7
Excellent playing.

Peyton 73. Chiarina
77. Peyton - Album Leaves Opus 99, No. 2 part 1
Great playing.

pavel.k 74. Waldszenen Op.82 No.3 Einsame Blumen
Lovely played.

Pathbreaker - 79. Album Leaves Op. 99, No. 9 Novelette
Great playing.

stumbler /Dave 83. Albumblatter op 124, no 5, Phantasietanz (Fantastic Dance)
Excellent playing.

Outo 84. Gesange der Frohe op 133-1
Last, but certainly not least Well done.

Enjoying listening to these performances! I love how much enthusiasm and talent there is on this forum. Hopefully I'll have some time to keep checking back here for comments.

I really enjoyed preparing and posting my recordings. I'm glad someone let me know about this recital and suggested I make a little contribution. I used it as an opportunity to brush up on a couple of short movements and also to further my work with software pianos.

All the best to everybody!

This is exactly what I love most about these collaborative recitals.
We are all in it together, coming from wherever we are coming from, just trying to wrap our heads and hearts and fingers around this genius music.
Congratulations to all and thank you SO much Morodiene!

I plan to listen to ALL the submissions over the next few days, but I'm very impressed with what I've heard this evening.

01. Pianamateur - Papillons, op. 2

Certainly you've been playing for longer than two years. Those earlier experiences you allude to obviously counted for something !! I found your performance of this gem of a work to be musically mature and quite delightful...as if I was discovering the piece for the first time through your performance. Well done !!

02. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 4 - Ungeduldig (Con impazienza)
03. patH (Patrick Hollstein) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.8 "Frisch"
04. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 10 - Balladenmassig sehr rasch
05. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.15 "Frisch"
06. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze, Op. 6 No. 16, Mit gutem Humor
07. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 17 Wie Aus der Ferne

Thanks to all of you for giving us a taste of the musical riches of this early Schumann work. While you may consider some of your submissions to be works in progress, the bones were certainly there, and the musicality was evident throughout. I was particularly moved by Richard's reading of Aus der Ferne - but I found ALL of the submissions most enjoyable. In fact, you've inspired me to (finally) get a copy of the score and start learning portions of this amazing opus.

08. timmyab - Three pieces from Carnival op 9
I wouldn't say that any of these pieces are particularly easy. You play them quite well with an obvious understanding of the composer's intent. Well done !!

09. Greener / Jeff Green - Carnaval, Chopin Op. 9, No. 12
Perhaps my favorite selection from Carnaval, and I enjoyed your rendition. I can't recall having heard a Heintzman upright before. Is your Heintzman Canadian built (pre 1989)??

I don't know why , but this comment makes me laugh,,, I guess I imagine someone saying "mmm looks like fun"" and because the melody is very bouncy and sort of silly....
I don't understand how it is titled "a soldier"s march"... but.. thanks

Toy soldiers. . . .

Thank you Morodiene and Greener for putting this together. 84 pieces, it's impressive!

I'm quite familiar with Schumann's works and it's always a treat to listen to new performances and interpretations of pieces one knows well, especially since the level here is so high. But there's also a lot I didn't know, and will be delighted to explore. All pieces that are remotely attainable, I want to try to learn. Thank you everybody!

I really enjoyed listen all the submissions.
Congratulations to all the pianists

Thanks, Jytte. I first heard the piece on Chenyin Li's demonstration CD for Pianist Magazine before I ever saw the title, and I was as surprised as you were.

Farming has become so mechanized -- and so few people are engaged in it these days -- that (at least in English) we hardly ever hear the word "reaper" except in reference to the "Grim Reaper." But of course the word originally referred to harvesting crops, and the subject of this piece clearly has been involved joyfully in a bountiful harvest.

So there's nothing grim about this piece at all, although there are a few gnarly technical challenges for the developing pianist!

I've only sampled a small snippet of this recital, yesterday. About 20 performances or so. I'll be listening to the recital in it's entirety throughout the week. From what I have experienced thus far, what an outstanding lineup of performances of these great Schumann works. Five years ago I'd never had imagined participating in a classical themed recital, let alone along side musicians of this calibre. I'm thrilled to be participating.

Thank you to all for listening and your nice comments on my submission; Peter, Jytte and Carey.



It is a 1978. Yes, I believe it was manufactured right here in Toronto. This was before Heintzman was sold and manufacturing moved to China. It is a decent enough piano, but I am now the 3rd owner and it is starting to wear. My piano tech. is not as much of a big fan of it as I am, and is forever trying to get me to upgrade to a Yamaha. He has me convinced now and eventually I will. Of course, he is also the one that will be selling me the new Yamaha. So he has a vested interest in not liking my Heintzman so much.



Thank you, Diana.
Indeed the recital prep. and launch has gone like clockwork. Slight correction though; All due to Morodiene and her support team. I had no involvement in this recital. Thank you though. I forward your thanks to the Sam, stumbler and others that were involved in helping make this recital come off so well.

Right, first off I’m listening to Op 68 since that’s where my own contributions fit in.
I hadn't intended to comment on all of them, but it seems that I have! I won't manage to do the whole recital, I'm sure, but I do hope to listen to it all.
Thanks to Morodiene for organising & to everyone for participating

43. scorpio - Op. 68, No. 1 - Melody
Nice job – I learned this recently so I know it is not as simple as it sounds. I didn’t attempt to get it to your level of polish either, but it’s a really nice little piece

44. pianonewbie1 (Piano_primo) - Soldier's March Opus 68
Great job, I found your notes really interesting too

45. Tom Christian - Trallerliedchen Op 68 No 3
Great job, lovely rippling accompaniment

46. WimPiano - Op. 68 No 4 - Ein Choral
Your notes on the background to the piece are interesting – this is really so different to everything else in this opus, isn’t it? Very nicely done

47. scorpio - Op. 68, No. 6 - The Poor Orphan
Very nice job

48. Ohio_Mark - The Hunting Song
Lovely, a nice fun pace

49. ajames - Op. 68, 8. Wilder Reiter
Great pace, you carry off the tempo really well.

50. earlofmar - The Merry Farmer Op 68 No 10
Despite your protestions, great job – and how satisfying to return to something that was previously too difficult and be able to *really* measure your progress

51. SwissMS/Doris - Opus 68 No. 12 Knecht Ruprecht
One of my faves from this opus. Really polished, great job.
Doesn’t sound easy at all!

52. WimPiano - Kleine Studie - Album fur die Jugend - Op. 68 No. 14
Really pretty piece, and it flows beautifully

53. earlofmar - Fruhlingsgesang (Spring song) Op 68 No 15
You do a lovely job with this, it’s a pleasure to listen to.
I really relate to your comments, I feel the same about my Schumann journey over the last 6 months or so.
I’m interested in your comments re pedal – I would have thought for Schumann (and Romantic era in general), the absence of a pedal marking doesn’t have to mean “don’t use”, more "do what you feel like". In one of my two, I use it only when indicated, but I could never have made the other one presentable without copious pedalling!


54. Richard (zrtf90) - Erster Verlust, Op. 68 No. 16
Thanks for picking this up, it’s lovely

55. peterws - Roaming in the Morning op 68 17
This is great, another one of my faves from this Opus

56. ClsscLib - Opus 68 No 18 Reaper's Song
Very nicely done

57. earlofmar - Kleine Romanze (Little romance) Op 68 No 19
Hey, at least this also *sounds* challenging – nothing worse that challenging pieces that sound easy :-)
Great job

58. gingko2 - op. 68 no. 21 ***
I wonder why he left 3 untitled in this opus?
I really like this, it doesn’t sound easy at all.

59. malkin - Op. 68 No. 23 Reiterstuck
Nothing wrong with dressage :-)
Good contrast with your dynamics

61. torquenale (Alessandra) - Erinnerung - op. 68 n. 28
Oh, this is really polished, lovely!

62. Sam S - Strange Man - opus 68 no 29
I’m not hearing the errors at all, rather I’m feeling intimidated by all those chords (one of my many weak areas!). And by the Strange Man, of course! Great job.

63. Sam S - Album for the Young *** opus 68 number 30
Lovely piece, and such a contrast in style from no 29.

64. Carey (Phil Jones) - Kriegslied (Song of War) Opus 68 No. 31
Sounds really fun to play!

65. Anne H - Opus 68, No 32: Sheherazade
This is a lovely piece, one of my favourites from this Opus I think

66. peterws - Mariners Song
OK, this is my *actual* favourite from this Opus. When the recital was first launched I listened through all of Opus 68 to decide what to do. This was my favourite, and then I looked up the difficulty and backed quickly away :-)
Just as well, since my supposedly easier no 39 proved hugely challenging to me! Hopefully someday I’ll come back to this and play it, for today I’m happy to sit back and enjoy your lively rendition – great stuff!

67. Recaredo / Ricardo - Op. 68, Album for the Young No 37. Matrosenlied (Sailors' Song).
Great job Ricardo. I think a lot of us have been pushing our boundaries with this recital, but you carry it off very well indeed.


68. noobpianist90 - Winterzeit I (Wintertime I) Op. 68 No. 38
Particularly interesting to listen to this as a partner piece to my Winterzeit II – very nice indeed

70. Carey (Phil Jones) - Nordisches Lied (Northern Song) Opus 68 No. 41, Figurieter Choral (Figured Choral) Opus 68 No. 42,
Sylvesterlied (New Year's Eve) Opus 68 No. 43
Enjoyed listening to all three of these. I think I like no 42 best

GRRR your technician makes me angry. The Heintzman is so much more authentic..

Thanks! Yeah it is very different, I get why it is in the album though as one of the first pieces. It helped me get started with syncopated pedaling. Really a wonderful hymn.


Thanks! It looks deceptively easy (and it probably is just easy) but it took me so much effort to get it smooth..

While I'm thinking of it - here are the Youtube videos I made of 4 of my 5 submissions. They include "additional comments" that I didn't think to incorporate when I submitted the original recordings in MP3 format last week.

Am continuing to listen to and enjoy the recital submissions - along with the individual comments !!!!!

Song of War (Kriegslied) Opus 68 No. 31

I've sometimes wondered why Schumann, in 1848, would include a "Song of War" in an album of pieces for children. Nevertheless, children (and adults) have been playing "war games" for centuries.

https://youtu.be/kaQqKwug-IQ?list=UUhgp9Wg9ryMesmZyLgVqiCw


Northern Song (Nordisches Lied) Opus 68 No. 41

I first encountered this haunting little piece at around age 12. Only years later did I understand that Schumann wrote it as a greeting to this friend, Neils Gade - and that the first four notes of the melody line are G-A-D-E.

https://youtu.be/7Ly1WKb_imI?list=UUhgp9Wg9ryMesmZyLgVqiCw


Figured Chorale (Figurieter Choral) Opus 68 No. 42

The fourth selection in the Album for the Young ("Chorale") offers a basic version of this same hymn tune ("Freue dich, o meine Seele" -- "Rejoice, O My Soul") which I recall "analyzing" as a harmony student during my freshman year in college. This "figured" arrangement (No. 42) - in its simplicity - takes the music to another realm.

https://youtu.be/Cri8jWrM8qM?list=UUhgp9Wg9ryMesmZyLgVqiCw

Soaring (Aufschwung) Opus 12 No. 2

Started to learn this when I retired five years ago - but got distracted and put it aside until the opportunity arose to participate in the Schumann Recital. I consider this a work in progress. Still have small issues to address in terms of pacing, touch, nuance, etc. The heavy action on my Mason and Hamlin BB makes this particularly challenging to play - but at least the piece is memorized !!!!!

https://youtu.be/Bzz8bXn3O4A?list=UUhgp9Wg9ryMesmZyLgVqiCw

Authentic indeed !!! Greener - So glad you have a Canadian built Heintzman. But, you are correct, over time pianos start to wear out. I have a 1976 Everett studio upright (built in South Haven, Michigan) that I purchased new way back then. Still holds a tune and plays well, but can't really be used for recording. Still can't get myself to part with it - due to the sentimental value - plus it looks great in our family room !!

Thanks! I'm studying this one as well, I find it rather difficult with all the big chords. It has a nice nordic sound to it, sort of like Grieg, like Ase's Death. Schumann has captured that beautifully, and so did you in your beautiful recording!

37. verqueue - Sonata g minor op. 22
A pity that you didn’t like it, though I suppose it’s useful to identify what you don’t like too.

As a relatively uneducated listener, your lack of connection to the piece wasn’t really apparent to me. The first movement has a real wow factor and your playing is amazing throughout as usual.

I’m listening to your Chopin Ballade in F minor now as contrast – it seems to me that you really “feel” the Chopin, that you are communicating through the music in a way that isn’t apparent with the Schumann.
BUT I strongly suspect that I only think this because I already know how you feel about the Schumann. And also, of course, because any decent performance of Chopin has to pack a huge emotional punch in a way that Schumann does not necessarily require.

38. Erin (Morodiene) - Op 23 No 3 Mit grosser Lebhaftigkeit
Really lovely. I will admit that I do not love all of Schumann’s work equally, but I really enjoyed this.

39. PikaPianist - Nachtstucke Op.23, No.4 'Einfach'
I really liked the rolled chords in this, they sound beautiful

Definitely positively my last comments for today!

82. SwissMS/Doris - Opus 118 No 1 Sonata in G Theme and Variations

First thing, to be clear, this is already a very good performance. If it wasn't an exam piece, I'd be saying "great job, fun variations!" and moving along ...

Because it is an exam piece, I’ve listened to this a couple of times through while looking at the score in the hopes of being able to give some useful comments. But, you know, take what I have to say with a pinch of salt!

Theme: be careful with the rests in measures 5+6 (first 4 measures seemed fine to me). You could make more of the accents.
Before looking at the score, I would have said the opening felt a little plodding. Now I realise the tempo is pretty slow so I guess my quibble is with Schumann and not you :-)

Var 1: Lovely. The melody is nicely voiced rel to the accompanying quavers. Not sure about dynamics relative to the preceding section, is the "p" really "p"? Maybe a little more delicacy here.

Var 2: I really like the triplets, for me they are maybe taking too much of a back seat

Var 3: Very nice. There's less "busyness", so you have more work to do to keep it interesting. Use a bit more dynamic contrast here I think.

Var 4: Great, love this part

Zuruckhaltend I assume is ritenuto? Maybe this is held back a little more than I'd like, but as with the opening "ziemlich langsam", it *is* what's indicated on the score

Etwas lansamer: Don't let it get clunky as you slow it down

Overall, this is already very good. To make it great I think focus even more on tone, delicacy and dynamics

83. stumbler / Dave - Albumblatter op 124, no 5, Phantasietanz (Fantastic Dance),

Wow, this blew me away. Absolutely great!

84. Outo - Gesange der Frohe op 133-1 (to do)
Well done Outo for getting this in. Despite your dissatisfaction, it’s a very creditable performance. And we have all been on this journey and understand the struggle involved!!

I am totally blown away by the quality of playing in this recital. This collection is truly a treasure. My comments on many are limited what I found interesting in the piece. The playing is all top notch.

01. Pianamateur - Papillons, op. 2 What a wonderful way to open the recital. This is a beautiful piece and you really did it justice. Very nice presentation.

02. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 4 - Ungeduldig (Con impazienza) Another beautiful piece, well played. I like you pace, and the dreaminess in the piece.

03. patH (Patrick Hollstein) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.8 "Frisch" Whoah, there is a lot packed into that one minute! A virtuosic performance!

04. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 10 - Balladenmassig sehr rasch This one has a sense of urgency about it. Again I like the slower tempo. There is so much going on in here, it is nice to be able to hear the harmonies. Really nice job on this one!

05. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.15 "Frisch" This piece has a lot of drama and contrast. I love your interpretation. The arpeggios were lovely and nicely subdued. Gorgeous.

06. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze, Op. 6 No. 16, Mit gutem Humor This is quite a contrast to the preceding piece. It is an unusual piece, but it sounds like you have captured the feel that Schumann wanted.

07. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 17 Wie Aus der Ferne This is a lovely piece, with a lot of variety that you tied together very well. Really nice playing.

08. timmyab - Three pieces from Carnival op 9 Three nicely contrasting pieces. I really like your interpretation and pacing. Wonderful playing.

09. Greener / Jeff Green - Carnaval, Chopin Op. 9, No. 12 Very nice, subdued arpeggios and singing melody. Great job with this challenging piece.

10. Richard (zrtf90) - Des Abends, Op. 12 No. 1 A nice sensitive presentation of this beauty. It has very interesting layers of sound and rhythmic play between the hands, and the cantabile melody sang beautifully.

11. Carey (Phil Jones) - Aufschwung (Soaring) Opus 12 No. 2 Soaring is a great name for this piece. It is an exuberant work. Beautifully played.

12. dire tonic - Warum? Op. 12 no.3 Why indeed? Was the piece searching for an answer? Very nicely played!

13. FarmGirl - Op12 No 4 Grillen This is an outstanding job after being sick for four weeks! Very expressive playing and nice dynamic control.

14. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 5 In der Nacht
15. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 6 Fabel
16. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 7 Traumes-Wirren Beautiful playing. Thank you for introducing me to these lovely pieces! I appreciate your including you visions of the pieces, it added to the listening.

17. AndyPlatt - Ende vom Lied, from Fantasiestuck, Op. 12, No 8 This must have been very difficult with an injured hand. It sure was not evident in your playing. Very nice job!

18. sinophilia (Diana) - Op. 15 no. 1 - Von Fremden Laendern und Menschen Excellent job with this. I can tell you really love the piece. To play this after three years is a great accomplishment!

19. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #2 "A Curious Story" This sounds like a child skipping along. Nicesly played!

20. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #3 "Catch Me" Lightly dancing on the keys! In has the feel of a cat silently skittering along. Great dynamic control!

21. peterws - Pleading Child A very convincing child, melting a parent’s heart. Nicely played.

22. dynamobt/Marilyn - Perfect Happiness Op 15 no 5 It is amazing how much Schumann packs into these short pieces! I really like your expressive playing on this.

23. ElaineAllegro - Opus 15, Kinderszenen, #6: Wichtige Begebenheit (Great Adventure) I like your vision of this piece. It sounds like a work out in one minute. Nicely played.

24. dynamobt/Marilyn - Dreaming Op 15 no 7 I admire your ability to get this in one take! I like the slow dreamy pace. This is one piece on my some day list. Beautifully played.

25. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #8 "By the Fireside: Another gorgeous piece, well played. I like the way you played the finale especially well.

26. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #9 "Knight of the Rocking Horse" I can definitely visualize a boy on the rocking horse with his magic sword. Very nice.

27. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #11 "Frightening" Ha! It sounds like you had your own fightening high blood pressure kind of day! With all that, this is still a beautiful rendition of this piece. Truly steady under pressure!

28. Moonsh1ne (Ken) - Op. 15, No .13 Kinderszenen - Der Dichter Spricht (The Poet Speaks) I like your pacing, and rubato. Very nicely played, and amazing for 18 months!

29. Tim Adrianson - Kreisleriana #1 - 2 Op 16
30. Tim Adrianson - Kreisleriana #3-4 Op 16
31. Tim Adrianson - Kreisleriana #5 - 8 Op 16
35. Tim Adrianson - Noveletten #5
36. Tim Adrianson - Noveletten, #6

That was an amazing job on what is clearly virtuosic work. Wonderful job.

32. Pover - Op.18 Schumann Arabeske Excellent playing! I am impressed you could do such a wonderful job on this after only three years of playing. Nice dynamics and use of rubato.

33. peterws - Novelletten 21 1 This piece sounds like it is perfect for your style. It certainly does roll on as you say, but it has a underlying melancholy to it. Beautifully played.

34. chopinoholic (Paul de Koning) - Novelette op.21 no.2 That sounds extremely challenging, but you are clearly up to the task. There is so much going on. Wonderfully played.

Loved your Faschingsschwank interpretation - do you play the whole opus? I have small hands, and some bits of the Allegro and Finale are a challenge for me to play up to speed. The Intermezzo has a difficult mood to catch. I would have loved the playfulness of the Scherzino added between the two parts you played.

And what piano did you use? (I guess I should go back into the files for that info. I wish I had more time!)

barbaram - Thanks for the detailed analysis! It is greatly appreciated. I have played with the tempo, and I may push it up a bit. It seems plodding in the opening to me too! I have played around with the triplets, so I appreciate your advice to bring them out a bit more. Thanks again!

Today is super busy so I haven't had a chance to comment, but I do plan on listening and commenting this week. I'm very excited to hear everyone!

I really want to comment on these performances, but I have only listened to the first few and have not had time to go through more than 10, but I am really looking forward to any break I have to do that! I have to see, even from the small sample I've heard, it is really humbling and motivating at the same time to know that I'm part of such an accomplished forum and pianist with very refined performances.

So honestly, thank you for the evident effort and attention to detail you all bring out.

Morodiene, thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our music and our struggles, it really is wonderful.

Next opus... doing them in random order...

10. Richard (zrtf90) - Des Abends, Op. 12 No. 1
This was very well played and you really made the piano sing. This is the piece I liked best in this op.

11. Carey (Phil Jones) - Aufschwung (Soaring) Opus 12 No. 2
That was fast and furious and a lot of drama! Great playing!

12. dire tonic - Warum? Op. 12 no.3
Nice playing, I could definitely hear the question...did you find an answer?

13. FarmGirl - Op12 No 4 Grillen
Being sick and having to record, that must have been hard. So congratulations on succeeding so well!

14. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 5 In der Nacht
15. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 6 Fabel
16. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 7 Traumes-Wirren
That was some impressive playing, all 3 of them!

17. AndyPlatt - Ende vom Lied, from Fantasiestuck, Op. 12, No 8
So glad your wrist wasn't stopping you from playing. Very well done!

I have listened to just a few of this wonderful collection on Schumann's music so far, and hope to find the time to comment on most of them in the next few days. But what I have heard so far is fabulous -it makes me feel very honoured to be part of such an inclusive, high-quality recital. Thank you for letting me be a part of it, and to Morodiene for organising.
To those of you who have taken the time and effort to listen to my submission (all 13 minutes of it!) and leave comments, thank you! I'm really pleased that my efforts to learn Papillons have paid off at least to some extent!

Ta

Pam

25, 26, 26 forrest halford

Really lively playing on this trio. Loved them. I bought the op 15 album, some super stuff in there which I'm working on now. . . .you put a lot into these and that ole piano of you4s sounds really well. Its just great working through a one pager( maybe 2) in snappy fashion. Great work,Mani.

Thanks! I have played the whole opus, but not for years. These two movements I felt like I could manage quickly. One of these days I'll record the whole thing!

I played on a Yamaha P-140 connected to my computer. I controlled Pianoteq 5 D4 with it. Used Reaper to record.

Just received shipment of a Kawai VPC-1 today, so I'm looking forward to messing with it.

Apologies for a temporary diversion off-topic. I've been using the VPC1 for a while now and really like it. I know those on the digital piano forum would appreciate your feedback on it if you find yourself with a few moments to spare. The dominating issues are playing weight and key length. I think it's generally held to be the heaviest DP action - not everyone's cup of tea - with the 'for's arguing that it helps build strength and adaptability to real AP action while the 'anti's worry about tension, injury and sluggishness in the playing. The VPC1's key length being shorter to the fulcrum than Kawai's Grand Feel (and the upcoming GF2) means having to use a little more playing pressure as you move towards the back of the key. For an already heavy action this could be the final deal-breaker.

I'd be particularly interested in your experience of VPC1's let-off. I find it a hazard when trying to play pp to ppp - a grave risk of silent strike (apparently, the mechanism is removable!).

(your Schumann contribution is wonderful, btw!)

Thanks, dire tonic, I really enjoyed your performance on the VPC-1 with Garritan CFX. It sounds great! The VPC-1 sure is *different*! When I've had some time to think it through thoroughly, I'll be writing a detailed blog post addressing everything you mentioned.

Hi Rachel,

Your intermezzo was beautiful. I only discovered the piece after this recital was first announced and really considered claiming it. But the mood of the piece is too similar to what I usually play so I thought I should pick something different. I'm so glad you played it and gave such a sensitive performance.

I have many recordings of my piece (Op. 99/9) using the Ivory II ACD plugin. I will share one at some point. The problem is that the piece keeps getting better with each recording so I feel like I should keep working on it. That's how much I'm enjoying this piece is that I'm still playing it quite often. The constant 4-5 triplets are not a strain anymore so that's been quite encouraging. The entire Op. 99 is another of my favorite sets and I might try to work through all of it (over several years!).

I second what you said about the Garritan. So I had a look at the website. Before I got to the price, I looked at the computer requirements. . . . &%#&@&%££!!!!! New computer needed. . . .eh bien . . .maybe Pianoteq is pretty good after all!

dire tonic - does Garritan CFX support continuous/half pedaling for sustain pedal or una corda pedal? I thought I read in the other forum that it does not but a patch was suppose to fix it? Did they release the fix yet?

That'll be of considerable interest - please do leave a link somewhere in PW.


- alas, no! I'd be completely unsurprised if they don't do a fix for the pedalling which is simply on/off. But it does have a una-corda sample set which I think works in very well with the overall character of the piano. The pedalling hasn't bothered me so far but that's probably more a reflection of my unrefined usage and the kind of thing I play.
There are still gremlins in the sound which I'm trying to chase out. I noticed distortion in Warum? which wasn't evident to me earlier. It might be a plugin rather than the piano. On balance I like the sound but it's far from perfect - just like all the other libraries!

Opus 2, opus 6 (Davidsbuendlertaenze) and opus 9 (Carnival)

01. Pianamateur - Papillons, op. 2 Wow! Amazing start, these are tricky pieces. My teacher had urged me to consider them but I felt it too big a task. You make them sound easy. I really loved the variety. The dynamics and phrasing were superb. At times you could feel those butterflies fly! A real tour de force!!

02. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 4 - Ungeduldig (Con impazienza) The tempo is fine, it sounds pretty polished to me. You got the rhythmic elements right and it was dance like, great playing!

03. patH (Patrick Hollstein) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.8 "Frisch" The feel of this piece really comes across - totally fresh! I really loved the playfulness and it absolutely rockets, crazy stuff - excellent!

04. Valencia - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 10 - Balladenmassig sehr rasch Like your first piece, the tempo is actually great. I really enjoyed hearing the play between the voices. It's rhythmically crazy but you handle it without letting that show. And the melody is really nicely phrased. Great.

05. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze op.6, Nr.15 "Frisch" Was Schumann running out of names I wonder? This has such a wonderful feel to it, the melody really comes across well, so touching. Your phrasing is wonderful and I love how it builds through the piece.

06. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze, Op. 6 No. 16, Mit gutem Humor The opening is well phrased, the melody within all those chords is tricky but you bring it off very well. I love the interplay of the voices in this piece. Of all the Schumann pieces so far, this one has that feel that I had to try to find for Ende vom Lied though I think you got it better.

07. Richard (zrtf90) - Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 No. 17 Wie Aus der Ferne Really wonderful, there is a lot in this piece, different colors, different textures and you make it whole and coherent. It was shaped beautifully and comes across really well. Great!

08. timmyab - Three pieces from Carnival op 9 Fabulous playing, you really capture this. The dynamics are great, I loved how they are phrased. Beautiful!

09. Greener / Jeff Green - Carnaval, Chopin Op. 9, No. 12 You can feel the Chopin influence! I really loved how you shaped the melody and kept the voicing clear. Little tempo adjustments really made it shine.

THANK YOU!

I had some time to listen to a few more tonight. Great stuff!


37. verqueue - Sonata g minor op. 22 More virtuosic playing! Beautiful job.

38. Erin (Morodiene) - Op 23 No 3 Mit grosser Lebhaftigkeit I love this piece with its grandeous arpeggios. I like the mood change in the middle, like a introspective reflection, while the beginning and end seem like a celebration of life. Beautiful playing.

39. PikaPianist - Nachtstucke Op.23, No.4 'Einfach' Einfach (Simple) it isn’t. That must have been a challenge to keep all of those rolled chords even with the jumps, but you make it sound easy. You do a nice job of relaying the quiet mood of the piece.

40. Rachel Jimenez - Intermezzo from Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26 I love the subdued arpeggios underlying the piece. Truly a wonderful job. I am glad you joined the recital!

41. Rachel Jimenez - Romanze from Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26 This one is quite a contrast to the preceding one. It is quiet and reflective, while the previous one is exuberant. I love your pacing of the piece.

42. Rupak Bhattacharya - Romance in F-sharp Major, Op. 28 No. 2 You are way to hard on yourself. This is a recording to be proud of. You captured the quiet beautiy of this piece. Your melody is well projected over the subdued accompaniment. Nicely played.

43. scorpio - Op. 68, No. 1 - Melody Very nice, even playing with a well projected melody. Nice!

44. pianonewbie1 (Piano_primo) - Soldier's March Opus 68 I think Schumann’s idea of young beginner, is different than ours today! This piece does sound deceivingly difficult. You did great.

45. Tom Christian - Trallerliedchen Op 68 No 3 I like the playful character of this piece. You did a great job with it, with a nice balance between the hands and steady rhythm.

46. WimPiano - Op. 68 No 4 - Ein Choral Nice, even well voiced chords! It sounds like you did well in learning to use the pedal correctly. Your changes sounded clean!

47. scorpio - Op. 68, No. 6 - The Poor Orphan I like your dynamics and pacing in this piece. It had a sense of sadness to it. Nicely done.

48. Ohio_Mark - The Hunting Song I can see the horses cantering across the field after the fox. Nice playing!

49. ajames - Op. 68, 8. Wilder Reiter Oh this little piece is deceivingly difficult with its fast staccato. You did a great job on it, and played it at a good pace.

50. earlofmar - The Merry Farmer Op 68 No 10 This is another one that is deceptive! It is great that you came back to it, and mastered it this time. You definitely captured the merry in Merry Farmer!

51. SwissMS/Doris - Opus 68 No. 12 Knecht Ruprecht Your getting close – keep working!

52. WimPiano - Kleine Studie - Album fur die Jugend - Op. 68 No. 14 This a pretty piece. Your arpeggios were nice and even, and play between the hands sounded great. Very nice.

53. earlofmar - Fruhlingsgesang (Spring song) Op 68 No 15 I understand the “finger gymnastics” issue! This piece sounds like a difficult one to maintain a coherent theme with, not because of your playing, but because of the irregularity of the piece. I think this piece needs the sustain pedal to hold it together. That is a lot of finger legato to do! Nice job projecting the melody without pedal!

54. Richard (zrtf90) - Erster Verlust, Op. 68 No. 16 I love this piece. Nice sensitive playing!

55. peterws - Roaming in the Morning op 68 17 I like your vision of the piece. It is definitely exuberant! Nice playing.

56. ClsscLib - Opus 68 No 18 Reaper's Song This was a cheerful Reaper! Nice job with the variation in touches, from staccato to legato. Great playing.

57. earlofmar - Kleine Romanze (Little romance) Op 68 No 19 Very nice job on this one! You had a nice balance between the melody and accompaniment, and very nice dyanamics.

58. gingko2 - op. 68 no. 21 *** I know the well the difficulties of this piece. I played it last year, and found it quite the finger twister. I thought you did an excellent job on it. You managed continuity of the melody line and good legato with all that.

59. malkin - Op. 68 No. 23 Reiterstuck This is possibly my favorite piece from this opus. I thought you did really well with it. As an former Grand Prix rider, I can here the Piaffe and Passage, as well as an extended canter in the forte section! Nicely played.

Opus 12 (complete!!!) - Fantasiestucke

10. Richard (zrtf90) - Des Abends, Op. 12 No. 1 One of Schumann's most beautiful pieces and you show exactly why. The melody is lovingly shaped, nice tempo adjustments and dynamic shading. It's interesting that Schumann chose a very introspective opening to Fantasiestucke; obviously he wanted an evening mood to begin. And that's what you bring to the piece - wonderful!

11. Carey (Phil Jones) - Aufschwung (Soaring) Opus 12 No. 2 Wonderful control over this very tricky piece. I loved the contrast with the different touches though you manage to keep it consistent and the melody present at all times. Fabulous!

12. dire tonic - Warum? Op. 12 no.3 The first thing I noticed was your wonderful interplay of the delicate voices in this piece. You bring a wonderful warmth to this piece, nice dynamics and phrasing. Great!

13. FarmGirl - Op12 No 4 Grillen It's fabulous how we have all the movements, you get to hear the switch between Florestan and Eusebius clearly! The lack of practice doesn't really show, you capture the playfulness in the piece well. The chords are well voiced and flow nicely. As someone who has a noisy pedal, I do hear that which is a teeny bit distracting. Hopefully fixable. That sigh of relief at the end is wonderful!!

14. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 5 In der Nacht You really do a wonderful job of contrasting the sections but keeping the piece together as a consistent whole. I love the dynamics, nice tempo - it really is so beautiful in the slower section. A superb ending - Wonderful!

15. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 6 Fabel Another great contrast between the sections, perhaps easier to bring off given the tempos but you do it extremely well. I really like the tempo in the slower section - it would be easy to rush and you take the perfect time. Nice interplay of voices in the Florestan sections.

16. hreichgott / Heather W. Reichgott - Fantasiestucke Op. 12 no. 7 Traumes-Wirren A real tour de force taking on these three movements. Really my comments from the previous two are echoed here. You do a great job of keeping the melody present but with a perfectly voiced accompaniment. The interplay of voices is wonderful.

17. AndyPlatt - Ende vom Lied, from Fantasiestuck, Op. 12, No 8 It's interesting hearing this in the context of the rest of the movements. It does show up my slightly slower tempo but overall it holds up well. Glad to play my part! Sorry about the squeaky pedal, it was just tuned and I'm not sure if the tuner did something or it's just remnants of a tough cold winter. He's a friend, I'll ask him.

Opus 15 - Kinderszenen

18. sinophilia (Diana) - Op. 15 no. 1 - Von Fremden Laendern und Menschen Yes, a beautiful piece I know why you chose it! Nicely played, the melody is nicely phrased; perhaps the left hand could be a teeny bit quieter though I see that's something you've worked hard on. Lovely and dreamy!

19. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #2 "A Curious Story" Your playing does, indeed, tell a story. You really use dynamics, phrasing and - particularly - tempo adjustments to really bring this to life. Great!

20. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #3 "Catch Me" Very difficult but you dispatched it very well! It really had the feel of a chase and you had it rocketing along.

21. peterws - Pleading Child These short pieces are wonderful, but they finish before they start! I think you did a wonderful job of capturing a mood. Whistful but not maudlin. But did it finish where it should? Felt too abrubt?

22. dynamobt/Marilyn - Perfect Happiness Op 15 no 5 This is another performance that has just the right mood. The melody and, in particular, the interplay between the voices was very well done. Wonderful!

23. ElaineAllegro - Opus 15, Kinderszenen, #6: Wichtige Begebenheit (Great Adventure) This feels like we are going on a big march, nicely done. You voiced the chords well, keeping the melody present.

24. dynamobt/Marilyn - Dreaming Op 15 no 7 One of the pieces my teacher wanted me to do but I think you grabbed it quickly? I love this piece and I love the performance - the melody soars just where it should with lovely rubato and nice control of the dynamics. I loved it!

25. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #8 "By the Fireside: Another wonderful performance, with some great phrasing. Nothing more to add!

26. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #9 "Knight of the Rocking Horse" Giddy up! Yes, this feels like we're on that horse, with a great sense of fun to add. Wonderful.

27. Forrest Halford - Schumann Op. 15, #11 "Frightening" Well, it may have been a rush with crashing plates but it sounds great. I loved the contrast between the sections.

28. Moonsh1ne (Ken) - Op. 15, No .13 Kinderszenen - Der Dichter Spricht (The Poet Speaks) You bring a stateliness to this piece; it's as if the poet is carefully telling us everything. Nice control of tempo and dynamics. The background noises add to the atmosphere too.

You're really too kind, thank you. Overall I think my personal standard needs to be raised to participate further in these themed recitals, as the quality of the performances seems to be much higher than normal recital.

The background noises is my son being quiet with his pencils in the kitchen, sorry about that.

Moonsh1ne, I think you did an excellent job with Der Dichter Spricht. After listening I decided to print it out and try to learn it, but that middle section looks daunting!