The sound quality isn't great, due to the old, out-of-tune, Baldwin spinnet, and my new setup which I haven't really played around with... a few blips (end of the waltz), but I'm very happy. I just wanted to share this moment with you guys, and I hope you enjoy it, too! Critique is preferred, as well.

Shostakovich: Prelude in C Major, Op. 34 No. 1
Bach: Fugue in C Minor, WTC I
Chopin: Waltz in A Minor, Op. 34 No. 2

it says the sight is temporarily unavailible

I know... hopefully it will be back up soon!

For some reason, I can listen to them when I am logged into yahoo, and I am opening them from inside my file manager...

I hope this isn't a mere case of internet censoring! (Just kidding...)

hope it works...im looking forward to hearing it

Right click and save target as.

I'm downloading them right now, heh. You've picked my favourite piece from the WTC so it better be good! :p

Bravo, Sam!

I was able to download the Shostakovich and the Bach, but not the Chopin...

If you ever find yourself in the Phoenix area, I'd be honored if you would grace my Estonia with your talents. You really should be on a finer instrument, but that day will SOON arrive!

Best,

Steve

Thanks, Steve. I'm glad you enjoyed them.

I sent the files to Frank. Hopefully he can host them for me on Piano World, so that I won't have to worry about the problems we're having with Yahoo Geocities.

I don't know Shostakovich so I can't comment on it. My feeling with Shostakovich is that he's a whimsical, master of harmony. So, softer. Use the soft pedal.

careful with the LH rhythm in the Bach, get it up to the RH tempo. The RH and LH becomes non-synchronized at parts. That was the style back in the 1920's but I assume that's not your intent. Also, a little gentler with the staccato.

the waltz was enjoyable. Your musical sense is good. Don't rush the RH melody, take your time and show people your melodies they are beautiful if you are steady. Again, a little lighter with the staccato, ESPECIALLY with Chopin. The Chopin has potential to be recording quality.

Thank you, Mike.

'Whimsical' is the best word for this prelude, I think.

The Bach sounds a little heavy to me. I agree with you about the non-synchronization of the hands, but I didn't quite put the pieces together in terms of why they were not together. I'll definately keep your comments in mind.

Chopin can always be lighter and more melodic.

Thanks for listening and commenting.

Nice Sam! Your piano almost sounds like a harpsicord!

I need to learn some Shoshtakovich.

The Bach is a bit loud, but that might just be the recording. Measures 5 and 6 sound a little awkward, LH tempo seems to slow down slightly in some places.

Sam, i play the fugue you play, but somewhat i use a slower tempo, i would also like to hear your version of the prelude!

I liked your version of the fugue but i have some notes:

1) some left hand difficulties at certain positions
2) tendency to end many phrases in stacatto (this seemed unnatural to my ears)


BUT I loved the way you end the piece ..

Thanks for the comments on the Bach. I like the kind words, and I equally appreciate the advice.

Watch your phrasing in the Bach, I felt like it was interrupted a lot by short,loud accents that I think were unintentional. Also work on lining up the hands better and playing more evenly. I also thought the whole thing could have been softer, but that might be the recording. And maybe a more gradual ritard at the end, I felt like it suddenly was in a completly different tempo at the end. Well prepared overall, good job.

as unqualified as i am to critique those, it sounded good to me!!

i especially enjoyed the chopin

I'm so glad you enjoyed them!

A Piano One, thank you for your advice. The volume was, in fact, intentional, and some of the accents were as well. Although, I have always thought that it sounded a bit heavy. In general, I need to lighten up my Bach. (In general, I need to lighten up everything!)

I'll keep my ears open for that ritard at the end! (Have you heard Richter play this one?? WOW , what a huge ritard he puts on a few measures before the end, only to come back almost a tempo for the end! I wouldn't go that far! :p )

Speaking of Richter, he also uses Czerny's indications for stacatto on what seems like every other note! I don't like it - too choppy. Any differing opinions on that?

Sam,
Thank you for posting your music. I especially enjoyed the waltz. Beautifully done! Keep up the good work... I definately hear talent in them thar fingers!
Susan

Chopin sounded great, but I think it can't be kept a little more less harsh....so on forte, maybe less forcefull?

Bach kind of same way, probably need to bring the subject out more, good dynamic contrast, but for Bach I would maybe keep it a little less just because he is writing for the harpsichord mostly....so if there is anything you want to do with dynamics, need to be done quite carefully...

I am not so familiar with Shostakovich.

Thank you.

Princess, I'll try to play out more of the piano in pianoforte for that Bach!

Just wait 'till I learn that Hammerklavier!!