I'm playing the following pieces in a piano recital this Sunday at my university:

1. Chopin - Nocturne in C# minor, Op. Posthumous(4mins, 30secs)

2. Brahms - Intermezzo, Op.118, No.1(1min, 50secs)


I feel really confident in myself because I've been working extensively for the past week, especially on trouble spots. They are 100% known by memory and they are ready to be performed on the spot. I even recorded myself playing them in my house so I can see my stage presense and poise.

However, thoughts of the world coming to an end run through my mind while I'm backstage getting ready to go up on stage. Everything that has happened to me in the past few weeks or so race frantically through my mind and I can't control it. Then, my turn finaly comes up so I take a deep breathe, walk on stage, bow, and get ready to play.

What do you people do to control your thoughts before you perform?

-Paul

Good Luck and enjoy it. Tell us all how it goes!

Thanks I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

Ahh...I just want to get it over with at this point!

-Paul

PianoMajor,

The best luck with your performance !!!

When you have some time let us know how it went...

How do you like your Boston? Is it a grand? What size? Just curious...

Good luck PianoMajor@MSU!
You'll do great

You're playing two favorites of mine. Hope it goes well!

I love the Nocturne in C# minor. I played it at a recital once. Very nice.

I really can't help you on your nervousness, becaue honestly, I like playing in public at recitals and the such, and so I never really get nervous per se. But I can say that trust yourself even when the bad thoughts and feelings go through your head. And also tell yourself that there is nothing wrong really and you can do it. Positive thinking does wonders.

Good luck and tell us how this goes, and I'd love to hear a recording of you.

Excellent! Be sure to fill us in when you get a chance! I love the Brahms particularly.

As for nervousness, of which I suffered a lot early on but have since learned to control it, you just need to remember to breath easily and put your mind on certain things (ie, don't let it vacillate quickly from subject to subject. Calm down your thoughts and concentrate on one thing--because that's what you need to do when performing--even if it's how a particular door knob looks to you. If nothing else, you'll make yourself laugh and relieve some of the stress. Of course, you can also think about more useful things such as the music, but I find that by concentrating on ONE thing, no matter what, I can ebb some of the nervousness). I've also tried a strange technique of literally controlling my heartrate through concious thought. It actually works remarkably well, and if you can focus solely on "slowing your heart rate," I believe your body will begin to relax naturally. It might sound a little strange, but I thought of it while driving to a competition a few months ago and had a few minutes before entering the room to give it a shot. I entered a virtual meditation while I waited and a few minutes later, I walked into the room with no nervousness at all! In fact, I was extremely comfortable! You might keep it in mind at the recital.

Also, you must always maintain your self-confidence. Tell yourself you'll do well and don't let anything change your opinion. Of course, if you really don't feel comfortable with the music, just drop out of the recital. I've done that a few times and it's no problem at all. It's all part of the self-confidence thing where *you* are in control of the performance. If you don't like it, don't play it. If you like it, play it! And you'll play it really well.

Probably useless, but advice nevertheless...

Thanks a ton for all the support guys I really appreciate it!

Andrew - btw, I love my Boston piano. It's a baby grand 5'10" in size and it has a wonderfully bright sound to it.

Goldberg - Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with me and for your kind advice and support. and btw, I do like it, and I will play it! I will play it really well!! I am really confident.

-Paul

5'10" is a parlour grand. That's sufficient size for normal homes. I won't call that a baby grand. Yes, Bostons tend to have bright sound. It's important that you have a piano you like to practice on. Again, wish you the very best with your performance!

My bad, what was I thinking!?! lol I meant 5'5". It is a baby grand not a grand.

2 days and counting 'till the recital. heh
-Paul