By the way, even if I had the equipment or knowhow to record myslef I am not sure I would be brave enough to put it under public scrutiny. So I have to say very well done to ALL those who did.

Hmm, Glenn Gould? Although it seems pretty slow for him . There *are* many ways to do things (I prefer not to skin cats...they're so darn cute!), and this is what makes performing written music so much fun, finding your own interpretation of the notes on the page.

Got it in one.

Sorry, I should've known by your avatar not to mention skinning cats. I too have a cat who would prefer not to be skinned.

It was interesting that you mentioned 'childlike' when describing Gould's playing. I always got the impression that he thought the preludes were a bit twee, especially this one. Maybe he is playing in a childish way deliberately? I agree that that articulation gets rather predictable after a few bars. I would not have dared tell him that though.

Chris, you truely understands what Bach (and this prelude of his) is all about. Your students are in good hands.

Bach was a very religious and conservative man. This prelude should be played more or less like the recording I have posted. It should sound peaceful. Rubato has no place in this piece, IMO.

One can jazz it up anyway he or she wants, but don't say that's what Bach intended. If one thinks it's boring, then play another piece or compose one of his or her own.

Here is another recording:

Schumann Traumerei

What do you all think of it?

Bingo. Tempo rubato is defined as "a practice common in Romantic compositions of taking part of the duration from one note and giving it to another. It involves the performer tastefully stretching, slowing, or hurrying the tempo as she/he sees fit, thus imparting flexibility and emotion to the performance."

Liszt said of Chopin's rubato, "See that tree? See how the leaves move yet the shape stays the same?" It's said that Chopin played the accompaniment (usually left hand) with a strict, metronome tempo while playing the main melody with rubato. He only used rubato for romantic music but didn't use it when playing Bach and classical music.

Such as? Rubato? Why don't you post a recording to demonstrate them? You can post another recording of your own playing. It's a short, intermediate-leve piece, and a good piano teacher can sight read it.

With the turn this topic has taken I think the discussion would fare better in the Pianist forum. A closed copy will remain here.