This is my first recording of this, it's got some stumbles and I know I'm rushing, but any comments and criticisms would help.

Thanks,

Cara

http://www.box.net/shared/olnr3lzfs2

Nicely done! This is easily one of my favorite pieces in the literature. It allows itself a certain simplicity and manages to be pleasing and attractive without resorting to being merely "pretty."

I'd suggest a couple of things. First, try to feel four bars at a time. Shape the LH so that we hear a longer line and not individual measures so much. I like your RH shape and phrasing, just be sure to let the LH contribute. (Keep the LH balanced, though. Your RH could sing out a bit more in spots.)

You're right about the rushing, but the good news is that it's consistent. You tend to rush crescendos. Every place you have a crescendo, try to broaden slightly. Think of crescendos as filling up a balloon - as the sound grows, the phrase will stretch very slightly as it fills up with sound.

The other way to fix the rushing issue is to count aloud. Count numbers, make up words, whatever you're comfortable with. The goal with this piece is to sound conversational. Think of each phrase like a sentence. All sentences have beginnings, middles, and ends. Some of your phrases start abruptly. Don't feel too compelled to be rhythmic; don't feel obligated to be "on time."

Another word on phrasing. Let the phrases come from your arm. Imagine your arm is a garden hose. The sound flows through like water. If there's tension - a kink in the hose somewhere, you'll lose control over the tone and timing. It's a mental image I always keep with me, maybe it'll help you too.

Overall, your playing comes across as sophisticated. It sounds like Hindemith. It's clear and warm (very good work with the pedal, by the way), and I'm guessing there's some real thought behind the interpretation and choice of repertoire. By all means finish it up and record and post the rest.

My friend, Allison Brewster recorded this for Naxos--she also studied with Adele Marcus. here's the link:
http://naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.570401

Thank you for the advice. I had my lesson today and I have a lot to work on, but I should be able to do it. JBiegel though I have naxos through my school I have to go through a specific page and I only find the Idil Biret recording.

Keisler thank you for all the imagery, I'm trying! It is difficult to get this piece right. I'm only doing the first movement for now and if I have the motivation (which may be very doubtful) I may do the rest. (I only need 4 semesters of lessons at school as a requirement for my degree.)

Because I am not a performance major it really isn't my priority, right now it is because I have lessons, once lessons are done with it won't be something I work on so much. But I'm not sure I've learned a lot and I don't necessarily want to lose it.

Thanks again,

Cara