I apologise in advance for a not so good sound quality, wet acoustics, and the odd slip here and there!

http://www.savefile.com/files/4561002 - Bach WTC1 #5 fugue

http://www.savefile.com/files/3406054 - Beethoven op.14 #1 Sonata 1st movement

http://www.savefile.com/files/2737091 - Chopin 10/12

First the Chopin (since I downloaded it first). I almost invariably like this etude MUCH faster than you played it. But, I really enjoyed the phrasing you threw into it, and the majestic approach really made me appreciate this tempo. Very nice.

Instinctually, the Beethoven was also nice, but I'll save further comments until I can listen to it with a score in-hand. (I've never played this one, and I'm not as familiar with it...)

The Bach, I'm afraid, will have to wait for someone else to comment. I'm not a Bach scholar, and generally don't enjoy his piano music as much. However, if nobody comments, I'll come back to it.

So, to recap... for now, very nice job with the Chopin despite my personal preference for tempo.

Thanks for your kind comments! I prefer the Chopin a little slower than other recordings, but I think I have found a compromise where it is at a tempo that I like, but being accessible to people who prefer a more bombastic performance

Bravo. I very much enjoyed listening to your recordings. I also like the Chopin etude at the tempo you chose. Maybe it's my advancing age that causes me to prefer slower tempos.

RE: Bach, have you considered a slightly slower tempo on that as well? I really like the dotted rhythms of this prelude more relaxed, and I think it provides a more effective contrast to the accompanying fugue.

Sorry I can't comment on the Beethoven.

Although I did not play the prelude in the recital, I did learn it before the fugue, and I took the prelude quite quickly, and slowed the fugue slightly...the fugue is gorgeous, and I think that if I pick it up I will definitely experiment with a slower tempo - I also have a preference for slower tempos over faster ones, I think I have grown out of my fast period now. When I first learned the Chopin and made a really rough recording a couple of years ago, I think it came out at 2.45 - since I relearned it in the Spring, it's more of a fire in your living room, than a volcano erupting beneath your house!

Well I noticed that I juxtaposed prelude and fugue in my post. I've been enjoying the ale at a favorite pub (that has wireless) and playing chess, and I'm a bit silly at the moment.

Still, I'm aware enough to be impressed with your playing.

I listened to the Beethoven. Well done, I liked it! Great use of dynamics. Sometimes you overuse the pedal at bit, make sure that whenever you use it is a calculated thing that does not muddle the sound.

My main problem with your interpretation though is speed. I would like it quite a bit faster, giving it a more springy and happy feeling.

Very nice job with the Chopin and Beethoven. I like the Revolutionary Etude played slower like the way you played it. There's no reason to rush through the piece at a break neck speed because there's a lot more going on in it musically then just the notes.

Your Beethoven is really nice. That is a nice sonata. The only thing I didn't like was the pedaling, which I thought was a bit over done in some places.

John