Here it is. It's kinda big (15.9mb), but give it a listen and tell me what you think. I know there are some flubs, but I believe it is a good recording overall. I am also aware that parts of it were a little too fast. Also, please be considerate in your criticisms as I have worked hard to get this recorded. Thanks!

EDIT:[/b] Download here

This is a better recording that is a little louder thanks to imcanadian. (UPDATED AT 6:11 PM EST)

I'm not an expert on classical pieces [b/c a lot are pretty damn boring], b/c i have yet to be classically-trained [been playin' by ear for 6 mos.], but it sounds pretty good to me. what key is it in? how long have you been playin'. playin' too fast? are you kiddin'? that's a sign that you're really good when you can tackle the 1/16 and 1/32 notes, whether you've flubbed notes or not. i love the one that's in E Major [3rd track] for i'm all too familiar with that chord. i also like the forth one. are the tracks divided into sections, or are they a whole?

This actually all 1 piece. Its the A-flat Polonaise, op 53. I have played for 13 years (I hope my playing somewhat reflects that ) Oh, and this was recorded with two very fancy mics, a fancy mixer, and Steinway B (I am not being sarcastic, my recording equipment really is good, but for some reason it records a little too softly).

no wonder it wasn't that loud, even when i had the volume turned all the way up. [laughs]

Ive only heard bad stuff about you. Why do you fequent these forums?

I really enjoyed the recording. Good job with the Octaves.

WTF
NO its not.

wldrumstcs:
It much too soft for my tastes. It's not the recording equipment either, it sounds like you just play softly in many areas. Each to his own. However, your musicality is definately there and despite our different tastes, I must say that it sounds very good. I would work on the places where you stumble like the various runs throughout.
BTW, ignore Rotflcopter. Don't feed the troll. His parents are probably out getting wasted in some bar and this is the only satisfaction he can find.

Thanks for the comments. Actually, I banged the hell outta this piece. It truly is the equipment.

I'm afraid I have to second BruceD's comments from another thread:

Really? I don't think it needs that much work. Bruce's comment was based on a recording of something that had just been finished that day. I think I have this piece pretty well hammered out. Sure there are flubs, but I never stopped or anything. Plus, you know how hard it is to play perfectly for 7 minutes? Horowitz couldn't even get this piece right in many recordings

Go to hell right now, please.


I liked the recording. Course, there are some flubs, and it's a bit soft (maybe because of the equipment, as you said); but overall I think it's good (esp. the octave part, which is really great, as iamcanadian noticed it). Maybe some more slow practice will make it even better ?

it sounded fine to me.

Yeah i thinks its a good recording and let me congratulate you on achieving this ( I myself just completed this piece too and am working on polishing it)

I will however agree that its a bit soft, it needs more Ummpph! and flow with the theme.

I'll post up an excerpt myself to have it critiqued.

I think the recording is excellent. Don't be afraid to play FF in certain places, though.

Lacquer: Sorry, but you're full of crap. The recording BruceD commented on was a train wreck(sorry chopinlives81) with missed notes all over the place. This recording is fairly polished, considering it was not assembled in a recording studio(except for the very end ).

Good Job wldrumstcs!!!

I raised the levels a bit so it doesn't sound so soft: [See first post]

iamcanadian:
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I appreciate you doing that for me! May I ask how you did it? And how noticable was the end edit after the scale? I am trying to conceal it a little more, but it is proving difficult. Once again, thanks.

I used Adobe Audition to boost the levels by about 10dB.

I'll give that edit at the end a shot - it should be easy to fix.

You're my hero! I am trying to edit it too, but I keep getting a crackling between the scale and the next notes.

I enjoyed it, mistakes and all. This is one of those pieces I have a hard time with too (I wouldn't dare put my version on yet). You are a great pianist wldrumstcs. Musicality and all. Just polish it up and it'll be very very good.

and be sure to put it up when you do.

overall, I'll give it a B.

Alright wldrumstcs, I'll believe ya then.
I look forward to iamcanadian's edit.

Oh, and even with the ppp sound, I must say that I prefer it to Horowitz's.

i think there are good reasons for that, valarking.

Overall, I really liked your recording. As a beginner, I dream of playing this piece but I know it's years away.

I have several recordings of this piece and I like the one with a very slow tempo best. I think you can really hear all the notes with a more modest tempo.

I still think it sounds too gentle.

Good job!

I liked it a lot.

I listened to iamcanadian's level boosted version.

The edited link I posted was the boosted version as well. It also has an edit towards the end. Oh, Valarking, I agree that it sounds too gentle, but we did the best we could in trying to make a representation of the way I played it. Meh...

Ignore this, I meant to edit my post before.

To echo other ppl's sentiment here, you play too softly in some parts. I don't think it's the equipment, since there are parts where it sounds fine.

You seem to use the pedal pretty liberally... I prefer not to hear measures of pedal. Try breaking it up a little more.

Overall, nice performance. The left hand in the octave section always prevents me from learning this piece... I can never loosen it enough.