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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
If more people will start to listen to classical music because of her then I'm very glad that she exists, even when she butchers this Etude like this. As somebody wrote in other topic in Pianist's Corner - people are most impressed by glissandos ;), I would add to this, that acting like she is while playing also impresses people. It's one of many things I learned on a ship - that appearance and acting is more important for not classically trained public, than actual quality of playing.
Actually, I came to the Astanova performance prepared to dislike it, but I actually found it compelling on its own terms -- although I agree with the other comment that the "thumb-tune" is TOO prominent, overpowering the effects of "the waves". I was especially taken, though, by her commentary following the performance -- measured, intelligent, spot-on in its content and urgency, with no hint of self-aggrandizement. A welcome surprise, and I applaud her for it!
Nah. I thought the performance was quite monotonic. All the harmonies sounded all the same. The arpeggios were generally not well controlled. It was all generally loud from beginning to end. The C major bit was out of control, because you could tell she is only feeling the bottom and the top note making it slightly speed up.
If more people will start to listen to classical music because of her then I'm very glad that she exists, even when she butchers this Etude like this.
Is she, like, a "thing"? Because I'd never come across her before.
I agree with you, vevurka, as regards the butchery, but also about the potential good that can come from people like her. People say similar things about Yuja, though I think she is way more of a "real" pianist than Lola.
I also agree with Tim about her message. She's a pretty good advocate for the cause.
although I agree with the other comment that the "thumb-tune" is TOO prominent, overpowering the effects of "the waves".!
I think they had a microphone pointed directly at the bass strings, which is why those notes come out so much. I don't think it's what she heard while she was playing.
I agree with the other comment that the "thumb-tune" is TOO prominent, overpowering the effects of "the waves".
So I had five minutes after my lesson today, just time enough, I figured, to lay down another quick iPhone recording of this piece on a 9' Bluthner where the thumb-tune is not prominent, not at all. However, in trying to let the "waves" speak for themselves, I think I may have rather overcompensated (sometimes can't really hear the thumb tune at all). Also, the acoustic is wild - turn down the bass if you can.
I wish I had Lola's technique. But at least I'm prettier than she is . . .
If more people will start to listen to classical music because of her then I'm very glad that she exists, even when she butchers this Etude like this.
Is she, like, a "thing"? Because I'd never come across her before.
I agree with you, vevurka, as regards the butchery, but also about the potential good that can come from people like her. People say similar things about Yuja, though I think she is way more of a "real" pianist than Lola.
I also agree with Tim about her message. She's a pretty good advocate for the cause.
Yes - Lola is a "thing" - and she has been discussed on PW in the past. Thought you'd enjoy the following review from the New York Times in January 2012......
I agree with the other comment that the "thumb-tune" is TOO prominent, overpowering the effects of "the waves".
So I had five minutes after my lesson today, just time enough, I figured, to lay down another quick iPhone recording of this piece on a 9' Bluthner where the thumb-tune is not prominent, not at all. However, in trying to let the "waves" speak for themselves, I think I may have rather overcompensated (sometimes can't really hear the thumb tune at all). Also, the acoustic is wild - turn down the bass if you can.
I wish I had Lola's technique. But at least I'm prettier than she is . . .
"Have I-Phone Will Travel."
Gosh - I'd love to play that Bluthner myself !!
This Ocean Etude on the fly was fun !! And of course the wild acoustics only add to the overall excitement of the "wave speak." Fortunately, unlike Lola, your "persona" doesn't distract from the music at all !!
Yes - Lola is a "thing" - and she has been discussed on PW in the past. Thought you'd enjoy the following review from the New York Times in January 2012......
Great review! "Until the depth of her performances consistently matches their technical assurance, Ms. Astanova will be best known for her extramusicalattributes." (My emphasis.)
Nice playing. Wish I could play as good and accurate as you do.
Since a couple of other videos are already posted on your thread, I hope I can post my recording as well. Here you can hear how one of those Zoom recording devices sound.
Thought you'd enjoy the following review from the New York Times in January 2012......
