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Hi, folks! Here are my last batch of comments -- great recital to listen to!:
Animisha -- A graceful, lilting rendition of Ethelbert Nevin's "Gondolieri" -- he has a litlle different notion of the boatmen than Mendelssohn, wouldn't you say? AFAIK, Nevin is otherwise known only for a few turn-of-the-century salon pieces -- "Narcissus", and "Amaryllis", featured as an inside joke in the musical "The Music Man".
PikaPianist -- As you say, quite a mature piece for 14 years of age! Just beautifully shaped and voiced throughout -- thanks ever so much for sharing. Some of it sounded uncannily like late Schubert, both in harmonic shifts and musical gestures -- would he have had prior exposure to Schubert's music?
Ruth CM -- Here is another recital highlight -- a wonderfully crafted homage piece, warm and expressive. And your rendition does it full justice -- just a joy to listen to (several times, in fact!).
Pianist 685 -- A really terrific collection of "gems" from different musical worlds! Just an excellent reading of Lecuona's Prelude -- if nothing else, it proves he wrote other things than "Malaguena", a piece which truly is exciting when played well, but typically gets battered and bruised by overeager amateurs. The Prelude is very reminiscent of Manuel Ponce, another pianist/composer from Mexico who created a few gems of his own. The Oscar Peterson Jazz waltz is a very touching tribute to his sister. Although he was unquestionably a Jazz pianist with staggering virtuosity, people tend to forget that he was also an able educator of Jazz theory and techniques, and occasionally a composer. I had never previously heard the Liszt Romance -- I was expecting some over-the-top sentimental effusion, and was both surprised and delighted to learn that he started in minor mode, and retained a straightforward ascetic approach to the development of the piece. Very satisfying throughout! Finally, I thought your own "Largo Desperado" was a thoroughgoing success -- just a slightly humorous take on the Handel Sarabande using Flamenco guitar gestures, but not overly imitative of that genre. Well done -- and, as usual, the pianism was immaculate.
Jason Lenthe -- For me, even the relatively simple Bartok pieces are in fact NOT that simple -- but they are fun to listen to. The 5/4 time signature provides an off-kilter feel that I find bracing. You did a good job maintaining the constant left hand pattern against the changing right hand patterns.
MelchiorBlade7 -- The Branco Prelude was IMO just a wonderful piece, in the spirit of late Debussy -- if they were all of that quality, I would buy the set in a heartbeat! Your pianism greatly enhanced its atmospheric nature -- very subtle use of the damper pedal to provide appropriate resonance. The Hamauzu "Travel Agency" was what I regard as "Smooth Jazz", although I agree that the pentatonic melodic flow evoked the Asian gamelan. A fascinating synthesis of styles, but very satisfying listening. Thanks for sharing!
18 Tim Adrianson – Landscape with Bells (Robert Beaser) Very beautiful! Robert Beaser’s music sounds as if he was “painting” an image with the notes in an impressionistic manner. It is purely amazing what a big variety of less famous music you know.
20 Tim Adrianson – She Moves and Eyes Follow (Jimmy Webb) This is something I rather like, a less famous, romantic composition by one of the really great songwriters of the late 1960s and 1970s. And he is still active.
40 Greta99 – Valsitos para Emilia (Carbajo) When I listened to your fantastic recording I did not expect Víctor Carbajo to be a contemporary composer. He is even younger than I… There’s not only the little waltzes but also little nocturnes for Emilia - according to his website Emilia Sánchez Gallego, whoever that is (?). I have the impression this music was written for a little child but I may be wrong.
41 Greta99 – Waltz E minor (Gribojedow) This lyric waltz complements the valsitos para Emilia in a perfect manner. What a gem! Your rendition is wonderful, not too slow and with a lot of expression. Big surprise: Alexander Gribojedow is not a contemporary composer but was a Russian diplomat who lived from 1795 – 1829.
50 SamS – Graceful Ghost Rag (Bolcom) I agree to 100% - Ragtime is not only Joplin – there are so many other talented composers of rags. I particularly like Joseph Lamb and his “Ragtime Nightingale”. Bolcom is a lucky find for me, thanks for introducing.
Another great recital. You would think, being retired, I would have lots of time to listen - you would be wrong... But i finally got a minute or two to get a start on it today - only to get derailed by looking for the sheet music for some of these!
01. Animisha - Gondolieri Very nice - I confess I know nothing about Nevin...
02. PikaPianist - Romance Without Words Op.3 No.1 Wow - how tragic - at least he left us this wonderful piece to play. Excellent!
03. Ruth CM - Homage to Professor Baynov Very sensitive playing - loved it!
04. pianist685 (Constantin) - Preludio en la noche I love it when performers put their own spin on a piece - Excellent!
05. pianist685 (Constantin) - Song to Elitha Maybe I have been listening to too many tangos lately, but this definitely has a tango feel at times. Loved it!
06. pianist685 (Constantin) - Romance S.169 I don't think I have ever heard this one - thanks for playing it!
07. pianist685 (Constantin) - Largo Desperado What fun! Now that is rare!
08. Tim Adrianson - Rondel (for a young girl) Loved this Tim - and I spent 15 minutes trying to find a copy online with no luck. Looks like it is part of a larger piece called Rural Elegy - can't find that either...
09. Tim Adrianson - Serenade Love the evocative feel of this!
10. Tim Adrianson - Nocturne #7 Back when I was a clarinet player I played some Poulenc - but this sounds very different - thanks for sharing!
11. Tim Adrianson - Jeunes Filles au Jardin Very playful and unexpected!
12. Tim Adrianson - Cancion y Danza #7 Love the dance part especially!
41 Greta99 – Waltz E minor (Gribojedow) This lyric waltz complements the valsitos para Emilia in a perfect manner. What a gem! Your rendition is wonderful, not too slow and with a lot of expression. Big surprise: Alexander Gribojedow is not a contemporary composer but was a Russian diplomat who lived from 1795 – 1829.
Just wanted to add that Alexander Griboedov was also a talented writer, the author of a highly successful comedy in verse "Woe from Wit," which is still quoted from memory by many Russians.
And I agree that Greta99 did an amazing job with this waltz; all her recordings are a pleasure to listen to.
I'll be listening to more submissions this week and over the weekend.
Animisha - What a fun and lovely start to the recital! Very nice and soothing. PikaPianist - Rhythmic, dark, gloomy, brooding. It sounds like a fun piece to play. Quite a shame that the composer passed so young. Ruth CM - You must tell us more about Woosung! This has a very nostalgic feel to it. Impressive flourishing arpeggio in the middle, and great job with the rubato throughout! pianist685 - Your playing is beautiful, extremely accurate, and keeps the listener engaged throughout. Must say I love listening to your recordings and look forward to hearing more! Thank you for introducing me to Leucona. I'm impressed by your ability to play in so many different styles as well as compose music! You're truly a well-rounded musician!
Whenever I think of Oscar Peterson I fondly hear his record with the Singers Unlimited performing Sesame Street:
I encourage anyone who hasn't listened to the album to give it a play through. It's an impressive collaboration.
Tim Adrianson Set 1 - Thank you for sharing your beautiful playing. I was a bit confused while googling Leo Smit for the first time. Turns out there are two composers by the same name. The American Smit sounds very Copland-esque. The Rondel is certainly heart-wrenching. The Mompou has some very healthy dissonance throughout, you pull it off very well. It's a very nice combination of French impressionism with more modern atonality and newer 20th century piano techniques. I think the Jeunes Filles au Jardin might be my favorite of your set. Melchiorblade7 - ❤️❤️❤️Final Fantasy X brings back so many good memories. You pull off the vibe of this piece very well; I hope I get to hear more. Any plans to take on more of the Piano Collections? They're beautiful arrangements, and none of them are easy. Tim Adrianson Set 2 - She Moves and Eyes Follow was quite lyric. I hadn't heard it before so it was nice to be able to watch videos of it for the first time too!
All I got for tonight, I'll be back later for more of the recital!
What a lovely little piece to begin the recital! I could just imagine being in Venice.
02. PikaPianist - Romance Without Words Op.3 No.1 This piece is very moving. It is remarkable that Filtsch wrote in such a mature way. When I see what people like this accomplished at such a young age I can’t help but regret how much time I’ve wasted. But I suppose some people are true prodigies. Thank you for bringing it to our attention!
03. Ruth CM - Homage to Professor Baynov It is always interesting to hear the background to a piece of music. It makes a difference to how we listen. I hope Professor Baynov was pleased by this composition. It has a lovely uplifting feel. I’m sure the composer would be delighted that his piece is being played.
04. pianist685 (Constantin) - Preludio en la noche I thought I recognised this piece! How great it is to have this community online to get inspiration and ideas for pieces to play. You played the piece beautifully.
05. pianist685 (Constantin) - Song to Elitha This piece is a lovely, light jazz waltz and is very easy to listen to. Your embellishments make it sound quite impressive.
PianogrlNW Leroy Anderson - Forgotten Dreams I noticed your posting this and as duplicates are allowed I posted my own. Your playing is so much better than mine and it was interesting listening to the differences in interpretation (or maybe more accurately my timing mistakes!) I need to get the other pieces of his music especially the Water Mill Ian
PianogrlNW Leroy Anderson - Forgotten Dreams I noticed your posting this and as duplicates are allowed I posted my own. Your playing is so much better than mine and it was interesting listening to the differences in interpretation (or maybe more accurately my timing mistakes!) I need to get the other pieces of his music especially the Water Mill Ian
Thank you for both versions of Forgotten Dreams. It is one of my favourite pieces to play and finding a copy of a 1954 edition in a hostel where I lived as a student brought me back to playing piano.
I thought this was really nice. Pleasant and relaxing. Although I can't say I know anything about then 50s, but I guess people ate grilled cheese then too ;0
PianogrlNW Leroy Anderson - Forgotten Dreams I noticed your posting this and as duplicates are allowed I posted my own. Your playing is so much better than mine and it was interesting listening to the differences in interpretation (or maybe more accurately my timing mistakes!) I need to get the other pieces of his music especially the Water Mill Ian
I found some more time to listen - there are some great performances here!
13. Jason Lenthe - In Mixolydian Mode I love Bartok - in small doses! This was just the right sized dose!
14. Melchiorblade7 - Prelude No. 7 Very moody and romantic - well played! I have never heard of this composer.
15. Melchiorblade7 - Travel Agency I'm too old for video games, I'm afraid - is that what this is from? But it sounds intriguing...
16. Tim Adrianson - En Vacances (On Vacation) -- Set 1 17. Tim Adrianson - En Vacances (On Vacation) -- Set 2 This music certainly deserves to be better known. Just outstanding - I especially loved the music box. Thanks so much for playing these!
18. Tim Adrianson - Landscape with Bells It does sound like a landscape with bells - lots of bells!
19. Tim Adrianson - Veiled Autumn (Kindertodeslied) So haunting! A sad gem...
20. Tim Adrianson - She Moves and Eyes Follow Tim, you are a treasure - well done!
21. PianogrlNW (Ellen) - Forgotten Dreams Loved it! And I actually had the grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch!
22. Jordan Nylander - The Spruce Well done!
23. Jordan Nylander - Emerald There are so many unknown composers out there writing music like this - very nice!
24. Ganddalf - All through the night (from British melodies) 25. Ganddalf - The wild hills of Clare. From British melodies These are great! In the same manner as the Percy Granger pieces - very nice!
26. Beemer - Forgotten Dreams 27. Beemer - Isle of Innisfree 28. Beemer - Early Autumn 29. Beemer - Bewitched , Bothered and Bewildered I loved all these! Welcome to the recitals!
30. dumka1 - Separation I remember this one! Sounds so Russian - or Ukrainian! Loved it!
31. Kepijapa - Confidencias welcome to the recitals - it sounds very improvised, so I can imagine him playing it for a silent movie. Well done!
32. Lanky Pianist - Sonatina in F major Lots of energy! I have certainly heard of him, but I don't think I have ever heard any of his music. Thanks for playing!
33. Snejana - Evening Stroll If I were playing guess the composer I wouldn't pick Bartok for this - very well done!
34. Kevin1116 - Piano Sonata No.1 'Sonata-Fantasy' Movement I. Vivace Wild and crazy! Loved it!
35. Tyger - Piano Sonata in F# Minor, Movement 1 36. Tyger - Piano Sonata in F# Minor, Movement 2 37. Tyger - Piano Sonata in F# Minor, Movement 3 Outside of the well-worn pieces, Clementi doesn't get much respect - I really enjoyed this!
Hi All. Thanks lot for organizing these recitals, and thanks for the comments on my playing. For me it was really very good to get some feedback, apparently it was not too bad. I always thought there was something inherently wrong with my playing that I was unable to hear. So now I feel a lot more secure (can you imagine for a 59 year old man to be insecure like that, truly amazing).
I even signed up for the next themed recital. Something I knew how to play, but I just tried, and it is almost completely forgotten, that’s maybe what happens at 59. So some work to do, but april is far away.
I listened to all entries and really love it all. It is very difficult to say something useful, I don’t consider myself expert enough, so don’t take my comments too seriously. Anyway, it was very inspiring to listen to, and it gave me a lot of ideas for things to play.
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