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The New Coffee Room

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  3. What are you playing now?

What are you playing now?

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  • kluursK Offline
    kluursK Offline
    kluurs
    wrote on last edited by
    #9

    George, that Chopin mazurka is delightful - a bit like something Scriabin might have written. 😉 And the Mompou should be fun - something is both engaging - but also not known by everyone.

    I continue to grind in a few things that I was working on earlier in the year - trying to commit to my increasingly feeble memory - 3 Brahms intermezzi and the Chopin Scherzo #2 in B flat minor. I've liked that Scherzo since early childhood and for some reason have always shied away from it - maybe because I remember Rubinstein's performance? I started it a couple of months ago and was amazed at how well it falls into my fingers. AND, there's oodles of repetition. This is one of two pieces that Franz Liszt would not allow to be played in his studio - the other being his Hungarian Rhapsody #2. Apparently, the two works were so overplayed that he couldn't stand to hear to hear them butchered. He'd certainly feel that way if he heard me. I think I should probably have some folks who know the work listen to me - and make sure I don't cause Liszt and Chopin begin to roll over in their respective tombs. I may take a couple of virtual lessons, now that has become more feasible.

    George KG 1 Reply Last reply
    • kluursK kluurs

      George, that Chopin mazurka is delightful - a bit like something Scriabin might have written. 😉 And the Mompou should be fun - something is both engaging - but also not known by everyone.

      I continue to grind in a few things that I was working on earlier in the year - trying to commit to my increasingly feeble memory - 3 Brahms intermezzi and the Chopin Scherzo #2 in B flat minor. I've liked that Scherzo since early childhood and for some reason have always shied away from it - maybe because I remember Rubinstein's performance? I started it a couple of months ago and was amazed at how well it falls into my fingers. AND, there's oodles of repetition. This is one of two pieces that Franz Liszt would not allow to be played in his studio - the other being his Hungarian Rhapsody #2. Apparently, the two works were so overplayed that he couldn't stand to hear to hear them butchered. He'd certainly feel that way if he heard me. I think I should probably have some folks who know the work listen to me - and make sure I don't cause Liszt and Chopin begin to roll over in their respective tombs. I may take a couple of virtual lessons, now that has become more feasible.

      George KG Offline
      George KG Offline
      George K
      wrote on last edited by
      #10

      @kluurs said in What are you playing now?:

      Mompou should be fun - something is both engaging

      My next-to-last piano teacher (Stuart) recommended the Mompou. He said that Mompou is sort of "Poulenc-lite." I'm no sure I agree, but the odd harmonies, I suppose are the similarity.

      "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08

      The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.

      1 Reply Last reply
      • jon-nycJ Online
        jon-nycJ Online
        jon-nyc
        wrote on last edited by
        #11

        I’ve been dusting off some Rachmaninoff from a couple years ago. Trying to decide if now’s the time to commit to a Chopin Ballade.

        Only non-witches get due process.

        • Cotton Mather, Salem Massachusetts, 1692
        1 Reply Last reply
        • markM Offline
          markM Offline
          mark
          wrote on last edited by
          #12

          Started to sit at the piano on a daily basis for the past week.

          Revisiting the Chopin Prelude in Bm. I always liked this one. It sounds easy to play but it is actually quite tricky to get it to sound good.

          1 Reply Last reply
          • Doctor PhibesD Online
            Doctor PhibesD Online
            Doctor Phibes
            wrote on last edited by Doctor Phibes
            #13

            Started playing the tenor sax again after a mostly enforced break of about 4 years. A single-family home is a wonderful thing.

            God, I've missed it. It's safe to say that nobody else has.

            I'm a bit rusty to say the least.

            I was only joking

            1 Reply Last reply
            • George KG Offline
              George KG Offline
              George K
              wrote on last edited by
              #14

              Gonna call that Chopin mazurka complete and under my fingers (which means that I'll forget it in about a month, but easily resurrect-able).

              Here's a guy talking about interpreting that mazurka.

              Link to video

              The Mompou and Poulenc are coming along nicely, but much of the Mompou is demanding because of tricky left hand parts (as I mentioned).

              In the meantime, gonna pick this up:

              Link to video

              Not too difficult until you get up to speed, LOL.

              "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08

              The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.

              1 Reply Last reply
              • S Offline
                S Offline
                SD Tav
                wrote on last edited by
                #15

                Trying to re-learn the Toccata from Ravel’s ‘Le Tombeau de Couperin’. Lots of notes. Playing slowly and gradually increasing tempo. Need to solidify memorization.

                1 Reply Last reply
                • George KG Offline
                  George KG Offline
                  George K
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #16

                  That Kabalevsky is a TON of fun to play. There are a few YouTube videos out there, and all of them play it devilishly fast. Faster than I want/am able to.

                  This is more representative of my tempo:

                  Link to video

                  I'm not sure if I'm all that fond of his interpretation - it's a bit "dry."

                  I also started working on (sigh) the Pathetique. I figured it's something I should learn while I'm still on the green side. I'd call the 1st movement about 50% done.

                  Another "big" project that I started a couple of weeks ago is the Italian Concerto. I'd forgotten how damn exacting Bach can be. It's good discipline.

                  "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08

                  The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  • George KG Offline
                    George KG Offline
                    George K
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #17

                    So...update.

                    So many spinning plates at the moment.

                    I'm calling the Chopin Mazurka done (have for a couple of weeks, as a matter of fact).

                    The Mompou I'm also calling done. So much tricky left-hand stuff, but once you get it, you get it. Delightful music, and I'm tempted to pick up his #5.

                    Poulenc Novelette? Probably about 80% of the way there. I can hit most of the keys most of the time. Working on making it sound musical.

                    Kabelevsky? I need to work on some technique tips to get some of the awkward "close-in" parts to work. But it's a ton of fun to play, esp the last movement.

                    The Pathetique is a long, slow grind. Coming along. I need to work on making theme #2 sound fluid and musical. It'll get there, just not in the next month, LOL.

                    Started working on Bach's Italian Concerto. Another of those "tons of fun to play" pieces. But, Bach being Bach, you have to learn this slowly, hands separate. The first movement will probably take me through the early late parts of spring.

                    "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08

                    The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    • KlausK Online
                      KlausK Online
                      Klaus
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #18

                      I have practised the Pathetique in the past.

                      I always found these parts to be rather difficult, if you want to play them truly "con brio".

                      e3835869-ccc1-486d-9a8f-dd5a116dd0c6-image.png

                      George KG 1 Reply Last reply
                      • jon-nycJ Online
                        jon-nycJ Online
                        jon-nyc
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #19

                        Working on/brushing off three Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableau and two preludes. Hopefully they’ll be in serviceable shape for late March for my midwestern visit.

                        Only non-witches get due process.

                        • Cotton Mather, Salem Massachusetts, 1692
                        KlausK 1 Reply Last reply
                        • KlausK Klaus

                          I have practised the Pathetique in the past.

                          I always found these parts to be rather difficult, if you want to play them truly "con brio".

                          e3835869-ccc1-486d-9a8f-dd5a116dd0c6-image.png

                          George KG Offline
                          George KG Offline
                          George K
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #20

                          @Klaus said in What are you playing now?:

                          I always found these parts to be rather difficult, if you want to play them truly "con brio".

                          I re-listened to Robert Greenberg's lecture on the Pathetique the other day. He was given permission to use Claude Frank's performances for his lectures.

                          Go to about 1:40

                          It's a bit frantic for my taste - not "pathetic" enough.

                          Link to video

                          "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08

                          The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          • jon-nycJ jon-nyc

                            Working on/brushing off three Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableau and two preludes. Hopefully they’ll be in serviceable shape for late March for my midwestern visit.

                            KlausK Online
                            KlausK Online
                            Klaus
                            wrote on last edited by Klaus
                            #21

                            @jon-nyc said in What are you playing now?:

                            Working on/brushing off three Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableau and two preludes. Hopefully they’ll be in serviceable shape for late March for my midwestern visit.

                            No, they won't, and if you are honest to yourself they were never in anything close to serviceable shape.

                            jon-nycJ 1 Reply Last reply
                            • HoraceH Online
                              HoraceH Online
                              Horace
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #22

                              I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                              Goldberg Aria
                              Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                              Brahms 21.1
                              Brahms 116.4
                              Maple Leaf Rag
                              WTC1 c# Major prelude

                              Education is extremely important.

                              kluursK 1 Reply Last reply
                              • CopperC Offline
                                CopperC Offline
                                Copper
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #23

                                around 1:53 in this Van Cliburn recording, a little less con brio, much better

                                Link to video

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                • HoraceH Horace

                                  I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                  Goldberg Aria
                                  Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                  Brahms 21.1
                                  Brahms 116.4
                                  Maple Leaf Rag
                                  WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                  kluursK Offline
                                  kluursK Offline
                                  kluurs
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #24

                                  @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                  I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                  Goldberg Aria
                                  Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                  Brahms 21.1
                                  Brahms 116.4
                                  Maple Leaf Rag
                                  WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                  That's great to hear given all you've been through.

                                  HoraceH 1 Reply Last reply
                                  • kluursK kluurs

                                    @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                    I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                    Goldberg Aria
                                    Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                    Brahms 21.1
                                    Brahms 116.4
                                    Maple Leaf Rag
                                    WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                    That's great to hear given all you've been through.

                                    HoraceH Online
                                    HoraceH Online
                                    Horace
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #25

                                    @kluurs said in What are you playing now?:

                                    @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                    I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                    Goldberg Aria
                                    Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                    Brahms 21.1
                                    Brahms 116.4
                                    Maple Leaf Rag
                                    WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                    That's great to hear given all you've been through.

                                    Thanks Kluurs. The thumb is a minor hindrance, but I think it won’t make a big difference after I get used to it.

                                    Education is extremely important.

                                    kluursK 1 Reply Last reply
                                    • KlausK Klaus

                                      @jon-nyc said in What are you playing now?:

                                      Working on/brushing off three Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableau and two preludes. Hopefully they’ll be in serviceable shape for late March for my midwestern visit.

                                      No, they won't, and if you are honest to yourself they were never in anything close to serviceable shape.

                                      jon-nycJ Online
                                      jon-nycJ Online
                                      jon-nyc
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #26

                                      @Klaus said in What are you playing now?:

                                      @jon-nyc said in What are you playing now?:

                                      Working on/brushing off three Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableau and two preludes. Hopefully they’ll be in serviceable shape for late March for my midwestern visit.

                                      No, they won't, and if you are honest to yourself they were never in anything close to serviceable shape.

                                      True, of course they’ll be superb. I should dispense with the false humility already, everyone here knows I’m a genius at the piano.

                                      Only non-witches get due process.

                                      • Cotton Mather, Salem Massachusetts, 1692
                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      • HoraceH Horace

                                        @kluurs said in What are you playing now?:

                                        @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                        I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                        Goldberg Aria
                                        Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                        Brahms 21.1
                                        Brahms 116.4
                                        Maple Leaf Rag
                                        WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                        That's great to hear given all you've been through.

                                        Thanks Kluurs. The thumb is a minor hindrance, but I think it won’t make a big difference after I get used to it.

                                        kluursK Offline
                                        kluursK Offline
                                        kluurs
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #27

                                        @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                        @kluurs said in What are you playing now?:

                                        @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                        I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                        Goldberg Aria
                                        Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                        Brahms 21.1
                                        Brahms 116.4
                                        Maple Leaf Rag
                                        WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                        That's great to hear given all you've been through.

                                        Thanks Kluurs. The thumb is a minor hindrance, but I think it won’t make a big difference after I get used to it.

                                        It's truly wonderful news. I was saddened at the thought that someone with your talent wouldn't be able to play.

                                        HoraceH 1 Reply Last reply
                                        • kluursK kluurs

                                          @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                          @kluurs said in What are you playing now?:

                                          @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                          I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                          Goldberg Aria
                                          Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                          Brahms 21.1
                                          Brahms 116.4
                                          Maple Leaf Rag
                                          WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                          That's great to hear given all you've been through.

                                          Thanks Kluurs. The thumb is a minor hindrance, but I think it won’t make a big difference after I get used to it.

                                          It's truly wonderful news. I was saddened at the thought that someone with your talent wouldn't be able to play.

                                          HoraceH Online
                                          HoraceH Online
                                          Horace
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #28

                                          @kluurs said in What are you playing now?:

                                          @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                          @kluurs said in What are you playing now?:

                                          @Horace said in What are you playing now?:

                                          I picked up piano again last week. The Schulze Pollmann actually sounds pretty good.

                                          Goldberg Aria
                                          Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
                                          Brahms 21.1
                                          Brahms 116.4
                                          Maple Leaf Rag
                                          WTC1 c# Major prelude

                                          That's great to hear given all you've been through.

                                          Thanks Kluurs. The thumb is a minor hindrance, but I think it won’t make a big difference after I get used to it.

                                          It's truly wonderful news. I was saddened at the thought that someone with your talent wouldn't be able to play.

                                          Thanks Kluurs! Not sure about the talent part, but I'm surprised at how fun it's been getting back into it. Piano sounds better than I remember. And something gelled in my head with sight reading, so that now, while I'm still a horrible sight reader, at least practicing it isn't painful to my brain.

                                          Education is extremely important.

                                          1 Reply Last reply
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