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Thoughts and Updates on Repertoire | |||||
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Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Chopin's Grand Valse Op. 42 in A-flat is a very dynamic, melodic piece as valses go. Valses in general have a brisk tempo. But there are moments in this where I can I imagine playing certain phrases or sections very "Vivace" (the argpeggios) and other some sections more "tender" "gentle", punctuated with "grandiose" moments (Chopin's usual big, fat chords). Page-turning on a Waltz piece is not easy, since they are brisk. Unless the sheet music has favorable momentary breaks or slow downs. But if I can figure it out without compromising the tempo or stopping, then this Grand Valse is definitely a project to record and upload. I also need to re-do some Waltzes. A lot of videos are blurry - recorded on the old camcorder standard (non-HD). Fortunately, I switched over to the new camera phone and saving them HD. I'll probably keep Mendelssohn pieces as they are. Happy with them. Unless there is time.
Monday, March 17, 2025: | So I'm looking at another Chopin Grand Valse Brillante (one that I didn't finish as well), the first section / movement of the Wanderer Fantasy (guilty pleasure - I enjoy this so much, and my hands are more conditioned), and of course, "The Flight of the Bumblebee". Eventually. I've decided to finish the K. 331 with the Turkish March since it's the last movement. It's a famous piece, and I tend to avoid pieces that are often over-heard or played too often. I've heard this played briskly or moderately. Either way - it's more fun to play it briskly or Allegretto. Or the plan is to play the second melody more tenderly without compromising the tempo. And then the final section - end it grandiose style. This should keep my busy for awhile. Also - if I can find any short pieces in-between working on these. Who knows.
Saturday, March 08, 2025: | If I were to tackle the "Wanderer" Fantasy again, it would probably just to focus on one or two movements to record (most likely, the first two. Although the first and last movements are my favorites and most intense - they establish the atmosphere of a beginning and end to "life's journey" well. The final movement or section is such a doozy, it would certainly take awhile. But I enjoy the piece so much, it is still possible. These days, individual movements can be played as standalone pieces. Although the piece would not be complete without the rest of the movements, it is just a highlight of the piece. Sort of how "Youtube Shorts" are just snippets or sections of a full video. Nothing wrong with that. Even most recording artists are just recording individual movements.
Monday, March 03, 2025: | Most concert pianists perform at Carnegie Hall once in awhile in their schedules. It is sort of the benchmark of all performance venues. But there is none equal to the two best in the world - Lang Lang and Nobuyuki Tsujii. Check out their official sites for touring information and program list (if available). Schubert's Wanderer Fantasy is an epic piece, probably the most difficult C major piece out there.
Thursday, February 27, 2025: | "Sock it to meh!" Don't worry. K. 331 Variations and "The Flight of the Bumblebee" are the next recordings. I'm not sure after that. Oh, it's on. It's damn on. And you know it. Hahahah.
Saturday, February 08, 2025: | "Would It Be Too Much To Ask To Learn The Notes First?!!" Well - I've taken this quote to heart ever since re-listening to my rough recordings years ago haha. Practically all of them have been re-recorded or re-done, or just removed. While learning "The Flight of the Bumblebee", what are my priorities: 1. Make sure my fingers are conditioned enough to handle the pacing and the frenetic tempo, especially the right-hand main melody (probably the ultimate in an etude-like chromaticism. otherwise - don't bother with it) 2. Focus on the left-hand supporting chords to make sure they are played at tempo and accordingly 3. Add dynamicism and make the piece come alive, as if the listener can picture or imagine a bumblebee buzzing around Page 2 |