4 Pieces I am Taking to The GFA Conference in NYC ( for private lessons I am taking there).
BWV 996 Courante
This is one of the pieces I am going to use in my private lessons at the GFA Conference in NYC next week. I signed up for 3 private lessons. My top 2 selected artists are 1. Marcin Dylla ( which is who I will be playing this piece for) and 2. Lorenzo Micheli (I will play Chopin's Prelude op. 28.15, The Raindrop Prelude).
I have been working on this for months. I have it more or less under my fingers but I don't like my tone or phrasing. This is close to the best I can do at this point. I have tried to model my performance on Dylla's performance but I am a long way from achieving that.
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To say I am envious is too small of a word - not only for the private lessons you will have, but also of your ability to play this piece so well. Have a wonderful week, and please share the fruits with us lowly plebes back here!
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Eric Phillips Thanks Eric. I also appreciate your encouragement. This is proving to be a rather nerve racking process but I am beginning to feel a little more confident. I now have 2 of my pieces recorded, so half way there.
I will certainly provide updates on my experiences (as painful as the may be).
BTW speaking of envy. These recordings just emphasized to me what an accomplishment all of your recordings are. There are so many and all are at such a high level of performance.
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This is sounding really great Jack, your control on this piece is impressive and your nailless tone is amazing! I'm happy you managed to get private lessons at the GFA, this is a great opportunity and please share some of your experience there if you can.
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Blaise Laflamme Thanks Blaise. I appreciate the encouragement. I will certainly provide an accounting of my trials and tribulations at the conference.
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Mompou Canción y Danza 10
This is my second installment of the 4 traveling pieces (see intro). This is a (almost) good posting of this diptych. I can't seem to get through a piece w/o some little stumble, but they are glaring here. All in all I am fairly happy with this. I am not sure who this is for. Actually I don't know who my lessons will be with until I get to the conference.
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Bravo! Jack, these are sounding excellent. The Courant is by far the best that I have heard you play it. And the Cancion y Danza are also sounding really good. You are definitely ready with these pieces. Best of success at GFA Conference and definitely let's get together when you get back.
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Dale Needles Thanks Dale. I appreciate the help you have given me (suffering thru my run throughs). I plan to record the Rameau Allemande today and possibly the Chopin Prelude. That would complete my 'set' of lesson possibilities. I would continue to refine, of course, and probably continue to record for the the practice. At least, if I bomb horribly I can show the video to show that I can actually play the pieces.
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Rameau Allemande II 1706
This is another piece that has been a long time coming but this recording is very close. I have voicing refinements to be worked on but I feel mostly it is there. This was my second take which is also encouraging.
3 down 1 more to go!
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Jack Stewart Just beautiful, Jack! Loved every second.
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Jack Stewart Excellent work on this. I agree it is very close. There are some phrases that flow so smoothly with your wonderful ornaments. Also, your nail-less tone is much improved and is sounding good.
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Dale Needles Thanks Dale. This week feels like a bit of a break thru. However, I figure that I shouldn't get them to perfection because then the teachers wouldn't have anything to say. Clever strategy, huh?
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Eric Phillips Thanks Eric. Well..... there are a couple seconds I don't love (2:04)
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Chopin Raindrop Prelude op. 28.15
I finally have this under my fingers, more or less. I still have a lot of work to fully get this under control, phrasing, tone, notes. But I wanted to post where I am at right now. I will continue to work on this, and the other pieces, and hopefully get another posting.
This piece is not particularly challenging at any particular point but it is very difficult (for me) to put it all together and have effective phrasing.
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Jack Stewart Such a beautiful piece. You are alnost there. Some of the passages really flow. Just need to work out a couple of rough edges. Are you leaving on Sunday? In any case, good luck next week.
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Dale Needles Thanks Dale. 'A couple of rough edges'.... that's a gentile way of putting it.
I was hoping it would be a bit smoother by now but I do think it is in a workable stage. Now if I can just not get self conscious.I'll find out who my lessons are with and the scheduled when I register.
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Jack Stewart So good, Jack! I have attempted this piece many times, but always give up once I see how difficult it is. I find it amazing that you don't find it particularly challenging at any point.
Safe travels, and I hope you have the time of your life!
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Jack Stewart Bravo Jack! How wonderful to have private lessons lined up at the festival! What a wonderful experience. Remember to be kind to yourself and enjoy every moment!
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Eric Phillips Thanks Eric. Well, perhaps I overstated its lack of challenge a bit, However, I feel you would be able to take it on. And I think you are better equipped musically to take on its phrasing. I have a hard time remembering what little turn of phrase goes where. I have almost given up on it and then I listen to Michelli play it and I am pulled back in. Maybe someday.
I can't believe it is day after tomorrow! I also can't believe I have to get up at 3:30am!!!
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Marilyn Blodget Thanks Marilyn. I think it is pretty exciting.
I will remember to be kind to myself - ice cream for breakfast every morning!!
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Jack Stewart Awesome!
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