Week 4: Romantic spirits! 
Welcome to the Main Thread for the fourth week of "The Romantic Era" challenge!
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↓ Happy Sharing! ↓
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And a Giuliani piece, Opus 43 number 6. I have been meaning to learn this for many years, still needs some work. I remember it being used as the theme tune for a children's tv series, Tales of the Riverbank, in the 60's so I've included a couple of stills from the show in the video and here is a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VTn6VlUXNA&t=12s.!
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Derek Fun! A sweet childhood memory.
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Derek that sounds great. Well played.. you control the piece 100 %
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Derek That was great, Derek. Such a jaunty piece. And this was a theme song for a children's show - I wonder what Giuliani would think.
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Derek Well played, Derek! As said Joosje, you completely control the piece. Bravo!
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Chopin's Op.28.15 Prelude (Raindrop) 1st draft 1st half
This has been on my list for a while. I started it at the end of the Transcription Challenge but didn't get very far. I believe I'll be able to finish it for this challenge.
This is a pretty rough first draft complete with obligatory glitches, though I feel I do have it under my fingers. I can play the next section (storm) but I want to have it memorized before I record as I have trouble keeping track of where I am when I read it.
As always, the real challenge will be in the phrasing and interpretation, especially with Chopin.
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Jack Stewart Thanks for sharing, Jack! Never heard of this one, but I YouTubed the piano version, and wow, what a beautiful piece! It looks very difficult on guitars, especially to keep the bass pedal notes steady and the melody singing at the same time. Really looking forward to hearing the second part.
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Jack Stewart Beautiful Jack! I love this piece and used to hear my son play this on piano when he was very young. These days I usually listen to Vladimir Horowitz's recording of it.
These pieces are really difficult on guitar to achieve consistent legato on melody, while inserting Chopin's wonderful ornamentation and flurry of notes. What transcription are you using?
I'm looking forward to the Storm section and will start closing the windows to get ready.
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Jack Stewart Really beautiful, Jack! This might be my favorite Chopin piece. It's a dream to be able to play it, but I always thought it was beyond me. Your progress on this is impressive.
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Jack Stewart nice work! That looks very challenging on guitar. Bravo for taking it on!
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Jack Stewart I love this piece. And you play it really well, Jack. Not easy at all, in spite of its slow pace.. and your tone is beautiful. Can’t wait to hear the continuation.
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joosje Thanks Joosje, I have started working on the tempo which is an improvement. I hope to have a complete recording this week (still a rough draft).
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Marilyn Blodget Thanks Marilyn. I also really like this piece. It is one of my favorite of Chopin's. I hope I can do it justice. However, I'll only be presenting the guitar transcription.
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Eric Phillips Thanks Eric. It is also one of my favorite of Chopin. I have been listening to a wonderful recording by Lorenzo Micheli.
I actually think it is well within your abilities. There are some tricky segments but overall it is not overwhelming technically (musically perhaps). One of the most challenging aspects is that it has many repeated phrases that are altered slightly which I find difficult keeping track of.
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Barney Thanks Barney. I am using Tarrega's transcription. It seems pretty good to me though I don't know I have heard any others. It seems most of the versions on YT are by Tarrega. My favorite guitar performance is by Lorenzo Micheli.
So will you be closing the windows to keep out the rain or the sound?
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Wai Thanks Wai. Lorenzo Micheli has a beautiful version on guitar. I hope to have a rough complete recording this week.
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Jack Stewart It is a lovely piece. Beautiful melody. Have fun! I just printed out the piano score. I’ll enjoy listening to you and save it for a rainy day. Too much going on now.
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Marilyn Blodget I think it would be great to hear it on piano.
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Jack Stewart Tarrega's transcriptions are masterful, as are his original pieces.
As I recall, the storm has thunderous chords ( You may have to attach a mike and plug into a big Marshall amp and a sustaining pedal, haha) and probably some imagined lightening as well...), so will need to close the windows for the rain, unless you hookup to a very loud amp.
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Marilyn Blodget I just remembered I have also been referencing the YT video; Piano Master Class - Marjan Kiepura on the op.28.15 Prelude. I find his insight and interpretation very good. Here is the link if you're interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzOkOCcspqo&list=PLvBY-tMw5ZnzZ0ytYmrK1hybLF5so3G2e&index=20&t=350s
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Jack Stewart Okay, I’m hooked! I watched the Kiepura presentation and enjoyed it very much. Off to practice!
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Jack Stewart Ditto what everybody else have posted. Looking forward to the next rendition.
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Dale Needles Thanks Dale. Hopefully this weekend I'll have a complete (rough) recording.
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Jack Stewart Great, Jack! No doubt that piece has demanded a lot of work, and you did it very well! I saw a guy (Rossini Hayward) playing this prelude with another arrangement, maybe his own. Anyway, like you, I'm waiting for YOUR storm... =) Thanks for sharing your music with us, man!
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Moyses Lopes Thanks, Moyses. The storm is presenting more challenges than I had anticipated, though I still hope to get a (barely) passable recording tomorrow.
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Jack Stewart how beautiful!
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
