I've listened to probably over 30 recordings of this piece. Maybe 5-7 pianists were truly satisfying in this beginning part. Many don't approach a true ppp, Many play it too fast (It is marked Lent after all). Faster than lent can be okay, but it has to be light with a repeating rhythmic phrasing.
That's a great result indicating the presence of a still-opened mind. Many musicians become so picky that they like only their own playing and no one else's😅
@@DenZhdanovPianist I'm not a musician. I'm just an attentive (imho) listener. And, of course, maybe I'm too demanding...in a live performance more can be forgiven because, as you demonstrated, not every piano is optimal to bring out that lightness that this part requires. For me, I want this beginning to sound hypnotic and a little mysterious. If it's fast and uneven, it sounds chaotic. Denis, I love your content. I'm currently working through your Czerny Op. 299 course. I'm also working on my own on the Durand Valse, Op. 83. Someone said it's a good preparation for some of Chopin's more difficult Waltzes.
@@Daniel_Zalman Yes, many iconic pieces seem to require a level of enigmatic perfection that is very rarely achievable in real life. They demand a combination of favorable conditions, such as a great player at the peak of their form, a superb instrument, amazing acoustics, and even room temperature and lighting setup, which influences the impression far more than people might think. This makes classical music an exciting but sometimes really frustrating activity!
@@DenZhdanovPianist Yes, everything matters. There is an element of theater to a recital. Also, there are some pieces that just play themselves (meaning that a competent performance will be sufficient to create a satisfying experience...if not special or "transcendent")....and Ondine isn't one of them. Of course, if it's a recording....just add some hiss, crackling sounds and it will sound profound....kidding..........or am I? hmm.
Finally...a pianist who understands the use of the escapement....should be used in all p.pp.ppp sections when possible....also the sostenuto pedal is misunderstood and under utilised.
Denis, your videos are delightful to see. I specially enjoy the rich vocabulary you have to describe musicality, emotion and technicality simultaneously. I was wondering if you are familiar with Claudio Arrau… I would love to know your thoughts about how he approached piano playing. Thank you so much for your amazing content.
Very neat. I like your manner. Are we allowed to know what piano you are using? I will take the lesson on this, just having a problem getting password!
Mr Zhdanov , your videos are a life saver !! Thank you 🙏
Glad you like them! Thanks for commenting!
I've listened to probably over 30 recordings of this piece. Maybe 5-7 pianists were truly satisfying in this beginning part. Many don't approach a true ppp, Many play it too fast (It is marked Lent after all). Faster than lent can be okay, but it has to be light with a repeating rhythmic phrasing.
That's a great result indicating the presence of a still-opened mind. Many musicians become so picky that they like only their own playing and no one else's😅
@@DenZhdanovPianist I'm not a musician. I'm just an attentive (imho) listener. And, of course, maybe I'm too demanding...in a live performance more can be forgiven because, as you demonstrated, not every piano is optimal to bring out that lightness that this part requires. For me, I want this beginning to sound hypnotic and a little mysterious. If it's fast and uneven, it sounds chaotic. Denis, I love your content. I'm currently working through your Czerny Op. 299 course. I'm also working on my own on the Durand Valse, Op. 83. Someone said it's a good preparation for some of Chopin's more difficult Waltzes.
@@Daniel_Zalman Yes, many iconic pieces seem to require a level of enigmatic perfection that is very rarely achievable in real life. They demand a combination of favorable conditions, such as a great player at the peak of their form, a superb instrument, amazing acoustics, and even room temperature and lighting setup, which influences the impression far more than people might think. This makes classical music an exciting but sometimes really frustrating activity!
@@DenZhdanovPianist Yes, everything matters. There is an element of theater to a recital. Also, there are some pieces that just play themselves (meaning that a competent performance will be sufficient to create a satisfying experience...if not special or "transcendent")....and Ondine isn't one of them. Of course, if it's a recording....just add some hiss, crackling sounds and it will sound profound....kidding..........or am I? hmm.
Thank you
Finally...a pianist who understands the use of the escapement....should be used in all p.pp.ppp sections when possible....also the sostenuto pedal is misunderstood and under utilised.
Denis, your videos are delightful to see. I specially enjoy the rich vocabulary you have to describe musicality, emotion and technicality simultaneously. I was wondering if you are familiar with Claudio Arrau… I would love to know your thoughts about how he approached piano playing. Thank you so much for your amazing content.
Thanks for your kind feedback! Yes many people were asking about Arrau already, I’ll consider…
Very neat. I like your manner. Are we allowed to know what piano you are using? I will take the lesson on this, just having a problem getting password!
Thanks. Kawai RX-5.
This piece is nuts on jumpy, stiff actions 😅😢, when there is not enough time for a substantial regulation to settle in...
Yep😅