This work is one of the pieces in Mendelssohn's Songs without Words (Lieder ohne Worte) and is considered one of his most beautiful works for piano. This piece is a duet between two voices of the piano, and should be played in a way that makes the voices truly sing. The voices alternate throughout the beginning of the work, combine for a masterful climax, and then come together again at the end for a most beautiful coda. The last several measures are particularly beautiful when played as written. The final A-flat and C in the second to last measure should be played with enough emphasis (with the left hand) that the two notes stand out - as they are the two voices combined for their final harmony. This chord should be held down and switched (without releasing the sound) to the right hand so that the left hand and two fingers of the right hand can play the final two chords. These should not be held for too long as the concluding sound of the piece should be the resonating harmony of the duet's voices (the A-flat and C). Careful inspection of the last three measures will make this quite obvious.
This is truly a beautiful work. I have dedicated this recording to my sister, Jenifer, who first introduced me to this piece several years ago. You can read the dedication on my piano blog. This recording was made at my home on my studio upright piano. This piano is much too bright for this work, so the recording is not ideal; but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.
I almost forgot about this one! The tenth in Burgmuller's set of 25 etudes for piano - I forgot I had recorded this one along with the previous nine and just came across it.
This etude (exercise) is intended to provide technique for repeated notes played by independant fingers. It's short and sweet.
I've finally completed the last Sonatina in Clementi's Opus 36! I actually recorded this over a year ago and am just barely getting around to releasing it. I apologize for the long delay.
I hope that you will enjoy my recording of this work!
The next in the Clementi Sonatina set that I've been working on. This was actually recorded many months ago, but I haven't had time to publish it :-)
This performance did not turn out great. I would label it as "sloppy" and "rushed" in many parts. However, I am just as human and prone to fallibility as the next pianist (perhaps more so!)...
I hope that you will enjoy this recording of Clementi's Sonatina Op. 26, No. 5!!!
Apparently this is my first release of a Brahms piece on my website! I did not realize I was missing such an important composer in the classical reportory until now...
This piece is a beautiful Intermezzo by Brahms - one that was introduced to me by a colleague at Washington University in St. Louis. The piece has a wonderful way of playing with dissonant harmonies, coming to quick and peaceful resolution - only to be disrupted again by a twist of harmonics. It's quite wonderful. I believe this is one of those pieces of music that is far more enjoyable to play than to listen to - so for all of you pianists out there, be sure to add this to your list of works! Simply listening to the various harmonies and how they interact (or cease to interact) is a wonderful study in music and leads to some great pedal-work as well!
Enjoy!
The next in the set of 25 Burgmuller Etudes: Op. 100 No. 9. This one is fun to play... if you haven't already, give it a try!
Here is the next in the set of Burgmuller's Etudes - Op. 100 No. 8. It is titled "The Sweet Grace." I hope that you enjoy this recording!
Continuing the set of Burgmuller's Op. 100 - this recording is of No. 7, titled "By the limpid stream." I had to look up the meaning of "limpid," which means clear, or transparent.
Hearing the recording after the fact, I think I would have taken it a touch slower and muted the inner notes more.
I hope you enjoy the recording.
Here is the next recording in the set of 6 sonatinas by Muzio Clementi - Op. 36 No. 4. Just two more to go! I hope that you enjoy the recording.
This is a very well-known melody by the American composer, Edward MacDowell. He has wonderful music, including this piece, and I encourage pianists everywhere to get to know his music. I hope to record several more of his works over the coming months and years.
This piece is often played as prelude or postlude in churches or for weddings. It has a beautiful melody and is accompanied by an equally beautiful harmonic progression.
As my first recording of an American composer, I hope that you enjoy it!
The next in the set of Etudes by Burgmuller. A fun piece that I highly recommend!
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