Beethoven Pathetique

[musicloverpianist]

Hi everybody,

I am a 17 year old piano student. I just posted a recording of mine on youtube. I play there Beethoven Pathetique. I am just wondering what you all think about it. Your comments would be very helpfull. Thanks!!!!
The link is: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=t2sNQ7JAmlA

[acciaccatura]

The playing is generally very good. I would prefer a little more calm in the opening intro - I think your tempo is simply too fast and slightly inconsistent. If you take it a bit calmer and really observe the phrasing, the chromatic scale at the end and your otherwise fine Allegro tempo will work much better.

In the Allegro, theres some melody, particularly in the left hand you are not conveying, that's absolutely essential. Staccati particularly in the modulation part need to be lighter, with less pedal. Towards the end, again you need more calm, more legato. Generally, your forte is better than your piano. Use Beethoven's subito piano effects better and combine them with strict attention to phrasing and as a benefit you will fight your tendency to machine-like playing in the Allegro.

I think you are capable of getting these and other things straight - being just 17 you have this natural energy that can charming in Liszt but is detrimental to Beethoven and I am sure you will come to terms with that as you mature. Technically, I think your playing is sound - most of the passagework sounds unstrained.

None of this means that you are not talented - I think you are. But you do need to find greater depths in Beethoven, in particular through better phrasing. Best wishes.

[Contratrombone64]

On the whole I agree with acciaccatura EXCEPT that I think your slow introduction is just fine. I like it to have pathos, pain and intensity ... you've conveyed that to me. If you'd like a real mentor, listen to Emil Gilels play this sonata, and take not of his every nuance.

[rojo]

Well done, girl! Very nice presentation; solid.

Keep up the good work!

[Kromme]

Well,i am not a pro but i must say i find this expressive and emotional.I agree with CT64.The slow opening is just fine.

[acciaccatura]

If you'd like a real mentor, listen to Emil Gilels play this sonata, and take not of his every nuance.

Well, I agree that Gilels' is a fine interpretation, but we need to be careful here. This is about a young person in the middle of some serious work with a great composer. In my opinion, listening to interpretations of others is fine, as long as you do not attempt to assume the other interpreter's personality. There is nothing more dangerous than trying to copy some other musician - chances are you cannot do it correctly and in the process you will never get around to finding your own way.

My advice on this is to study the score thoroughly and draw your own conclusions - then when you have done that, listen to several other recordings for inspiration. That sequence is important.

[acciaccatura]

Uh, one more thing. There seems to be a general consensus that the opening is fine, being played fluently like you do. But let us take a look at what Beethoven writes: Grave. Grave is a very somber, heavy mood, and implies deep feeling - maybe even death or sorrow. I maintain my critique of your tempo as being too easy and light, and again, your phrasing, if done correctly, should reflect the spaciousness that Beethoven implies.