Op.21 No.2

Wow, finally get to see some comments for my entry. After reading the comments, I have some thoughts. When playing Classical music, no doubt that you have to interpret the piece, the feel, the emotions of the composer. But, if you were to compare between Vladimir Horowitz and Arthur Rubinstein playing Chopin's Scherzo In B Minor Op.20 No.1, there is a difference. Both are legendary pianists, have the techniques, playing the original score, on the same piano. You may say it is due to different person therefore different interpretation. But both pianists are world renowned, and even after their deaths, their names are still legendary. Same it applies in life. You have the techniques, but it's not really necessary to follow the rules totally when you are playing Classical. Teachings and learnings are essential part of it. The most important thing is, have your own style, your own character. Horowitz recorded Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto In D Minor Op.30 No.3 on five different occasions in his life. Same piece of work, but there is a difference each time he recorded. This is where maturity, new ideas, new concept comes in. We are growing up every single day. Gradually becoming more mature, sophisticated and powerful in thoughts. Music are meant to be enjoyed. The pianist has to enjoy, in order to play well. I shall not describe what is the difference between the 2 pianist in playing Chopin's Scherzo. Listen to it yourself and try to figure it out. Firm your own techniques, gain experience and learn from wrong notes played, overcome dexterous passages. Do not hurry and rush into just hitting chords, perfecting bars and notes into completion. When you've become a virtuoso, your emotions, feelings, expressions have already blossomed.

Recommended music : Sergei Rachmaninov Piano Concerto In C Minor Op.18 No.2

Op.21 No.1

It's March. Some of my friends are waiting for my entries. Are they that interesting ? Was abit tipsy today. Didn't really drink much, just chilling out with 2 colleagues, chatting and listening to the live band at Indochine. Nice place, except it's kind of hot when there is no wind. There's a quote which I had vague remembrance, "Life is like playing piano. Learn the basics, the rest is go by feeling." Somehow rather, I find it's true. The art of piano. Master the correct techniques, in order to have the ability to play different genre of piano music. Pop is the easiest. The bass is always the same style, at times may variate a little. Jazz is more intermediate as you have to either raise a semitone higher or lower, tempo is pulsating. At times you get crashed chords. That's what gives the blues effect. Classical is the most difficult. First, to understand the composer. Second, to interpret the piece. Third, the style, the dynamics of the composer. Fourth, are your techniques good enough to play the piece ? Fifth, clarity, precision, pedalling and tempo are very important. A lot of work has to be done if you wanna play classical. When you attained the techniques, this is when your feelings in playing music comes in. Another crucial point is, while you are playing and hit the wrong note, just get over and continue the music. Do not go back to the note again, the melody flow will break and sound bad. We started off life by learning the basic things, experiences. When we grow up, we do things base on our thoughts, feelings; regardless to our work, or what we are facing. We've to carry on with our life even though we have setbacks. Repeating mistakes won't bring you anywhere. Are you into Pop, Jazz, or Classical ? Give it some thoughts...........................

Recommended music : Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony in B Minor Op.74 No.6 "Pathetique"