The experience of "errr.. is that chord right?" when learning pieces with more jazzy harmony is very normal. Context and tempo is really important to how certain harmonies feel, so when you're playing in a very slow or disjointed way, or perhaps working on separate hands, they can often sound really weird. You kinda just have to trust that they will make more sense when the piece is played fluently. Also you might just not like this style of harmony, and thats okay too 🤣
nothing harder than playing a piece that you just can't connect with, top marks my friend. You most probably do this but I'm going to mention it anyway, have you tried finding the pieces of music online, before you try to play them (don't know if this cheating) and listen a couple of times over and see if you can follow it through with the music, it's really helpful especially with jazz harmonies, and the rhythm, it gives an insight and understanding of what is going on in the piece. There is nothing more off putting when it doesn't sound right when practicing, so hearing the piece played in its right context might help to master awkward cord transitions that just sound like they shouldn't be there.
It’s only cheating if you consider it cheating. For me, I purposely avoid listening to pieces. The reason I avoid listening to them is the reason you mentioned. If I have heard the piece it’s easy to know if I am making a mistake. The result of which is I don’t read the score as closely as I should and just rely on what I have heard. If the goal is to play a piece as quickly as possible I see the advantage of listening to them beforehand. However, my goal is to get better and quicker at reading music.
I questioned that. So after I listened to some examples. I still dislike it. It’s a fairly slow piece I don’t think my final tempo was even that far off.
Well - I gave you fulsome praise for your previous video, with your rendition of Song of Twilight....so, bear that in mind when I say: I'm one of the people who LOVES this little piece! All three of the compositions in the 'B category' of the new syllabus were equally enjoyable to learn and perform, imo; but this one was just that touch more interesting. Its harmonies are not to everyone's taste, this is true; but I find them fascinating and expressive to play - and the piece has the feel of something more profound than your usual Grade 1 study composition. It's obviously 'modern' in its impressionistic feel (and the fact that the lowest notes have been omitted gives its melodic theme a feeling of not quite being there); but I'm finding it to be a piece that's highly rewarding to play. Nevertheless, B2 (A morning sunbeam) is charming - a playful and rhythmic piece that, even though short, manages to include some entertaining shifts in melody and tempo. B3 (The quiet wood) is a little easier to grasp than B1, but equally rewarding. All three make fine little performance pieces, imo. Agree with you about that Minuet,though (A3). It's repetitive; Classical; formal; and a bit dull. Despite my differing opinion, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest vid of yours :) We appear to be around the same stage in our piano progress (I've just learnt Song of Twilight); and it's fun to witness someone else going through the same musical experiences and struggles! Look forward to the next (and will I be familiar with it..?)
It’s certainly true that I’ve not really given this piece a fair shot. But first impressions for me were not great. But that’s the beauty of music. We all have different tastes and there is something for everyone. As for what’s next, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. I’ve been playing with Minuet in G from next years grade 3 syllabus, but I’ve put on the back burner for a bit to let it settle in. Aside from that there are a couple of short grade 1-2 pieces from the ABRSM core classics book and I’m just starting one from grade 4. More recently I’m finding it harder to finish pieces though so I’m starting them and not finishing them. I hope to revisit a few these down the line and hopefully they’ll feel more achievable.
I think I’m in the minority judging by the comments. The edit was basically a reflection of how felt watching this back. I was playing so slow and it was so boring I couldn’t subject anyone else to a whole 3 minutes stumbling through this little piece.
To be honest, the chord is not bad in of itself. It’s just the way it’s played at the end. Starting in the middle, adding the base and the finally the high note. For me it’s just meh.
