Stunning dear Michael! That’s the way to go in the coda. Bravo!! By the way, my grandfather was Israel Lewin, born in Warsaw. We might be related! Big hug
Wow! I don't understand very well why you don't have more subscribers and more views for this! This is so sincere and so clever. This piece is actually one of the most beautiful ever written for piano.
Thanks for the wonderful insights into Chopin Ballade. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that classical music is so endearing, and we enjoy it year after year, and it never gets boring and dies away because learning a piece of music DOES NOT HAVE A FINISH LINE. It's not a foot race to end because there is no end the depth and beautiful just waiting to be discovered. If Chopin were here today and played that piece on our modern pianos, it would be totally different than when he composed/played it on the old 'Forte Pianos'. I also believe that if a past piano competition was re-played today with the same contestants playing the same music - the winner of that competition would not be the same person.
Thank you for this interesting and informative lecture on Chopin's first Ballade! I grew up hearing my father attempt to get on top of this marvelous piece in his spare time after work and on weekends. He never quite got there--but he got pretty close--and I grew increasingly familiar with and fond of the G minor Ballade. I hope that you will do some more lecture presentations like this one!
I've been working on this piece for over a year and this is extremely helpful in understanding the musical context. Now all I have to do is play it! THANK YOU.
I played this for a recital when I was in my teens and played it intermittently over the years. I wished I had heard this lecture when I first started out. Great insight. Great helpful hints & history of the most challenging pieces as everyone knows it so well.
A piece most of us were "weaned" on . . . possibly my first -- no second, the first was the "Funeral March Sonata" -- ~classical piece "infatuation"~ Thanks for the dozens of helpful and effective points on style and execution! . . .
What an amazing lesson from a great teacher. You are so right about as soon as it virto people just play fast loud and ugly, certain notes need to be expressed and really show that passion.
Michael, so good to hear you after so many years and hear your presentation. We've come a long way from Juilliard and the Bagel Nosh at 71st and Broadway. Love to catch up some time and share what we've been up to the last 40 years or so. Love what you're doing and will find more of your performances in the days to come. Bravo and keep doing your wonderful work.
Thank you for playing what is actually in the score with the right rhythm and pulse. A student who is on his/her own could be clueless about the approach.
Damnn, how many years does it take to realize all those thing. I am a piano beginner learning this Ballade as 1st piece, it has been almost 6 months. I am able to play most of parts close to clean, and with normal speed(means not yet achieved) with my interpretation, however I know such huge gap between me and professional masters. After watching this lecture, I feel I won't be bored after years with this piece either. This lecture is just gold! It's literally you receive a free master class on youtube. I am really appreciated Michael :)
Do you ever do zoom lessons? I have a tiny hand and I’m getting very tight from measures 110-114. Scared I’m going to hurt myself- but I’m obsessed and determined to get it right.
