I will never tire of hearing Joel play the magnificent Holberg Preludium on this gorgeous-sounding Steinway. It makes my day. Wilfried Hildebrandt Ypsilanti, Michigan April 22, 2010
I consider this a jewel of pianistic interpretation. I hope Joel Hastings will have the opportunity to hear the many, many, many praises about his playing of this Suite. I am appalled at the beauty, and this brought tears to my eyes, because this is so, so, beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. Greetings from Kuwait.
Unfortunately, he died very suddenly in 2016...I do agree with you, this is an outstanding, fantastic interpretation, which, I think is very similar to how Cyprien Katsaris played this piece...
This is truly beautiful playing - in fact, as is J H's playing of all the Holberg Suite. The phrasing is magic, the voicing of chords and the gentle rubato are wonderful. And what a gorgeous tone he produces. Bright when needed, mellow when required. Both the piano version and the string transciption are music of the gods. I return to this superb performance again and again, for me it is the most satisfying I have heard on the piano. I would like to hear J H playing other works.
Joel I never tire of hearing you play this piano gem. Did you know that you and Edvard Grieg's historical recording sound very similar? And that's no small potatoes. Congratulations, my friend. Wilfried Hildebrandt Ypsilanti Michigan
I never tire of Joel's exquisite Prelude interpretation. It is an additional treat to compare Grieg's historical recording of this piece with Joel. Like father and son. Wilfried Hildebrandt May 16 2014 Ypsilanti Michigan
Very beautiful.It's a joy to watch you play.When you watch alot of pianists and organists,you can tell they don't really enjoy playing and it comes across.You on the other hand seem to really enjoy what you do and it shows.Please keep posting!
Truly exceptional my great and special friend Joel ! What antological performance yours - extraordinary beautifull . This is you. Arte Plena . Warmest regards from me, Yan Ayrton
Hi Joel - exceptional performance yours from Grieg's Prelude.A incredible wonderful composition that you make it perfect! Moving and unique. Bravissimo!!! Grieg would be so proud in the ethernal. This is you - a superb musician and pianist virtuoso ad totum. I am working intensily .My latest musical work is the video in the "Impromptus" series, "Impromptu No 18 "Essence" in C major : Allegro con anima, Opus No52", has been posted just two days ago.
Beautiful playing indeed! Relaxed sound with great contrast in dynamics and nice colours. Can you tell me a little more about the instrument you are playing?
Check out the string orch version for an alternate to the descending scale at 1:41. The string orch has a different pattern which I adopted as an alternative to the scale. In keeping with the spirit of that version. It works quite nicely!
Well, you can't play the chords too loud. Grieg later made this into a string orchestra piece, but the structure of the original piano version is like it was written for orchestra. String orchestras tend to be softer, too.
At your convenience my friend, please have a look. Listen also to my Impromptus No 1 and No 2 "To the heroes".The two ones are very unique. If so moved, please comment, rate, and favorite the work. I thank you for your time and consideration. May this sharing serve you well. Peace and wonder Joel, All the best my great friend. Yan Ayrton, classical composer. Blessed be the day that unites the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
