Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 9 "Pesther Karneval"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbrc6E_TT9g

Chopin: Etude Op. 25 No. 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0KWUqRus6E

Hi, I listened to the Liszt (it being one of my favourite Hungarian Rhapsodies), and it is impressively executed. The one thing I'm not convinced by, and which really jumped out at me is at 9.23, when the Eb maj quasi-arpeggiated section begins: it seems you've pulled back so much with the rit prior to it (which in itself works fine as a rhetorical gesture) that it's affected what follows. The Eb section maybe should be more fluid and less "held back"; it's obvious that your technique is at a level where you don't find it difficult, but to a casual listener who was taking that section in isolation first impressions might be different. The octave coda is very effective: no-one, but no-one, plays it like Cziffra, but yours works fine. For what looks like a one-take performance of the piece, this is well done indeed.

well, I always slow down right before the recap of the E-flat major section, I think it makes a good transition back to Tempo I. I don't remember if any other pianist does this, however...........

at any rate, thank for listening and your kind comments.

yes, this was one, unedited take.

re: Liszt
Delightful, well articulated from the embellishments, chords and the melodies.
Your technique brings out every scintillating detail. Very professional and reminds me of Jorge Bolet in some ways.

re: Chopin
The performance is very musical and brought a rather sweet quality to the Etude.
The interpretation is original, it has your signature on it so to speak.

Thank you,
Kaila Rochelle

Hi,

About the Liszt - I listened to your video, this suite piece demands so much from a performer, I have seen Hamelin play some pieces from the set, and for many others it is unreachable, but that you can play it as well as you did (and memorized the text) speaks that you have excellent technique and memory! The clarity of your passagework for example at 8:40 was amazing considering what you played before it, I really enjoyed your performance, thanks for sharing it.

About the Chopin - Sensitive performance, the way you shape the phrases is very in the style of Chopin. Ending was nice. For criticism I would have liked more of a molto ritardando before returning to the main theme at 0:42, but that's my personal taste.

Look forward to more of your performances,

~Riley