I decided to have a quick try at recording again today. Picked this beguiling little piece by Bedrich Smetana which was not a lot of work (as I need to go do some more chores in and round the house).

Smetana - Sketches Op.5 - 3: Pleasant Landscape (2:18)

Comments welcome especially on the new sound. I think it's much fuller then from my previous venue.

That is a nice little piece. Played nicely, too! Your piano still has that distinctive sound and yes overall it does sound a lot better - fuller and better balanced.

Thanks, I thought so too.
Rats ... now I'll have to re-record everything yet again. Best get rid of all my recordings and start all over again ...

Beguiling is indeed the best word to describe the piece and the way you played it. A minor quibble would be that, at around 1:38-ish, the bass note doesn't get sustained by a pedal. Other than that the new venue does sound better than your older recordings.

You're right - the piano sounds good and so does your playing. I'm totally unfamiliar with Smetana's piano music, so this was a treat.
Just to be nitpicky: it would be nice to hear the grace notes in the left hand in measures 9, 11, and 15 a little better. I don't think he would have put them in unless he wanted them to come out, particularly since they involve accidentals. Not worth a rerecording, IMHO.

Thanks Stu. On listening back, this was the one thing that I had doubts about, and I did not notice it during recording.


Thanks Jon. Indeed that note is gone too soon, losing a bit of sonority.

Overall I find it rather on the slow side, one more reason to redo it. I was too quick anyway, having got to know the piece only last week.

The acustics are much better at your new joint. For the piece all I can say is that it stuck me as a little nondescript. Maybe this is due to the problems that have been pointed out and to the fact it could go faster? You are your best critic and perhaps you need to let it rest awhile and let it develop in your mind.

The sound in the new room is good.

The piece is lovely too, and well played. Those grace notes are apparent enough for me, and I can hardly notice that non-pedalled note even after it's been pointed out. Also, while, as you say, it may be a little below the indicated metronome marking, I quite like it that way. Give me slow and slushy any day!

Speaking of romantic slush, the theme at the beginning, which keeps recurring, reminds me of a well known tune, but I can't seem to place it. Tchaikovsky maybe. Any ideas?

Hi Chris,

I don't know this Smetana piece, but it's very descriptive and pleasant to hear. You play it very well too. The Gaveau definitely sounds richer, more robust and open in its new home. I tend to think that it was previously in too small a space. This change makes quite a difference. You'll find practicing and recording more satisfying as a result of the move. Best of luck there!

David

Now that you mention it, it does resemble the secondary theme of the first movement of T.'s sixth symphony.


Thanks David ! Yes it is very inspiring to have so much richer sound. Pity that I'm again making an awful mess in the room. Would be that is was ready one day. It's not actually a bigger room, but it's much higher.

I don't know the piece at all; it comes across as well-played but I can't really say more than that. The piano is sounding really good - a full, mellow tone without being overly sentimental and mushy. It sounds really appropriate for romantic-era music; whether it will be as suitable for baroque I'm not sure.

That's the one! Thanks for identifying it.

Well I certainly hope so. Otherwise, I can always buy another one to play my baroque on.... or stop recording Bach

I would know this. It's one of my all-time favorite symphonies, probably the first symphony I ever listened to.

Hi, Chris!

Interesting piece, nice playing!