Schubert - Klavierstucke D946 Nr. 1

Hi everyone. My first post here

Several of my friends have grown quite fond of this piece since I introduced it to them. The first time I heard it was live at a concert by my teacher, and I was immediately struck by its beauty.

Part of a set of three pieces written in 1828, they were probably intended as a continuation of the series of impromptus Schubert had begun in 1827 of Op. 90 and Op. 142. However, they did not appear in print during Schubert's lifetime.

Schubert - Klavierstücke no.1 in E-flat minor

 

What for a debut!

It sounds marvelous to me, beautiful keytouch. Thank you for sharing!

 

Hi Neal!

You played that beautifully, but where did you take that second slow section from?

 

Thanks, Neil! Apparently there are a lot of folks here that are apathetic about Schubert, but I really like him, and I've never heard this one before.

 

So good !
And what a beautiful piano sound !
What is this piano ?

Your record may contribute to make more people love the music from Schubert.
Thank you !

 

I totally agree with previous posters. A marvelous debut so welcome to Piano Society. I am usually not a big fan of Schubert but you surprised me here and perhaps I have never listened carefully to it before but this is really a great composition!

If you share your biography with me at robert@pianosociety.com or post it right here, I will put it up along with your recording.

 

Schubert

True artistry! Schubert is not my favorite, but you performed it very convincingly. Congratulations! Welcome to Piano Society. I hope you continue to post many pieces.

 

Thank you all for your warm welcome and comments. It's great to find an online community with a vision that this one has of making available such a diversity of recordings.

Chaotica, the second slow section was crossed out by Schubert and is not included in all editions. I am using Henle which includes this section with the rest of the piece. Some editions I have seen put this section in an appendix.

Didier, the piano is a 20 year old Yamaha C3. I am the second owner. Recorded with Studio Projects B1 mics, Edirol UA-25 interface.

Robert, you can grab my pic off of my websites bio page. My bio is enclosed below.

 

Interesting, I haven't heard of a second trio until now. It's as beautiful as the rest of the piece, although it's unlikely that Schubert wanted to have two quite similar slow sections in it. I mean, 16 minutes! :shock: But having several versions of a single piece isn't bad, of course.

If I may add a bit of criticism, I think you're too slow in the first trio. It's marked "Andante" and alla breve (given it's also that way in your edition), so one shouldn't play it too slowly. You're interpretation gives me the impression of an "Adagio molto" when I count in two. But it isn't boring thanks to your excellent musical skills!

So, have you made more recordings? :wink:

 

When you hear that second slow section, how can you not want to play it.


I try not to treat tempo markings so literally, but rather in the context of how it relates to the composition as a whole. One may discuss endlessly about the intricacies of whether a tempo is too slow or too fast, but this will never please all people. Someone will always find it too slow or too fast - tempo is personal. The purpose of the score is to be descriptive not prescriptive - to outline the compositional elements of a piece in a clear and efficient manner so that it may be interpreted, as opposed to telling the performer to do. What I feel is more important, is did the chosen tempo fit the artistic vision of the performer?

Don't you think it would be quite boring if everyone took the same tempo for a given piece :wink:

More recordings are always in the works... Stay tuned.

 

I couldn't agree more! By the way, I find your interpretation quite convincing and with an amiable vein, very Schubertian, that too often I miss even in celebrated pianists. Also, I love the striking way you underline the pathetic side of the outer sections. Congratulations.

It IS boring. Many, too many pianists today copy each other.

 

I have put up the recording on the site along with your biography. Again, welcome!

 

@ neilm

OK, I think we'd better not discuss this... :wink:

 

I must admit not having the patience to sit this longish set out. But that is by no means your fault. From what I've heard (ca 40% of it) this is a masterful performance, leaving nothing to wish for. Great dynamics and flawless technique, and a very Schubertian relaxed style.

I was a bit surprised you allow no extra time after the 4 repeating chords in the first mvt. But upon checking the score, that's is how it is written. I always thought there should be a little repose here but I guess not.

Welcome to PS, and looking forward to your next recordings.

 

> Hi everyone. My first post here

I hope this is the first of many your posts.
IMHO at very high level both your pianism (clear and rich of expression, never boring) and sound recording.
Congratulations, a good example (and I'm so happy to find them) of the weakness of border
between "big names" and less known names of excellent pianists as you.

All best,
Sandro