Amateurs 2007: Michael Moore plays Muczynski

[snapbeatsclap]

Amazing performance!

[JustCallMeMel67]

Michael Moore was my uncle, and he passed away last week. I hope you all enjoy his performance.

April, 2010

[nmitchell076]

@JustCallMeMel67

That's sad, as far as I can tell from these videos, he was a fantastic pianist. And if you have any more videos, I'd love to see them and hear more of his playing!

I'm sorry for your loss

[thouartnoisy]

In the Van Cliburn competition, it is allowed, even recommended, that the performers use their music for 20th century or modern pieces. It has nothing to do with the musical ability of the performer.

[nmitchell076]

We have Clara Schumann to thank for having to play without the music lol.

I don't think it is necessarily a spot on the performers abilities that he uses a score. I think what truly matters in the end is the execution, with or without a score.

I do find it odd that pianists probably have more to worry about note-wise then do any of the other instruments, yet we are one of the few who are expected to perform without music.  Strange

[koa39]

That's your experience and I respect that.

[koa39]

All that matters in the end is the music that comes out. If music on the piano keeps you from enjoying the music as much...too bad for you.

[koa39]

I've seen many pianists play with a certain level of uncertainty, subtle as it is, because they were relying on their memory. This tentativeness is rarer in musicians who use music.

Believe me, even for those that use music, their musical intentions are just as precise and thought out as those that dont' use music. In fact, I think they tend to have a greater degree of artistry because the music affords them the opportunity to continually reaffirm their ingtentions.

[drewbols]

A musician with music in front of him?? That's like an actor performing with a script! one star.

[gramirez72]

yeah, a lot of musicians play with music in front of them, sometimes for memory, pianists usually play for memory, but in this case it's a contemporary piece, so it's okay... sorry, but that's a poor analogy... you can't compare musicians and actors -- two totally different crafts.

[drewbols]

i'm not saying he's a bad player, but it's much more impressive when he can concentrate on emotion instead of the music-- like how an actor can concentrate on emotion instead of the script.

[gramirez72]

i know what you're saying, but if you watch his performance carefully he knows the music and his expression is there, dynamics, timing etc. it's just that it's contemporary music, you always have the music in front of you. but just because you have the score in front of you doesn't mean you can't put emotions into your playing.

[drewbols]

Either way, It is still more impressive, professional, and musical without the music in front of him

[radioplug14]

Too bad some of the best pianists in the world do it. I saw a performance from Menachem Pressler...all with music.

This guy nails the Preludes...so as far as I'm concerned...it doesn't really matter that he had the music in front of him.

[drewbols]

Yeah I know it's too bad some of the best pianists in the world do it. It looks so much more professional without music in my opinion.

[radioplug14]

But for music like this especially, where the composer's intention is specified in every note (as you would see often in 20th century music), I think it was important. You can tell he really wasn't using it for the notes by watching the video.

[drewbols]

I didn't quite follow that. Intention in every note is not limited to modern classical. I would say it is more so in baroque... i still don't understand why you think the sheet music was important. If you're not using it for the notes, why use it?

[radioplug14]

Articulation, dynamics. If you haven't seen this score, I suggest you look at it before you comment further.

[drewbols]

if you have the ability to memorize notes, there's a problem if you can't remember dynamics. Expression should be memorized at the same time as the notes. I own the score myself, and I've studied it thoroughly. I don't see the logic of using music. If you've practiced correctly, you don't need it. Unless he is sight reading this... which would be amazing.

[koa39]

What difference does it make if it is memorized? The belief that it is performed better memorized is not true in my perception.

It is true that it many modern scores, there is much more direction given by the composer, whereas in earlier music more is left to the discretion of the pianist. If you have studied and understand historical performance practice, then the composer could leave the tiny details to the performer. Many modern composers, however, challenge that convention.

[drewbols]

Piano music--any music for that matter-- sounds so much better when every single tiny aspect of the music is done so intentionally, the performer knows exactly how much weight to apply to every single note, knows exactly how long to hold it down and knows indubitably the direction and phrasing of the entire piece. It is so much more impressive to see a performer who doesn't need to lean on the music.

[koa39]

It is customary for pianists, and often times string players, to play from memory (and of course concerto performances of any instrument). It is not customary, though, for other types of instrumentalists to play from memory during recitals. It would be very ignorant to say that flute players, saxophone players, trumpet players, etc., do not play with the highest caliber of musicianship and artistry.

[drewbols]

I admit i cannot discuss the artistry or musicianship of flutists, saxophonists, or trumpeters intelligently, but I can discuss pianists.

A piano piece to me is so much more impressive when the performer doesn't need the crutch of the music.

[SolitudeInDarkPlaces]

I am learning these right now and you have given me a lot of inspiration to keep playing these challenging preludes.

[mimmypearl]

awesome job with keeping a fast and steady tempo in #1 and 3

[radioplug14]

I'm learning these preludes for next semester. Not terribly difficult note wise, but to get a concept of the musicality is pretty difficult. Michael, you do an excellent job at portraying the music. You play music, not the notes.

Your performance is very inspiring!

[fhood]

I am in the process of learning these preludes, and I was really impressed AND inspired with your performance of them! Very musical and very fluid.  Your technique seems perfect! Thanks for sharing!

[titanicfanme]

i know how to play that piece!

it's a grade 10 piece and it's not that hard.

it's good for competition because nobody ever knows it!

[skotoseme]

A "grade 10" piece...Yeah, I remember voting on that at the International Difficulty Classification of 20th Century Preludes for Piano Conference back in '03.

There was a deadlock over exactly how many gold stars an "excellent" performance should earn (I voted six.)

[repeatcustomer]

Impressive. Refreshing. Made me vibrate in a new way.

Like a hike in Reddington...

Thanks!

[rich1935]

He is the best of all the musicians I have heard. What a Genius. Mike Moore is by far the most interesting of all the competitors.

[stchang88]

Bravo. Your own connection to this music comes across very well.

[hereitagain]

When I hear a piece for the first time and I am engaged from start to finish then it's a combination of interesting music and good music making... Great job!