Amateurs 2007: Thomas Maurice plays Kapustin

[radiokid2]

Kapustin is THE great "connecter" between classical pianists and first rate, written out, jazz oriented music...it's understandable then that it will take awhile for these fine players to perceive the piano as a "drum" and not a harp, violin or human voice.

At that point that out-of-context rubato stuff will stop.

It does seem strange though that, after 30 years of hip hop and 50 years of rock music, that any classical player under the age of 60 wouldn't "get" jazz or rock rhythms....

[pianoaddict06]

ehhhhh rubato doesnt really go with kapustin AT ALL

[RobinLSL]

It would have been fantastic if he played without that rubato - unfortunately it really ruins the feel of the piece to me. Funny how the few places where he doesn't change the tempo actually feel awesome. And the whole "double time" part in the last third just feels slow and sluggish.

[magicmrmadman]

It doesnt sound jazzy at all. It shouldnt be played in other ways than kapustin intended it to. Its him whos the genious, not us. Otherwise it doesnt sounds like good music.

[mackbox123]

@magicmrmadman If that's case, no one should be playing the piano! We hail Glenn Gould as the greatest interpreter of Bach, but what he played is it really what Bach though? I think this guy's performance, surely not first-rate, is very lively. He contrasted the passages and cared for the musical details. It's not that bad at all, isn't it?

[vananhthepianist]

i love this interpretation..slower but freedom and musicality shines! love it!

[1bit]

totally!

[burobbi]

BRAVO THOMAS!

I agree with kage1369. You are one of the fantastic kapustin players on youtube. Your approach is slow (read: playing at 3/4 speed), but I like the clarity you lent to the piece, which I could not have believed possible.

Glad that you are joining competitions. And that you are quite obviously having fun with the music! I'm learning this as well, and your recording gives me something much to take away. Thank you!

[floriannoack]

I've it if you want, you can contact me, I'll send you.

[lovesGenet]

Now if only classical player would play 19th century music with more freedom and rubato then we would have a correct performance style. This Kapustin is fabulous jazzy ,humor and wonderful writing.Cant wait to find sheets music!!!

[floriannoack]

Without to want being indiscrete, what was result of the competition? Was he prize winner? And you, kiisaka?

[mendax1773]

I believe he received an honorable mention. Anyone who has the balls to attempt Kapustin in an amateur pianist contest and play it fairly well is worthy of such an honor.

[kage1369]

maurice plays far better than any of those wanabe kapustin players on youtube. no mistakes at all, very clearly played, and with great dynamics.

Don't blame him for his rubato, expression has to be developed by everyone himself and needs time, especially Kapustin's music that is heavily influenced by Jazz. uses classical techniques, probably more familiar with classic than jazz, so again don't blame him for other style experiences.

[guboub]

That's one of the blessings of not being a professional: you play whatever you want and do it as it pleases you.

(note: i intentionaly didn't used "amateur" because it seems to be misunderstood by a couple of youtubers...)

This music fits him and he obviously has fun, so good for him and those who appreciate!

[cdpiano27]

This piece is OK with rubato. It is a jazz piece, and requires this type of freedom. It is not a Chopin etude. I say that this is very good.

[mendax1773]

An "amateur" is simply someone who does something and doesn't get paid for it. The quality of professionals these days is so high that someone who went to Julliard and couldn't make a go of it professionally or found out just how hard (and underpaid) a life it is and decides to get a "real job". This fellow could one of these people.

[elevateme]

you put too much of yourself in the music

[guboub]

I don't think it's possible to put to much of oneself into music...

Maybe you wanted to say something else? If you would me more precise, it would help understand your comment...

[mumps59]

wow, impressive technique...i have several kapustin scores and they're all brutal. could do with much less rubato, like kapustin himself plays it.

[elevateme]

prok 7???? thats NASTY in places. so how on earth can this be an amateur competition? ridiculous. btw this performance is totally over the top

[barnold81]

I'm amazed at the range of skill of the amateurs. This guy played Prokofiev Sonata No. 7 on another clip. He can really play it too. BTW, who plays Kapustin other than Hamelin really? I bet he played a Chopin-Godowsky Etude in some recital too. . .

[sangchaud]

amateurs??? whats this rubbish all about. hes no amateur, thats a hard piece to get around

[tdavis2797]

damn str8, hes no bloody amateur. I dont know of any amateurs who can play thirds, not to mention stride... that's far from ordinary.

[kiisaka]

Ha! We are amateurs and proud of it.

Check out the other performers in the competition, of which I am one.  I don't know too many "amateurs" playing Alkan either.

LOL

[shela2]

This sounds so much like English Stylist and composer Billy Mayerl,s music, I wonder if Kapustin was influenced by him. A heady brew then of something old, something new, something borrowed, something Bluesy, was quite delightful. Cheers!

[rfergu]

Throw out the music and drink a shot before playing. Then you'll get a 5, until then you get a 3.5, which I'm rounding to a 4.