Chopin Etude Op 10 No 1 / Debussy Arabesque 1 - Calvin Lee, MD

[EtrofOnaip]

You've got the needles on the right place !!

[Geopholus]

You play with so much understanding of the music and very open musicallity that really let's the composer speak . Masterful!!!!

[ams5995]

you should invest in some better audio and dare i say video recording equipment. we want to see and hear what kind of piano that really is. and we want to hear how it really sounded. that is the gist of the youtube comments from what i can tell.

[cciemail]

great playing! check your levels on your recording. it seems to be a bit too high.

[batemon85]

You play with such power and emotion! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world!! Absolutely beautiful!!

[zimnaya]

I love the way you just appear to 'throw out' the notes of the Chopin...extraordinary fire and power. Absolutely wonderful. And the way you caress the Debussy Arabesque. Teaching Chinese children in Hong Kong I am almost used to their plethora of talents, but you are something else. Magnificent. You made me cry. Thank you.

[AlexanderVankan]

Very gifted. Keep it up!

[aimsoft82]

Your performance of Chopin's 10/1 is very good! For an amateur it's perfect! I'm also an amateur piano player and I can play a few Chopin's etudes, but 10/1 is far beyond my limits.

[malbuono]

genial



[buddydog1956]

I thoroughly enjoyed your Arabesque....I love your tempo! Excellent rendition! Bravo!

Your Chopin was very good as well!

Thanks for posting!

[Lappith]

Beautiful playing, however I do believe you might want to check the notes of the chord at 5:04. Thanks for giving me some ideas with the Arabesque.

[BiomekanikSok]

greattt

[schokosvenscha]

well done :) I play the "Arabesque" in my A- levels in 3 weeks, too.....I love it...^^

[BassicStorm]

u are great dude!

[88alan8800]

Congradulations!

[sofialiao]

very nice combination.......I will follow you

[tal94k]

very good !!!!!!

[FromTheHeart99]

Man, I have to say that after reading your full story I just had to write you again. Since you can play this piece as well as to do as a casual pianist, God help many others if you'd wished to make a career in the classics. I"ve listened to some of the best and I'm sure many of them would love or have loved to hear you play.

[FromTheHeart99]

Here's extra digit you wanted. And was a pleasue to give it.

[EFAJE]

Great i loved listening....thanks for posting

[beerasia]

dear calvin,

just saw your site. well done. may i ask how you practised especially the chopin. i have just started playing again myself. would like to learn from you.

rgds oliver

[lovesGenet]

Amazing that you can still play

Chopin etudes after accomplishing doctorates in your field.I have to mention the force of the LEFT hand in this etude .Ashkenazy really makes sense letting the octaves in l.h. really drive the music.It becomes epic . The Debussy tendresse and full of charachter .Wonderful.I hope you keep posting more music to inspire the rest of us who are only amateurs .

[DrHouse779]

although you are quite worthy of such and instrument. Sorry for all the comment space taken up and fantastic job! =)

[DrHouse779]

not relying on the pedal so much for the legato and making sure that you can take care of some of that with your hands...I like your interpretation and don't get me wrong by my comments, I think you are quite extraordinary and worthy of being in this competition!! And by the way...I am envious of your piano!! haha, From the sound and judging by the little strip of wood on hinges on the keyboard lid, I would say this is a Steinway Model D!! To have one of those is like my entire life's goal!!

[DrHouse779]

is that you maximize relaxation in your body, so that the music flows more naturally. (this may seem obvious, I just figured I'd throw it out there) Again, I haven't played this piece but it sounded to me that there may be a couple dropped notes in the beggining, and I'm sure your teacher has told you this, but slow that down so that the fingering is unquestionable, etc. And maybe take the tempo down a couple beats so you don't feel so "rushed." As for the Arabesque, You have probably discussed

[DrHouse779]

You are quite amazing!! To start out with....a couple things i noticed...I am a freshman in high school but I've studied piano since second grade...you may or may not want to take some of my advice. =) I would first like to say that I have never play the Op. 10 No. 1 Etude, so I may not be so helpful there, except I noticed that you lower your head quite a bit...(in the etude at least) and being a doctor I'm sure that you can appreciate that that will put more strain on the back...the concept

[Raed103]

Very nice technique my friend !! Good luck

[MoviesExpertable]

soneone have played that piano peace in my music high school...very nice sound

i mean Debussy

[coffeeforcake]

2 of my favourite pieces in one video! :D

[thitx2x]

Quite excellent technique, but I think that you lack humility in the arabesque. more peace and tranquility in it.

[mikejunior80]

Sir you are brilliant without pause.

[spongeprince123]

great contrast

[koklim82]

a professional violinist & pianist ? OMG ... genius

[PSofJS]

Bravo~

[yuwong1000]

you played better than ashkenazy......i know he's a maestro but his music is devoid of emotion.......why can't people quit bitching about authenticity you have never heard chopin play the piano....

[LVB1770]

yuwong1000,

Better than Ashkenazy?Devoid of emotion? Please get your ears cleaned, you must be joking! risingpianofire can certainly play well but I'm not feeling the intense dynamics or emotion that this Chopin etudes requires. Though I wish I could play at least as good as risingpianofire does. It's a very difficult piece to play well! Peace.

[yuwong1000]

i don't have to get my ears cleaned....that's exactly why so few people take classical music seriously

[LVB1770]

yuwong1000, If you are so serious classical music let's watch a video of you playing this etude. I like Calvin's playing but he is not even close to Maestro Ashkenazy. I take classical music VERY seriously as you will see if you watch my playing. Peace.

[yuwong1000]

i listen to music only because it sounds good....i really don't care about which genre of music should sound in a certain way....and what's with this exact reading of the score anyway

[NickyRamone77]

I agree totally with your comment, LVB1770.

What we hear/see here is pretty good and admirable, but Ashkenazy's rendition of this piece is beyond comparison and In my opinion, V.A.'s interpretation is the best I've ever heard for this etude.

[Pischnaholic]

You have extraordinary pianistic facility, doctor. Opus 10, #1, is a formidable challenge for many established concert pianists. I doubt if great players of Beethoven such as Myra Hess, Wilhelm Kempff, Claude Frank would ever have been able to perform it as ably as you do -- if at all. Horowitz and Rubinstein never programmed it to my knowledge.

Your Debussy on the other hand sounds a trifle heavy -- almost labored -- and it's a MUCH easier piece.

"Wonders will never cease."

[takhirviolinest]

Oh my God help me! My dear when I listen your playing in my heart something wrong You play Fantastic ¨Chopin 1¨ You should play in Cornege Hall! Bravissimo!!!

[funnyazian]

this would kill my right hand :P

[BrazillianKid]

you need more emotion

[88Saiten1Stimme]

why??

i think this is technically and emotional very good!

[torontochopin]

Excellent performance of the Chopin. However, it's not really accurate that he has only played the piano for 2 years. His bio states that he learned to play the piano as a child - there is a world of difference between someone who started 2 years ago as an adult with someone who actually learned to play as a child. Further, his violin training gave him the necessary musical skills - note reading, ear training, theory. And his left fingers received adequate training from violin playing.

[johnalt16]

That's incredible for 2 years playing. Well done sir

[VanCliburnFoundation]

Watch the Thirteenth Van Cliburn Competition live starting May 22 through June 7 at the Cliburn website. The webcast will feature live streaming of the performances, online voting, commentary, backstage access, all chamber music rehearsals with the Takacs Quartet and orchestral rehearsals with James Conlon, and more. Its free and open to everyone.

[khs5315180]

OH MY GOD. That's all I have to say.

[6U355WH094]

My god.

This is one of those pieces that takes immense skill, concentration and self dicipline (that I probably could never do)...

I can understand why you performed at Carnegie hall, they were completely justified to choose you.

Congratulations, and keep it up.

[motownquickpick]

WOW!!! I thought the violin-playing was outstanding...until I heard you play Chopin's Etude. I don't know what you're best at: violin, piano, surg, acup...all of the above, I think. So much talent residing in one person! The best of luck to you on your Carnegie Hall performance. Look forward to seeing a recording of it on YouTube. MGN

[aragrorn92]

i hear fingernails..hahaha..lol..

great job..lemme guess, u originate from hong kong?guan dong yan?lol..

im malaysian..half chinese..my mum is foo chow..

really really really impressed!!haha..keep it up..

im a friend of caeli's btw..well..sorta..haha..

[gabotino]

Bravo excelente!

[swdiva24]

damn over acheiving asians,

and that was an understatement

ONLY TWO YEARS ?!?!?

WOW !! thats AMAZING !

[ceo4cet]

Calvin,

I enjoyed your playing very much... Tks for sharing!!

Wish I could hear you play chopin's revolutionary

[pookiehohn]

Only 2 years!!!???

[piannelly]

lol

[ImaBadAssDruid]

You can do a lot in 2 years.. granted you have hard work and determination.

Self Discipline..

Qualities which cannot go unnoticed...

Being a music myself i can appreciate the sheer amount of hard work this man has put into his musical studies..

Bravo my friend.

Evin, Accordionist

[lynndelano]

Got your extra digit (over 9999) and you deserve it! Great job and hope you will enter again in the summer.

[8915032]

You are amazing! I am considered as a professional pianist where I live but I can't play the chopin as well as you do.

Thank you for the beautiful music!

[jackcylee]

Hi Calvin,

You are just like another Paul Potts, but much more fortunate. Hope your talent can spread further to cure the sufferings....as your profession.

[risingpianofire]

Much too kind. Thank you. I'll do my best. I'm no Paul Potts! - I wish!

[risingpianofire]

I couldn't help but notice that I have 9990 views. Just a few more to earn that extra digit!

[yuhik]

I love your etude.

You must be a very good surgeon:)

[TamaraLee13]

Excellent!!!

i love it

[fishwithoutwings]

OK you are a virtuoso on violin AND piano.

[marcelperret]

disastrous tempo in te arabesque...

[cwldoc]

Very well done! What is really amazing is that you are also a fine violinist! Thanks for posting the video.

[veenbeen]

awesome!! I can't beleive you play like this having just started

[risingpianofire]

I played as a kid, but not that much - but I think everything helps. I got "fired" from piano lessons - rightfully so, I just couldn't get myself to practice. I just restarted, because my wife wanted to get a piano - I figured, I can use it sometimes too! We got the piano in 2006, if I remember correctly. I really wish I could have more time to practice and play!

[mdoub]

you would brilliant if you started the piano earlier

[risingpianofire]

Well, Thank you! Better late than never, though!!

[Ilovemusic83]

seriously man it s really well played, the flow is very smooth , just the way it should

[ayso78]

Hello Calvin, my sister Minna told me about your video so I gave it a listen. You play one of the harder etudes very well. You could be the next Harold Bauer!

[susanxlee]

you are ..amazing..

[msurocks1973]

went over the 500 word crap and didn't edit..'you' get the gist :)

[msurocks1973]

.

1. 34 secs-40 very ashenkanesque: I love it. It isn't too 'staccoesque' (pardon the 'esques') as he does it but a great interpretation. This also is noticable in 1;43+.

2. 1;15 is a little to 'rigid.' Well done, but a little smother would enhance your already great interpretation.

3. 46secs-50 = complete control and mastery. I think Rubenstein would be jealous :)

4 Not a race at the end though.....it would be better to slow down a bit :)

[msurocks1973]

First of all I would like to say that the chopin etudes opus 10 no.1 and opus 25 no.1 are alone the proof of God's existence. They are absolutely brialliant that this verions proves this. The beginning 30-40 secs of this piece is divine and I feel honored to have heard it on youtube. If you are looking for feedback, i woudl only say (and we all know that music is the most subjective of all the arts):

[Aul1kki]

That is one of the best version I've ever heard from chopin etude op.10 n.1. Left hand is not too loud, there is no added volume variety and right hand was nice. But I think it needs little bit more training and then it's perfect. Sometimes your RH is little bit messy, but just a little bit. RH is relentless. That's why it's so hard. But still one of the best. Your debussy was nice too! Keep playing and post more videos!

[kame1127]

I totally agree with you :D

[pianomatteo]

your story is actually fairly similar to mine:) i played for a couple years as a child and got fairly good, but nothing too impressive. i quit and started again a year and a half ago, and i think just because i'm older and more mature when approaching music, my learning capability is crazy. I went from relearning scales and sight reading to beethoven sonata's and bach fugues in about 9 months. so for those in doubt it is possible!!

[kirkmanover50]

Hey Calvin! This is phenomenal! Dylana and I just watched it together and fell about with excitement and tingles! If I ever need surgery I'll come straight to you! We also loved the slide show-a nice window into your life. Thanks.

[risingpianofire]

Thanks Kirk :)

Symphony Conductors live the longest of any professional group...

[4aggieharts]

two years ago?????? you have to time to do this while you're a surgeon?????? i agree with pieterpannus...at what level did you stop????

[risingpianofire]

It's hard for me to say what level I was at when I stopped. I don't really remember. My memory of playing the piano at all has been pretty fuzzy. It's pre 10 year old brain - for me, I don't think my brain was quite developed at that time. I do remember playing a Chopin Waltz at the time when I stopped.

Thanks for the comments.

[4aggieharts]

Well I have to say I applaud you for all the hard work. I've been playing for many many years and I don't think I've reached your level yet.

[3azifpiano]

amazing T_T

[cheerios10294]

Is this a steinway piano? Anyways, I've been playing piano for 10 years, and I still cant play an octave!

[pieterpannus]

Wow, you restarted playing the piano only 2 years ago? At what level did you stop?

[piano6861]

I particularly love the way you play the Chopin. Your interpretation of it is very mature. It has truly evolved. I would say it is in a higher place than the Debussy is at this time. I don't feel as convinced of the interpretation of the Debussy, though it still has fine qualities.

[smb12321]

Congratulations on the return to the piano - it just can't be beat for sonority and expression and the espression of many voices. Your progress is remarkable.

Chopin - accurately detailed, just what the Etude called for

Debussy - Again, you perfectly capture the spirit of the work.  Very dreamy and moody, exquisite.

You have my vote!!

[marksletters]

wonderful...and wanted to tell you, you got my vote !!!

[Mowgli15221]

This guy is AWESOME!

[MdstDoctor]

Wonderfully powerful and melodic command of the Etude. You also demonstrated a fluid interpretation of the Arabesque full of emotions quite pleasing to my ear. I'll rate you a Command Performance. Your progression from violin to pianoforte is indeed astounding!! Best of luck in the Van Cliburn competition. --DrDHL

[mavenstar99]

I'm working on both pieces right now right now coincidentally. I love what you're doing with the right hand on the etude, it gives me some ideas of what to do with it. I cannot hear the melody sing out in the left as well but it may be the recording quality through the PC.

I think the Arabesque should have a lighter 'floating' quality to it, but thats just me. I'll try to get my 'practice' version recorded in a few weeks and send it to you to see what you think.

[Bebeamor75]

Hi Dr. Lee! I finally got to see the video after hearing it in the OR....you're awesome! You've always got my vote!

~~}@ Flo @{~~

[marksletters]

totally wonderful !!! thank you for sharing...it was a joy to see you play.

[cdpiano27]

Very good. Keep on playing. It is great you are going back to the piano. As a surgeon, that can really keep you very busy!

[equitater]

My God, you haven't been at the piano "that much".?? A true Renaiassance man. Fabulous technique. I taught adult beginners for years and found the big problem to be that they could comprehend more than they could do physically. Not the case with you. Wow!

[endoscoper]

Very impressive accuracy in the Chopin. The Tchaikovsky was wonderful as well.

[melaniejsnow]

Hi Calvin,

I finally had a chance to listen to this wonderful performance. What a multi-talented man you are. Best wishes to you! Thank you for your sweet comment on my playing the other day. I'm very flattered.

melanie

[CheezeRtProductions]

I love this piece =) I can play it too

[prevac1d]

Hi Calvin! Wonderful job! Your musical talent and experience in strings translate perfectly to piano! You got my vote in the Von Cliburn amateur competition.

...

Seems a little unfair to go up against the semi-professional 'endoscoper,' no?

[risingpianofire]

Thank you Prevac1d (I like the name).

Endoscoper is my hero - I've never met him, but I hope to :)

[hbasarab]

Calvin, I also think the Debussy tempo works, and I think it's a testament to your musicality that the speed and bravado of the Chopin influenced your tempo choice for the Debussy. Programming and context matter, in my opinion -- we hear things in new ways when they feed off of each other, even in a program that's only 7 minutes long.

[risingpianofire]

I rest my case! Thanks Heidi!

[larchmontmark]

(Hi Heidi! This is Mark Cannon....nice to see you on here -- including your video!)

I agree that part of why his tempo of the Debussy "worked" was that it followed the Chopin etude, which had left no doubt about his CAPABILITY for playing faster.

[larchmontmark]

This is wonderful!!!

Please don't enter any of the competitions.....the rest of us might just have to immediately go home!!

(Just kidding, just kidding......) :-)

P.S. I think the Debussy works GREAT at that tempo.

[risingpianofire]

Larchmontmark - Thank you for the comment. I was starting to feel that I was a real slow poke - so thanks for the confidence boost on the Debussy tempo.

About your (joking) plea to not enter any competitions:

Don't worry, I've never won anything on piano before ;)

[larchmontmark]

You WILL!

[jcyl141104]

There seems to be a lot of doctors out there who can easily make the transition from being a doctor to being a professional musician! My GP played in the Tchaikovsky Int'l Piano Competition in Moscow as a 4th year med student! Crazy indeed.

[jcyl141104]

Excellent! Just given you my vote for your participation in the Cliburn Competition. We share the common passion for medicine and piano!

[risingpianofire]

Thanks!

[larchmontmark]

By the way......off the subject, but.....a MEDICAL question.

On your website, you say you're "fully" board certified.

What other kind is there? :-)

[risingpianofire]

You're right, one is either board certified in general surgery or one isn't. There is something called "board eligible" that means that you have completed all the requirements and are waiting for the certification to occur. Thanks for making me "fully" aware.

[larchmontmark]

Any time. :-)

I know about "board eligible." But saying "fully board certified" seems like an odd and unnecessary way of embellishing "board certified."

[lapianissimo]

Love the Chopin--well done! I'm also learning that Debussy piece, and I think it should go a bit faster than you play it, but still it sounds very nice. Good rubato.

[datruzepp]

HAHAHAHAHAHA

da zepp cummah to voice hiz approval

rezpec! 8)

[jcyl141104]

classic post by the zepp

[gaberacz]

++++++++++++

very musical

[soccerisformoms]

Okay, we already know you can play piano (quite well). But is that really you playing the violin in your other video? The violin playing is so beautiful and expert, and your pictures are just bizarre and pretty much out of place.

[risingpianofire]

Soccerisformoms,

About the pictures (violin/tchaik) they tell a story of my current life as a surgeon, my friends, my new office, the moving of my piano from my old house to my new one. If there's interest (probably not), I can label them on the side with a comment.

[WiseCookie74]

First off, great job. That Chopin sounded perfect. I have to agree with other posters that the Arabesque should go faster. We know you can, from the Chopin. But, hey, it sounds great anyway. Keep up the good work.

[risingpianofire]

Hi!

I love playing the Debussy Arabesque too! I've played it so many different ways. I was in a slow mood when I played it - especially after blasting through the Etude. I'll post another video I have of me testing the vid camera for the first time - it was a faster Debussy - I would really love to get all your comments on it as well. I'll send out a message when I have it posted.

[fyrewurks]

Yeah, I play Debussy according to my mood too :) I didn't mind this song at this speed at all - there was a lot of feeling in it and I thought it sounded great - it's a really contemplative piece, anyway. In the same vein, I also love playing La Fille Au Cheveau De Lin - it's another dreamy, contemplative Debussy work... and of course Clair de Lune :)

Great, I'd love to hear more of your playing! You're my pick of the pianists in this YT VC competition - good luck!

[fyrewurks]

That Arabesque is one of my favorite songs to play - and Chopin and Debussy are my favorite composers - you did a lovely job!!

[mykezs]

That was great! I agree that the Debussy would've been tastier if played a little bit faster, but at the same time I find it was a more effective performance playing it slow since you had a good tempo with the Chopin... Well played!!!

[fatisbad]

Geesh!! the best Chopin Etude 10-1 amateur playing on youtube so far! Your second piece is very relaxing. I like both very much.

[skipper5541]

Absolutely beautiful! Keep up the good work.

Marianne

[kentkenttube]

Very nice tempo on Chopin. Great technique. I wish I love to hear little faster on Debussy but it is personal taste.

[hbasarab]

Fabulous. I love the rhythmic intensity/drive of your playing and am very jealous of your flawless technique. -Heidi

[Feddera]

Insanely good. You play the Chopin etude like a professional now!

[soccerisformoms]

Wow!! Such great technique!! I also really really liked your violin playing (other vid you have here). Are you a professional violinist?

[risingpianofire]

Thank you.  No... I'm not a professional violinist - I wish!! I really admire those professional violinists out there - Hi there!!