Fine technique. I prefer a more leisurely pace, however, and greater dynamic contrasts, but this is expertly performed by any standard.
Jeu d'eau is usually translated as "The Fountain," but it literally means "Water Play." Another pianist I knew years ago liked to call it "Water Sports," which may have been naughty --- I was never sure.
Each time I listen to M. Kurtz I like his playing a little better.
Still, I hear a wistful, reflective quality in this music largely missing here.
He probably did perform it better; but he didn't win third place at the 4th Boston International Piano Competition ho ho ho, you stupid fag. (And before you write back, I'm a fag too...you stupid fag.)
Having played this piece, I would not describe it as "hard" so much as simply awkward. Ravel was not known for his pianistic abilities (he wasn't capable of playing all his own pieces) and so you may find some of the fingering and arrangement of this beautiful piece to be uncomfortable.
What a constructive comment. Do you know what "jeux d'eau" means? This piece is supposed to represent water in its many different forms (flowing rivers, anything you want). As far as I know, water is not "expressive"... the piece has to be played in an "objective" way. In no case should it be played like Chopin. Try Richter's version for an even more "objective" way of interpreting it.
Now, if you think you can play it better, please do post your version, everyone would love to listen to it.
OK...I am not that literal, but I know you can EXPRESS a feeling of water and garden. And this does not mean you should play like a piece of rock. I am hearing notes here...NOT ANYTHING THAT REMINDS ME OF WATER GARDENS. Whenever I am done, I will post the piece. PEOPLE'S OPINIONS ARE NOT UP FOR DEBATE. Did I ask a question? The answer is NO. So mind your own business.
"DECENT?" What an odd term to apply to piano technique. I think what you meant to say was "highly competent" or "more than adequate." M. Kurtz is a fine pianist by any standards, but this performance does lack a certain "je ne sais quoi." It's expert but not particularly affective.
Fine technique. I prefer a more leisurely pace, however, and greater dynamic contrasts, but this is expertly performed by any standard.
Jeu d'eau is usually translated as "The Fountain," but it literally means "Water Play." Another pianist I knew years ago liked to call it "Water Sports," which may have been naughty --- I was never sure.
Each time I listen to M. Kurtz I like his playing a little better.
Still, I hear a wistful, reflective quality in this music largely missing here.
Pischnaholic 2 years ago
haha, i like more how my dad playes it ho ho ho =P
My dad's the best
luf u dad!
SkelDarkAngel 3 years ago
He probably did perform it better; but he didn't win third place at the 4th Boston International Piano Competition ho ho ho, you stupid fag. (And before you write back, I'm a fag too...you stupid fag.)
aaviguet 3 years ago
By the way, I have my (poor quality) recording of this piece posted at HotMosh (at hotmosh [dot] com)
joshuamerrill 4 years ago
Having played this piece, I would not describe it as "hard" so much as simply awkward. Ravel was not known for his pianistic abilities (he wasn't capable of playing all his own pieces) and so you may find some of the fingering and arrangement of this beautiful piece to be uncomfortable.
joshuamerrill 4 years ago
Awful. This performance is lacking expressivity. Even I play more expressively than him.
aldebussy 4 years ago
What a constructive comment. Do you know what "jeux d'eau" means? This piece is supposed to represent water in its many different forms (flowing rivers, anything you want). As far as I know, water is not "expressive"... the piece has to be played in an "objective" way. In no case should it be played like Chopin. Try Richter's version for an even more "objective" way of interpreting it.
Now, if you think you can play it better, please do post your version, everyone would love to listen to it.
pianolover81 4 years ago
OK...I am not that literal, but I know you can EXPRESS a feeling of water and garden. And this does not mean you should play like a piece of rock. I am hearing notes here...NOT ANYTHING THAT REMINDS ME OF WATER GARDENS. Whenever I am done, I will post the piece. PEOPLE'S OPINIONS ARE NOT UP FOR DEBATE. Did I ask a question? The answer is NO. So mind your own business.
aldebussy 4 years ago
Technically decent. Musically alright, though could definitely be improved. Though I shouldn't be complaining, probably better than I could do =P
pixelsage 4 years ago
"DECENT?" What an odd term to apply to piano technique. I think what you meant to say was "highly competent" or "more than adequate." M. Kurtz is a fine pianist by any standards, but this performance does lack a certain "je ne sais quoi." It's expert but not particularly affective.
Pischnaholic 2 years ago