Can anyone help me with the fingering of the grace notes triplet of the F-harmony?
I'm playing it with 1 (f), 2 (g), 3 (gis), --> that are the grace notes, the first 16th note (a) I'm playing also with the third finger, but that is a problem in a faster tempo.
sheesh what with ya all and pianos that have to be tuned. this piano should stay exactly how it is. the tone is beautiful. keep it this way, its gorgeous
This video makes the hairs on my neck and arms stand up. I can only imagine what it was like sitting in the room with him. I want to hear him live someday.
Before I go, I would just like to add one thing: whoever worked on this piano did the best that they could do, and it shows. The piano LOOKS great, and is currently in a LOT better shape than most upright pianos I've heard or played, and in any other situation it would be a pleasure to play.
However, as the contest piano in a national contest, it should really be in the best shape possible, and that's when the rather nit-picky things like action springs, tone and fine tuning come into play.
Keep in mind that the video is from an Old-Time Piano contest where all competitors are required to perform on the same piano. Which in the tradition of the era, is a vintage upright. The event is sponsored by OMPA: the Old-Time Music Preservation Association.
I can't agree more. I won't say another Bravo like the guys beneath and above me. Pretty well performed but le'ts think 10 years ahead. This kid will still be playing this piece, not being able to learn the classic ones: Beethoven, Mozart , Bach
Having witnessed his development, I'd say he's a long way from becoming musically stunted. Every time I see him he rolls out new material and relates the depth of research he's put into it. Although I wouldn't try and predict what he'll be playing in 10 years, I'm sure it'll be whatever he feels like. Btw, if you want to hear him playing a waltz, do a search for Amorouse.
I think he can play all that, he just doesn't because he doesn't like it. I don't play much classical music anymore; I did play some Mozart sonatas and Beethoven Sonatinas (and Chopin preludes) during my regular piano lessons, and they were fun initially, but after you hear a certain tune a few thousand times (usually played better than you can play it) it begins to wear on you. I specialize in digging out stuff that isn't played as often.
Dear aadrvaark, one of my life ambitions is to become a piano restorer, and I LOVE upright pianos! I actually like them a lot better than grands, for several reasons: The action is better (less friction and less finicky to adjust and stay in regulation), the hammers push the string TOWARDS the bridge and soundboard on the initial hit, rather than away as with a grand (thus meaning many grands require a capo d'astro bar), they are less likely to fall on your foot, etc. etc.
Also, I am a ragtime pianist who has performed on this contest on this exact Weber piano (search "barrett" in rtpress' videos). In its day, Weber was about equal to Steinway in terms of quality, etc. (actually, many makes were).
This piano was supposedly "restored", but whoever did it did not completely restore it and it still needs action work, soundboard work, maybe a new pinblock (if that hasn't been replaced already). A fully restored piano should look, feel, and sound like a new piano.
I look forward to the day when this piano is completely and properly restored as it should be... for some reason, many rebuilders are willing to restore higher-end grands "all the way" but they laugh at uprights and say they are "not worth it". I think they are idiots. They are creating a vicious circle.
With very few, antique uprights in top-quality condition today, most people do not know what they can do and how they can sound. There was a reason they sold so many back then!
I had a conversation about this with a gentleman who used to tune/rebuild pianos in my hometown. According to him, from a purely economic standpoint, the older uprights are not worth it (exception: Steinways. A 1908 Steinway was the only upright I ever saw him tackle). People just aren't going to pay for an upright what they'd pay for a grand. This is due mostly I think to the size and awkwardness and difficulty in moving (what my friend called) "the monsters".
And, before anyone gets hot under the collar, I am not trying to give either the Old-Time Music Preservation Association, nor the person who rebuilt this piano, a hard time. I am just trying to stave off future complaints, because really, I've played at this contest, and all the performers privately complain about the piano. I think the restorer was enthusiastic but they don't know enough about what is involved in a full restoration and should have someone show them so we can all learn.
True, but I meant with kids his age...he's mostly popular (at least in Iowa anyway) with adults who enjoy that kind of music. I'm trying to bash him or anything...but he doesn't have a GF and he gets mad very easily
As you will find out later in life, having a "GF" is not the most important thing in highschool - by a long shot. This young man is light years ahead of anyone in his highschool.
I know it isn't. I'm just saying that he's different from everyone else. Which is good. He's unique. But what do you mean ahead of everyone in his highschool? Do you go to SHS?
Adam, that was a FANTASTIC ending! I especially liked your glance at the audience, connecting with them after your embellishments, and of course, the spin off the stool...hehe
Great
1ragtimer 11 months ago
you go adam from 80 year old fan
bimbo4746 11 months ago
I think I love you Adam Swanson
cbkidder 2 years ago
Gees!
He must have been one of the best 15 year olds out there and he is getting better each year. He was already fantastic at that age.
KingRat355 2 years ago
Beautiful piece and playing!
Can anyone help me with the fingering of the grace notes triplet of the F-harmony?
I'm playing it with 1 (f), 2 (g), 3 (gis), --> that are the grace notes, the first 16th note (a) I'm playing also with the third finger, but that is a problem in a faster tempo.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Kind regards Christian
Porterchrille 2 years ago
sheesh what with ya all and pianos that have to be tuned. this piano should stay exactly how it is. the tone is beautiful. keep it this way, its gorgeous
JamesPriceJohnson 2 years ago
This video makes the hairs on my neck and arms stand up. I can only imagine what it was like sitting in the room with him. I want to hear him live someday.
countrymuscle87 2 years ago
Before I go, I would just like to add one thing: whoever worked on this piano did the best that they could do, and it shows. The piano LOOKS great, and is currently in a LOT better shape than most upright pianos I've heard or played, and in any other situation it would be a pleasure to play.
However, as the contest piano in a national contest, it should really be in the best shape possible, and that's when the rather nit-picky things like action springs, tone and fine tuning come into play.
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago
you are great
clocklvr 2 years ago
Holy F*** , he's playing the PIYANY!!!
Adam is incredible!!! Bravo!
jtchen22 2 years ago
Remember to appreciate Diversity.
what we should all be mall kids with MP-3
in out ears.
sednalkram62 2 years ago
Oh and sorry......This is a great performance!
aardvaark069 2 years ago
Keep in mind that the video is from an Old-Time Piano contest where all competitors are required to perform on the same piano. Which in the tradition of the era, is a vintage upright. The event is sponsored by OMPA: the Old-Time Music Preservation Association.
Howard
rtpress 2 years ago
Come on guys. Let's get over this childish predilection for upright pianos. This music deserves better.
aardvaark069 2 years ago
I can't agree more. I won't say another Bravo like the guys beneath and above me. Pretty well performed but le'ts think 10 years ahead. This kid will still be playing this piece, not being able to learn the classic ones: Beethoven, Mozart , Bach
bakafolas 2 years ago 2
Having witnessed his development, I'd say he's a long way from becoming musically stunted. Every time I see him he rolls out new material and relates the depth of research he's put into it. Although I wouldn't try and predict what he'll be playing in 10 years, I'm sure it'll be whatever he feels like. Btw, if you want to hear him playing a waltz, do a search for Amorouse.
Howard
rtpress 2 years ago
I think he can play all that, he just doesn't because he doesn't like it. I don't play much classical music anymore; I did play some Mozart sonatas and Beethoven Sonatinas (and Chopin preludes) during my regular piano lessons, and they were fun initially, but after you hear a certain tune a few thousand times (usually played better than you can play it) it begins to wear on you. I specialize in digging out stuff that isn't played as often.
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago 2
Dear aadrvaark, one of my life ambitions is to become a piano restorer, and I LOVE upright pianos! I actually like them a lot better than grands, for several reasons: The action is better (less friction and less finicky to adjust and stay in regulation), the hammers push the string TOWARDS the bridge and soundboard on the initial hit, rather than away as with a grand (thus meaning many grands require a capo d'astro bar), they are less likely to fall on your foot, etc. etc.
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago
Also, I am a ragtime pianist who has performed on this contest on this exact Weber piano (search "barrett" in rtpress' videos). In its day, Weber was about equal to Steinway in terms of quality, etc. (actually, many makes were).
This piano was supposedly "restored", but whoever did it did not completely restore it and it still needs action work, soundboard work, maybe a new pinblock (if that hasn't been replaced already). A fully restored piano should look, feel, and sound like a new piano.
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago
I look forward to the day when this piano is completely and properly restored as it should be... for some reason, many rebuilders are willing to restore higher-end grands "all the way" but they laugh at uprights and say they are "not worth it". I think they are idiots. They are creating a vicious circle.
With very few, antique uprights in top-quality condition today, most people do not know what they can do and how they can sound. There was a reason they sold so many back then!
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago
I had a conversation about this with a gentleman who used to tune/rebuild pianos in my hometown. According to him, from a purely economic standpoint, the older uprights are not worth it (exception: Steinways. A 1908 Steinway was the only upright I ever saw him tackle). People just aren't going to pay for an upright what they'd pay for a grand. This is due mostly I think to the size and awkwardness and difficulty in moving (what my friend called) "the monsters".
countrymuscle87 2 years ago
And, before anyone gets hot under the collar, I am not trying to give either the Old-Time Music Preservation Association, nor the person who rebuilt this piano, a hard time. I am just trying to stave off future complaints, because really, I've played at this contest, and all the performers privately complain about the piano. I think the restorer was enthusiastic but they don't know enough about what is involved in a full restoration and should have someone show them so we can all learn.
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago
This is Jelly Roll Morton, Scott Joplin, Jo Ann Castle and all the rest rolled up into one. SUPER!
steverabb 3 years ago
does Adam have his own channel? He is Amazing!
jimoaklandu 3 years ago 2
He does, but he doesn't post videos of himself -- only of classic stuff. It's "adamrag".
Keeper1st 2 years ago
this kid is very good! and what a humerous piece.
FutureAbe 3 years ago
Excellent. Great interpretation with lightness, technical agility, and a sense of fun.
drpanacea 3 years ago
He goes to Shenandoah, IA High School...which is where I go...he's kinda weird ...socially
omletextensioncord 3 years ago
Not surprised, people who are really good at stuff tend to have lost a bit on the social side.
Tidenesmann 3 years ago
when yuor that talented you dont need to be social...people will come to you
hkg02161954 3 years ago 2
True, but I meant with kids his age...he's mostly popular (at least in Iowa anyway) with adults who enjoy that kind of music. I'm trying to bash him or anything...but he doesn't have a GF and he gets mad very easily
omletextensioncord 3 years ago
Sorry, I meant I'm NOT trying to bash him...lol bad typo :P
omletextensioncord 3 years ago 2
As you will find out later in life, having a "GF" is not the most important thing in highschool - by a long shot. This young man is light years ahead of anyone in his highschool.
BJFATTIG 3 years ago 2
I know it isn't. I'm just saying that he's different from everyone else. Which is good. He's unique. But what do you mean ahead of everyone in his highschool? Do you go to SHS?
famicomdork 3 years ago
he's a cool guy in comparison to all the well-educated girls who were forced to play their sonatinas and bach inventions
Skygrapped 3 years ago
I would like that this wonderful pianist has his own channel. Up to now, I didn't see it.
AURORA
74lou 3 years ago
Nay, everybody prefers rock. Even jazz is being edged out. Imagine the negative implications for ragtime.
Ariedartin 3 years ago
He used to go to my school. ]: I fucking miss him so bad.
audie1292 3 years ago
haha he goes to my school.. now..
cara2010 3 years ago
does he really?! Omg! That's amazing. [: If you get the chance tell him Autumn Gailey says hiiii. [:
audie1292 3 years ago
@cara2010 so Adam Swanson goes to ur school? does he have a girlfriend?
celebrei 1 year ago
Wow! This kid rocks the house. Musicians like him come around once in a great while. A true joy to experience. Any CD's out?
DHS11999 3 years ago
Three.
New one just out.
Chuck6161 3 years ago
Wow... love Rag Times... I see your from Borger, do you live here? Would like to see you play... Jerry Moon from Borger
Revelationist1948 3 years ago
Adam no longer lives in Texas. He moved late last year to Iowa.
Keeper1st 3 years ago
Complimenti veramente bravo
jhonnytrivella 3 years ago
only 15 and this good? beware, we'll hear of him in the future, hopefully ..
if he starts playing in a pop/rap band >_>... (add sarcasm)
Moose1223 3 years ago
he is a great pianist!
Magdalena1993 3 years ago 2
I have long loved this rag and Adam plays it so convincingly I keep coming back to hear it again.
TheKnabe 4 years ago 2
Coulda sworn I heard the second movement from "The Cascades" in there...
TheColoradoan 4 years ago
dude you stole my name! i had it first!
Miragegagt 4 years ago
haha if had a dollar for everytime ive heard him play this song in homeroom onthe piano
slipknot555133 4 years ago 4
you guys are LUCKY! ;-)
jimoaklandu 2 years ago
good
aftereternity 4 years ago
Adam, that was a FANTASTIC ending! I especially liked your glance at the audience, connecting with them after your embellishments, and of course, the spin off the stool...hehe
idasynco 4 years ago 9
keep up the fantastic work! awesome!
wilscool 4 years ago 2
The New Era Rag is by James Scott, NOT Scott Joplin.
ragtimebuddy 4 years ago
Wonderful! This young chap really does a fine job on those ivories!
tdub1941 = Tom Warner
tdub1941 4 years ago