Songs Without Words for the Philippines: In Honor of the Survivors of Typhoon Sendong

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

When I was working on Liszt's "Un Sospiro", I wanted to quit piano because I just couldn't get it. The piece is mesmerizing, but both hands have to keep schizophrenically different rhythms. My dad, though, wouldn't let me give up, and our house became a war zone. My mom gave up and threatened to leave my dad because of all the yelling. Then, out of the blue, I did it. My hands suddenly came together. Thanks, Dad, for believing in me and not letting me give up.

[NLiese88]

Ok, I must ask.. how old were you when you worked on this piece and how long did it take you to accomplish being able to play this piece? The reason I ask is because I am currently working on this piece myself, and I am 16. As I mentioned above, I am just curious to see where I may be in relation to being able to play this piece in a manner where it is enjoyed by everyone around me. As for me, I could care less if my arms fell off after playing!

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@NLiese88 Thanks for you comment. I was sixteen when I recorded "Un Sospiro" for the America Protege International Piano Competition, and I worked on this for five months. I guess it wasn't enough time to get ready because I lost. As a late starter pianist, I join competitions because l enjoy meeting talented kids. God taught me to celebrate others without being jealous or critical, and He doesn't measure me against my competition. I'm very happy that I'm free from a spirit of comparing.

[NLiese88]

@MatthewJohnIgnacio Matthew, I compare myself to other pianists constantly, but I do so in a way where it will influence me to be greater than I am. In that sense, there is no comparison, but and inspiration to excel. I applaud you on the fact that it only took you five months, because I am on my 9th month of learning this piece, and I have three months to ready it for my next recital (contest), and I have quite a ways to go before it is ready to be heard by other people.

[gerimaus]

this piano has a tinkerbell, liquidy sound, so ideal to this gorgeous music, so well rendered! bravo!

[Honsokka]

Your hands looks like they just flows over the piano and music comes out. Wish i took my self the time to really learn to play the piano, harmonic music and beautiful.

[ariellesassy]

Dayyuummnn, it's like he's playing the harp! Monstah fingahhzzz

[themusicroom28]

Hi Matthew, this is Herrick. I am sorry i just saw your message asking for the piece of Salamin. Im sorry i just saw it now. it’s my first time to open my account on you tube. I am not used in using you tube. Just trying to learn it now. But i think you made a great performance of the Salamin. I saw it now. Congratulations. Wish you more good music. Thanks

[kocopol1]

wow...great ;-)

[Hyunji815]

wow..beautifully interpreted.

[opus43rhap]

Nice :-)

[cmariamagda]

Wonderful interpretation!

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@MrPVPGamer Thank you! S.D.G.!!!

[blindmoongoddess]

Beautifully rendered! Made me sigh! :-)

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@blindmoongoddess Thank you! S.D.G.!!!

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

Heavenly Father, you have honored each of us with unique gifts. We acknowledge that these gifts are to be used for your glory alone. Help us to offer our talents so that others may be encouraged to share their gifts. We are humbled with the responsibility of using these gifts as stewards of your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[kvalle1]

Matthew...you are a true inspiration and truly gifted. God has blessed you tremendously! Merry Christmas...Karen :)

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@kvalle1 Thank you Karen! S.D.G.!!!

[cuoylyf]

COOL!!!!!

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@cuoylyf Thanks! S.D.G.!!!

[dizzysfingers]

that sounded great.. i know how much work and practice you put into that.. well done.. thumbs up.

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@dizzysfingers Thank you! S.D.G.!!!

[babygrand1011]

okay seriously, that was BEAUTIFUL!!!! it nearly brought tears to my eyes! i am learning this song right now and i hope the finished product will be as beautiful as yours! :)

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@babygrand1011 Thank you! S.D.G.!!!

[federalistphilip]

i listened to ur playing again. i seem to enjoy it more and more. nice piannismo touches. What is it that Carl Flesch, the famous violin teacher once said? Competition is for horse races? hehe.

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@federalistphilip Thanks for your comments. I've changed my attitude about competitions. I'm not in competition with other pianists. Most of them started piano at age 4 or 5, and I didn't have a teacher until I was 14. So my goal is to beat my last performance.

[federalistphilip]

you play very well, and yes there will be others who could probably do better than you, but as one justice of the supreme court said in an Annapolis Commencement Exercise, "even if the other person does it better than you, don't let it stop you from doing what you love best." Btw, i highly encourage you too also study the cello. You don't have to be very advanced to be able to join simple orchestras and chamber music. it will widen your horizons. Never too late for bigger instruments.

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

Thanks for your encouragement Philip. Taking on a new instrument is a way of keeping me from a life of complacency. Those of us who have practiced hours to pull beauty from of a piece of wood, know that playing the cello can be synonymous with frustration. Although I would prefer to play perfectly, never missing a single note, the intense frustration I feel each time motivates me to search and discover a new technique to sound better. The challenge of discovery is fun. God bless you!

[lacheeky123]

wow note perfect good job

- HAn Leeeeee