Back In The Day

Life Category: University Life; Reminiscence
When it comes to music, I've always been ambivalent at best. It's ironic and miraculous that I'm where I am today. I was never able to give classical music the tender loving care and respect that it deserves. Consider classical music as a lost-love for me. It certainly feels that way when I go through old pieces .. that mix of nostalgia and realization that it's all behind me now. Here are 5 clips of me playing during my university years. They're all unpolished rehearsal clips ... further proof of my ambivalence that I don't have records of any final performances :P
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Notes:
1. Debussy - (1901) he is a pianist's composer. I didn't really connect emotionally with his pieces, but MAN he knows how to compose for a pianist. This is one of his earlier (pre-impressionistic) pieces.

2. Kapustin - (1984) I sought this one out myself for my final recital. I wanted something different and stumbled upon this jazz-classical fusion. His counterpoint is RIDICULOUS. i absolutely love this piece, but it very challenging for me... that fine motor and the rhythm. You should youtube Kapustin's renditions ... brilliant - clear, musical and full of joy.

3. Liszt - (1848) another composer for the pianists! It's always challenging, but so "right" for the hands. I respect this piece for its range and depth of grief. It is also ridiculous technically (see left hand octaves throughout military theme, range of tonality, chords left right and centre, etc etc). Oh man, I could talk about this piece forever. It's brilliant how he develops this piece. BRILLIANT, I tell you.

4. Mozart - (1781). I see spring-green whenever I play or hear this. It has never failed to make me feel happy and light. It's full of life! I love playing Mozart. His music has such class to it! Love Love Love!!

5. Bozza - (1936). This is one of the most beautiful and simple pieces I've ever heard. Again, the counterpoint really hooks me. That, and really - what better solo is there for this piece than the sax. I could listen to this piece on loop all day... only it would make me very unproductive because it always causes me to sit still and absorb.

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