Carl Czerny - 101 Exercises, Op.261 (part 1 of 5) (nos.1 - 18)

Op.821 here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7XDbqNTR7o

-Note- These recordings have yet to be mastered, and as such, the volume levels aren't true to the actual performed volume. The quiet sections sound far louder than performed volume, and the loud sections sound far softer than the performed volume.

Also note that I have the escapement on my piano adjusted in order to produce a 'true' staccato. This can be heard in the staccato sections of the exercises. It also allows for very quick turns. Personally, I love the sound of the quick release, and when I return to a standard Steinway 'D', I find the staccato rather 'wet'. However, such a staccato setup is very unforgiving.




Pedal was only used in no.97. Aside from this, no pedal was used at all. All pieces (with the exception of no.97) were performed with a metronome. Repeat signs, in the few pieces that have repeat signs, have been omitted, purely as an issue of time.

As far as i'm aware, this is the first ever recording of Czerny's Op.261 in full. If anyone has any information otherwise, do please send me a PM.

I'm playing from a very old and rare edition - pianists familiar with the pieces will note differences throughout. For the sake of posterity, i've played according to the edition.

I hope this recording in part addresses the generally negative attitude of pianists/musicians towards Czerny. The importance of Czerny - as a teacher and composer - cannot be emphasised enough. His music is far more than 'mere finger bashing' - I find his most inspired moments as good as anything by Mozart, Beethoven, Hummel etc etc. In triple time, Czerny writes beautifully. All that is needed is for a few pianists to make a stand and challenge the stale and archaic view of Czerny as empty note-spinner and very soon opinions will change. Thankfully though, attitudes do seem to be (slowly) changing.

Even in this set, a set of exercises no less, there are moments of sublime beauty.

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• czerny
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• kris
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