Chopin Ballade No. 1, Charlie Liu (9)

Charlie learned the piece by himself as his teacher refused to teach him the piece due to its incredible demand on physical/technical ability AND musicality being too much for a 9yo to learn. But the piece has been on Charlie's wishlist for so long, he wanted to give it a try. This is first try for recoding on this beautiful piece.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Chopin
• Ballade No 1
• Charlie Liu
• 9-year-old
• classical music
• piano

[jjrcz021]

Really good effort by a 9 year old!! Our Charlie (7) attempted on this a few months ago and gave up. For this and some other peices, he was told many times that he was not ready for this piece, and not ready for that piece, then he was so hurt. Do you have any tips on how to handle things like this between the student and the teacher?

[coffeetea]

@jjrcz021 7-yo could try it, but only if the kid has very big hands. I'm not against trying any piece the kid likes even if teacher advises against it, but I've told Charlie to stop immediately if he feels hands getting tired easily or hurting when trying a difficult piece. Teacher's suggestion is probably in the same consideration.

[blueyoyi]

Hi Mingyi !! I must commend Charlie for taking up the challenge and posting it despite the views of his teacher. And the way he plays it, shows his character, determination and patience. This piece is a big hurdle even for college majors in music. Enzo was playing this over a year ago, but could not get his teacher to teach him...but unlike Charlie we do not dare "cross" her by posting in YT ...she will be so upset if we did! hehehe! we're scared!! hahhaahaha :-))

[coffeetea]

@blueyoyi Hi Stephen, I'm sure Enzo's teacher simply wanted him to focus on assigned pieces as Ballade 1 would be no problem for Enzo! I do understand your concern - I had to assure Charlie's teacher that I always marked on video that Charlie learned the piece by himself if it's the case!

[OldRabit]

Wow this is a incredible try at the age 9! You just blow me away, Charlie! Yes, this is such a beautiful piece and is almost everyone's favorites. You sure have great feeling and passion in this piece. Much appreciation for your great effort and love in this great piece. I am looking forward to hearing your final version!!!!

[ivyxyz]

Hi Charlie, that was absoultely amazing!!! and all learnt by yourself, you are a champ!

[melissapetunia]

prodigioso un fenomeno!!!!!!

[jjrcz021]

@coffeetea Thank you so much for the suggestion. We, the parents, are learning to support the kids anyway we can. Our Charlie enjoyed all Charlie Liu's videos -- they are so inspiring for the younger ones!!!

[coffeetea]

@lilly763 Lily you got a point on violin & thanks for your encouragement!

[lilly763]

Okay, sorry for that digression, but as a violist (and one who has to play on a relatively small instrument) I couldn't resist =) Now back to Charlie's performance. Charlie's self-motivation at such a young age is incredible. Time will help him with the technique, but the natural musicality which he displays without any guidance from a teacher is a precious quality which cannot be learned. I look forward to hearing Charlie perform this with slightly bigger hands in a year or two!

[lilly763]

@LarsenPiano I won't deny that you have a point, but small string instruments have their disadvantages. Though they may allow young children to play in tune, they are never as well made as full size instruments so children are at a disadvantage when it comes to tone quality and projection, which may hamper their musical intentions quite a bit. Young pianists may have trouble reaching the notes, but at least they can take advantage of the expressive powers of good instruments!

[alexander16ize]

you are magazing