Bob Ekelund for 2009 Cliburn Amateur

Brahms Rhapsody Op. 79, No. 2; J.S. Bach, Gigue, French Suite No. 5 (G-major). I was honored to participate in the 2009 Cliburn amateur and to compete with a virtual coterie of extremely talented pianists. Kudos and best wishes to all of them!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ekelund
• Cliburn
• Amateur
• 2009
• Brahms
• Bach

[lovesGenet]

The intelligence in the Brahms made me want to rethink this often played music. Thee were some details and voicing I thought were brilliant and show a definite affinity for Brahms. The directness and non-playfulness of your Bach disturbed me . The series extensions mean so much to me .I highlight them . thee was one continuing line in your Bach no contrast.That is prolly right for piano performance.Maybe your style is the better I'm too "romantic" :your playing makes me think.

[bobekelund]

@lovesGenet Thank you so very much. I do have a special love and affinity for Brahms. You are right also about the "directness" in the Bach. That gigue is really very difficult to pull off and I decided not to put in contrasts although I've heard them played to great effect. (Gould however does it in "linear" fashion). Anyway, I treasure your comment. Best Regards, Bob E

[ThatRachGirl]

(cont 6)

Overall, great playing, I enjoyed it, and your Bach especially tickled me. :) Thanks for the performance.

[bobekelund]

Dear RachGirl: You have great knowledge of and suggestions for these two works. I have gone over my scores with your points and all are right on. I will work them into my playing ASAP. I love the angry, mysterious and tender Brahms (working on #1 also) and the joyous Bach (working on the whole Suite). I have tried to follow the "attitude" of Katchen's Brahms (K was a great pianist who died too young). But re-listening, he included all your directions! Thanks, you have made my day! Bob

[bobekelund]

RachGirl: One other point. I think you are exactly right about the "Gould-like" articulation in the playing of Bach. I think Heidi Basarab and Ryan Whitney accomplish just that wonderful balance between legato and staccato that Gould achieved with their videos this year. I need to work on that!

[jorgeazamora73]

It´s such a pleasure to hear you play these pieces. Youu bring out so clearly the Rhapsody´s brightness and its darkness!

And for the Bach, It´s just JOY!

Congratulations!

[bobekelund]

Jorge: I aspire to your dazzling technique and musicality. I have played your video for many (very impressed) friends at my house. With work and progress, I would hope that Liszt would become within my abilities. Congratulations to you! (I love Mexico and have collected its art for 30 years!) Best Regards, Bob Ekelund

[Bacha562]

Wonderful listening experience . BRAVO!

[KLFishel]

Nicely played and very enjoyable! The Bach and the Brahms make a very nice set of contrasting pieces.

[gonrolgonrol]

Wonderful playing here!

:)

[Grubenpony12]

True wonderful! This is a great interpretation of a masterpiece! Put it in my favorites...:)

[AdaPianoSchool]

Very good performance!

[simrankahai]

Bob,

Great music.

Simran

[wildejag]

4:45 one of the best moments in music. Thanks for your great performance, and thanks a lot for being here. It's been a great adventure. Your warm personality really comes out in your playing, especially in the Bach. Great work Bob. Congratulations. Best success!

[BachScholar]

Excellent playing, Bob. The Bach seems a little too live acoustically. You might want to try slowing it down a tad and focusing on clarity and articulation. Well done though!