Ever since I saw that movie about Schumann, I couldn't get "Widmung" out of my head. So I video-recorded it!
However, this version is strictly Schumann's; not Liszt's arrangement, which one day I would like to learn but do not have time right now. So I'm sorry about that. If this isn't good enough, then I'll take it down until I learn the other version.

Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vO4Frn6s70

Here is the mp3, which is the same audio file as in the video: Schumann - Widmung

The second piece up here is just a little Granados piece. I've been quietly re-doing/replacing some of my Granados recordings and this one was up at the top of the pile. But it's just so darn cute that I thought I put it up here in case someone wants to hear one of Granados' charming 'youth' pieces. It's not as easy as sounds, though....

Granados - Cuentos de la Juventud, 10. Marche

Well done. And a nice idea to record by candlelight, if the repertoire is suitable like here.
The Granados piece is cute but could maybe have a little more youthful abandon. It sounds just a touch too
measured IMO.

Thank you. I like candlelight.

I think this Granados is as good as I can get it, plus it is a march so my goal was to keep it steady.

Hi Monica,

I watched the Schumann video. The melody is sensitively played throughout and the pedalling generally nice and even. My only suggestions for improvement would be that the overall pulse seems just slightly unsteady to me in places (slight rushings) Also, although you do differentiate the melody and accompaniment well enough, you could think about making it even lighter and more ethereal. These are minor nits though. Nicely played overall, and good-quality video too.

Joe

Thank you, Joe. In this instance, I am glad you caught my "slight rushing" because I was simply following the markings in the score. There are a couple accelerandos.

Hi Monica,

I listened to your Schumann's Widmung and have good things to say of your performance. Namely, it sounded nice the tempo was even and the only thing I could say for criticism is (and this is IMO) the spacing between the first section and the threshold of the next around :59 - 1:00 I would have liked a longer pause.

About your Cuentos de la Juventud recording, contrary to what Chris said, I actually liked the pulse the way as you played it. This piece reminds me a lot of the Marcha Militar duet you recorded a few months ago, not the Lento March but the Allegretto that features a similar clashing minor second interval. Strange, though it brings to my mind the image of a conquistador on horseback

Also, the new banner at the top of the page looks nice

~Riley

Thank you for sharing your ideas, Riley.

Nothing really pops into my head with that Granados piece, but I know I move around a lot when playing it. Real silly stuff that I just can't help and why I'll never video record this one....

Glad you like the banner. Chris and I will be changing it periodically. I'd like to make a game of it somehow, so keep a look out....

The Schumann too, for my taste. Have you listened to this sung? (There are of course many versions on YouTube.) There's a sort of exaltation to many of Schumann's lieder, a feeling of being almost out of control...

I too like the candlelight

Yes, I have heard it sung. But I like playing it in a more introspective manner, which makes it more tender and romantic. Playing it like it is sung makes it sound so German!

Thanks for watching, Alexander.

Hi Monica,

I just listened to both pieces. I had always been sort of neutral toward Widmug, but with your performance here, I'm more drawn to the piece now than previously. It's a compliment on your playing. That little Schubertian reference to Ave Maria toward the end used to strike me as a bit odd, but in your recording it blends in quite well. Liszt wrote an arrangement of this piece as well. Is it something you'd want to play? Then you'd have both versions!

The little Granados piece was delightful too.

I notice that in general your playing seems more relaxed now. Do you sense that too?

David

Thank you again, David!
Yes, I do know the Liszt arrangement of Widmung but haven't really worked on it yet. I might put it on my 'to do' list - I'm not quite sure yet.

That's very nice that you think I sound more relaxed. I don't feel relaxed; I'm still pretty nervous when I record. So much so that I usually lose a pound or two. But you've given me something to think about...

Thank you again!

You just gave me a new advertising angle for piano students. "Learn the piano and loose weight." Maybe I can even get a regular show on PBS.

Scott

Yes, the new diet and exercise program. All you have to do is wake up, drink a little coffee, warm up your fingers on the keys, press the record button, and then desperately try for the next four hours to get a relatively error-free recording! Magnify that by 10 times if you're making a video!!

{I think that I meant "lose", not "loose" since most excess weight is seldom tight (though ones pants may be). I guess that one could lose loose weight. I'm going to stop rambling now.}

Don't worry, I always get those two words mixed up too. Really think I just got lucky here because I was typing fast.