Elegance, Style and Excitement
I’ve played Beethoven, Glinka, lots of Chopin and other composers, but I’ve never played Haydn until now! One thing I noticed about playing Haydn was his attention to detail. When I was playing this b minor sonata, if I missed any notes, articulation, or dynamic changes I felt like I messed up the entire piece.
If you’re thinking about playing this piece, I have a few tips to share: Don’t use too much pedal. Don’t speed up. Make a big difference between contrasting dynamics.
I found it helpful to explore a piece from a different musical era than Chopin since I frequently play romantic composers. I know that I gained a lot of valuable musical knowledge from playing this piece.
When I reviewed my completed video, I realized how similar my recording environment was to the elegant palaces that Haydn played in. I hope this setting adds to your listening experience.
Hi Voice-team I’m not sure if this is only an issue on iPad, but I am unable to play the video file.
Me either. I can’t also play it with my laptop.
Hi Lotchie – Thanks! Please refresh your page – if you are on a PC click CTRL-F5 – and then try again. Are you able to play the video now?
Hello, Voice team. I can play it now. Thanks for the help.
Hi Carrie – Thank you so much for bringing this issue to our attention 😀 Please refresh this page and you should be able to play the video on your iPad.
Beautiful lighthearted piece of music, very nicely played
Well played Neil. I thought this piece had a lot of comical overtones, but then I have no musical talent.
A big round of applause from me. You played it well. Good job, Neil.
Neil, you have exceptional talent. I play the piano a little bit but nothing like what you have accomplished here. Wow! I very much enjoyed this piece. Good tip about the pedal! Sometimes overuse of the pedal can take away from the clarity of the piece, but here you have executed each note beautifully. Your playing was perfectly precise, yet had the right amount of emotion and excellent use of dynamics. Well done!
You had me tapping my feet and wanting to dance, Neil. And you are so right about the setting. Wonderful, I enjoyed your playing immensely.
Neil, your title pulled me in – such a great description of the piece! I will always associate Haydn with Elegance and Style now. Your recording is impeccable – every note clear as a bell, especially the delicate ornaments. I love the setting with the high ceilings, the winding staircase and the beautiful grand piano. Haydn would feel right at home there. Congratulations on a great presentation!
Such a fun piece! I hope it was as enjoyable to learn as it was to hear.
So beautiful.
This is such a fun piece that you played so well! I loved how much contrast and clarity you had in your interpretation. It sounded so elegant, which, like you noted, is exactly what the piece should be.