Results of taking a break; putting my shoulders where they belong; progress in Chopin 25/5; run-throughs of 25/3 and 25/11, with some screaming; a vaguely contrapuntal improv.
Also, for those of you in DC thinking of coming to the show this Friday at 8, here’s info about my band, and here’s the venue, in Columbia Heights. I’d love to see you there!
No podcast this week. Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being my practice buddy!
Chopin etudes 25/3 and 25/5 in (probably excruciating) detail; seeking the right tempo for the winter wind etude; a start on the harp etude (25/1).
How getting angry helped the Winter Wind etude this week; 25/3 and 25/5 in progress; a short improv with lots of rests.
This week’s podcast delayed till tomorrow due to sundry scheduled extras and a horrible night with a teething toddler.
Practicing in little bits, at tempo; why Chopin etudes are like yoga poses; memorized versions of most of 25/3, 25/5, and 25/11 (with some screaming); a slightly Halloweeny improvisation.
Why I can’t practice without my phone; strategies for Chopin 25/3; most of the left hand, and the first page, of 25/11; plans for 25/5; quotes about Liszt (look at him!); some great ideas from this terrific jazz pianist, leading to a plan that will surprise no one; an attempt at the blues.
Some thoughts on two very different performances from last week; concentrating on Opus 25: bits of some other Chopin etudes, a plan for 5, 9, and 3, and a promise about 11. Also some improv.
PIAS 39
Bits of a dozen etudes; some ruminating on art vs. craft, Apollo vs. Dionysus, and emoting vs. actually getting anything done. Plus an unapologetically (well, mostly unapologetic) cheezy improv.
Bits of a baker’s dozen of Chopin etudes after a rainy weekend of not much practice, plus plans for how I’ll practice them.
Play It Again Swig 