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Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Solo Piano

No ranting. No wordy pronouncements. This time some actual music. In response to some people who have asked me to post something on composition I decided that I could leak something from one of my own practice tapes. Lately I've recorded myself practicing just to try to get a better look at my technique.

This is an excerpt of a piece entitled "Separation" which is part of a solo piano song cycle. In this piece a basic ostinato rhythm is played between the two hands while a simple melody is kept in the upper voice. One of the challenges playing the piano is to balance the dynamics of different melodies simultaneously almost like your hands become a live real-time mixer. J.S. Bach didn't think it was possible. Some days I agree with him! I know the video sucks a bit. I'll try to use a higher resolution next time. But anyway enjoy....

4 comments:

  1. whoah, the ostinato reminds me of another tune... maybe jeff johnston's nuage? can't quite place it.

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  2. I think it's actually a bit similar to a Crosby Still Nash Tune called Guinnevere which was on around the house when I was growing up. Very heavy band. Every once in a while I channel their music without knowing it.

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  3. I have always loved the play between an ostinato and melody, especially if it has an emerging sound - like giving birth. The movement of melody between the hands is even more pleasing. Beautiful!

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