Caruilli: Waltz, 3 Variations

[rjdplay]

Hi Jamie,
Here is my latest effort:

http://www.yousendit.com/download/cmcwT ... Q1FLSkE9PQ

the link is good for 7 days...then expires.

I have been trying to record this over the last two days. The more I try to improve the recording, the worse I get, so this is the best thus far...and you will note what I call a few mental lapses. Also,
Really looking forward to your critique and any others that may offer it.
Take care.
Ray

[N E Y]

Hi Ray,

Did you try a streaming video format such as youtube , vimeo, facebook or myspace?

[rjdplay]

Hi Ney,
No I didn't, but perhaps I should look into those methods for the future.
Ray

[Jamie]

Hi Ray,

There are two separate takes there, correct? The second is a bit better than the first.

Okay, yes there are a few of those annoying "trouble" spots here and there. I will leave it to you if you want to try to make them go away or become less frequent. They are what I call "stupid mistakes" (which we all make!). They are not dramatically difficult, just mildly tricky, but they still mess up our playing nonetheless. If you examine them, you will still find they are happening for a reason, and can be corrected.

On the first one, and to some degree the second, you are rushing from one phrase to the next. Try tapping your foot as you listen, and you will see what I mean, you will not be able to finish three beats from the end of one phrase to another. That you should correct.


Overall, a great job. You really put the force on that string! I would also try moving the hand a bit during playing, go near the soundhole for a different tone at times. It's easy to get stuck in one spot!

You have got great speed and smoothness in your fingers now. You have really developed a solid basic technique from this course. I will be releasing intermediate pieces for you "alumni" soon!

[rjdplay]

Hi Jamie,
You are absolutely right...and your little suggested exercise of foot-tapping proved it! I also noticed that two of "mistakes" occurred on the change. I'll keep working on it, but move on to Sor.
Also, the next time, I'll take Ney's advice and post through a YouTube link.
Again, many thanks for your insightful critique.
Ray

[light_rock]

Just wanted to say "Yay !"

I imagine you have practiced this a bit. Do you have some things that you do, your own invention, or some
extra "flavor" you like to mix in when nobody is watching ?

That would be equally interesting. Doesn't have to be faithful to the tempo or anything really. Just totally your
own thing of it.

Just curious if you have some "little experiments" that you have adopted for yourself inside this one.

Maybe some of these might be little exercises you have worked out for yourself for different parts, or some
extra flair of "depth of tone", etc.,

Those little constructions are very intriguing. Musically as well as mechanically.

You'll have at least one fan for "that stuff".

[rjdplay]

Thanks light_rock. Appreciated. Yes, I usually practice a piece quite a bit before I post...I try and get it as close to Jamie's version (in terms of speed) as possible.
No tricks and nothing special at all...lots of BPA and I always use a mirror. Thus far I have been concentrating on technique (right & left), and according to Jamie that's paying off. My repetoire is limited to Shearer, and I don't intend to venture outside that approach until I have Shearer completed...which should be by the Fall. Of course, Jamie wouldn't agree with that.I also do the walking exercises almost daily and I really don't know enough to improvise which is why I'm slowing working on Jamie's Essential Scales to get beyond the first position. And I weekly review all the Shearer material that I have done in this Course. I am also going to try and figure out Ney's advice on timing/rhythm; i.e., feel it rather than count it. That's a big challenge.

So, no little experiments.....yet
Ray

[light_rock]

Well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it !

Nevermind for now.

Hit me up later on this topic.

[N E Y]

I second Jamie's evaluation. Very good job. It is interesting to me how much finger power you need to play single note runs fast . I know Jamie can explain to you how to get much more power out of your right hand for single note . I think you are ready for a webcam on that topic alone. The arpeggios are already powerful. But single note fast playing requires a lot more.

ALL MY BEST TO YOU.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ney_mello

[Jamie]

Hey Ney,

I guess we will have to have our first professional disagreement. Not bad for 10 years!

I listened again to make sure, and those runs sound good and powerful to my hear. I thought they were quite well done, and most students stumble on them for sure.

Maybe we need some other opinions..........?