Les Rappel des Oiseaux - I'm going to attempt it - God help me

[The Sparrow]

Its one of Rameau's pieces that haunts me.
I've just stated working on it. Learning it and being able to hit the right notes is within my ability I think. Making it come alive is another matter. Its time to test myself and see what I'm capable of (with my teachers willing guidance I hope)
Wish me luck as I step into the abyss. (don't expect any recording for a couple months!)

There's some vids on youtube if you don't know the piece. (ignore the ones on piano - BARF! )

[Philidor]

Originally Posted by spotty

Its one of Rameau's pieces that haunts me.

Me too. It always reminds me of Satie. I bet you can do it. Most people take it too fast imo, making it a show-off piece. It should be ethereal and mysterious - the birds shy and magical rather than shouty and flapping about. I've heard Pinnock play it absurdly fast - like chickens being chased by a fox.

This isn't bad, but still too fast, and his beat's soggy. It sounds fantastic on the lute...

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2mipAb4qKU"]YouTube - J. P. Rameau "Le rappel des oiseaux" / Luigi Chiarizia, harpsichord[/ame]

[The Sparrow]

Ya, I saw that clip. And I saw a few on piano that were scary fast. Whats the point?
These birds are calling to each other (in mating or challenge), not blabbing to each other as fast as possible!

Its an interesting piece - way ahead of its time IMO, almost 'Debussy' like. I'll really have to avoid the temptation to make it too 'Romantic' sounding.

[Despina41]

Pianists OFTEN play harpsichord music too fast. I always blame it on the colorlessness (yes, I mean that) of their instrument. The very pluck of the string is beautiful on the harpsichord -- what do you have on the piano? ... They don't know how to linger.

French harpsichord music sounds especially heinous on the piano. French composers would later figure out how to exploit the range of expression that the piano can achieve. But not in 1730. Leave that to the harpsichordists.

[The Sparrow]

I could not possibly agree more!

[Florestan]

Originally Posted by Philidor

Me too. It always reminds me of Satie. I bet you can do it. Most people take it too fast imo, making it a show-off piece.

That's exactly what people do with Satie as well.

Spotty - I hope that when you feel ready*, you'll make a video for us.

*Bearing in mind that you're about 100 times better than you think you are.

[The Sparrow]

We shall see!!!

[stephen w]

Originally Posted by spotty

Its one of Rameau's pieces that haunts me.
I've just started working on it. Learning it and being able to hit the right notes is within my ability I think. Making it come alive is another matter. Its time to test myself and see what I'm capable of (with my teachers willing guidance I hope)

Hows it going? Are you enjoying it?

[The Sparrow]

I've decided I'm not ready. My fundamentals aren't strong enough yet. So, its on hold - for now.

[Herzeleide]

Originally Posted by Despina41

I always blame it on the colorlessness (yes, I mean that) of their instrument.