After being obsessed with this piece for quite some time, I finally took the time to learn it. I have to admit, Schubert was not often on my radar in the beginning of my musical journey. Like many people, I was drawn to the joyful pieces of Mozart, the brooding, intense pieces of Beethoven, and the intricate, understated, yet at the same time awe-inspiring pieces of Bach. I wrote in an earlier post, that when I discovered Schubert’s “Der Leiermann” from his Winterreise song cycle, it left a lasting impression—by which I mean I cried nonstop for probably hours. There is a transcendent compassion I feel from some of Schubert’s pieces, such as this Impromptu, that offers love and acceptance as we go through the trials of life, limited as we are by our essence and environment. (Others have phrased it better than me, calling it “empathy for the human condition”.) Horowitz’s version is perfection, and I hope I was able to communicate a fraction of the piece’s greatness in my performance.
Allemande from French Suite No. 1 in D Minor (French Suites)
Last updated April 3, 2025
I made some incremental improvements from the previous recording: marginally more pronounced dynamics, smoother trills, and better familiarity with the piece. Basically, I think I need to keep practicing slightly past the point of boredom, and then the piece can be considered ready. I am clearly very into Allemandes in general, and this one may be my favourite from the French Suites.
I am experimenting a bit with rubato for the harpsichord version (with Baroque tuning and Werckmeister temperament) to accentuate the natural flow of the music.
Swan Lake with the National Ballet
Last updated March 12, 2025
I caught another Tirion Law performance, this time of Swan Lake. The National Ballet really has gorgeous costumes and staging. My absolute favourite part was the first half of the Pas de six - Variation II (Andante con moto), danced as a Pas de deux. I wish I had a recording from the performance, the orchestra took a slower than usual tempo and made it heartbreakingly tender. The first time I listened to this ballet suite was when I gained an appreciation for the beauty of the oboe. A close second would be the virtuosic Russian Dance, it reminds me a lot of a Paganini Caprice actually.
Sinfonia 13 in A Minor (Inventions and Sinfonias)
Last updated January 2, 2025
I am starting the new year with a cute little piece to get back into regular practicing.
Here is the customary harpsichord version in Baroque tuning and Werckmeister temperament.