Drama and the greatest possible contrast within the same thematic ideas can begin to express the first movmemnt of the Op. 13 C minor sonata of 1789. It is my understanding that Beethoven even approved of the Pathétique title, something … Continue reading
I have recently taken on several adult learners this year. The principal differences between an adult learner and a child beginner is the fear of making mistakes – not wanting to look silly in front of the teacher and an … Continue reading
This work is big! Can a fortepiano of the day do it justice? A relatively modern instrument struggles at points with this although a modern grand would probably be more convincing of the score with its dynamic range and dense … Continue reading
This work is a real joy to play although pretty challenging. I began work on this sonata late 2018 and this performance is from May 2019. The whole sonata feels like a concerto but without orchestra. The piano taking on … Continue reading
I am delighted with the new piano. With the help of seven priceless volunteers it was transported up the M6. This is my new practice and tuition instrument a Broadwood upright piano from 1935 which I believe plays wonderfully well … Continue reading
One of the most challenging aspects of being a self-motivated self-employed musician (though I’m sure it applies to other professions) is finding time to work on your skills and keeping the love of the art. Recently I have rediscovered the … Continue reading
The majority of the last week I have devoted a lot of my free time to composing for a production of Macbeth at one of the local Universities. Rewinding a few months back: the initial brief contained some musical inspiration … Continue reading
As I sat listening for parts of tonight’s rehearsal with the Fron Choir, which had to be held in an alternative venue from the normal made me consider the importance of occasionally rehearsing in different venues. It was clear tonight … Continue reading
So often I have been composing music or writing arrangements of existing music but not presenting them to the world – they just sit on my computer. Some of these I have felt quite proud of at the time of … Continue reading
