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It's all about the music, dude! Sit down, relax and listen to some tunes.

RE: I agree - hope I didn't imply otherwise [nt]

Scott -- I feel a little guilty for starting the thread down this path, so I'll try to give an example of what I was talking about, anyway. You've heard of Yuja Wang. Well, their is a youtube video of her playing the Chopin Waltz op. 64 no.2 in 2006, and then another one playing that same Waltz in 2012.

Notice how the 2006 version is good, but the 2012 version is that much better, with more sensitive phrasing and intelligent use of rubato? That is an example of how a pianist with great technique (not that this piece is the world's greatest challenge strictly from a technical point of view -- I've played it, haven't you?) matures in adulthood and begins to get closer to the heart of great music, though she could probably play all the notes at lightening speed by the age of six.

Now compare her 2012 version with that of Russian pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, also on youtube. He has good technique too. Also, he has a similar approach to the piece as Yuja, with more exaggerated rubato than a lot of today's pianists use. But his is playing on a yet higher level. Notice how the coda ethereally floats away. And there is pulse and liveliness throughout, never dirge-like dragging, though it clocks in at only about 10 seconds faster than Yuja's. This Rachmaninoff guy should probably do more piano playing.

Again, this piece is not a technical Mt. Everest. Just about any intermediate piano student has played it. But there is playing it, and then there is playing it. If you do not agree or understand, I can ony refer to Louis Armstrong's response when asked, "What is jazz?"

If you have to ask, you'll never know.


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