Arietta- Edvard Grieg- new version

I would say it is definitely better. This 'arietta' is a piece from Grieg's collection of lyric pieces and must be very cantabile. Now it seems to me that the right-hand voice comes out very well; on the other hand, I felt moments of indecision, perhaps you were more inclined to pay attention to the notes to avoid mistakes and were overlooking the most important thing. Now everything flows more naturally and the piece has lyrical connotations. It seems like an excellent interpretation to me, compliments!

Thanks Stefano, your comment is always very welcome. Most of the time I get anxious about publishing a piece even though I know that it is not quite ready. I must decide to take the time that is needed before publishing a piece; what for a true pianist is easy, for me becomes a small mountain to climb step by step before reaching the top.

P.s I have decided to start studying the Schumann piece op. 15 no. 1 that you recommended

Schumann's Kinderszenen are very lovely. There are several interpretations on YouTube; the one I like most is Horowitz's.

Are you referring to this one? I like it a lot too, I find it very sweet, a version that is almost whispered, I would say...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lihXS3GLw0

Open content (youtube)

no these from 40 years before !

Open content (youtube)

Yes, I also agree both regarding the compliments to Giovanni and regarding the opinion on Horowitz's interpretation.. he manages to re-present the theme with nuances that are always different and captivating....

Sorry Stefano! Can I ask you why you like the one from 40 years ago more? I prefer the other one...

Why it seems like a fresher interpretation to me, even if the second one is more artistically mature; in my opinion, the childhood scene is rendered better in the younger Horowitz.

I have listened to both versions several times.... they are both beautiful, it is difficult to say which one is the most beautiful; after all, Horowitz could afford any version he wanted.

I propose a pure one then... let's see what you think, Andreas is playing on an Erard I believe, I'm sure it's on YouTube if you can't find it tell me.

It is true that both versions by Horowitz are beautiful!

I am saying what comes to mind when hearing the comparison with Staier.... clearly a personal thought...

Staier restores to the piece what could have been an initial meaning given by Schumann... if I'm not mistaken, he initially thought of these pieces as "compositions for children," then he modified the concept to "reminiscences of childhood scenes."

If I think of them as scenes in which playfulness dominates, then I like Staier more because the choice of a decidedly more cheerful tempo highlights the circularity of the theme... as if one were witnessing a ride on a carousel unfolding in real time. Conversely, if they are reminiscences, Horowitz's choices are more evocative and faithful to the idea of a nostalgic memory of an adult.

Regardless of this, I very much appreciated the importance that Staier gives to the bass line!

I can't find the YouTube version by Andreas Staier.

Here it is

Open content (youtube)

To be honest, I don't like...

Undoubtedly a very original version, outside the usual patterns. If we were to see everything from a child's perspective, Staier's idea would be the right one. In any case, I also agree that these are reminiscences of an adult and should be played as such.

That being said, when I decide which piece to study, I go and listen to the versions by great pianists, not to copy this or that version, but to grasp its meaning (I almost never succeed) and subsequently make a version all my own.

The arietta is beautiful, Giovanni. I haven't listened to the first version and I won't listen to it. This one you performed is very balanced and full of fresh musicality! You don't exaggerate in anything, as the style of these delightful pieces requires. You sought out the most appropriate and tasteful colors without renouncing rhythmic rigor. Beautiful sound: Bravissimo!!!!

Thank you Paolo, knowing that you liked it is truly gratifying for me... thank you again.