Interesting version of Mozart's sonata...

FMiguelez · Post by **FMiguelez** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:34 am

I just heard this by Yuja Wang, and I think it's quite an interesting take on Mozart's famous sonata movement, played by this BRILLIANT pianist (the video is a slightly off sync with the music):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7izUG6 ... B&index=63

I like some Mozart pieces, but I always thought Scarlatti's piano music was infinitely more interesting. Granted. Chronologically he belonged more to the Baroque period, but he crossed over to the Classical with ease, so his later pieces are comparable to Mozart's.

For instance, listen to this Domenico's beautiful piece:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8UXXNL ... 93334901CB

What do you guys think?
And what would Mozart think about this virtuosistic version?

FMiguelez · Post by **FMiguelez** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 1:19 am

On second thought, perhaps I was a bit too harsh about Mozart. His 4-hand piano sonatas are lovely. I used to play this one with my piano teacher in my teens:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URj9NoUDD08

(I think Martha and that kid take it a little too fast for my taste, but still nice). My favourite versions of these sonatas were by Jörg Demus and Paul Badura-Skoda.

MIDI Life Crisis · Post by **MIDI Life Crisis** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 5:42 am

I like it but it's no longer Mozart. It's her variation on a theme of WAM. I prefer the original but Mozart himself would,take great liberties with his music.

When i improv on WAM or other composers i try to stay closer to the style of the period than the referenced video. I should upload some of my versions for your critiques.

Phil O · Post by **Phil O** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:22 am

I prefer the original too, but DAMN, she does play her ass off!

Phil

stubbsonic · Post by **stubbsonic** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:55 am

That was a amazing. The arrangement was so clever and innovative.

The thing is, that treatments like that are so effective when you have a very familiar piece like that. Your ear hears the those themes popping up everywhere and overlapping in new ways. It is a refreshing tribute.

stubbsonic · Post by **stubbsonic** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:24 am

I've always loved that Ravel piece, "La Valse" - which has so much incredible range of both delicacy and bolt-shearing power. Her piano performance of it sounds like a huge orchestra. Astounding.

cuttime · Post by **cuttime** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 10:38 am

Much better version of the K.455

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIAk61xEZ80

FM-just admit it. It's okay. You've got a crush!

FMiguelez · Post by **FMiguelez** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:09 am

MIDI Life Crisis wrote: When i improv on WAM or other composers i try to stay closer to the style of the period than the referenced video. I should upload some of my versions for your critiques.

Please do, Mike.
I´d LOVE to see/listen to your improvs!

Phil O wrote:...but DAMN, she does play her ass off!

Isn't she amazing and dazzling?

Phil, if you like Yuja Wang, PLEASE listen to this performance.
I think it's one of her best! And that piece is one of the monuments of western music. A master piece played by a master (and beautiful) young pianist.
I love the way she plays those "cascades" at 01:43. Such clarity! She really plays this piece fiercely and brilliantly.
Another highlight happens at 3:25... Wow. The way she feels the music is stunning. I get goose bumps every time I listen to that part.

stubbsonic wrote:That was a amazing. The arrangement was so clever and innovative.

Totally agreed. I love how the main theme is revisited in the left hand right over the C section of the piece.

cuttime wrote:Much better version of the K.455

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIAk61xEZ80

Yes! The video is so much better there.
Is that a different performance? It looks like she's wearing a different hairdo, but she's wearing the same dress...
Lovely, indeed.

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