Does anyone ever watch videos of classical pianists and just want to stop playing instruments?
I can't help but to compare myself.
Classical Pianists
-
- KVRAF
- 4716 posts since 25 Mar, 2006 from The city by the bay
In my youth when I heard some recording by a well-known pianist playing a work at a rather fast tempo, say like Martha Argerich's interpretation of this famous Chopin prelude:
it reinforced the notion that one is just not cut out for certain professions in the field of music.
That said, I recently saw a wonderful interview with Italian film composer Nora Orlandi, who grew up in a musical family, and having decided to get into some conservatory at the age of 12 or 13, went in and told the famous director of the place that she wanted to become a composer because she just couldn't see herself practicing on the piano for 12 hours a day.
Now that she was in her 80s, much older and wiser, she realized how ridiculously pretentious that was and still could remember the skeptical reaction of the poor director. But, although she never became a concert pianist she still had a wonderful music career as a pianist; leader of a famous vocal group; and writing the music for some well-known films by the likes of Sergio Martino.
it reinforced the notion that one is just not cut out for certain professions in the field of music.
That said, I recently saw a wonderful interview with Italian film composer Nora Orlandi, who grew up in a musical family, and having decided to get into some conservatory at the age of 12 or 13, went in and told the famous director of the place that she wanted to become a composer because she just couldn't see herself practicing on the piano for 12 hours a day.
Now that she was in her 80s, much older and wiser, she realized how ridiculously pretentious that was and still could remember the skeptical reaction of the poor director. But, although she never became a concert pianist she still had a wonderful music career as a pianist; leader of a famous vocal group; and writing the music for some well-known films by the likes of Sergio Martino.
-
- KVRAF
- 16813 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Singer: man, I wish I could rap like you.
Rapper: if I could sing like you, I had never started rapping.
Rapper: if I could sing like you, I had never started rapping.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
-
- KVRAF
- 11950 posts since 31 Aug, 2013 from Someplace else
There was someone who used to hang out at Harmony Central. He was young, and was starting to learn guitar. He had the money to experiment with various instruments, and second to last vid I saw of him, his guitar skills were beyond mine at this point. The last vid I saw of him was he playing Chopin on piano, I think. See, he'd told the people on HC that he'd been a classically trained pianist since he was young, but no one believed him. They'd call bullshit to his face, and there he was, perfect posture, a couple of flubs (he is mostly a guitarist now), but a great performance.
His dexterity and grasp of music is, what? mind-blowing? Demoralizing? Awe-inspiring? A challenge? To have your hands and feet all doing disparate things and doing it well, needs a natural aptitude and a hella lot of of work.
The weakness in concert pianists that I've talked to is simply a lack of improvisational skills. (N = 3, ha).
His dexterity and grasp of music is, what? mind-blowing? Demoralizing? Awe-inspiring? A challenge? To have your hands and feet all doing disparate things and doing it well, needs a natural aptitude and a hella lot of of work.
The weakness in concert pianists that I've talked to is simply a lack of improvisational skills. (N = 3, ha).
“The Generals sat, and the lines on the map, moved from side to side.”
― Pink Floyd
― Pink Floyd
-
- KVRer
- 2 posts since 26 Apr, 2023
I admire that sense of freedom to just let the music pour out of your soul that great pianists have.
As classically trained pianist, I also see what other pianists are able to do and feel so sub-par. Even though I was diligent about practicing, I still feel quite disappointed that I didn't spend more time and effort into reaching a certain level of playing. I feel like I could rattle off a list of things I don't like about my playing or how my skills feel inadequate.
However, it's not like that time totally went to waste. Growing up, I also spent my time on sports and other interests that have their own unique things to offer, so I have to remind myself that there are things I can do that someone I admire might not. Over the years I've developed a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none skill set... which I think can offer unique insights that honing a craft might not. Or maybe that's just copium.
As classically trained pianist, I also see what other pianists are able to do and feel so sub-par. Even though I was diligent about practicing, I still feel quite disappointed that I didn't spend more time and effort into reaching a certain level of playing. I feel like I could rattle off a list of things I don't like about my playing or how my skills feel inadequate.
However, it's not like that time totally went to waste. Growing up, I also spent my time on sports and other interests that have their own unique things to offer, so I have to remind myself that there are things I can do that someone I admire might not. Over the years I've developed a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none skill set... which I think can offer unique insights that honing a craft might not. Or maybe that's just copium.