Brahms Waltzes Community Challenge - General Discussion Thread!

Hey everyone! 👋 Looking for a place to chat with fellow participants about things that don't belong in the main updates thread or the rules thread?   

 

  • Perhaps you have a pianistic question inspired by the challenge?
  • Want to chat about general topics of piano technique, practice tips, etc.?
  • Or just looking to chat with fellow challenge participants about music?

 

This is what this thread is for 😊


Feel free to discuss anything about this challenge that doesn't fit in any of the other threads. You are also welcome to start your own thread, if you prefer!

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  • So happy for the November Brahms challenge! My favorite composer!

    Like 3
    • Darrell Great to hear! He is also one of my TOP composers :)

      Like
    • Monika Tusnady
    • The Retired French Teacher
    • Monikainfrance
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    I have been working on these waltzes, hoping to have them ready by Christmas. This challenge is a gift, an opportunity to share them with the group and to feel generally more accountable about practicing. Like Sindre, I will play the original version: though I found it very difficult to learn, I just love the physicality and BIGNESS of it. Besides, I was unaware of the existence of an alternative version. Yes - let the dancing begin!

    Like 2
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Monika Tusnady   Where can I find the alternative version?  The one I have doesn’t have any sharps for #6, but I thought it was supposed to be in C#?  (I’m always late to the party…just got back from 3 weeks away from the piano.  Uh oh.)

      Like 1
      • Monika Tusnady
      • The Retired French Teacher
      • Monikainfrance
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Gail Starr We can look at this set waltzes in several ways; I might suggest that the version many of us are playing here is the alternative version. Have a peek at the Brahms original, if you’re so inclined: more notes, more accidentals, and a lot more exercise! 

      Like 2
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Monika Tusnady Is the original in IMSLP?  I’ll definitely check it out!  

       

      I’m super busy this week and next because I am playing in a house-concert with a violinist (with about 40 minutes of music!).  

       

      The concert is being offered as part of an evening to raise funds for a non-profit here in Florida, so I feel like it is OK to take a break from Tonebase to help my local community.

      Like 1
      • Monika Tusnady
      • The Retired French Teacher
      • Monikainfrance
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Gail Starr I have the Henle Edition. What is IMSLP? 

      Like 1
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Monika Tusnady IMSLP is the online library of free classical music scores.

       

       It is also an app.

       

       I think I pay $20 a year to access it, and they have EVERYTHING.  


      Never the really lovely editions like Henle, though, but enough to look at a piece to see if you want to invest in buying the Henle!

      Like 1
      • Monika Tusnady
      • The Retired French Teacher
      • Monikainfrance
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Gail Starr Thanks for that!

      Like 1
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Monika Tusnady I’m sure you will enjoy using it!

      Like 1
    • Monika Tusnady Gail Starr

       

      Yes there are two versions of the Waltzes op.39! The original is much harder than the alternate version. I decided to use the easier alternate version for the challenge because I wanted as many people of all levels to be involved!

       

      IMSLP.org is a free site. You can download so many things. If you pay, you can bypass the 15 second waiting period when downloading!

       

      Here are the two different scores:

       

      Original version of Brahms op.39

      https://imslp.hk/files/imglnks/euimg/c/cb/IMSLP602553-PMLP6507-Brahms_Taenze_URTEXT_I_(etc).pdf

       

      The alternate, easier version of Brahms op.39 (and what I suggest for the challenge for most people!)

      https://piano-community.tonebase.co/media/download/801b77/IMSLP84176-PMLP06507-Brahms_Werke_Band_14_Breitkopf_JB_61a_Op_39_scan.pdf

      Like 1
    • Aline Valade
    • Artist
    • Aline_Valade
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi Dominic, I will like to know if you will make a live on how to play Bramhs. waltz like you did for Beethoven variations. I know that you like to let us discoverd how to play the pieces, and I understand that...but I like when you show us how you see the way to play ...I like the way you bring us to understand the sound, the expression in each piece. 

     

    I have a question about the number 1 waltz....I found the left hand strange to hear...is it normal ? I don't feel it...Is it a part of the challenge of that piece to pass by that feeling ? Do we have to put the tempo on the first note or on the second one? 

     

    And, the two last mesures of the first part...there is a X front of the C...what is that mean ? I have to play the C, 1/2 ton over ? Is it right ? 

    Like 2
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Aline Valade Hi Aline!  I think the little X you see in the last 2 measures is supposed to be a « double » sharp.  So, it takes the C, which in this key is a C# and adding the « X » then makes it a D.  (J’espère que j’ai raison.  Sinon, quelqu’un me corrigera.)

      Like 2
      • Aline Valade
      • Artist
      • Aline_Valade
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Gail Starr Hi Gail! Thank you for the return! Yes, it's a double sharp! 

      Like 2
      • Gail Starr
      • Retired MBA
      • Gail_Starr
      • 2 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Aline Valade It DOES look a bit funny, though, doesn’t it?

      Like 1
    • Aline Valade Yes! Gail Starr  is totally correct about the "X" being a double sharp in front of the C!

       

      And also, THIS Saturday is when I will be having a livestream on the waltzes! At 11am PT. Link below!

       

      https://piano-community.tonebase.co/t/h7hgdrc

      Like
    • StacyA
    • StacyA
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    I have a question for those working on #15 or anyone general:  What is your approach to playing the staccato rolled intervals in the left hand?  Mine are coming out either too stiff or I wind up over emphasizing one of the notes!  Any suggestions?

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