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!
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Darrell Great to hear! He is also one of my TOP composers :)
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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!
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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.)
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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!
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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.
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Gail Starr I have the Henle Edition. What is IMSLP?
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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! -
Gail Starr Thanks for that!
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Monika Tusnady I’m sure you will enjoy using it!
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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!)
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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 ?
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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.)
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Gail Starr Hi Gail! Thank you for the return! Yes, it's a double sharp!
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Aline Valade It DOES look a bit funny, though, doesn’t it?
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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!
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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?
