springgrass 

Up here [pointing my own head], I'm already dancing.

springgrass I would expect nothing less than brilliante from Yihan!

Peter Golemme hahaha

springgrass As always, I look forward to hearing Yihan play!

Just to confirm I will play the Schubert Impromptu op 142 no 4 (skipping the repeat) - also noted that it's 6pm UK time this time (instead of the usual 7pm) so I won't be late!

Priya Viseskul looking forward to it Priya!

Priya Viseskul oooh! Beautiful piece. Looking forward to hearing your interpretation of it.

Astrida This sounds SO interesting Astrida.  I know nothing about this composer. Can't wait to hear it! 

I’m not sure I will be able to submit anything this time. I was so awful in my last lesson, after which I wanted not only to apologize to my teacher for EVER taking his time, but also to sell my piano. The piece does not sound well under tempo and I’m not sure I can get it right in the time left. Perhaps I’ll aim for the next concert, if I can regain my footing.

Astrida Oh no - don't lose heart! Maybe take a week or two away from this piece and see if you still want to pursue it? and it's ok if the piece is not for you at this time; you can always come back to it later :)

Priya Viseskul thank you, dear Priya! Taking time away from the piece is indeed a good idea in this case. Sometimes it’s just difficult to see the timely indicators for that route when trying to push harder and occasionally despairing. I realize I was too much locked-in on this music lately.

Astrida Hi Astrida, I tend to find that self-criticism is the least accurate indicator of how a piece is going.  I'm going through the same process with my pieces, most of which are still in various states of unreadiness. I've not heard anyone on this platform ever say "my performance was great!"  (or even some more modest equivalent of that), notwithstanding that many listeners responded very positively to it.  The closest i've come myself is when I once stated something like "it went pretty well, considering ..." 

One reason I enjoy the Community Concerts so much is because I'm fascinated with how the music speaks through each of us and through all the self-declared imperfections in our performances.  I hear that in just about every single performance, without regard to level of player or number of wrong notes, etc.

So take heart as Priya said. Maybe you're ready to play it Saturday, maybe not, that's your call, but I hope you won't deprive us forever of the opportunity to hear the music speak through you!

Peter Golemme  Thank you so much, Peter — your words really meant a lot. You’re absolutely right about self-criticism, and about the importance of sharing music — that’s what makes this community so special.
Thank you again for your support! I’m really looking forward to our concert and all the beautiful music we’ll share.

Astrida I don’t have much to add to what our friends have said already, other than that I have often been in that mental and emotional space you’re so vividly depicting after a lesson or a recital. I think we all are convinced that your playing was not nearly as bad as you think it was; that said, one wonderful advantage of these Community Concerts - as opposed to, say, a Carnegie Hall debut - is that you can bow out at the last minute without any problems or repercussions if you don’t feel ready to give a good and satisfying performance. And, goodness knows, I myself have taken advantage of that option many times. Looking forward to hearing you play this piece in the future! 

Astrida I can definitely relate to that. The last few days, I have been playing horribly and I have tried to persevere. I agree with Priya that you should take 1 or 2 weeks off that piece and work on something else.

Alexander Weymann Thank you very much! A good parallel with Carnegie Hall 😉 I guess it’s also about keeping perfectionism in check. I will go with the flow and keep the piece alive. If stars align, maybe the remaining days will bring some change, if not, I promise to play it some time later. 

Maria , thank you! Indeed, I will! It might be time to return to the base and, for a while, play some stuff I’m more used to.

Astrida In order to learn and improve, we have to allow ourselves to be vulnerable in lesson. Unfortunately, this can sometimes cause us to feel as you have described! This shows how much you care, which (though painful) is what can lead you toward greatness. Greatness in feeling deeply and allowing that depth of feeling to shine through in your playing. I look forward to hearing this piece whenever you feel ready to share it. 

Dominic Cheli Thank you, Dominic! I’ll be just listening this time. I took a break from the piece this week for good. Next time!

Michelle R thank you, Michelle! 🫶