Tag Archives: bach

“Steinway vs Baldwin: Which Concert Grand Sounds Best?”

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we’re diving into an exciting comparison of two renowned 9-foot concert grand pianos: the Steinway and the Baldwin. We have some exceptional instruments here for you to explore, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts in the comments section! If you want to hear a comparison between vintage and modern Steinway concert grands, click here!

Steinway Model D: A Timeless Classic

Let’s begin with a stunning 1916 Steinway Model D. This piano has been masterfully restored to concert condition and is a beautiful example of Steinway’s legendary craftsmanship. To give you a sense of its rich, resonant sound, I’ll play an excerpt from Chopin’s Ballade in G minor. Watch the video to hear the performances!

Baldwin SD-10: Modern Elegance

Next, we’ll move to the back showroom where we have two remarkable Baldwin concert grands. First, let’s hear the 1996 Baldwin SD-10, which is all original and has been barely played. We’ve prepared this piano thoroughly to showcase its distinctive sound. Listen to the same Chopin excerpt on this instrument to appreciate its unique tonal qualities.

Baldwin SD-6: A Vintage Gem

For our final comparison, we have a 1941 Baldwin SD-6 that has also been expertly rebuilt. This piano provides yet another fascinating sound profile. I’ll play the same musical excerpt to highlight its individual character.

Share Your Thoughts!

Each piano offers its own unique voice and tonal differences. I’m interested in hearing which one resonates with you the most. Please leave your impressions and preferences in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!

For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin

Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com

What Happens to Child Prodigies When They Grow Up?

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today I’m going to address an important and thought-provoking viewer question regarding young musical prodigies. This inquiry delves into the future of these exceptionally talented children and the challenges they may face as they grow older. Let’s explore this topic in depth.

The Dilemma of Child Prodigies

Recently, a viewer asked about the long-term outcomes for children who display extraordinary musical talent at a young age. Specifically, they questioned what happens to these prodigies when they do not pursue a career as professional musicians. Their concern stemmed from a personal experience where a talented young musician, once on track to join an orchestra, abandoned music entirely. This raises a poignant question: what becomes of these highly skilled children who may not continue in the field?

The Harsh Reality of a Musical Career

The music world is highly competitive. Many musicians graduate from prestigious conservatories worldwide, all aspiring to secure a spot as a professional performer. Unfortunately, the number of available positions does not match the number of qualified candidates. A study of Juilliard graduates found that 80% were not pursuing a career in music a decade after graduation. This underscores the intense challenge of sustaining a career solely as a performer. However, not all is lost.

Alternative Paths in Music

Many musicians find creative ways to incorporate their skills into alternative career paths. This might include teaching, accompanying, composing for various media, or performing in different settings. The key is adaptability and innovation. Some may even explore new forms of artistic expression, combining music with technology, multimedia, or other art forms to create unique experiences.

The Impact of Early Training

The experience of child prodigies can vary greatly. Some may thrive and continue to pursue music passionately throughout their lives, while others may struggle with the pressures and expectations placed upon them. For instance, my former teacher, Ruth Slenczynska, a renowned child prodigy, initially stepped away from music due to a challenging childhood before eventually returning to her career. This highlights how personal experiences and pressures can influence one’s relationship with music.

Embracing Individual Journeys

Ultimately, whether a child prodigy continues in music or chooses a different path is a personal decision. A nurturing environment can foster a lifelong passion for music, but even with such support, individuals must decide for themselves how they wish to incorporate their musical talent into their lives.

Feel free to share your own experiences or thoughts on this topic in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! It’s a fascinating subject with many layers to explore. I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!

For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin

Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com

Vintage VS Modern Steinway Concert Grands

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we have a fascinating comparison for you. We’ll be comparing a vintage Steinway concert grand to a 2000’s model to highlight the differences between them. Our demonstration will feature two excerpts from Chopin Nocturnes to showcase each instrument’s unique qualities.

Modern Steinway Concert Grand

First, we’ll listen to a 2004 Steinway concert grand, which remains in its original, barely used condition. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s F-sharp Nocturne. Pay attention to the tonal characteristics and how they resonate with you. Watch the video to hear these two wonderful instruments!

Vintage Steinway Concert Grand

Next, we’ll turn to a 1916 Steinway concert grand, which has been meticulously rebuilt and restored with its original soundboard. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s B-flat minor Nocturne on this vintage instrument. Listen closely to the tonal differences and see which piano appeals to you more.

The Distinctive Nature of Steinway Pianos

It’s worth noting that every Steinway concert grand is unique. Each piano is hand-built, and there are variations in the woods used—since no two trees are identical—contribute to the distinct sound of each instrument. The individual craftsmanship results in noticeable differences between pianos. There is also a general charactaristic of sound to older compared to newer Steinways. What do you think about these pianos? Do you hear any distinct differences between vintage and modern Steinways? Let us know in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, your online piano store. Thanks for joining me!

For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel at www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin

If you’re interested in private lessons or have any questions, feel free to contact me at Robert@LivingPianos.com. I have many resources available for you!

Did Bach Play the Piano?


Hello, I’m Robert Estrin from LivingPianos.com,Your Online Piano Store. Today, let’s explore an intriguing question: Did Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers in history, play the piano?

Bach and the Piano: Historical Context

Johann Sebastian Bach was born in 1685. At that time, the modern piano as we know it did not yet exist. Bach lived in Germany and traveled very little, so he was unlikely to have encountered a piano during his lifetime. Bach didn’t compose any music specifically for the piano. His keyboard compositions were written for clavier (which means, “keyboard”), with the exception of his organ music, which was written for the pipe organ—a fully developed instrument of his era. Bach’s favorite keyboard instrument was the clavichord, known for its expressive capabilities, though it was not suited for public performances due to its quiet sound. Consequently, the harpsichord was the more popular instrument of the time for public concerts, including performances of works like the Brandenburg Concertos and his two-part inventions, as well as countless other works.

Early Pianos and Bach’s Impressions

The fortepiano, an early version of the modern piano, was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy. This instrument could play both loud and soft, unlike the harpsichord. At the time Bach encountered a fortepiano built by Gottfried Silbermann, the instrument was still in its early stages of development. Bach had mixed feelings about this early fortepiano, particularly criticizing its upper register. He recognized its potential, but he was not particularly impressed by its sound.

Bach’s Legacy with the Piano

Had Bach experienced a modern piano or even a later model from the 19th century, he would have been thrilled with its expressive capabilities and tonal richness. Despite his limited exposure to the early fortepianos, Bach’s keyboard music continues to be a cornerstone of piano repertoire. His compositions, such as the Italian Concerto, the Two-Part Inventions, the Well Tempered Clavier, the French and English Suites, and the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, are played frequently on the piano today. So while Bach did not play the modern piano, he would have undoubtedly appreciated its capabilities if he had. And his music remains a fundamental part of the piano repertoire, demonstrating the timeless appeal and adaptability of his compositions. Thanks again for joining me, Robert Estrin, here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store.

3 German Pianos VS Steinway

Welcome to a special edition of Living Pianos. I’m Robert Estrin, and today, we’re comparing three exceptional German pianos with Steinway. As many of you know, Steinway was founded by German immigrants in New York City and later established a factory in Hamburg. However, most Steinways you encounter in North America are produced in the New York factory, while the Hamburg facility primarily serves Asia and Europe.

A Look at German Excellence

In this video, we’ll explore three top-tier German pianos: Bechstein, Blüthner, and Grotrian-Steinweg. Each of these prestigious brands has a long history, dating back to the 1800s, and is renowned for their superb craftsmanship. I’ll be playing excerpts of Chopin on each of these pianos as well as a Steinway, so you can hear the distinct sounds and qualities of these instruments for yourself.

Bechstein: A Pure Tone

Let’s begin with Bechstein. Listen to the clarity and focus in the beginning of Chopin’s B-flat minor Scherzo. The Bechstein offers a purity of tone that’s truly remarkable.

Blüthner: A Unique Sound

Next, we have the Blüthner. Known for its unique and indescribable sound, the Blüthner will give you a fresh perspective on piano tone. Let’s hear Chopin’s F-sharp Nocturne on this piano and experience the distinct quality of its sound.

Grotrian-Steinweg: A Heritage of Excellence

Grotrian-Steinweg, originally part of the Steinway family, has been crafting exceptional pianos in Germany since the mid-1800s. Listen to a portion of Chopin’s A-flat Ballade on the Grotrian-Steinweg and discover its rich, nuanced sound.

Steinway: The Benchmark

Finally, we’ll compare these German pianos to a Steinway, specifically a model B, which is just under seven feet. Hear Chopin’s Military Polonaise on this Steinway and see how it stands up to the German pianos.

I’d love to hear your impressions of these four instruments. Do you have a favorite? Are there aspects of one piano that you prefer over the others? Do you think some of these pianos are better suited to particular types of music or players? Share your thoughts in the comments!

I am Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me! For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel at www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin. Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com.
Share Your Thoughts!

How to Play Burgmuller’s “The Farewell”

Introduction

Welcome to LivingPianos.com. I’m Robert Estrin, and today I am excited to share one of my favorite pieces to teach: “The Farewell” by Burgmuller. This piece is part of a collection I have previously covered in detail. You can find the links in the video description if you want to explore more of Burgmuller’s works.

Performance and Breakdown

Before diving into the tutorial, I will perform the piece to give you an idea of what it sounds like. “The Farewell” is a beautiful piece that doesn’t require a virtuoso technique, making it great for many players.

Detailed Tutorial

Introduction Section

The first measures are distinct, featuring a warm, melancholy tone that transitions into rousing triplets. The key to this section is to play extremely legato, especially on repeated notes by changing fingers.

Right-Hand Technique

Pay attention to the rise and fall of the phrase, which mimics natural speech patterns. This brings life to your music. Change fingers to maintain legato, especially on repeated notes. One finger should rise as the other descends, with no arm or hand movement to achieve a smooth legato.

Practice Tips

-Use a metronome to find a secure tempo, even if it’s slow.
-Raise previously played fingers high enough to avoid overlapping notes.
-Focus on accents, slurs, and crescendos from the beginning.
-Reduce complex passages to chords for easier learning.

Memorization

I recommend memorizing the piece early in the learning process. This approach saves time and ensures accuracy from the start. Refer to my videos on memorization methods linked in the description.

Key Changes and Sections

The piece follows an A-B-A form with an introduction and a coda. The middle section shifts to C major, with triplets in the left hand instead of the right. Practice each section methodically using metronome speeds. You can also use techniques like accents, rhythms, and note groupings to build fluency.

Middle Section

Focus on maintaining balance between the melody in the right hand and the accompaniment in the left hand. Use the weight of the arm in the right hand to get the melody to break through, while using minimal finger motion in the left hand to avoid overpowering the melody. By using the weight of the arm, you get the power you need to bring the melody to the front, and you can achieve a flowing line that rises and falls.

Coda

The coda features new material, distinct from the previous sections. Practice legato thirds in the left hand and ensure smooth transitions.

Final Tips

-Use the wrist for forte dynamics and decrescendos.
-Practice small sections with metronome speeds.
-Employ different techniques to ensure evenness and fluency.

I hope you find these tips helpful in learning “The Farewell” by Burgmuller. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments.

I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me! For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin. Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com.