Reviews for Mazurka in E minor (1:15)

[DavidOrr]

I loved the chordal structure

This sounded like it had a Beethoven influence to it also.

Here is where I think it could improve. Well for one, it sounded very midi, which, although does not effect the music in a structural way, detracted from the overall performance. Since you can play the piano well enough to play this without too much difficulty, I would suggest playing this and recording it on a real piano, or using a nicer VST to play it. That may be out of your control, however.

A Mazurka is a (polish) dance. I was pleased to hear that you accented the 2nd beat of each measure (I hear people accent the first beat when performing Mazurkas sometimes, which isn't correct). You have to keep in mind that Mazurkas are traditionally lively, though. I can't picture many people actually dancing to this, although I love the chordal structure of it. I suggest speeding the tempo up slightly, and rethinking your first section. Although I liked the tonal instability at the beginning, I don't think it is a good way to begin a Mazurka.

Listen to the Mazurka in Bb by Chopin for an example of a very lively Mazurka, but with a tonally unstable C section.

Remember, all of these are my own opinion and others may disagree with me. But if this was my piece, I would aim for a more 'traditional' (if that is what you would call it) Mazurka.

Very good work though, I am impressed by many aspects of this piece!

5/5

WinTang responds:

Thanks a lot! As I suspected, a very interesting review.

You're correct on the MIDI-ish sound, I need to spend more time on conceiling that next time... I can technically play this but the left hand provides quite a few difficulties for me, so I decided to try sequencing it in a natural way, which I learned a lot from.
I'm currently using the Edirol Grand Piano (and Hyper Canvas on the Notturno). I'll have the Garritan Jazz Orchestra soon, and according to Simon_F its Steinway is extremely nice, so hopefully that'll help.

Funnily enough, the rest of your remarks describe exactly what I was aiming for. I purposely limited the "dancability" to the middle part and give the natural liveliness of the pattern (dotted eighth, sixteenth, quarter, quarter) a desolate aftertaste.
In fact, only the fortissimo part with the heavy bass is really tonally stable :)

Which is not to say that all those choices were right. Your points were all very valid and will definitely be taken into consideration when I decide to make a new one.

Thanks again!

[sorohanro]

nice work

very nice,i would like to say something smart,but i am speachless.

WinTang responds:

This calls for a ^_^!

[pitbulljones]

i can't really comment on this

as i don't know the theory of music to talk about the techniques you are applyong here. But what i can tell you is there is a great balance between light and shade, just enough to keep me engaged. the phrasin to is good. though the second phrase sounded a bit off kilter before leading into the fast part (i can't remember the name for the life of me) anyways grat stuff yet again.

5/5

pitbulljones

btw when are you going to submit summat to my podcast eh? you should definately put something in.

WinTang responds:

Sure you can comment on it... I didn't make it solely for the musical experts :)
The funny thing is that the part you considered out of kilter (another word I had to look up btw... you're good for my English too!) is the real mazurka part hehe - which totally corresponds with what others have said.
Know that I appreciate your input just as much as Simon_F's, although he has a better look into the actual composition - the result matters and should be pleasing to anyone who gives a fuck about classical music.
So thanks a damn lot again!

[snoballandthmonyshot]

chopin with a hint of monk

really nice moments in this, some of the blue note scatyness meminded me of thelonius monk, were dubussy moments too. great stuff, i think some people have given technical pointers in other reviews, i couldnt comment, but theres enuf feeling and personality here to make technicalities seem moot
;ped

WinTang responds:

Dude, Monk?! Kickass!! Wow, that was an unexpected pleasure :)
Thanks for seeing through the technicalities my man, you're a valuable costumer!

[Nostrap]

loved it

I really enjoyed this song as well as all your other pieces. I wish I could give you some pointers but its obvious you know way more about music than I. So, I shall bid you farewell. Keep on keeping on.

WinTang responds:

Thanks - that was heartwarming :)