What are you listening to?

[PianistSk8er]

Listening to Cziffra play Chopin's Grand rondeau de concert in F Major, Op. 14 (Krakowiak).

[PJF]

I'm about to start watching his 1978 performance of (Zubin Mehta conducting) Rach's 3rd concerto.

Many years ago, this was the first recording I heard of this concerto, and it remains one of my favourites today... despite the wrong notes!

Here's a perfect example: Trout Quintet with The Fab 5

Wow, they all look so young! What a great group of musicians...

I wish you a full and speedy recovery!

It's my favorite Rach 3, too. The slips can be forgiven for many reasons. It was live, Horowitz was Rachmaninoff's friend, just watching Mehta's concentration is entertainment enough. All that and it was a great performance.

When I first saw the Youtube video of "Trout", I didn't recognize the performers! I did a double-take when I realized who was playing!

Thanks Nico; my back is healing very nicely. I had the surgery a month ago, to repair that ruptured disc; I'm already up to walking a mile every other day. The physical rehab in the pool is speeding the recovery, I'm sure. Alas, I'll never run again. (This from a (formerly) avid runner.) I could get all bent out of shape and depressed over it, but I don't think that would accomplish anything!

My doctors said I should choose (in a few months) one of the two: occasional light jogging (1 or 2 miles) or about 2hrs a day at the piano. Doing both is murder on the spine, or so I'm told. Which do you think I chose?

[PianistSk8er]

Leonid Kogan playing Sarasate Carmen Fantasy and Tchaick violin concerto.

Ever heard of him? He's got all the fury of Heifetz, but with a heck of a lot more emotion. I can't stop listening to his recordings. He's unbelievable...

PS

[PianistSk8er]

By the way, how is your back healing up, PJF?

[PJF]

By the way, how is your back healing up, PJF?

How nice of you to ask!

I've healed very well; better than my doctor thought possible. Going on four months post-surgery, I've resumed a normal routine without any discomfort whatsoever. Running and swimming are gone from my life; that took a while to come to grips with (you could've called me a "devout" runner/swimmer). There was a period of deep depression, but that is gone, thank God. Walking is filling the void as best it can; on my longest walks, I now go up to 10 miles (16K) without undue discomfort, a far cry from the 400m I could barely (and painfully) hobble a few months ago. The other thing I can't do is sit at a computer desk; that makes it hurt. But there's ways around that.

I've also resumed a normal piano practice routine!
I was sooooo out of practice!!!!! It was scary.

It won't be too long before you hear some music from me.

[Drummer06]

I am currently listening to Yann Tierson. He music is unlike anything that I have ever heard before! I love it!

[PianistSk8er]

I am currently listening to Yann Tierson. He music is unlike anything that I have ever heard before! I love it!

Never heard of him. What kind of music is it?

I've healed very well; better than my doctor thought possible. Going on four months post-surgery, I've resumed a normal routine without any discomfort whatsoever. Running and swimming are gone from my life; that took a while to come to grips with (you could've called me a "devout" runner/swimmer). There was a period of deep depression, but that is gone, thank God. Walking is filling the void as best it can; on my longest walks, I now go up to 10 miles (16K) without undue discomfort, a far cry from the 400m I could barely (and painfully) hobble a few months ago. The other thing I can't do is sit at a computer desk; that makes it hurt. But there's ways around that.

I've also resumed a normal piano practice routine!
I was sooooo out of practice!!!!! It was scary.

It won't be too long before you hear some music from me.

Good to hear things are improving. Very much looking forward to some recordings!

[Drummer06]

Never heard of him. What kind of music is it?

This can explain Tiersen and his music alot better than I can.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yann_tiersen

[PianistSk8er]

Listening to Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé, Berlin Phil under Karajan.

Also, Ravel's Bolero.

[Drummer06]

I am currently listening to The Chopin Nocturnes, performed by the great Pollini. Awesome stuff.

[PianistSk8er]

Currently listening to Rattle conduct the Berlin Phil, playing Schoenberg's orchestration of Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1. Awesome piece!