Sunday, March 17, 2024

🎵 Notes from March 16 2024 meetup

We had another excellent session at 10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios, including new or rarely played composers and both Schumanns.  A number of pieces were performed from memory, and this brought up a discussion where we generally agreed that while this is nice to do if you can, the pieces will unfortunately fade if not maintained!  We welcomed Yoonha to our group. 

Here’s what was played:
  • Gregory: Prelude in D #4 of 6 Short Preludes, by J. S. Bach; Von Fremden Landern und Menschen, by R. Schumann; Waltz in A flat op. 39 #15, by J. Brahms
  • Grace: Life on Mars, by David Bowie arr. by  R. Wakeman
  • David R: Mazurka in A minor Op. 68 #2, by F. Chopin
  • Perry: Nocturne Op. 48 #1, by F. Chopin
  • Mary Lou: Impromptu in G flat, by F. Schubert
  • Karin and Dave A. (duet): I’ll Wait for You, by Martha Meir
  • Wesley: Milonga del Angèl, by Astor Piazzola
  • Yoonha: Piano Sonata #7 K309, by W. A. Mozart
  • Natalie: Piano Sonata Op. 28 1st mov, by L. V. Beethoven
  • Gregory: Serenade, by Franz Schubert
  • Dave A: Hymn to Freedom, by Oscar Peterson
  • Wesley: Pink, by Robert Starer
  • David R: 1ere Gymnopédie, by Erik Satie
  • Mary Lou: Rondo in A minor, by W. A. Mozart
  • Karin: Romance Op. 11 #1 (part), by Clara Schumann
  • Grace: Asturias (Leyenda), by I. Albeniz
  • Natalie: Piano Sonata Op. 28 2nd mov, by L. V. Beethoven

Monday, March 4, 2024

🎵 Notes from March 3 2024 meetup

The session at Anne-Marie's was most enjoyable, on a vintage Steinway. 

Here's what was played:
  • Karin: Vocalise (short version), by S. Rachmanoff
  • Mary Lou: Dances 1 & 2 Op. 2, by Alberto Ginastera, prefaced by poem The Instrument by Robert Winner
  • Natalie: Granada from Suite Espanola, by I. Albeniz
  • Anne-Marie: Pathetique Sonata 2nd mov., by L. V. Beethoven
  • David R: Prelude in E minor and Mazurka in F major, by F. Chopin
  • Christopher: Temple White, by L. Einaudi
  • Nick: Sonata #2, by F. J. Haydn
  • Jean-Claude: Once Upon a Time Op. 72 #1, by E. Grieg
  • Françoise: Moonrise, by Michele McLaughlin
  • Karin: Romance Op. 11 #1 (part), by Clara Schumann
  • Mary Lou: Impromptu in G flat major Op. 90 #3, by F. Schubert
  • Natalie: Sonata Op. 28 1st mov. (part), by L. V. Beethoven
  • Anne-Marie: Intermezzo Op. 118 #2, by J. Brahms
  • Jean-Claude: Pièce Romantique Op. 9 #1, by Cecile Chaminade
  • David: Largo from New World Symphony, by A. Dvorak
  • Françoise: Departure (Lullaby), by Max Richter
  • Christopher: Homebound, by Ola Gejeillo
  • Nick: Sonata #3, by F. J. Haydn


Mary Lou sent this information which is of general interest as it is also a playing opportunity:
“The Conservatoire de Musique de Gatineau (430 Alexandre-Taché Blvd) is hosting its Annual Festival de Piano from Friday, March 22 through Sunday March 24th. The concert programs for Friday and Saturday nights are still being finalized, but the artists will include the classical/jazz fusion artist Matt Herskowitz, along with Quebec pianists Jeanne Amiele Lusignan, and Carmen Picard. There's also an open invitation to play in the "Concert of 100 Pianists" on Sunday, where pianists of every age and level get a chance to play a piece on the wonderful Steinway Concert Grand (individually, of course)! ”

Sunday, February 18, 2024

🎵 Notes from February 17 2024 meetup

We had an excellent session at Jennifer Messer’s 10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios and received a very warm welcome from manager Mackenzie. The main performance area has room for 65, so we could almost accommodate the entire group!  In addition to many of the classics, we had some ballet/opera transcriptions (no singing unfortunately) and several more recent works. 

Here’s what was played:
  • Gregory: Grateful Ghost Rag, by William Bolcom
  • Jean-Claude: Ballet music from Orfeo & Euridice, by Christoph Gluck (arr. by Wilhelm Kempff)
  • Jeff: Aux Cyprès de la villa d’este, by F. Liszt
  • Mary Lou: Sonatina in G minor 1st mov., by C. Guastavino
  • Karin: Little Prayer to Jesus, by Gabriel Groulez
  • David R: Prelude Op. 28 #15 (Raindrop), by F. Chopin
  • Andrew: Invention in B flat, by J. S. Bach
  • Jocelyne: Etude in A major, by C. Czerny
  • Natalie: Prelude and Fugue BWV 875, by J. S. Bach
  • Randy: Melodie Op. 68 #1, by R. Schumann
  • Lorraine: Prelude BWV 848, by J. S. Bach
  • Martin: Didn’t we almost have it all, by Michael Massner
  • Wesley: Polonaise Op. 26 #1, by F. Chopin
  • Gregory: Bumble Boogie, by Jack Fina (arr. of R. Korsakov Flight of the Bumblebee)
  • Jean-Claude: Méditation from Thaïs, by J. Massenet
  • Mary Lou: Impromptu Op. 90 #3, by F. Schubert
  • Jeff: Preludes Op. 11 #2, Op. 17 #3 and Op. 18 #10, by A. Scriabin
  • Karin: Vocalise, by S. Rachmaninoff (arr. by Paul Baston)
  • David: Traumerei, by R. Schumann
  • Andrew: Short Prelude #3, by J. S. Bach
  • Wesley: Adagissimo, by J. S. Bach
  • Natalie: Sonata in E flat major 2nd movement, by F. Schubert

Monday, February 5, 2024

🎵 Notes from February 4 2024 meetup

We had an excellent session at Kunhwa's, longer than usual, with extended works and different pieces, some modern and some old, including one of the “other” Bachs.  Her piano is tuned to the European standard of 442 Hz.  Kunhwa is preparing for her recital and at the end we were treated to a virtuosic performance of Chopin’s Ballade No. 1.  

Here’s what was played:
  • Gregory: Solace, by Scott Joplin
  • Martin: Passacaglia, by G. F. Handel
  • Karin: Prelude #4, by C. Debussy
  • Natalie: Sonata in E flat major 1st mov, by F. Schubert
  • Jeff: Aux Cypres de la villa d’este, by F. Liszt
  • Wesley: Piano Sonata #8 2nd and 3rd mov, by L. V. Beethoven
  • David: Fantasie Impromptu middle section, by F. Chopin
  • Kathy: Sonatas K32 and K9, by D. Scarlatti
  • Kunhwa: Barcarolle Op. 65 #5, by C. V. Alkan
  • Gregory: Great Crush Collision March, by Scott Joplin
  • Martin: James Bond theme by Monty Norman; theme song to Goldfinger by John Barry; and theme song to Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney
  • Wesley: Adagio in F minor, by Joseph Bologne (Chevalier de St. Georges)
  • Natalie: Prelude & Fugue  BWV 875, by J. S Bach
  • Jeff: Preludes Op. 11 #2, Op. 17 #3 and Op. 18 #10, by A. Scriabin
  • Karin: Prelude in G flat major, by A. Scriabin
  • David: Solfeggio in D major, by J. F. C. Bach
  • Kunhwa: Ballade No. 1 Op. 23, by F. Chopin
On another musical note, Lorraine sent in an interesting and very relevant tidbit that gives us another reason to keep playing the piano (and makes us glad that we started):

“Fyi, I received this through one of the listservs I am on related to cognition. It is a larger scale study supporting the positive impact of playing a musical instrument on different aspects of cognition (working memory for example). Findings comment on the value of this in "older adults" as well - in summary, we should keep playing!
 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gps.6061

Monday, January 22, 2024

🎵 Notes from January 20 2024 meetup

A moderately sized group enjoyed playing on Felix, Yamaha’s best concert grand at Ottawa Pianos.  We welcomed new members Julia and Martin.  There were some well-known favorites, some new composers for our list, and some arrangements to round out the afternoon.

Here’s what was played:
  • Gregory: Weeping Willow, by Scott Joplin
  • Karin: Prelude #4, by C. Debussy
  • Mary Lou: Sonatina in G minor 1st movement, by Carlos Guastavino
  • Jean-Claude: Song Without Words Op. 85 #1, by F. Mendelssohn
  • Dave: 2nd Piano Concerto 3rd movement, by S. Rachmaninoff arranged by William Stickles
  • Françoise: Pastel Garden, by Brian Crain
  • Jocelyn: Sonata in G major 1st movement, by W. A. Mozart
  • Jeff: Aux Cypres de la villa d’est #1, by F. Liszt
  • Julie: Arabesque No. 1, by C. Debussy
  • Julia: Where’s Hiccup, by John Powell arr. by Sebastian Wolff
  • Jeff: Etude Tableau Op. 33 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
  • Jean-Claude: Morgen, by Richard Strauss arr. by Max Reger
  • Mary Lou: Rondo in A minor KV 511, by W. A. Mozart
  • Julie: Clair de lune, by C. Debussy
  • Françoise: Dancing with the Wind, by Michele McLaughlin

Monday, January 8, 2024

🎵 Notes from January 7 2024 meetup

We had a good session at Lyndsay’s.  Her studio is very well set up and some of us old-timers might have wished that our first lessons had been in such a place!  Musical education has come a long way.  Our usual good assortment of music was played, some challenging and from memory!  So pianists, don’t be afraid to stretch your limits. 

Here’s what was played:
  • Gregory: The Eternal Feminine, by William Bolcom
  • Mary Lou: Rondo in A minor KV 511, by W. A. Mozart
  • Karin: Sad Bird, by Federico Momposa
  • Natalie: Sonata in E flat major, by F. Schubert
  • Lyndsay: Daydream, by Catherine Rollin
  • Jeff: Etude Tableau Op. 33 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
  • Perry: Etude Op. 10 #1, by F. Chopin
  • Wesley: Prelude Op 28 No. 15 (Raindrop), by F. Chopin
  • Allona: Bagatelle #3, by L. V Beethoven
  • Mary Lou: Intermezzo Op. 118 #2, by J. Brahms
  • Karin: La fille aux cheveux de lin, by C. Debussy
  • Perry: Arabesque #1, by C. Debussy
  • Wesley: Waltz Op. 69 #1, by F. Chopin
  • Allona: Adagio in F minor, by Joseph Bologne
  • Jeff: Preludes Op. 11 #2, Op. 17 #3 and Op. 11 #10, by A. Scriabin
  • Natalie: Waltz Op. 18 (Grande Valse), by F. Chopin
  • Lyndsay: Rippling Spring Waltz, by Estelle D. Ricketts

Monday, December 4, 2023

🎵 Notes from December 3, 2023 meetup

Mother Nature threatened the session, but in the end everyone was still able to make it to Natalie's.  It was another full house, and only a week after the last one!  An excellent variety was played, some familiar and others not, from Baroque to more modern with some traditional and seasonal pieces tossed in for good measure.  

Here's what was played:
  • Gregory: Pineapple Rag, by Scott Joplin
  • Karin and David R. (piano duet): Carol of the Bells, arranged by Christopher Norton
  • Mary Lou: Impromptu #3 Op. 90, by F. Schubert
  • Dave A: Carols with Classics, by Tom Fettke
  • Natalie: Mazurkas Op. 67 #4 and Op. 68 #2, by F. Chopin
  • Andrew: Overture from Messiah, by G. F. Handel
  • Kathy: Rondo No. 1,  by L. V. Beethoven
  • Jeff: Aux Cyprès de la Villa de l’Est (from years of pilgrimage S163), by F. Liszt
  • Jean-Claude: Pavane pour une infante défunté, by M. Ravel
  • Perry: Choros #5 (Alma Brasiliera), by H. Villa-Lobos
  • Gordon: December from The Seasons, Op. 37 #12, by P. I. Tchaikovsky
  • Jeff: Prelude in B minor, by S. Rachmaninoff
  • Jean-Claude: Evening Bells, by F. Liszt
  • David R: Traumerei, by R. Schumann
  • Kathy: Irish Tune from County Derry (“Danny Boy”), by Percy Grainger
  • Mary Lou: Intermezzo Op. 118 #2, by J. Brahms
  • Natalie: Mazurka Op. 17 #4, by F. Chopin
  • Gordon: Preludes Op. 11 #18 and Op. 13 #5, by A. Scriabin

Monday, November 27, 2023

🎵 Notes from November 25, 2023 meetup

What a Crowd, what a Crowd at Ottawa Pianos!  There may have been something in the air or the water, but it would be even better if this is a return to our pre-covid enthusiasm. There were 17 performers, including 4 duets. There seems to be a duet trend in our group, so keep up the good work, and perhaps pester your friends who play other instruments.  Our works ranged from baroque to modern, some of which were very challenging.

Here’s what was played:
  • Gregory: Gladiolus Rag, by Scott Joplin
  • Jing and David (violin and piano duet): Menthology, by David P. Jones
  • Mary Lou: Impromptu Op. 90 #3, by F. Schubert
  • Allona: Hatikvah (Israel National Anthem), by Samuel Cohen
  • Karin and Dave A. (2 piano duo): Etude #1 in Canon form, by R. Schumann
  • Jeff: Aux cyprès de la villa de l’est (from years of pilgrimage S163), by F. Liszt
  • Randy and Françoise (piano and vocals): Un Ange, by Carla Bruni
  • Lorraine: Prelude and Fugue in b flat BWV 866, by J. S. Bach
  • Natalie: Mazurka Op 68#2, by F. Chopin
  • Jenny: Elegy, by S. Rachmaninoff
  • Françoise: Carousel, by Evgeny Grinko
  • Jocelyne: Song Without Words Op. 85 #4, by F. Mendelssohn
  • Wesley: Sonata KV300H (Andante Cantabile), by W. A. Mozart
  • Hedda: Dance of the Dolls, by D. Shostakovitch
  • Kunwha: Barcarolle Op. 38 #6, by Charles-Valentin Alkan
  • Jing and David R. (violin and piano duet): Sonata in E minor, 1st mov., by N. Paganini
  • Kunwha: Sonetto 104 del Petrarca (from years of pilgrimage S161), by F. Liszt
  • Jeff: Prelude in B Minor, by S. Rachmaninoff

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

🎵 Notes from November 5, 2023 meetup

John has a splendid performance space for his Steinway Grand Piano!  For the second time in a row, we had a very large turnout.  There was a good assortment of pieces including some piano vocal duets and two new composers, adding to our growing list.  We welcomed new member Nosamu. 

Here’s what was played:
  • Gregory: Bumble Boogie, by Jack Fina
  • Karin: Prelude from Suite Bergamasque, by C. Debussy
  • Françoise (vocal) and Randy (piano): Elegie and Sylvie from Trois Melodies, by E. Satie
  • Andrew: Song Without Words Op. 30 #1, by F. Mendelssohn
  • Sachie: Waltz Op. 64 #1, by F. Chopin
  • Randy: Prelude #4, by F. Chopin
  • Natalie: Cadiz from Suite Espanola, by I. Albeniz
  • David R.: New World Symphony Largo, by A. Dvorak
  • Françoise: Murmure, by Pierre-Paul Daneels
  • Jocelyne: Barcerole, by Neils Gade
  • John R: Sonata Op. 14 #2, first movement, by L. V. Beethoven
  • Gordon: Op. 40, #2 and #6, by P. Tchaikovsky
  • Perry: Op. 23 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
  • Nosamu: The Force (theme from Star Wars), by John Williams
  • Gordon: Op. 17 #6, by A. Scriabin
  • Karin: Prelude in G flat major, by A. Scriabin
  • John R: Sonata Op. 14 #2, second movement, by L. V. Beethoven
  • Natalie: Granada from Suite Espanola, by I. Albeniz
  • Andrew: Song Without Words Op. 38 #2, by F. Mendelssohn
  • David: Gymnopedie #1, by E. Satie
  • Sachie: Etude Op. 10 #3, by F. Chopin

Sunday, October 22, 2023

🎵 Notes from October 21, 2023 meetup

At Steinway Gallery, we had the biggest turnout since before Covid and the variety was quite remarkable.  The styles ranged from minimalist to transcendental, and Baroque to modern.  There were three duets: one piano four-hands and two with violin.  The group welcomed Jean-Claude and Jing.  A number of the composers were either new to us or rarely heard.  The poem read by Mary Lou was quite relevant given the background to the work performed, and is included for your interest. 

Here’s what was played:
  • Mary Lou: Intermezzo Op. 118 #2, by J. Brahms  (+ poem below)
  • Gregory:  I Giorni, by Ludovico Einaudi
  • Allona: Adagio in E minor, by Joseph Bologne
  • Karin and Dave A (duet): Study #1 in Canon Form, by R. Schumann
  • Jennifer J: Sonata in F minor Op. 2 #1, 1st movement, by L. V. Beethoven
  • Jocelyn: Sinfonia in G major, by J. S. Bach
  • Kunhwa: Chasse-Neige, by F. Liszt
  • Natalie: Cadiz, by Isaac Albeniz
  • Jean-Claude: Notturno, by O. Respighi
  • Jeff: Prelude in B minor, by S. Rachmaninoff
  • Jane T. When River Flows on Mars, by Nancy Jeffer
  • Jane T: Boats at Anchor, by Joan Last
  • Perry: Alenda do Caboclo, by H. Villa-Lobos
  • Lorraine: Rialto Ripples, by George Gershwin
  • Jing (violin) and David R. (piano): Siciliano from Flute Sonata #2, by J. S. Bach
  • Karin: Prelude from Suite Bergamasque, by C. Debussy
  • Kunhwa: Gnossienne #3, by E. Satie
  • Jeff: Preludes Op. 11 #12, Op. 17#3 and Op. 17 # 10, by A. Scriabin
  • Natalie: Granada from Suite Espanol, by Isaac Albeniz
  • Dave A: Voluntary, by John Stanley
  • Jing (Violin) and David R. (piano): Vocalise, by S. Rachmaninoff
Impossible Tenderness
When these first words came
I thought they called only to me
For that was all I remembered.
But then in the cradle of your listening
I saw us like children
Walking hand in hand
In a land of impossible tenderness
And when I heard your song
It was the same haunting music that I heard For you called me to my spirit
To a place that is not me or you
A place beyond our daily life
Where you can sing
Even if you never sing
And dare to love
For there is only love.
~ Stuart Warner