Saturday, October 26, 2019

Music played on October 20, 2019

Our group enjoyed a sunny afternoon performing on a truly great Steinway concert grand. The mid-fall weather may have kept some folks away, but there was room enough for a few members who were there just to listen. We welcomed first time member Hedda.

Jennifer Messer, our gracious Steinway host, provided a short overview of the regular events that are held at the Steinway Gallery. This includes a monthly Adult Music Sharing session similar to our own OPG meetings. You can sign up for the event reminders at Eventbrite.

We had an interesting programme of music at this meeting. In addition to the usual repertoire of classical and romantic music, players performed three excerpts from movies or musicals.
Does this continue the trend started last month?

  • My Heart will go on (used in 'The Titanic')
  • Carousel Waltz (from Carousel)
  • Cruella De Vil (from 101 Dalmatians)
We had a run-away winner in the 'most popular composer' competition: our dear friend Ludwig. There were five performances of movements from his Sonatas, ranging from Op 14 to Op 110. No other competitor had more than one performance. Congratulations Ludwig!

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Magnetic Rag, by S. Joplin
2. Gordon Sonata Op. 14 No. 1, 1st mvt, by L. van Beethoven
3. Jackie Sonatina in F major, by Anton Diabelli
4. Lynda Carousel Waltz, by Richard Rodgers
5. Jeff Etude Tableau Op. 33 No. 7, by S. Rachmaninoff
6. Adrian Sonata Op. 110, 1st mvt., by L. van Beethoven
7. Caryn Noturno Op. 54 No. 4, by E. Grieg
8. David My Heart will go on, by James Horner arr. Dietmar Steinhauer
9. Jorge Ground in D minor, by Henry Purcel
10A. Hedda Consolation, by F. Mendelssohn
10B. Hedda “Cruella De Vil” from 101 Dalmations

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Jackie Theme from “Love Story”, by F. Lai arr. By P. Keverin
2. Adrian Sonata Op. 78, 1st mvt, by L. van Beethoven
3. Lynda Sonata Op. 13, 2nd mvt (adagio), by L. van Beethoven
4. Jeff Prelude No. 24, by D. Shostakovitch
5. Jorge Sonata op 27, #2 (Moonlight), 1st mvt, by L. van Beethoven
6. Gordon Prelude Op. 28 No. 4, by F. Chopin
7. Randy Pieces Froides: Danses de travers No. 1 and 2, by E. Satie
8. David Prelude in F minor, WTC2, by J. S. Bach

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

We are adding additional group meetings!

New performance meetings being added.

Based on our recent poll, there has been very strong support for increasing the number of meetings.

The plan is start with two sessions per month in January.  We will evaluate the success in summer, 2020. 
 
Here are some of the ground rules that we will be following:
  • The meetings will typically be on the first Sunday afternoon and third Sunday afternoon of each month.
  • The expectation is that you would attend one session or the other in a month and not both.  
  • We will be staying with only one meeting in the months of July, August and December.  The first two months typically have lower attendance due to vacations. December is a time with other social activities.
  • We will only have one meeting in those months which have larger venues such as at Ottawa Pianos and the Steinway Gallery.
Members have been sent a doodle poll so that can volunteer to host meetings.
 
The full list of meetings will be posted on this site.  Doodle polls will be circulated to members so that they can sign up for meetings.

Remember: sign-up for at most one meeting in each calendar month.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Performance at the Carlingwood Retirement Community, October 6, 2019

Concert presented to the Carlingwood Retirement Community

Six members of the Ottawa Piano Group preformed a concert for residents at the Carlingwood Retirement Community. Many thanks to John for arranging this.  We played on a nice Essex piano.  There were about 40 people in the audience in large meeting room with very comfy chairs!. John acted as MC.  Many thanks to the staff for managing the arrangements and coordinating the arrival and departure of the audience.

Music played at the concert

Jorge
      ◊ Ground in E minor by H. Purcell
      ◊ Intermezzo by Manuel M. Ponce
Jeffrey
     ◊ Three preludes by A. Scriabin
         ◊ Op. 11 # 12
         ◊ Op. 11 # 10
         ◊ Op. 17 # 3
Janice S.
      ◊ Prelude in C+, from Well-Tempered Klavier, book 1by JS Bach
      ◊ The Entertainer (first part) by S. Joplin
John
      ◊ A chorus of morning-glories (own composition)
      ◊ Free improvisation on a tune composed on 27 July 2003.
Nick
      ◊ Moment Musical #5 by S. Rachmaninoff
      ◊ Today by Randy Sparks
Sachie
      ◊ Sonata #10, op 14 #2, 1st movement by L. van Beethoven
      ◊ Sinfonia no 6 in E major, BWV792 by JS Bach

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Music played on September 22, 2019

Today marked a return visit to Luc. Hosting two visits in one year is 'above and beyond'. We we had to cancel a prior visit to Luc in 2018 due a severe ice storm. Many thanks.

10 people enjoyed an afternoon listening to our usual diversity of music.  We welcomed first-time member Curt, who played a work by a composer none of us had heard before. Curt also brought his music on an iPad rather than in paper format.  We had a fun chat about how that works.

The afternoon wrapped up with John facilitating an engaging reading of humorous musical definitions. John also brought a large supply of music that he made available for free to members - many thanks!

The 'most popular composer' competition was tough this month.  No one composer was in the lead, with three tying with two performances.  What stood out was the 'Return of the Baroque'! Four performances came from the period, including one written by F. Couperin.  So, I will award the coveted price to the "Baroque Era".

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1A. Luc Prelude in A, by F. Chopin
1B. Luc Adagio in F, by G. F. Handel
2. Gregory Songs Without Words, Op. 30 #6 (The Gondolier), by F. Mendelssohn
3. Randy Les Barricades Mysterieuses, by F. Couperin
4. Erin Suite II in F (2nd mvt.), by G. F. Handel
5. Nick Moment Musical Op. 16 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
6. Curt Prelude Op. 6 No. 1, by S. Bortkiewicz
7. David Prelude in F Minor WTC2, by J. S. Bach
8. Jeff Etude Tableau OP. 33 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
9. Janice S The Entertainer, by S. Joplin
10. John W Improvisation on his own theme

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Gregory Songs Without Words, Op. 19 #6 (Venetian Boat Song), by F. Mendelssohn
2. Erin October, from The Seasons, by P. I. Tchaikovsky
3. Randy Nocturne No. 1, by E. Satie
4. Nick “Today”, by Randy Sparks
5. Jeff Prelude in B minor OP. 89 #6, by D. Shostakovitch
6. David Summertime, arr. by Mercuzio, by G. Gershwin, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
7. John W. Dictionary of music (text): a read-about of fun definitions

Music played on August 18, 2019

Nine members assembled at Janice's house to play music on a summer's afternoon.  We enjoyed playing on her vintage 1918 Steinway grand piano. The summer seemed to bring out the adventurous side of the performers.  The music was eclectic, with a number of composers who had yet to make an appearance at our events: Barber, Peterson-Berger, Shostakovich.

The 'most popular composer' competition was won by an unexpected under-dog: D. Shostakovich.  I don't recall previous performances of his works.  Today, we heard three of his Preludes op 87.  Another new composer to the group (W.O. Peterson-Berger) was gtied for second place.

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Janice G. Pas de deux, by S. Barber
2. Gregory Menuet from le tombeau de Couperin, by M. Ravel
3. Randy Gnossiennes 2 and 4, by E. Satie
4. Adrian Sonata #31 Op. 110, 1st m., by L. van Beethoven
5. Jeff Prelude Op. 87 #4, by D. Shostakovich
6. Jane Spanish Dance Op. 5 no. 5 Playera (Andaluza), by E. Granados
7. Christopher Going to Church, by W.O. Peterson-Berger
8. Caryn Nocturne Op543 #4, by E. Greig
9. Walter Prelude Op87 No. 5, by D. Shostakovich

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Janice G. Pianissimo from Suite de Danzas Criollas , by A. Ginastera
2. Gregory I’m in the Mood for love, by Jimmy McHugh
3. Randy Adagio from the Gayane Suite, No. 1, by A. Khatachurian
4. Adrian Sonata #20 Op. 49 #2, m. 2, by L. van Beethoven
5. Jeff Etude Tableaux Op. 33 Np. 5, by S. Rachmaninoff
6. Jane Prelude #1, by G. Gershwin
7. Christopher Summer Song, by W.O.Peterson-Berger
8. Walter Prelude and Fugue Op. 87 No 24, by D. Shostakovitch

Monday, August 5, 2019

Music played on July 21, 2019

We enjoyed a fine afternoon of music at Adrian’s, and some welcome indoor respite from the hot summer temperatures. Nine intrepid pianists showed up for an afternoon of music merriment. It was a performance day with no Baroque pieces - time to start working on your Bach and Handel!

The 'most popular composer' competition was a tight battle between an 'oldie' and a newcomer. Beethoven streaked out to a large early lead. But, Gershwin made a determined effort to catch.  With the last piece for the afternoon, Gershwin came up one piece short (3 vs 4). So, the winner of this month's award is: Ludwig von Beethoven.

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Adieu to the Piano, by L. von Beethoven
2. Jackie Rondino, by Antonio Diabelli
3. Gordon Piano Sonata No. 31, 4th Mov Fuga, Op. 110, by L. von Beethoven
4. Caryn Piano Concerto in G Major, 2nd Mov Adagio assai, by M. Ravel
5. Jeff Etude Tableaux Op. 33 No. 8, by S. Rachmaninoff
6. Sachie Swan from the Zoo in the Sky, by K. Tanaka
7. David Summertime, by G. Gershwin, arr. Mercuzio
8. Jane Prelude No. 2, by G. Gershwin
9. Adrian Piano Sonata #17 Op. 31 No. 2, 1st Mov, by L. von Beethoven

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Adrian Piano Sonata #17 Op. 31 No. 2 (The Tempest), 3rd Mov, by L. von Beethoven
2. Jeff Preludes Op. 11 No. 10 and Op. 17 No. 3, by A. Scriabin
3. Gordon Prelude Op. 13 No. 5, by A. Scriabin
4. Sachie Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66, by F. Chopin
5. Caryn Standchen, by F. Schubert
6. David My Heart Will Go On, by James Horner, arr. Dietmar Steinhauer
7. Jane Prelude No. 3, by G. Gershwin

Friday, June 28, 2019

Music played on June 23, 2019

First, a shout-out to Ottawa Pianos for hosting our group and for providing 'treats' to make a great intermission break.

Sunny summer weather was not enough to deter an active, if somewhat smaller than expected, crowd from the opportunity to play a diversity of pieces on Felix, the grandest of Ottawa Pianos’ grand pianos.  As a matter of interest, Felix himself will be on stage at the NAC July 18th to August 3rd in the performance of 2 Pianos 4 Hands. 

The group welcomed a new member: Randy. And we welcomed back Nancy from a convalescence - great to hear you back playing!




A wide variety of music was played from 16 different composers.  Oddly, only one composer was repesented by more than one peice.  That leads to a clear winner in the composer compeition: J.S. Bach who had three pices played.

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Introduction and Fugato, by Cuthbert Harris
2. Mary Lou The Hermit Thrush at Eve, by Amy Beach
3. Randy Petite Ouverture à danser, by E. Satie
4. Erin Suite No. 4 in F, 1st Mov., by G. F. Handel
5. Nick Prelude Book 1, No. 4, by C. Debussy
6. Nancy Autumn Afternoon, by Eugenie Rocherelle
7. Jackie Menuet in D Minor, by J. H. Buttstett
8. Christopher Song Without Words, Op. 30 No. 1, by F. Mendelssohn
9. J.P. Sonata Op. 2 No. 3, 1st Mov. by L. von Beethoven
10. David Prelude in F Minor, WTC 2, by J. S. Bach
11. Janice S. Prelude in C, WTC 1, by J. S. Bach
12. Janice G. Night Club 1960, by A. Piazzolla
13. Jeff Etude Tableaux, by S. Rachmaninoff

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Jackie Sonatina in G Major, by M. Clementi
2. Erin October, from Les Saisons, by P. Tchaikovsky
3. Jeff Preludes Op. 11 No. 10 and Op. 17 No. 3, by A. Scriabin
4. Nick Allemande and Courante, French Suite No. 5, by J. S. Bach
5. David Plaisir D’Amour, by J. P. Martini, transcribed by R. Strobl

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Music played on May 26, 2019

Well, bad weather can keep people away.  Does good weather do the same thing?  Looks like 'no': Even with the delightful weather, there was a good turnout at David’s place. A wide variety of music was played with some 'new' composers appearing on the scene: I think this is the first time for Prokofiev. 

We had a clear winner in the composer composition: Ludwig von Beethoven took home the prize.

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Reverie, by C. Debussy
2. John Improvisation
3. Gordon Sonata No. 9, 2nd mov., by L. V. Beethoven
4. Adrian Archduke trio Op. 97, 3rd mov., by L. V. Beethoven
5. J.P. French Suite No. 3 Allemande, by J. S. Bach
6. Jeff Prelude Op. 11 No. 10 and Op. 17 No. 3, by A. Scriabin
7. Jane Hungary Melody, by F. Schubert
8. David Prelude in F Minor WTC 2, by J. S. Bach
9. Gared The Rain at Dusk, own composition
10. Lorraine Blessing, by Natalie Sleeth
11. Caryn Nocturne Op. 54 No. 4, by E. Grieg

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Gregory Von fremden Ländern und Menschen, by R. Schumann
2. Adrian Bagatelle Op. 33 No. 5, by L. V. Beethoven
3. John Norwegian Folk Melody, traditional
4. Caryn Standchen, by F. Schubert
5. Gordon Prelude Op. 13 No. 5, by A. Scriabin
6. Jane Vogel als Prophet, by R. Schumann
7. Gared Harp Prelude (10 small pieces No. 7), by S. Prokofiev
8. David Gavotte, Violin Partita No. 3, by J. S. Bach (trans. Rachmaninoff), SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
9. Lorraine Sonata in D Major K 311 (excerpt), by W. A. Mozart

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Music played on April 28, 2019

Host: Luc

There was a full house on Sunday on a cool afternoon in brilliant sunshine.  The arrival of spring seemed to have inspired a number of the players to play some challenging works.

We had a five-way tie in the composer competition: Scriabin, Handel, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Beethoven with two pieces played for each of them.  I am awarding the prize, with the large cash award, to the newcomer on our list: Rachmaninoff.

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Magnetic Rag, by Scott Joplin
2. Erin Suite II, mvt. I, by G. F. Handel
3. John Song Medley: Morning has broken, chariots of fire, (own arrangement)
4. Caryn Nocturne, op.54 #4, by E. Grieg
5. Jackie The Doll’s complaint, by Cesar Franck
6. Christopher Elegie, by S. Rachmaninoff
7. Mary Lou intermezzo Op. 76 #7, by J. Brahms
8. Gared Berceuse op57, by F. Chopin
9. Jeff Etude Tableaux Op. 33 #7, by S. Rachmaninoff
10. Adrian Sonata #18 m. 2 (op. 31 #3) by L von Beethoven
11. Luc Suite in F (Adagio), by G. F. Handel

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Jeff 2 Preludes Op. 11 #12 and Op. 17 #3, by A. Scriabin
2. Erin March, by P. I. Tchaikovsky
3. Mary Lou Nuances Op. 56 #3, by A. Scirabin
4. Jackie Sonatina in G major, by M. Clementi
5. Gared Nocturne in C minor Op. 48 #1, by F. Chopin
6. Christopher Op. 35, by Dustin O’Halloran
7. John Hymn-Nearer my God to thee
8. Adrian (piano part of) Trio Op 97 (Archduke), M. 1, by L. van Beethoven
9. Luc Hornpipe, by Henry Purcell

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Music played on March 17, 2019

Host: Gregory

There was a full house on Sunday, enjoying a sunny but cold St. Patrick’s Day.  Four of the pieces had an Irish theme or composer, in honor of the day.  As is often the case, pieces ranged from modern to Baroque.

There was not clear winner of the composer competition: Bach and Beethoven both had two pieces played while Scirabin only had one :-).  So, in honour of St., Patrick's day, we will extend the composer prize and award it to Irish music in its many forms.

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Weeping Willow, by Scott Joplin
2. Gordon Sonata No. 14 in C Major, K. 457, 3rd movement, by WA Mozart
3. Christopher Elegie, by S. Rachmaninoff
4. Kathy Prelude and Fugue in D Minor (Well-tempered clavier), by JS Bach
5. Jane le Sapin, by J. Sibelius
6. Karin Intermezzo Op. 76 No. 7, by J Brahms
7. Nancy Argentine Tango, by John Thompson
8. John Two Irish folk songs (traditional)
9. Caryn Sonata in C Major, by M. Clementi
10. Adrian (piano part of) Trio Op. 97, IV Movement, by L von Beethoven
11. Lorraine Old Irish Blessing, by Dennis Agay

Round 2:


# Performer Work
1. Gregory To a Wild Rose, by E. MacDowell
2. Nancy & Karin (duet) At Nightfall, by B. Godard
3. Gordon Prelude Op. 51 No. 2, by A. Scirabin
4. Christopher Op 14, by Dustin O'Halloran
5. Jane Nocturne in C# Minor No. 20, Op. Posth by F. Chopin
6. John Improvisation on Slane (Irish traditional)
7. Adrian Sonata No. 24, 2nd movement, by L. von Beethoven
8. Lorraine Prelude in D Major, BWV 850, by JS Bach

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Music Played, February 17, 2019

An elite group of four performers showed up at John's house for an afternoon of piano playing. Due to the small group size, everyone got a chance to play three pieces.  A warning for future meetings - come prepared with repertoire!

Given the small group today, no composer had more than one piece played.  Therefore, the most popular composer prize will be given to a member of the OPG and host of the event: John.

John plays improvisations and personal compositions based on traditional folk music and hymns.  it is overdue to recognize a different way of participating in the group.

Round 1:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Bethena, a concert waltz, by Scott Joplin
2. Gordon Sonata op. 49#2, by L. Van Beethoven
3. Perry Nocturne Op. 48 #1, by F. Chopin
4. John 2 Russian folk songs (traditional)

Round 2:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Misty, by Erroll Garner
2. Gordon Chorus of morning glories, by John Woodsworth
3. John Free improvisation

Round 3:

# Performer Work
1. Gregory Bethena, a concert waltz, by Scott Joplin
2. Gordon Prelude Op. 31 #4, by A. Scriabin
3. John Yield not to temptation. (old Anglican hymn)

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Meeting was cancelled on January 20, 2019

The snow got us again :-(

Due to a heavy snowfall, the planned session at Jackie's had to be cancelled. Hopefully, February weather will be kinder to us and we will have a great meeting at John's place on February 17.