🎵 Notes from the November 20, 2021 meetup—Last of the year!

A small but enthusiastic group gathered at the Steinway Piano Gallery, enjoying the gorgeous sound of their Steinway Grand Model B.

Here's what was played: 

• Wesley: Confidence Op. 19 #4 and Venetian Gondola Song #2, by  F. Mendelssohn
• Kathy: Prelude & Fugue in G minor, Book 1, by J. S. Bach
• Karin: Prelude Op. 28 #21 in Bb major, by  F. Chopin
• Jorge: Allemande, English Baroque Suite in G minor (own composition)
• Emily: Etude #9, ‘Pour les Notes répétées’, by C. Debussy
• Kathy: Lyric piece: ‘Home Sickness’, Op. 57, #6 , by  E. Grieg
• Karin: Song without Words, Op. 19, #2 in A minor, by  F. Mendelssohn
• Jorge: Gigue, English Baroque Suite in G minor (own composition)
• Wesley: Little Prelude #9 in F Major, Allegro Moderato, by J.S. Bach
• Emily: Etude, Op. 10, #5, by F. Chopin

And that's a wrap for this year.  Stay tuned to the site for updates on our 2022 events starting in January.

🎵 Notes from the October 23, 2021 meetup

Seven piano group members met at the Steinway Gallery today. Perhaps inspired by the 18th Frederic Chopin international piano competition in Warsaw, which was won by Canadian pianist Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu, Chopin was well represented. A piece by Robert Starer may have been a first by that composer for our group.

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Gladiolus Rag, by Scott Joplin
• Jackie: Sonatina in C major op. 36 #3,  by M. Clementi
• Wesley: Over the Rainbow, by Harold Arlen, arr. By George Shearing
• David: Milonga del Angel, by Astor Piazzolla
• Jeff: Prelude in B minor Op. 32, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Erin: Prelude #15-Raindrop, by F. Chopin
• Emily: Etude, Op. 10 No. 5, by F. Chopin
• Wesley: Pink by Robert Starer and Milonga del Angel by Astor Piazzolla
• Jeff: Etude Tableaux Op. 33 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Erin: Invention No. 9 BWV 780, by J. S. Bach
• David: Oblivion, by Astor Piazzolla
• Emily: Nocturne Op. 55 No. 2, by F. Chopin

🎵 Notes from the October 3, 2021 meetup

We had a small but intimate session of good music and conversation on a rainy Sunday afternoon.  Even though our in-person meetings are gradually gaining momentum, we will continue with the Zoom option for the foreseeable future.  Over the past year, the Zoom piano sound quality has steadily improved.

Here's what was played:

• Lynda: Anoranza, by E. Granados
• Christopher: Etude Op. 2 No. 1, by A. Scriabin
• David: Contrapunctus 1, by J. S. Bach, screen share of multi-camera performance recorded two days prior to the live performance at Ottawa Pianos on June 26th
• Lynda: Rumanische Volkstanze der Tanz mit dem Stabe, by B. Bartok
• Christopher: Sonatina from Actus Tragicus Cantata No. 106, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, by J.S. Bach, arranged by Eleonor Bindman
• David: Theme from Poldark, by Anne Dudley, screen share of multi-camera performance recorded two days prior to the live performance at Ottawa Pianos on June 26th

🎵 Notes from the September 18, 2021 meetup

The largest group in some time enjoyed a wonderful grand at the Steinway Gallery store.  We welcomed new members Grace and Emily. 

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Song without words Op. 53 #3, by F. Mendelssohn
• Jackie: Sonata in C major, by W. A. Mozart
• Karin: Prelude “Bruyère”, by C. Debussy
• Jeff: Etude Tableaux op. 33 No. 5, by S. Rachmaniniff
• Wes: Sonata KV300h, Andante Cantabile, by W. A. Mozart
• Erin: Invention #9 BWV780, by J. S. Bach
• Grace: 13 Jazz exercises (#1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13), by Oscar Peterson
• Gordon: Two part inventions #4 in D minor and #14 in B flat major, by J. S. Bach
• Randy: Venus (his own transcription), by Gustav Holst
• Jackie: Ballade pour Adeline, by Paul de Senneville
• Erin: Prelude in B, by F. Chopin
• Jeff: Intermezzo Op. 76 #7, by J. Brahms
• Grace: 13 Jazz exercises (#2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12), by Oscar Peterson
• Wes: “Raindrop” prelude (Op. 28 #15), by F. Chopin
• Gordon: Intermezzo Op. 76 #4, by J.Brahms
• Emily: Prelude (from Prelude and Fugue in G# minor), BWV 887, by J. S. Bach

🎵 Notes from the August 28, 2021 meetup

A small group gathered at Ottawa Pianos but enjoyed the magnificent grand piano and the low-stress atmosphere. Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Song without words, Op. 53 #3, by F. Mendelssohn
• Karin: Prélude in A flat major, by C. Debussy
• Hedda: Reigen (Dance of the blessed spirits), by C. W. Gluck
• Karin: Sonata in B minor K87, by Scarlatti
• Randy: Aisatsana, by Aphex Twin
• Hedda Boogie Prelude, by William Gillocl
• Gregory: Great Crush Collision March, by Scott Joplin
• Karin: Adagio in D minor, BWV 974, by Bach/Marcello
• Hedda: Minuet, by J. S. Bach
• Randy: Musette, by J. S. Bach

🎵 Notes from the July 24, 2021 meetup

In this in-person session at the Ottawa Pianos store, we had a good variety of works from well-known composers, as well as a couple of more obscure pieces.

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Maple Leaf Rag, by Scott Joplin
• Karin: Bruyères (A flat major), by C. Debussy
• Erin: Fugue in D# minor BWV 853, by J. S. Bach
• Jackie: Rondo, 2nd Movement, by L. V. Beethoven
• Randy Plus tôt, by Alexandra Stréliski
• Jeff: Prelude Op. 33 #2, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Lynda: Rêverie, by C. Debussy
• Gordon: Two part Inventions #9 in F minor and #8 in F major, by J. S. Bach
• Randy: piano un10 it happened (correct title), by Aphex Twin (pseudonym)
• Karin: Sonata K87 in B minor, by Scarlatti
• Erin: Prelude in E flat BWV 853, by J. S. Bach
• Gordon: Prelude Op. 13 #5, by A Scriabin
• Lynda: A taste of Honey, by Rick Marlow and Bobby Scott
• Jeff: Intermezzo Op. 76 #7, by J. Brahms

🎵 Notes from the July 18, 2021 online meetup

Today's Zoom session had our usual mix of composers, plus a piece from an Italian composer from the 18th century who most of us had never heard of (Paradies).  We also welcomed new member Julia from Montreal.

Here's the music that was played:

• Gregory: Tales from the Vienna Woods, by Johann Strauss Jr.
• Erin: Fugue #8 in D# minor (from Well-tempered Clavier), by J. S. Bach
• Gordon: Two part inventions #11 in G minor and #10 in G major, by J. S. Bach
• Julia: Prelude op. 28 #4 in G major, by F. Chopin
• Jeff: Etude Tableaux Op. 33 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Gordon: Giga in B flat, by Paradies
• Jeff: Intermezzo Op. 76 #7, by J. Brahms

🎵 Notes from the June 26, 2021 meetup

A small group was able to gather in person at Ottawa Pianos for today's session, playing on a mighty Yamaha grand. Some performers decided to play their entire piece with the soft pedal!

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Gladiolus Rag by Scott Joplin
• Jeff: Intermezzo Op. 76 #7 by J. Brahms
• Sachie: Berceuse Op. 56 No. 1 by Gabriel Faure, arr. by S. Lawton
• David: Art of the Fugue, Contrapuntus 1, by J. S. Bach
• Gregory: Pineapple Rag by Scott Joplin
• Sachie: Libertango by Piazolla, arr. by Charlier
• David: Theme from Poldark by Anne Dudley
• Sachie: Sing Sing Sing by Benny Goodman, arr. by Dailly
• David: Fantaisie Impromptu, middle section, by F. Chopin

🎵 Notes from the June 6, 2021 online meetup

The very hot afternoon was the perfect opportunity to be indoors, playing music! Among the usual eclectic mix, a piece by Harry Somers (a Canadian) may have been the first time this composer was played here. 

As a matter of general interest, some in the group recommended listening to the Ottawa Chamberfest Chamber Chats on Thursdays (www.chamberfest.com/chamber-chats/).

Here's what was played today:

• Lynda: Strangeness of heart, by Harry Somers
• Gregory: J. S. Bach: Prelude in D, No. 4 of 6 Little Preludes
• Christopher: F. Chopin, Nocturne in C# minor, Op. posthumous
• Wesley: F. Chopin, Waltz Op. 64 #2
• Jeff: J. Brahms, Intermezzo Op. 76 #7
• Lynda: B. Bartok, Romanian Folk Dances #1
• Gregory: I’m in the mood for Love, by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields
• Christopher: J. S. Bach, Sonatina from Cantata #106 "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit", piano arrangement by Eleonor Bindman
• Wesley: Scott Joplin, Bethena, A Concert Waltz
• Jeff: A. Scriabin, Prelude Op. 17 #3

🎵 Notes from the May 16, 2021 online meetup

Even with the fine Spring weather we had a full slate for today's online session, with a most enjoyable range of music.

Here’s what was played:

• Barb:  Harp Etude Op. 25 No. 1, by F. Chopin
• Karin: Intermezzo in A Flat Major Op. 76. No. 3, by J. Brahms
• Gordon: Two Part Inventions No. 1 in C Major BWV 772 and No. 15 in B Minor BWV 786, by J.S. Bach 
• Andrew: Un lift pour Ville Émard, by André Gagnon
• Randy: Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 1 From Foreign Lands and People, by R. Schumann
• Lynda: Libertango, by A. Piazzolla
• David: Contrapunctus 1 from Art of Fugue BWV 1080, by J.S. Bach
• Wesley: 2nd (Adagio)  and 3rd (Rondo) Movements of Sonata Pathétique No. 8, op. 13, by L.V. Beethoven
• Karin: Sonata in D Minor K. 9, by D. Scarlatti
• Gordon: Bear Dance, by B. Bartok
• Wesley: So What, by Miles Davis
• Lynda: Milonga del Angel, by A. Piazzolla
• David: Theme from TV series Poldark by Anne Dudley
• Randy: The Engagement from movie The Birth, by Alexandre Desplat

🎵 Notes from the May 2, 2021 online meetup

There were few attendees today but the Zoom meeting was just as pleasant.  Sound quality was particularly good and we wish we knew exactly why.  A composition by a modern composer, Riopy, was a new one for the group.   

Here's what was played:

• Gregory:  St. Louis Blues, by W. C. Handy
• Christopher: Prelude in D, Op. 23 #4, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Jeff: Intermezzo Op. 76 #7 by J. Brahms
• Christopher: For December, by Paulette Verlée
• Jeff: Etude Tableau, Op. 33 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Christopher: “Noah”, by Riopy

🎵 Notes from the April 18, 2021 online meetup

We welcomed new member Andrew at today's near-capacity session, which featured a wide variety of styles and composers.

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Gladiolus Rag, by Scott Joplin
• Karin: Intermezzo Op. 76 #3 by J. Brahms
• Erin: Sonata in D, Adagio (Hoboken XVI: 24) by F. J. Haydn
• Barb:  Etude Op. 25 #1 (Harp), by F. Chopin
• Andrew: Enigma variations #1 and #6, by E. Elgar
• Michiko: Moonlight Sonata, 2nd and 3rd movements, by L. V. Beethoven
• Wesley (piano) and Debra (flute) (pre-recorded video): Berceuse, by G. Faure
• Karin: (part) Nocturne in C# minor, by F. Chopin
• Andrew: “Blind Man’s Bluff” from “Scenes from Childhood, by R. Schumann
• Michiko: Etude #3, by F. Chopin
• Wesley (piano) and Debra (flute) (pre-recorded video): Traumerei from Scenes from Childhood, by R. Schumann

🎵 Notes from the April 4, 2021 online meetup

A pleasant Zoom meeting took place on April 4. Rachmaninoff appeared three times, and one piece was by a living musician and composer, Paulette Verlée.  

Here's what was played:

• Lynda: Song without words, Op. 62 #1, by F. Mendelssohn
• Gregory:  Elegie, by Jules Massenet
• Gordon: Gavotte in G major, by J. S. Bach
• Christopher: Prelude in D, Op. 23 #4, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Jeff: Etude Tableau, Op. 33 #5, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Lynda: Song without words, Op. 62 #6, by F. Mendelssohn
• Gordon: Invention #13 in A minor, by J. S. Bach           
• Christopher: For December, by Paulette Verlée
• Jeff: Etude Tableau, Op. 37 #1, part 1, by S. Rachmaninoff

A piece by Rachmaninoff is played as other participants look on

🎹 Are you keyed up for World Piano Day?

March 29, 2021 is World Piano Day, the 88th day of the year!  Sure, it's just a made-up event, but you might as well celebrate by spending some extra time on the bench or listening to your favourite piano music.

To learn more about this recent invention, visit https://www.pianoday.org. 

🎵 Notes from the March 21, 2021 online and IRL meetup

We had our first ever combined in-person/Zoom session at Ottawa Pianos, performing on a fine Yamaha CFX concert grand for those at the store.  We welcomed new member Michiko.  

The most popular composers were Scriabin (6 pieces) and Chopin (5 pieces) without any prior collaboration, and we heard 2 works by a composer not previously heard: Marjan Mozetich.  

Thanks to Mitchell and Ottawa Pianos for allowing us to use their space while adhering to safety precautions.

Here's what was played today:

• Wesley: Polonaise Op. 26 No. 1, by F. Chopin
• Karin: Fantasia in D Minor, by W. A. Mozart
• Mary Lou: Prelude, by Marjan Mozetich
• David: Prelude Op. 28 No. 15 (Raindrop), by F. Chopin
• Gordon: Waltz, Op. 70 No. 3, by F. Chopin
• Jeff: Preludes Op. 11 No. 12 and Op. 17 No. 3, by A. Scriabin
• Michiko: 1st Movement of Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), by L. V. Beethoven
• Wesley: Prelude: Op. 11 No. 15, by A. Scriabin
• Karin: Song Without Words Op. 19 No. 2, by F. Mendelssohn
• Mary Lou: Adagietto, by Marjan Mozetich
• David: Waltz Op. 69 No. 2, by F. Chopin
• Gordon: Prelude Op. 13 No. 5, by A Scriabin
• Jeff: Preludes Op. 31 No. 2  and  Op. 51 No. 2, by A. Scriabin
• Michiko: Etude in E Major Op. 10 No. 3 (Tristesse), by F. Chopin

🎵 Notes from the March 7, 2021 online meetup

It was another Zoom session today, and a small one at that.  However, the sound quality was better than usual; the gods of Zoom must have been feeling quite perky!

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: The Easy Winners, by Scott Joplin
• Karin: Fantasia in D minor, by W. A. Mozart
• Gordon: a) (pre-recorded video), Two-part invention in F major; and b) (live) Gavotte #2 in B from the French Suite, both by J. S. Bach
• Jeff: Etude tableau Op. 39 #7 (complete), by S. Rachmaninoff
• Gordon: Prelude Op. 87 #1, by D. Shostakovitch
• Karin: Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76 #7, by J. Brahms
• Jeff: Intermezzo Op. 116 #4, by J. Brahms
• Gregory: Of foreign lands and people, by R. Schumann

🎵 Notes from the February 21, 2021 online meetup

A small group gathered today for another enjoyable Zoom session. Here's what was played:

• Barb: Prelude for Left Hand Op. 9 No. 1 by Scriabin
• Erin: Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 12 Child Falling Asleep, by R. Schumann
• Randy: A Tear, by Modest Mussorgsky
• David: middle section of Fantasie Impromptu Op. 66, by F. Chopin
• Erin: Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 1 From Foreign Lands and People, by R. Schumann
• Randy: Für Anna Maria, by Arvo Pärt
• David: Hallelujah, by Leonard Cohen, arr. Dietmar Steinhauer; here is a video of David playing this piece

🎵 Notes from the February 7, 2021 online meetup

The snow outside did not hinder us today--one of the few advantages of Zoom!

Today's piano pieces:

• Gregory: Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 #1, by Robert Schumann
• Karin: Nocturne in C# minor, by F. Chopin
• Tania: Morning Bell, Study No. 2, Op. 109, No.9 by Johann Friedrich Burgmuller
• Gordon: Sonata #16 in C K545, 1st movement, by W. A. Mozart
• Wesley: Preludes Op. 28 played in a group: #4 E minor, #6 B minor, and #7 A major, by F. Chopin
• Jeff: Etude tableaux Op. 39 #7, by S. Rachmaninoff, first part
• Gordon: Sonata #16 in C K545, 2nd and 3rd movements, by W. A. Mozart
• Jeff: Prelude in D minor, part, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Wesley and Deborah (piano-flute duet), Siciliano from Sonata No. 2 in E-flat for Flute & Piano, by J.S. Bach (Video recording)

🎵 Notes from the January 24, 2021 online meetup

Our Zoom piano sessions continued, with a nearly “full house” today.  We welcomed a new member, Tania.

Here's the music that was played:

• Gregory: Pineapple Rag, by Scott Joplin
• Tania: Nostalgia, by Olivier Toussaint
• Lynda: Song without words, Op. 53#5 (Volkslied), by F. Mendelssohn
• Gordon: 2 Bagatelles, Op. 33 # 2 and #3, by L. V. Beethoven
• Wesley: Adagissimo from BWV992 “Capriccio on the departure of a beloved brother” and Invention #14 in B flat, by J. S. Bach
• Jeff: 3rd part of Etude Tableaux Op. 39 #7, by S. Rachmaninoff
• David: Prelude Op. 28 #15 (Raindrop), by F. Chopin
• Lynda: Song without words, op. 53 #4, by F. Mendelssohn
• Gordon: Album for the Young, op. 68 #23 (Horseman) and #37 (Sailor Song), by R. Schumann
• Wesley: movement #2 of Pathetique Sonata, by L. V. Beethoven
• Jeff: piano transcription of part of Cantata BWV127, by J. S. Bach
• David: Time After Time, by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, arr. Eva Cassidy, accompaniment played to a recording of Eva Cassidy singing (listen here) 

🎵 Notes from the January 10, 2021 online meetup

Our first session of the new year continued on Zoom.  It was a fairly small group, but enthusiasm for the music remains high.  We also had the opportunity to hear a distant relative of the piano, a spinet.

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Solace: a Mexican serenade, by Scott Joplin
• Janice G: Sonata Op. 10 #1, second movement, by L. V. Beethoven
• Jeff: Etude Tableau op 39 #7 (middle section), by S. Rachmaninoff
• Christopher: Arabesque #1, by C. Debussy
• Sachie: Liebestraum, by F. Liszt S541/3
• Sachie: Allemand from new keyboard Suite in A minor, by J. P. Rameau. Sachie played on her spinet, a kind of small harpsichord. Sachie explained that the lack of dynamics in the instrument mean that works for the spinet rely heavily on ornamentation.
• Jeff: Prelude Op 87 #18, by D. Shostakovitch
• Christopher: Night Rain, by Ola Gjeilo