Music played on May 3, 2020

The OPG had our second Zoom session today. We are still learning how to make it work for us :( With the fine Spring weather, there was a slightly smaller group of enthusiastic participants. This allowed some time to share ideas on how we each go about learning a new piece.

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Lynda	Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2, by F. Chopin
2.	Christopher	Romance Op.9 No. 2, by J. Brahms
3.	Erin	Adagio in F Major, Hob. XVII:9, by J. Haydn
4.	Walter	Partita for keyboard No. 4 in D Major, BWV 828 - Allemande, by J. S. Bach
5.	Jeff	Etude Tableaux Op. 33 No. 5, by S. Rachmaninoff
6.	David	Sonata in B Minor, K. 27, by D. Scarlatti Zoom screen share of his performance from a year ago

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Walter	Lyric Piece Op. 54 No. 2 Norwegian March, by E. Grieg
2.	Jeff	Prelude in B Minor, Op 32. No. 10, by S. Rachmaninoff

Music played on April 19, 2020

Due to the unique worldwide situation, this was our group’s first online Zoom meeting. It provided us with a unique opportunity to welcome back Liz from England. Liz is co-founder of the Ottawa Piano Group … 10 years ago! She was able to join us from the UK, so it was also an international event, our own version of One World: Together at Home. We struggled a bit with connections and sound quality, but it is amazing that we are able to do this at all.

After the meeting, suggestions for improving future Zoom meetings were developed (see the announcement at the top of the web site)

The most popular composer competition has been suspended until we can resume in-person meetings.

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Caryn	Prelude in A minor, by M. Ravel
2.	Walter	Prelude Op. 45, by F. Chopin
3.	Deborah (Flute) and Wesley	Sonata in E Minor for Flute and Keyboard, 3rd mov., by J. S. Bach
4.	Gregory	Prelude in D, No. 4 of 6 little preludes, by J. S. Bach
5.	Gordon	Sonata, #14, op 27/2 (Moonlight) 3rd movement, by L. V. Beethoven
6.	Lynda	Nocturne Op. 32 #2, by F. Chopin
7.	Janice S.	“Children in Slumber”, by R. Schumann
8.	Erin	Fugue from Suite in F., by G. F. Handel
9.	Jeff	Intermezzo Op. 116 No. 4, by J. Brahms
10.	Liz	2nd Gnossienne, by E. Satie
12.	Piano duet: David (Secondo) & Karin (Primo)	“Sheep may safely Graze”, by J. S. Bach, Sharon Aaronson transcription

Music Played on March 15, 2020

In retrospect, the last of out pre-COVID meetings. 

There were fewer people this week at Gregory's place on a sunny cool March afternoon, but we made up for the lower numbers with some longer works.  We also had a treat with Annabelle playing the flute..

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Gregory	Great Crush Collision March, by Scott Joplin
2.	Gordon	Piano Sonata Op. 49 No. 2, by L. V. Beethoven
3.	Jeff	Prelude in G Minor Op. 32 No. 10, by S. Rachmaninoff
4.	John	Yield Not to Temptation (Hymn)
5.	Soojin and Annabelle (piano/flute duet)	Concerto for Flute Op. 283. 1st mvt, by C. Reinecke
6.	Wesley	Invention No. 6 in E Major, by J. S. Bach

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Gregory	An die Musik, by F. Schubert
2.	Gordon	Piano Sonata Op. 49 No. 1, by L. V. Beethoven
3.	Jeff	Etude Tableaux, Op. 33 No. 8 in G Minor, by S. Rachmaninoff
4.	John	PA Triad Improvisation on Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G. Minor
5.	Annabelle (flute)	Bourrée Angloise, by J. S. Bach Tango étude No. 4, by A. Piazzolla
4.	Wesley	Prelude in D Flat Major, by F. Chopin

Music played on March 1, 2020

Another enjoyable afternoon of music, at Kathy's.  A smaller group of performers attended but provided a good range of musical styles as usual.  We welcomed guest flautist Annabelle who is preparing for her university audition later this month.

Beethoven made a strong return to the field this week.  He had dipped his toe into the water in February but March marked his full return with three  performances of movements from his sonatas. He wins the coveted most popular composer competition,.  A strong second place goes to Poulenc.  He has been showing up recently in the performance list, with strong support from Curt.

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	David	Moonlight Sonata Op. 27 No. 2, 1st & 2nd mvt, by L.V. Beethoven
2.	Christopher	Etude Tableau Op. 33 No. 8, by S. Rachmaninoff
3.	Kathy	Sonata in A Major D. 664, 2nd & 3rd mvt, by F. Schubert
4.	Curt	Novelette No. 1 in C Major, Novelette No. 3 in E Minor, by F. Poulenc
5.	Soojin and Annabelle (piano/flute duet)	Concerto for Flute Op. 283. 1st mvt, by C. Reinecke
6.	Adrian	Sonata No. 24 in F Sharp Major Op. 78, by L.V. Beethoven

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Curt	Intermezzo in A Flat Major, by F. Poulenc
2.	Christopher	Armellodie, by Chilly Gonzales
3.	Annabelle (flute)	Tango Etude No. 4, by A. Piazzolla
4.	David	Prelude and Fugue in F Minor, WTC2, by J.S. Bach
5.	Adrian	Sonata No. 31 Op. 110, 1st mvt, by L.V. Beethoven

Music played on February 16, 2020

Weather did not hinder travel this month, and we enjoyed a wonderful view from Jeff’s apartment and the recently renovated Steinway.  We were especially pleased to welcome first-time participants Wesley and François, and hope that they join us again.  An excellent variety of pieces was performed, including some composers seldom heard in our group before.

The most popular composer competition was a run-away victory this week by Chopin: four performers played five pieces by Chopin. Congratulations!

I learned something new this month about an old topic: the numbering of Mozart's works. I assumed that the Kochel (K) classification was 'fixed'. Not so.  Turns out there are 6 versions of the 'K' classification, including one done by Einstein. Wesley reported his work as 'KV300h', This is the same as K330. 'KV' is the sixth, and most recent, version of the organization.  The newer versions were largely created to incorporate newly discovered works and more accurate information about the dates of composition.  You can look at this link for more information.  I'll probably stick to the original K numbering since all my recordings and music scores use that.  But, worth knowing about.

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Karin & David (duet)	Sheep May Safely Graze, by J. S Bach (arr. By Sharon Aaronson)
2.	Gregory	Adieu to the Piano, attributed to Beethoven but composer unknown.
3.	Gordon	Sonata Op. 27 No. 2, mov. 1&2, by L. van Beethoven
4.	Curt	Mélancolie, by F. Poulenc
5.	Wesley	Sonata K 330 (or KV300h), Andante Cantabile, by W. A. Mozart
6.	Caryn	Traumerei, by R. Schumann
7.	Jeff	Prelude in B Minor, by S. Rachmaninoff
8.	Hedda	On the Lake, by Heinrich Hofmann
9.	Lynda	Deux Nocturnes Op. 56 No. 1, by F. Chopin
10.	François	Ballade No. 4, by F. Chopin

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Gregory (playing) and Gordon (singing)	Climb Every Mountain, by Rodgers and Hammerstein
2.	Wesley	Polonaise Op. 26 No. 1 (Meno mosso), by F. Chopin
3.	Jeff	Intermezzo Op. 16 No. 1, by J. Brahms
4.	Curt	Moment Musicaux Op. 16 No. 1, by S. Rachmaninoff
5.	David	Hallelujah, by Leonard Cohen (arr. by Dietmar Steinhauer)
6.	Gordon	Prelude Op. 51 No. 2, by A. Scriabin
7.	Lynda	One Note Samba by Carlos Jobim A day in the Life of a Fool by Luiz Bonfa
8.	François	Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor, by F. Chopin
9.	Hedda	Peace Country Hoedown, by Christine Donkin

Music played on January 19, 2020

Host: Jackie

A second meeting in January!  The second event of the first of our new twice a month schedule.  

A snowstorm the day before threatened today’s event. But ,fortunately, it cleared enough so that there were only a few absences.  

This was one of the few times that two duets were performed during the same session.

In the most popular composer competition, two composers had two pieces played: Haydn and JS Bach.  However, for Haydn, it was two movements of the same sonata.  Bach had two different pieces, including a duet. Using that as a tie breaker, I am declaring JS Bach the winner of the January (second half) prize.

A reminder to all Group members - starting this month, there will be two groups meeting each month for you to attend. But, you can only sign-up for one group per month.

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Nancy & Karin (duet)	Arioso, by J.S. Bach
2.	Gregory & Gordon (duet)	Slavonic Dance Op 72 No 2, by A. Dvorak
3.	Kathy	Sonata No. 49 in Eb major, 1st mov, by J. Haydn
4.	Caryn	The Swan, by C. St. Saens
5.	Jackie	March from the Nutcracker suite, by P. Tchaikovsky

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Caryn	Danza de la Moza, by A. Ginestera
2.	Jackie	Ballade pour Adeline, by Paul de Senneville
3.	Kathy	Sonata No. 49 in Eb major, 2nd mov, by J. Haydn
4.	Gregory	Magnetic Rag, by S. Joplin
5.	Karin	Adagio (BWV 974), by J.S. Bach, arr by Marcello
6.	Gordon	Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K310, 3rd mov., by W. A. Mozart

Music Played on January 5, 2020

A selected group of pianists met at Curt's house for an early new year afternoon of music fun. We welcomed new group member Barb! The small group allowed for performers to take part in three rounds of performance.

Of the eleven pieces that were played, 6 came from two composers: three each from Schumann and Rachmaninoff. There being no clear winner in the 'most popular composer' competition, I went to a tie breaker. We couldn't use a shoot-out because all the performers had already left by the time the tie was noticed. So, I opted to count up the number of notes in the pieces played. On that basis, I am declaring Serge Rachmaninoff the winner of the January (first half) prize.

A reminder to all Group members - starting this month, there will be two group meetings each month for you to attend. But, you can only sign-up for one group per month.

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	J.P.	Kinderszenen No 1 to 5, by R. Schumann
2.	Curt	Prelude Op. 33, No. 8, by S. Bortkiewicz
3.	Christopher	Etude Tableuax in G (?Op), by S. Rachmaninoff
4.	Jeff	Prelude in B- Op. 32 No. 10, by S. Rachmaninoff
5.	Barb	Ballade No. 2, op 38 in F+, by F. Chopin

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	J.P.	Kinderszenen No 11 to 13, by R. Schumann
2.	Curt	Intermezzo in A Flat, by F. Poulenc
3.	Jeff	Etude Tableuax in G- (?Op), by S. Rachmaninoff
4.	Christopher	Nachtbilder Op. 25, No. 2, by, T. Kirchner

Round 3:

#	Performer	Work
1.	J.P.	Kinderszenen No 6 to 8, by R. Schumann
2.	Curt	Reverie du Soir, by S. Lyapunov

Music played on December 8, 2019

A full house enjoyed a great variety of music on Jeff’s recently renovated Steinway grand. Between performances, we all admired the view of the Ottawa river and surroundings. Pieces from some “big name” composers were played.  However, we also heard from a few composers who are rarely heard, together with some appropriate poetry, and one seasonal favorite.

There was no clear winner in the 'most popular composer' competition. Debussy rushed out to the lead with the first two performances.  But, he faltered in the late going, being caught by three other composers: Rachmaninov, Scriabin and Chopin.  In the spirit of the season, the coveted prize will be awarded to Santa Claus. Will that put me on his 'good list'?

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Gregory	Claire de Lune, by C. Debussy
2.	Karin	Album Leaf, by C. Debussy
3.	Jackie	Oh Holy Night, by Adolf Adam
4.	Gordon	Prelude, op 35 No 3 & Op 11 #13, by A. Scriabin
5.	Mary Lou	Adagio Cantible from Sonata #8, Op 13 (with poetry recital), by L. von Beethoven
6.	Caryn	Danza de la Moza Donosa Op. 2 #2, by A. Ginastera
7.	Curt	Novelette, by F. Poulenc
8.	Erin	Allegro in F+, by G.F. Handel
9.	Jeff	Etude Tableau Op 33 No 3, by S. Rachmaninoff
10.	Sachie	Fantasie Impromptu, by F. Chopin
11.	Randy	Impromptus Op 5 No 1 & 6, by J. Sibelius
12.	Lynda	Nocturne, Op 29 No 1, by F. Chopin
13.	Janice S.	Von Fremden Ländern und Menschen & Traumerei, from Kinderszenen, by R. Schumann

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Gregory.	Prelude Op33 No3, by A. Scriabin
2.	Caryn	Venetian Boat Son, by F. Mendelssohn
3.	Gordon	Gavotte #2 in D major from English Suite #6, by J.S. Bach
4.	Mary Lou	Hermit Thrush at Eve Op. 92 #1(with poetry recital), by Amy Beach
5.	Lynda	Ojos Encantadas, by Oscar Strock
6.	Curt	Elegie Op. 46, by Sergei Bartkiewicz
7.	Jeff	Prelude Op. 32 #10 (excerpt), by S. Rachmaninoff
8.	Randy	Prélude de la Porte Héroïque du Ciel, by E. Satie

Music Played on November 17, 2019

Nine of us enjoyed a sunny but cold day at Karin’s. Uniquely, the performers were given the choice of two pianos for their performances:

• A Pleyel grand (the type favoured by Chopin) or 
• An upright Grotrian-Steinweg.

No information about which piano proved most popular.

There was a wide range of music performed, including the first appearence by two composers: Johann Anton Andre and J. Sibelius.  Beethoven seems to have taken a well earned vacation after his strong appearance in October.

The winner in the 'most popular composer' competition is JS Bach with four performances.  Chopin gave him a run for the money but ended up second with three performances.  Speaking of money, anyone know where we can get a sponsor to start awarding a real prize to the winner :-)

Round 1:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Karin	Prelude, op28 No 4 by F. Chopin
2.	Gregory	Weeping Willow, by Scott Joplin
3.	Jackie	Sonatina in C major, by Johann Anton Andre
4.	Gordon	Prelude, op 35 No 3, by A. Scriabin
5.	Janice G.	Gigue from French Suite #1, by J.S. Bach
6.	Randy	Impromptus, Op 5 No 1 & 6, by J. Sibelius
7.	Adrian	Prelude in A-, Op 28 No 2, by F. Chopin
8.	Caryn	Venetian Boat Song, by F. Mendelssohn
9.	Hedda	Polonaise in E+ from French Suite #6, by J.S. Bach

Round 2:

#	Performer	Work
1.	Janice G.	Allemende from French Suite #2, by J.S. Bach
2.	Randy	Pièces Froides: Danses de travers No. 3, by E. Satie
3.	Gregory	To a Wild Rose, by E. McDowell
4.	Jackie	Ariosa, by J.S. Bach
5.	Adrian	Prelude, Op 28 No 15 ('Raindrop'), by F. Chopin
6.	Gordon	Album für die Jugend, Op 68 No 36 (Italian Sailor's Song) & No 41 (Song of the North), by R. Schumann
7.	Caryn	Nocturno, by E. Grieg
8.	Hedda	Consolation, Op 30 No 3, by F. Mendelssohn

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