🎵 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, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• 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, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• 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

🎵 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”

🎵 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

🎵 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

🎵 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

🎵 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

🎵 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

🎵 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

🎵 Notes from October 1, 2023 meetup

It was a smallish group today, playing a mix of old and new on Perry’s Hamburg Steinway, from three different continents. Included was Lyndsay’s own composition (prospective composers take note: this is welcomed!)  In between numbers, we enjoyed the fabulous view west along the Ottawa River, and did not have to endure the noise from the LRT construction.  We welcomed new member Jocelyne.

Here’s what was played:

• Gregory: Op. 53 #3, by F. Mendelssohn
• Lyndsay: Moonlight Dances on the Water, own composition
• Perry: Autumn Song (October from the Seasons), by P. Tchaikovsky
• David, with recorded flute by Dan Trumpler (duet): Sonata #2 (Siciliano) BWV 1031, by J.S Bach
• Wesley: Bethena, by Scott Joplin
• Jocelyn: Piano Sonata #5 K283, 1st movement, by W. A. Mozart
• Gregory: Toccata in D minor BWV 565, by J. S. Bach
• Lyndsay: Through Moanin’ Pines, by Harry T. Burleigh
• Perry: Arabesque #1, by C. Debussy
• David: Moonlight Sonata, 1st movement Op. 27 #2, by L. V. Beethoven
• Wesley: Milona Del ángel, by Astor Piazzola
• Jocelyne: Piano Sonata #5 K283, 1st movement part 2, by W. A. Mozart
• Wesley: Pink, by Robert Starer

🎵 Notes from September 16, 2023 meetup

In addition to several familiar pieces, we heard a number of new works at Steinway Gallery.  Highlights included Perry performing a Cuban composer unknown to most of us, and Gordon playing a piece by Czerny that was quite different from his vast opus of technical works. 

Here’s what was played:

• Gregory: Old Adam, by William Bolcom
• Perry: La Comparsa, by Ernesto Lecuona
• Jeff: Prelude in B Minor, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Karin: Prelude from Suite Bergamasque, by C. Debussy
• Françoise (vocal) and Randy (piano accompaniment): Les Anges, by Erik Satie
• Gordon: Impromptu Passioné Op. 754 #6, by Carl Czerny
• Grace: Divenire, by Ludovico Einaudi
• Gordon:  Legende #1 (Op. 16 #1), by Ignace Paderewski
• Randy: Valse, by Evgeny Grinko
• Jeff: Preludes Op. 11 #12, Op. 17 #3 and Op. 11 #10, by A. Scriabin
• Françoise: Moonlight Nocturne, by Catherine Rollin
• Grace: Fantaisie Impromptu, by F. Chopin