I love your beautiful balance, dynamics, rhythm, rubato, and sound! This rendition sounds romantic, which I believe was Joplin’s intention. And while some may find it too slow, your pace allows the listener to savor the melody and harmony. Yiu clearly feel the music and have a musical soul!
Thank you for the kind words; it's always nice to hear from someone who likes these pieces at a more relaxed speed! :) Hope that you will enjoy learning the piece; some sections are kind of hard, but the main theme (which is the really nice bit, I think) is not too bad. I've been playing since I've been 8 or so, so that's 35 years.
It is a beautiful piece, isn't it? Very touching. I read (in another musican's posting of the piece) that Scott Joplin wrote this piece soon after his young wife died unexpectedly, and I guess that explains in part why this piece is so tender and moving. Glad you liked the performance! :)
Thank you! This piece of Joplin's (amongst others) has a deep emotional appeal for me. I'm glad you enjoyed the flower pictures; often people like to see the performer. I do too, but after a while, performances start looking all alike. ;)
That part you mention does have a very dark, nocturnal quality to it. :-) I'm glad you enjoyed my playing; it's one of Scott Joplin's most touching pieces of music.
Thank you! :-) This is a favourite of mine; one of his most emotional and tender-hearted songs. I will probably be reposting this soon - my piano has new hammers, which means a much richer sound, and so I am recording some of the pieces I like best. :-)
For me it's hard to decide, but this is definitely one of my favourites. :-) ('Solace' is another of his non-ragtime pieces that I love; the last section has some wonderfully delicious pauses.)
I'm glad you liked it! :-) You might like to check out my more recent upload of this piece; I had the hammers on my piano replaced, so I've been re-recording some of my favourite songs. Bethena Waltz (Scott Joplin)
Glad you liked the piece; it is one of Joplin's most touching melodies. There are at least two versions on TH-cam that are slower than mine (just search on "Bethena Waltz"; one is by 'Chocotiger' & the other by "SlimJ").
Thank you for the suggestion... next time I play the piece I'll give it a try (I think I know which part you're referring to). While I like compliments of course, the 'free music instruction' is one of the things I appreciate about TH-cam. :-)
you're a fine player - thanks so much - i shall avail myself of many chords i'm missing in my tiny version...what a beautiful piece, isn't Joplin amazing? (glad you chose those gorgeous flowers over fingers & keyboard!) ddanze
Thank you! (Belatedly) I've not been getting notices about comments (even though I've got my settings so that I should) from TH-cam it seems.... Now I'm checking every few days, but I've been missing stuff! :-(
Thank you! :-) I often find that playing a piece at a somewhat slower tempo allows for more expressive possibilities. Some Ragtime players like to play quite quickly, and often the piece sounds pleasant, but to me they all tend to sound somewhat alike, and I feel the faster tempo often drains the emotional depth out of a piece.
lol! i really really love the way you play... do you think you could send me the recording (or w.e it is) of this so i can put it on my ipod? : P let me know thanks!
"Sephiroth"? Which one? ;-) Glad you enjoyed the music.... I'm not sure what sort of stuff I would put into a tutorial, but since you're the second person to have asked.... What sort of things would you be interested to see/hear in a tutorial? (I've never done a tutorial on a piece of music, so some ideas would be welcomed. :-) )
I'm glad you liked it at the slower speed; I hadn't listened to any recordings prior to making mine & I was startled to see that other versions were at about the 5 minute mark. I feel the same as you, though - the slower speed gives one time to appreciate the melody; why rush to end something beautiful? :-)
Glad you liked it,even if a bit slow to your taste (I like it slow; doesn't everybody?? :-D ). Anyway.... yes, I read the pedal markings. While I am guilty at times of sloppy pedaling (in general), I also DO feel free to modify or even disregard pedal indications on occasion. Some pedal markings are better than others I feel; most I feel are too simplified. Sometimes I just find the pedal indicated is not to my taste. Feel free to post a version of how you feel it should sound. :-)
A tutorial? You mean suggestions on how to play the piece and stuff like that? I've always been better at playing music than talking about it, but I'm flattered. :-) I'll give it some thought!
@Nuance5 I'm glad the performance was convincing. :-) While some pieces are obviously meant to be played fast, often I wonder "What's people's hurry? Why rush through something enjoyable just for the sake of being fast?" & this is one of those pieces.
Still a little rough as you said, but I had to comment about the speed, I love the tempo and also think it's one of those pieces that is often played too fast for my taste !
I call 'swing rhythm' "Stride Piano" and you can beef up your technique if you train a specific way. (At least with Joplin's works.)I am left handed so I am not certain it would be the same for you but worth trying.I segregate the two sides (left hand/right hand - cleft/treble) I only play the left hand. I start with that. I drill the crap out of it.Then I learn the right hand. ONLY PLAYING IT ALONE. Again, I drill the crap out of it.Then I bite off about 4 measures at a time playing both. Hammer it.. What happens for me is the left hand is completely gone. My conscious brain isn't even THINKING about it at all. It's just doing... This frees me up to focus on my right hand and look at it as well. (I know, shame on me... eyes on the music.. but alas I cannot read) Unfortunately I am an ear player but... either way.Maybe do the same as I did but start with the right hand (if you're right handed)What this allows me to do is develop a connected rhythm with both hands.A drill I use to kind of exercise this muscle memory is I tap my left thumb on the table, then right then left index then right... and then I bring it back in... right pinky, left pinky, etc... You are doing this and it is automatically syncopated.Once you can do it at lightning speed, then you tap the corresponding fingers simultaneously. Finally... the last brain drill is you do left pinky right thumb. (reverse or opposite order for the two hands)That one is tricky and you'll be fighting your brain on it but once you overcome it... you will have insane dexterity when playing Joplin's pieces.My first piece that I attacked was Maple Leaf Rag. It used to be my all time favorite. Then I did Pineapple rag. A great one and prob. one of my favorites.. but this piece Bethena is truly my most favorite. I think it is a lot easier to play than most others he wrote but it is a waltz and that is why it has such an even rhythm and the syncopation is really only in that 4 station resolve at the end of the "chorus"Cheers
I'm glad you like the interpretation; I find often that a slower tempo allows for more expression. :-) If you play The Entertainer, you shouldn't have too much difficulty with Bethena Waltz (I find the octave chords in The Entertainer a bit of a challenge); happy learning! :-)
Sorry for coming off a but harsh just my piano instructor is very keen on how people play joplin music and apparently it has brushed off on me a bit... But thank you for replying kindly, My peddling is a bit sloppy too so I understand
Wow, terrific playing. I heard this in Benjamin Button and remembered loving it but couldn't remember the name for the life of me. "B" Waltz or something. Could you send me the mp3? I'll message you my email.
I agree that most recordings/performances are too fast, but this is just too slow. There's not a sense at all of it being any kind of "Waltz." Also, too slow, as well as too fast, does not allow a clear feel for the syncopations in general, which, after all, ragtime is about.
as an addict to ragtime but now of course this isnt a "rag" this is concert waltz composed by a reknowned compser of rag. this does have its place but TOO slow sorry. I said it does have its place but. Hopefully we can r espect each others opinons?
I love your beautiful balance, dynamics, rhythm, rubato, and sound! This rendition sounds romantic, which I believe was Joplin’s intention. And while some may find it too slow, your pace allows the listener to savor the melody and harmony. Yiu clearly feel the music and have a musical soul!
Love the way you slowed it down, had never heard it so slow but it really gives you a chance to appreciate the beautiful melody.
Thank you for the kind words; it's always nice to hear from someone who likes these pieces at a more relaxed speed! :)
Hope that you will enjoy learning the piece; some sections are kind of hard, but the main theme (which is the really nice bit, I think) is not too bad. I've been playing since I've been 8 or so, so that's 35 years.
Beautiful - a little rough maybe but very soulful and a lovely tempo that allows the listener to savor the music. thank you!
Great . Love all his Ragtime music😀
It is a beautiful piece, isn't it? Very touching. I read (in another musican's posting of the piece) that Scott Joplin wrote this piece soon after his young wife died unexpectedly, and I guess that explains in part why this piece is so tender and moving. Glad you liked the performance! :)
most beautiful song i have ever heard.
Thank you! This piece of Joplin's (amongst others) has a deep emotional appeal for me. I'm glad you enjoyed the flower pictures; often people like to see the performer. I do too, but after a while, performances start looking all alike. ;)
This song makes me cry sometimes too!
It's certainly one of the most touching melodies I know.
That part you mention does have a very dark, nocturnal quality to it. :-)
I'm glad you enjoyed my playing; it's one of Scott Joplin's most touching pieces of music.
i love this piece, and I think it very well played, too. Music must not only be lovely but also played with soul,
Thank you! :-)
This is a favourite of mine; one of his most emotional and tender-hearted songs. I will probably be reposting this soon - my piano has new hammers, which means a much richer sound, and so I am recording some of the pieces I like best. :-)
Thank you! :) I've not seen the movie, but it sounds like a touching story.
I love this song, fantastic, you're very good.
I like Scott joplin´s music a lot , but this one is my favourite one
For me it's hard to decide, but this is definitely one of my favourites. :-)
('Solace' is another of his non-ragtime pieces that I love; the last section has some wonderfully delicious pauses.)
Yours is much slower than I'm used to - but you make it sound like it was intended that way! Wonderful job!
Thanks. Fine pics ,too.
I'm glad you liked it! :-)
You might like to check out my more recent upload of this piece; I had the hammers on my piano replaced, so I've been re-recording some of my favourite songs.
Bethena Waltz (Scott Joplin)
Perfect Tempo For This Piece. The Majority Of The Recordings Are Too Fast For My Liking - But This Is Just Beautiful x
Yes, most of the recordings I've seen are in the 5 minute range, which still sounds OK, but most of the emotional depth is lost.
Well the original was fast i think
I started this beautiful rag three weeks ago.
Lovely piece. Thank you.
Glad you liked the piece; it is one of Joplin's most touching melodies. There are at least two versions on TH-cam that are slower than mine (just search on "Bethena Waltz"; one is by 'Chocotiger' & the other by "SlimJ").
Glad you liked the piece; I uploaded the MP3 to my 'MySpace' page..... you should be able to download it from there. :)
I like Joplin's music, I play Solace, The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag. Bethena Waltz one I wish to play as well. Your tempo is just fine, sir.
I'm glad you enjoyed this performance! :-)
Thank you for the suggestion... next time I play the piece I'll give it a try (I think I know which part you're referring to). While I like compliments of course, the 'free music instruction' is one of the things I appreciate about TH-cam. :-)
better then any other version of this on youtube
you're a fine player - thanks so much - i
shall avail myself of many chords i'm missing in my tiny version...what a beautiful piece, isn't Joplin amazing?
(glad you chose those gorgeous flowers
over fingers & keyboard!) ddanze
oh my gosh this makes me cry : P
Thank you! (Belatedly) I've not been getting notices about comments (even though I've got my settings so that I should) from TH-cam it seems.... Now I'm checking every few days, but I've been missing stuff! :-(
Thank you! :-)
I often find that playing a piece at a somewhat slower tempo allows for more expressive possibilities. Some Ragtime players like to play quite quickly, and often the piece sounds pleasant, but to me they all tend to sound somewhat alike, and I feel the faster tempo often drains the emotional depth out of a piece.
C'est tres beau! J'aime le chanson!
I've uploaded the MP3 to my "MySpace" page; in theory you should be able to download it from there.
lol!
i really really love the way you play... do you think you could send me the recording (or w.e it is) of this so i can put it on my ipod? : P
let me know thanks!
"Sephiroth"? Which one? ;-)
Glad you enjoyed the music.... I'm not sure what sort of stuff I would put into a tutorial, but since you're the second person to have asked.... What sort of things would you be interested to see/hear in a tutorial? (I've never done a tutorial on a piece of music, so some ideas would be welcomed. :-) )
Thank you! I do have to my advantage a really good piano, and I'm recording at home, so the sound is much clearer. :)
AMAZINGGGGG!!!
I'm glad you liked it at the slower speed; I hadn't listened to any recordings prior to making mine & I was startled to see that other versions were at about the 5 minute mark. I feel the same as you, though - the slower speed gives one time to appreciate the melody; why rush to end something beautiful? :-)
Thanks! Good luck with your efforts; I think it would sound lovely on the guitar, but it would likely be quite a challenge!
great version. im trying to do this on the acoustic guitar
Glad you liked it,even if a bit slow to your taste (I like it slow; doesn't everybody?? :-D ).
Anyway.... yes, I read the pedal markings. While I am guilty at times of sloppy pedaling (in general), I also DO feel free to modify or even disregard pedal indications on occasion. Some pedal markings are better than others I feel; most I feel are too simplified. Sometimes I just find the pedal indicated is not to my taste.
Feel free to post a version of how you feel it should sound. :-)
A tutorial? You mean suggestions on how to play the piece and stuff like that? I've always been better at playing music than talking about it, but I'm flattered. :-) I'll give it some thought!
I'm glad you liked the tempo, roughness notwithstanding; I like it at the faster tempo too, but a lot of the emotional subtlety gets lost. :-)
@Nuance5
I'm glad the performance was convincing. :-)
While some pieces are obviously meant to be played fast, often I wonder "What's people's hurry? Why rush through something enjoyable just for the sake of being fast?" & this is one of those pieces.
Still a little rough as you said, but I had to comment about the speed, I love the tempo and also think it's one of those pieces that is often played too fast for my taste !
Thank you! I agree about the tempo; playing this piece too fast would take a lot of the emotion out of it, I feel.
I call 'swing rhythm' "Stride Piano" and you can beef up your technique if you train a specific way. (At least with Joplin's works.)I am left handed so I am not certain it would be the same for you but worth trying.I segregate the two sides (left hand/right hand - cleft/treble) I only play the left hand. I start with that. I drill the crap out of it.Then I learn the right hand. ONLY PLAYING IT ALONE. Again, I drill the crap out of it.Then I bite off about 4 measures at a time playing both. Hammer it.. What happens for me is the left hand is completely gone. My conscious brain isn't even THINKING about it at all. It's just doing... This frees me up to focus on my right hand and look at it as well. (I know, shame on me... eyes on the music.. but alas I cannot read) Unfortunately I am an ear player but... either way.Maybe do the same as I did but start with the right hand (if you're right handed)What this allows me to do is develop a connected rhythm with both hands.A drill I use to kind of exercise this muscle memory is I tap my left thumb on the table, then right then left index then right... and then I bring it back in... right pinky, left pinky, etc... You are doing this and it is automatically syncopated.Once you can do it at lightning speed, then you tap the corresponding fingers simultaneously. Finally... the last brain drill is you do left pinky right thumb. (reverse or opposite order for the two hands)That one is tricky and you'll be fighting your brain on it but once you overcome it... you will have insane dexterity when playing Joplin's pieces.My first piece that I attacked was Maple Leaf Rag. It used to be my all time favorite. Then I did Pineapple rag. A great one and prob. one of my favorites.. but this piece Bethena is truly my most favorite. I think it is a lot easier to play than most others he wrote but it is a waltz and that is why it has such an even rhythm and the syncopation is really only in that 4 station resolve at the end of the "chorus"Cheers
Sounds great. I've never heard it this slow before, but I like it. I think I still prefer it "peppy" though.
Thank you! :)
I'm glad you like the interpretation; I find often that a slower tempo allows for more expression. :-)
If you play The Entertainer, you shouldn't have too much difficulty with Bethena Waltz (I find the octave chords in The Entertainer a bit of a challenge); happy learning! :-)
what a touching song....do you know perhaps where i could find a slower version of it on youtube? or anywhere really-thanks alot
E 'un mio preferito, mi fa piacere che ti piace! :-)
Sorry for coming off a but harsh just my piano instructor is very keen on how people play joplin music and apparently it has brushed off on me a bit... But thank you for replying kindly, My peddling is a bit sloppy too so I understand
Wow, terrific playing. I heard this in Benjamin Button and remembered loving it but couldn't remember the name for the life of me. "B" Waltz or something.
Could you send me the mp3? I'll message you my email.
This guy invented Jazz
very good. a little slow and did u even read any of his pedal markings?
Glad you liked it; it is a lovely piece. :) If you give me an e-mail adress I can send you an MP3.
¿Te he dicho que me han alcanzado rayos 7 veces?
I agree that most recordings/performances are too fast, but this is just too slow. There's not a sense at all of it being any kind of "Waltz." Also, too slow, as well as too fast, does not allow a clear feel for the syncopations in general, which, after all, ragtime is about.
Are you related to Lillian and Russell Hoban?
as an addict to ragtime but now of course this isnt a "rag" this is concert waltz composed by a reknowned compser of rag. this does have its place but TOO slow sorry. I said it does have its place but. Hopefully we can r espect each others opinons?
Maybe with Thousand Island dressing? ;-)
Amazing interpretation! However it's too much slow (should be around 100bpm) and too many mistakes in the performance :(
How about you posting an error free version?
Scott Joplin wrote that his music should be played slowly.
Most of his songs have an average BPM of about 120 or higher. That was slow for him
Too many mistakes :(
Please feel free to post an error free rendition. My mother taught me that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all...
Thank you! :)